Originally Posted by Dorothy

How do you figure? I'm 52 and in the middle of further study. I will be 53, nearly 54 when I graduate and embark on my new career. 40 is still early to mid career if you consider that most people in Australia will be working until they're 70 or older.

Originally Posted by Aitchy

I have only just discovered the sticky on the cap and cease for 176 applicants. We paid $2,100 for our 176 visa application in 2009.

Since making the application in my name my wife has graduated as a teacher. Does anyone know if there's a way to put the application in her name or do we have to start all over again from scratch?

If the latter, how do we get a refund on the original?

And what about this class action? Is it too late to join?

Any advice appreciated.

Originally Posted by Aitchy

Thanks for the advice. Looks like we will have to reapply in my wife's name. What a monumental waste of time, effort and money. In retrospect I'm beginning to think we should have gone with a trusted agent rather going down the DIY route. Perhaps they'd have seen this coming and advised us accordingly. Anyway, onwards and upwards.

Originally Posted by Aitchy

Thanks for the advice. Looks like we will have to reapply in my wife's name. What a monumental waste of time, effort and money. In retrospect I'm beginning to think we should have gone with a trusted agent rather going down the DIY route. Perhaps they'd have seen this coming and advised us accordingly. Anyway, onwards and upwards.

Originally Posted by lucierainbow

Hi People
Just a quick update with regards refunds for those of us who have well and truly given up. I wrote to border.gov.au and received this reply regarding 7 plus years and not having documention.
' Dear Lucie The Department recognises that due to the length of time which has passed since this application was made you may no longer have access to the credit card/bank statement which was used to pay the VAC. In this case you may provide a Statutory Declaration stating the method of payment and the reason you are unable to provide evidence of the payment. Please note that the Department will make every attempt to verify payment claims, however if unable to do so the VAC cannot be repaid.'May I add that if they are unable to 'verify payment claim' (I have a receipt! but understand this isnt evidence???) I will go for em no matter the cost.

Originally Posted by Aitchy

It's been a long time since I was involved in preparing all these documents so apologies for the inane post but when it asks for a "statutory declaration" for the bank payment refund which template do I use and do I need to get it signed by a Justice of the Peace?

Info here but I've no idea if it's a Commonwealth matter or what?

https://www.ag.gov.au/Publications/P...larations.aspx

Originally Posted by Bermudashorts

It needs to be stamped by a notary (solicitor) or JP. If you are in the UK still then the notary (or JP) would expect you to b using the UK format not the Australian one. You should find a template easily enough with Google, I have found format very easily but don't know how to paste links on mobile.

Originally Posted by Aitchy

Ah. Thank you. Have found some UK templates. Now need to find a friendly lawyer.

Originally Posted by lucierainbow

Hi people. I received my Cap and Cease email last week. Im so sorry for everyone that has been left in the lurch (including myself) We'd have been waiting 7 years. I wish you all massive luck! I am in a position where my life had changed so much that I was waiting for the day to get my money back. My parents had waited so long for us that they actually gave up Oz and came back to the UK and I now have another child and friends and a HOME and feel settled!!!! 7 years ago (maybe even 3 years ago I didn't have those things) Our treatment has been appauling. I therefore with some reluctance ask this question. The criteria for a refund are very strict. Laughably a bank statement and a copy of the credit card you paid with......well need I say i have neither. I have my lovely official receipt and im not 100% sure why they'd ask for something that most people will not have 7 years later "if your application was lodged over the internet, a bank statement clearly listing the name on the account, the card number and the payment must be provided, along with a photocopy of the credit card used."Can't help feeling VERY like the dept is trying to put massive hurdles in the way to prevent a refund. Anyway I will write to them and see what more they accept. They will NOT be keeping my money a moment longer than I can allow!!!Anyone any thoughts/ideas?