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Before moving down under to Australia for good, one of the best ways to get to know the place that one day may be your future home is by going on holiday to Australia.

Once you have decided to have an Australian holiday, the next thing to consider is to get your Australia visa. Before you could even think about scuba diving, outback tours, and lying in the pristine beaches, you should first consider getting an Australian visa.

Listed below are some helpful guidelines regarding Australia visa: Read the full story

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When migrating to Australia your country of Origin can have a significant impact on the speed in which your Visa application is processed. The Australian Department of immigration classify certain countries as either  a  low risk  or high risk country.

If your country is a high risk country then it’s nothing to be offended about. The factors which make your country of origin a low or high risk country are not really understood either.

As the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Visa list is utilised It’s been suggested that high risk countries are those whose citizens have an historic high rate of visa over staying in Australia, whilst low risk countries are those countries whose citizens are good boys and girls and normally leave before their visas have expired.

If your country falls into the high risk category then additional checks will be undertaken prior to your visa being approved and different service levels are applied by the department for the time to process your application. Read the full story

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If your thinking of going out to Australia on a Rekkie or similar prior to getting your Australian Perminant residency visa, then it may be useful for you to know about some changes that are going to be implemented to the ETA System from the 21st of April 2008.

An ETA is effectively a temporary  visa, however the ETA’s are issued electronically so  there is no stamp or label in your passport and there is no need for you to visit an Australian diplomatic office to submit an application.

The Australian Immigration department is going to continue to process most ETA applications instantly; however (and this is the important bit) in a small number of cases, some additional processing will be required.

If your ETA cannot be issued immediately you are requested to  check back in 12 hours to confirm whether your application has been successful.

As an ETA is valid for three months, I’d suggest that you allow plenty of time before visiting Australia to allow sufficient time for your application to be processed.

You can apply for your ETA from the official Aussie Immigration site by Clicking Here

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NEWS

Please note that on Monday 2nd of October the ASPC will be closed because there is a public holiday in South Australia. To provide timely information to applicants and migration agents the proposed allocation dates for the 3rd of October are shown below following those for the 26th of September.

Acknowledgment of Applications

The ASPC is current experiencing some delays in receipting and acknowledging applications and regrets the inconvenience this may be causing applicants and their representatives. While this backlog exists information will be provided here daily about what applications are currently being receipted. This backlog in receipting is being addressed and will be rectified over the next few weeks and your patience during this period is appreciated. Please note that these delays do not affect the date on which a valid application is recorded as having been received and is the date used for processing purposes.

As of 29 September 2006 the ASPC is receipting offshore applications received on 11 August 2006 and onshore applications received on 8 September 2006.

Please note that the update on allocation dates follows. The information will continue to updated for each Tuesday and you only need to email this mailbox once per week if you are seeking current information on allocation dates.

Processing and Allocation Information

The information below is updated weekly on Tuesdays.

As advised on the DIMA website processing of an application will usually commence within seven (7) working days of its receipt by the department. This means that an application is receipted, acknowledged and a file number is allocated.

Once this has occurred a case officer is appointed to assess each application as soon as possible, however, the ASPC receives a large number of applications and you will not be contacted immediately. Applications lodged on the dates shown below are currently being allocated to case officers for further processing.

As of 26 September 2006 the Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre is allocating applications lodged on or before the following dates:

ONSHORE APPLICATIONS

Student/Graduate

Paper based applications: 23 May 2006 (subclass 880) and 31 May 2006
(subclass 881) and 30 May 2006 (subclass 882)
E-lodged (online) applications: 02 June 2006 (all subclasses)

Skilled Independent Regional (Provisional) (SIR VISA)

Paper based applications: 15 May 2006 (this data has been amended on advice from the processing area)

E-lodged (online) applications: 10 May 2006

New Zealand

All applications: 2 February 2006 (all subclasses)

OFFSHORE APPLICATIONS

Applications for Classes BN, BQ and BR (subclasses 134, 136, 137, 138 and 139)

Priority Applications: 27 March 2006

Non-Priority Applications: 13 March 2006

Skilled Independent Regional (Provisional) (SIR VISA)

Paper based applications: 04 April 2006
E-lodged (online) applications: 18 June 2006

As of 3rd October 2006 the Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre WILL BE allocating applications lodged on or before the following dates:

Please note that allocations will not occur until the 3rd of October.

