Lisa and Martin

Hi there
Been through the same process on a 163 visa myself, we got sponsorship from NSW. You will first get notified that you have the sponsorship, then your agent will send you a copy of Form 949. On page 4 of this form it will show the validity. Ours stated it is 'valid for visa applications lodged before.....' and gave us a date a year out.
My agent confirmed he had another couple apply on a 163 to Queensland and they also got 12 months validity. So until you get the form you could probably assume you have 12 months to lodge your main application. We then worked to delay things a bit by going up to the end of the period allowed to get medicals, additional info etc back to them. If your application is being processed in Perth they say to allow 9 months for the main application to be processed, but they are generally doing most within 6 to 7 months of lodgement.
Hope that helps you to plan your timings.

rammygirl

Thanks I had a feeling it was a year so that confirms it I hope. Yes I realise we can also delay stuff down the line too, just don't want to get too far ahead!!

Not using an agent, we applied successfully for a visa in the past but that is a long story....suffice to say we are back in UK with no valid visa (apart from e-visitor). Now waiting till kids are both at uni to start gradually settling in....

julesandco

Just wanted to tell you guys that we got our PR granted today.

Can't quite believe it. The processing time was really quick.

That Moet's coming out this evening!

Jules xxxx

I've been waiting SSSSOOO long to post this! Take care all x

foxychic

Thats fantastic Jules, did you find it fairly straightforward then? can't apply till sept, but starting to plan a bit and finding it a bit stressy.

will have a drink for you

rachel

julesandco

Thanks Rachel

We had a really quick case officer Whether it's because they've only recently started processing them in Adelaide and he didn't have a huge backlog before ours arrived but we submitted the application on 26th November and he emailed for more info on 17th Dec. We got this back to him over the course of the next month, but he was on vacation from 17th Jan to 10th Feb! He emailed again on 12th Feb asking for some clarification. I emailed this yesterday direct from our accountant and got the visa grant today!!!

I could kiss him!!!

Next stop Citizenship!!

How's everyone else doing in the process?

I will enjoy a chilled glass of bubbly this evening that's been in the cupboard waiting for such an event.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie

Carbery

We lodged our 890 visa application 31st December 2008 and are yet to hear a thing!!

Boogie65

Fantastic news Jules! Really pleased for you I'm sure the Moet tasted even better with the sweet taste of PR in your mouth already

Chrissy

midlife crisis

Congratulations Jules !! What great news for you all. I hope the bubbly went down well.

Just got your news, its the first time I've been on here for weeks... so sorry for the late reply.

BM615

Hey Jules & Paul,


congratulations - doesn't it feel great!! We are just back from japan skiing - so we missed your announcement.

all the best

Bryan & Joyce

julesandco

Thanks guys.

I don't think the news has sunk in fully yet to be honest

I'm SO pleased. Onwards and upwards now.

Jules

P.S. Japan? How wonderful! Would love to visit there one day.

julesandco

Dorry to hear you haven't heard anything.

Shall I email our CO? He should have a space on his desk now and he seemed very nice

I'm sure you'll hear something soon. Perhaps your application is more 'perfect' than ours and the first thing you hear will be the visa grant?

Fingers crossed!!!

Jules x

wildmark

Thats great news congrats!!!!!!!!!

steveyp

Well done...Welcome to the club!!
Great isnt it!! I will be applying for citizenship soon as we now qualify...

julesandco

What is the criteria for citizenship? Do you have to wait for a year as PR?

Keep us informed

Jules x

BM615

yeah JUles - we all have the necessary but need 12 months as a permanent resident - and apparently that excludes any holidays out of the country.

cheers bryan