Never thought this day would come....
 

This time 4 years ago today, we landed in Australia and tonight did the eligibility test online and we qualify for citizenship.

Despite doing the test before (just to see what it was like) and knowing we didnt qualify, it was with some excitement that we did it tonight to read that we now can, so now it is a case of gathering documents to apply online, and having all the usual daft questions that seem so daunting such as 'current country of citizenship' that sent Mr PP into a fluster thinking did he mean where we are living now?:o

Four years have flown yet so much has happened - shit loads of trauma and lots of nice things too, we have had 'that phone call' from the UK, I have had 'that phone call' from Australia when Mr PP had his accident, I have been diagnosed with a horrible auto immune disorder requiring stupidly expensive specialist visits and medication, we have acquired a dog, a parrot with special needs (hannibal Henry) - who is waiting to join us when our aviary is built, we have bought a home and nearly lost it and hit rock bottom with finances.

We have made friends that are like family to me and realised just what fantastic people we have met.

We have been frustrated with the legal system, experienced the extremes of 'wankerness' with certain people, and have learned just how far people will go to help us.

Tomorrow is our 21st Wedding anniversary, we cant really afford citizenship but are going to do it as we have waited so very long for this - just ask the likes of Alan Collett, Glen Newton and George Lombard, not to mention any others on this site that remember our journey.

There are no two ways about it, we have struggled but I cannot imagine living anywhere else and I cannot imagine the people that I have in my life now, not being there.

Mr PP is doing casual cheffing as it pays more, I am temping so we are now just treading water till we get back on our feet financially.

My Dad has been to see us and my friend has and although I miss my family, it isnt a pull to make me want to go back to England as I would miss my home too much.

I managed to study and pass a course in media production which I am quite chuffed about and have already worked on a UK media project plus some other media bits and pieces here - including taking part in a documentary about black cockatoos - which incidentally is on ABC1 on 13 March at 8.30pm:thumbsup:

I shall gather all of our documents and get this online submission sorted, get the test date and then the ceremony date and then it will be a free for all piss up somewhere in Freo.

So that is it - we are having a drink of champagne for both our 21st wedding anniversary and our 4 year anniversary of being in Australia.

Cheers everyone.:thumbsup::o

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

What a lovely update; thanks so much. Sounds like you've experienced the full rollercoaster ride of migration and are coming out the better for it. Good luck for the ceremony.

PS, it's my 21st wedding anniversary this year too - was always something that happened to aunties and parents' friends - can't believe we are old enough now for it to happen to us too! All the best

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

21 years sounds so very long doesnt it :thumbsup:

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

Congratulations! Good to hear you're still positive, even after all the hard times.

:thumbup:

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

Yep, we're about there too!

Congrats and hope you get the Citship. :thumbup:

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

I ordered the book today and printed off one set of forms to read and the checklist so I can read exactly what we need.

We will apply online and I understand I have to get a photo each certified but I need to check if I have to include the photo in the scanned documents?

There is something about forms - official forms and I always struggle with them for fear of making errors.

They reckon the turn around is 60 days or something to get a date for a test, not sure if online is quicker than postal but hey ho, may as well get gathering now.

The final hurdle seems so far away - well it is really.:o

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

Congratulations Sam & Mr PP. Hard to believe it's been 4 years already! I still remember the day you guys arrived with Sam picking you up at the airport to take you to Gobbyjock's place. The dramas with Mr PP's knives and your luggage with all your knickers in it. :lol: Then the following week you and Mr PP met me in Subi for dinner and drinks.

I'm really glad you guys are happy here. :fingerscrossed: your new temp job will realise how invaluable you are and offer you full time and Mr PP will be offered head chef at the swankiest of swanky restaurants in the city.

Don't forget to include us in the guest list for the piss up. :)

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

Great news.... heres to another 44 years of residency plus.... and another 42 on your life sentence :thumbsup:

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

I am hoping it doesnt take the full 30 days to process our application - I wonder what the quickest turnaround is?

Mr PP was up late last night going over the test questions - he got 19/20 right without even trying. Me however, I havent got a bloody clue about the Constitution so will no doubt have to do my homework.:o

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

Good luck- we have to wait till August, but already have the book and swot up from time to time.
I know what you mean about forms though. I develop the inability to sign my own name!!!!

And congrats on 21 years. we will celebrate our 24th a week before our 4 years is up.

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

nice one chick :thumbup::thumbsup: :wub:

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

Congratulations, wish you all the best for the future. We plan to arrive in Oz at the end of July, we can hardly wait to get started. Cheers, H. :thumbsup:

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

Congraulations to you both on both.

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

Thanks everyone, you can never imagine the day will come and when it does, you still dont have your shit together.:o

Re: Never thought this day would come....
 

Ha! We (my daughter and I) could apply for citizenship now, but whilst my shit is all nicely together :ohmy: I can't afford it at the moment - d'oh! It's next on my list of things to save up for when my girlie's birthday is out the way.

Good luck with the test and all that :fingerscrossed: