Hi

Thought I'd give an update.

After much thought we are now definately doing the move to the UK.

Not too confident of hubby obtaining work whilst not being present in the UK. They seem to not take him seriously. Thats ok. I found a job and they are happy to wait for the visa to be processed.

So, afew questions.

Applying for spouse settlement visa. Can anyone tell me how long it is taking to process? Can it be sped up with a firm employment offer to go to?

The kids don't have passports yet and I was wondering if I need to obtain them first, before applying forthe visa?

Any helpful advice of pitfalls to avoid you could give to speed up application would be greatly appreciated. Hoping to have this process finished asap so we can all start our new life.

Moving Canberra to Manchester!

Thanks!

I didnt realize you were in Canberra!

Good luck with the move on to the next step in your life, I hope it is really successful for you all!

Hi Quoll,

Thanks for the good wishes. A bad time to be moving weather wise but the exchange rate is great

Really looking forward to the move. This forum has been great for getting an idea of the pitfalls and also for highlighting the strengths of both countries. For us, this is a good move for many reasons. Many things that will be missed.

Hi good luck to you all....we are returing to Manchester ourselves next April (could be sooner if the rental we are in is sold) we have been in Aus for 12 years now and just looking forward to going home. Alll the best

Spouse visas don't normally take long - start at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk


They need British passports, as well as Australian. Get these before you apply for the spouse visa, normally.

Are you also an Australian citizen?

Hi JAJ,

Hubby has lost his British passport. Mine was discovered to be invalid (I'm an Aussie citizen only) and the kids don't have one yet.

We thought all of us getting Aussie ones so we can have them priority processed. Want the spouse application submitted this week as hoping to get the visa ASAP. The job is being held for me but I need the visa before being able to start work in UK. Hubby hasn't yet found a job in UK.

We could only go if one of us has a job so really need this processed quickly.

Abit disorganised but my job offer was very sudden (i.e last Thursday night) and was the 1st job I applied for.

Your husband needs to get a new British passport. Is he also an Australian citizen?

What do you mean by your passport "was discovered to be invalid."

Hi

hubby now has dual citizenship. He got Aussies citizenship about a year ago.

My passport has expired. Hence why I will need a new one!