As I’m sure most of you are aware, the man and I are planning to leave the shores of Blighty and head to warmer climes.  Since my man is a Pom (and no longer a young pom), we have had to become experts in what visas are available for him to live and work New Zealand and Australia.

After many long months of research, application writing and official document gathering, I was relieved (and, frankly, amazed) when we finally sent off a fully completed application for a Partner of a NZ Citizen Visa for Australia last Monday (1st March).  According to all the info I could find about this particular visa, indications were that it would take up to 12 weeks to be processed and probability was high that they would require more information or an interview before making a decision.  So we sat back and prepared to wait for at least a month before we heard anything.

But then last Friday (5th March), 4 days after sending off the visa application, my man receives a Special Delivery parcel in the post.  Our immediate thoughts turn to all the US Courtroom dramas where no one seems to be able to decide if a quick verdict is a good or bad thing.  He tells me to sit down before he opens the parcel to find out the verdict.  I’m feeling sick to my stomach and just wish they had put a big tick or cross on the outside of the envelope!

It’s good news!  Australian Migration have granted my man a 5 year Temporary Working Visa for Australia, including unlimited entry and exit during the life of the visa!  And it only took them 2.5 days to process and make a decision!  Which puts me firmly in the ‘a quick verdict is a good verdict’ club.

About 5 hours later (once the stupid grin had started to fade), I suddenly realised how much still has to be done if we are actually going to make use of this visa.  So now I’m researching flights, freight costs, jobs and accomodation in Cairns, Australia.  All help gratefully accepted

Posted in Journal and tagged , australia, moving, Travel, Visa

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