hi all

so the good news finally got my visa YAY!!

it says for first entry by 2 july 2019 - not sure we will be ready by then but does this mean we go for a holiday to activate the visa? then do we need to do an rrv?

Yes you can go on holiday. Everyone will have to go to validate the visa.
No you will not need a RRV. You have a valid visa.

Once you have made the first entry your visa is valid for multiple entries for 5 years before you need a RRV (or citizineship). The grant notice should have a date on it "Must not enter after XX/XX/XXXX. You can travel on that visa until that date.

excellent thank you

now my next question is we got married last month and now my wife will have to change her name which obviously means a new passport. if i update my info on immi for it is that enough? as in it wont be a problem or do they send you confirmation etc? i assume the visa is based on passport number etc

Firstly, she doesn't have to change her name, she can keep her passport in her maiden name if she wants to.
If she does go ahead and get a new passport then you can upload the details and a cpy through your Immiaccount. I'd advise travelling with both passports though, just to be on the safe side.

As others noted, many validate their visa with a holiday, and then move later on.

Any changes to your wife's name will have to also be updated through Immi. Sometimes they require it to be done by paper but the relevant instructions are all pretty clear. Not something to stress over.

Your wife doesn't have to take your surname at all if she doesn't want to. She can keep her own surname, I did

The man can even take her surname!

now dont get all new age on me! ;p

Not so much new age, just wanted to reassure you as you wrote that your wife 'will have' to change her name

ha well tbh she wants to take my name so its her choice

I'm sure it's a fine choice too

It depends if his name is Jon Shufflebottom. !!