Initial entry 15 months after meds/PCC
 

My 136 visa was granted recently with the condition that I enter Australia before March 2009, which is 15 months from my medicals and police clearances. Is this an abberation? Any similar instances with other visa grantees?

Re: Initial entry 15 months after meds/PCC
 

Why question it? Your grant letter gives you until March 2009 to enter.

Re: Initial entry 15 months after meds/PCC
 

Yep, its not cast in stone that it has to be 12 months. If DIAC are happy, go with it :)

Re: Initial entry 15 months after meds/PCC
 

Just out of interest: how long was your processing time from application to visa grant and for what visa was it? Are you from a high risk country?

Re: Initial entry 15 months after meds/PCC
 

It was for a 136 visa, took me ~16 months. Yes, I'm from a "high-risk" country and I'm aware they did additional background checks on me (which delayed the entire process by ~4 months after CO allocation). However, I noted that many applicants from my country received their visas much earlier (I think the additional checks are done randomly / on case-to-case basis).

Re: Initial entry 15 months after meds/PCC
 

It seems as though DIAC perhaps took that in account then! I am happy for you that it worked out like this. Enjoy your life in Oz.

Re: Initial entry 15 months after meds/PCC
 

Thanks! All my patience and prayers paid off. The delay was a blessing in disguise, because if it wasn't delayed I would have entered Oz earlier and have converted all my cash at a time when the USD-AUD forex rate was high. Now I can buy more AUDs. =)