ONSHORE APPLICATIONS

Student/Graduate

Paper based applications: 5 June 2006 (subclass 880 ) and 21 June 2006 (subclass 881) and 16 June 2006 (subclass 882) E-lodged (online) applications: 14 June 2006 (all subclasses)

Skilled Independent Regional (Provisional) (SIR VISA)

Paper based applications: 15 June 2006
E-lodged (online) applications: 20 May 2006

New Zealand

All applications: 15 February 2006 (all subclasses)

OFFSHORE APPLICATIONS

Applications for Classes BN, BQ and BR (subclasses 134, 136, 137, 138 and 139)

Priority Applications: 29 March to 4 April 2006
Non-Priority Applications: 15 March 2006

Skilled Independent Regional (Provisional) (SIR VISA)

Paper based applications: 04 April 2006
E-lodged (online) applications: 22 June 2006

Notes

Onshore: means that the visa being applied for can be granted while the applicant is in Australia.

e-lodged: applications lodged online have quicker processing times.

See: Online Services – General Skilled Migration

SIR visas: All applicants for a Skilled – Independent Regional [SIR]
visa receive priority processing.

Offshore: means that the visa being applied for can only be granted
when the applicant is outside of Australia.

If a visa application was made before the earliest relevant date as shown above and you have not been contacted by a case officer please contact the Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre at: adelaide.skilled.centre@immi.gov.au

Applications eligible for priority processing

1. Applicants whose nominated occupation is on the Migration Occuptations in Demand List (MODL)

2. For applicants whose nominated occupation is not on the MODL, applications for any of the following visas are given priority:

a) Skill Matching (Migrant) (Class BR) – Subclass 134 – Skill Matching
b) Skilled – Independent (Migrant) (Class BN) – Subclass 137 – Skilled -
State/Territory-nominated Independent
c) Skilled – Australian-sponsored (Migrant) (Class BQ) – Subclass 139 -
Skilled – Designated Area – Sponsored
d) Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional) (Class UX) – Subclass
495 – Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional)
e) Skilled New Zealand (Residence) visa class (Class DB) – Subclass 863
– Skilled – Onshore Regional-Sponsored New Zealand Citizen
f) Skilled — Australian-sponsored Overseas Student (Residence) (Class
DE) – Subclass 882 – Skilled — Designated Area-sponsored Overseas
Student

Eligibility for priority processing does not mean that any processing requirements can be waived.

Finalising Applications

Please note that the information provided above is not about the time it will take to process an application to completion. The time it is expected to take to process a General Skilled Migration visa application to completion is detailed in the department’s service standards.

Service standards are specified for applications lodged with complete documentation. Individual cases may take longer than the service standard depending on the completeness and complexity of the case.

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The ASPC is current experiencing some delays in receipting and acknowledging applications and regrets the inconvenience this may be causing applicants and their representatives. While this backlog exists information will be provided here daily about what applications are currently being receipted. This backlog in receipting is being addressed and will be rectified over the next few weeks and your patience during this period is appreciated. Please note that these delays do not affect the date on which a valid application is recorded as having been received and is the date used for processing purposes.

As of 5 September 2006 the ASPC is receipting offshore applications received on 2 August 2006 and onshore applications received on 9 August 2006.

Please note that the update on allocation dates follows. The information will continue to updated for each Tuesday and you only need to email this mailbox once per week if you are seeking current information on allocation dates.

Processing and Allocation Information

The information below is updated weekly on Tuesdays.

As advised on the DIMA website processing of an application will usually commence within seven (7) working days of its receipt by the department. This means that an application is receipted, acknowledged and a file number is allocated.

Once this has occurred a case officer is appointed to assess each application as soon as possible, however, the ASPC receives a large number of applications and you will not be contacted immediately. Applications lodged on the dates shown below are currently being allocated to case officers for further processing.

As of 5 September 2006 the Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre is allocating applications lodged on or before the following dates:

ONSHORE APPLICATIONS

Student/Graduate

Paper based applications: 13 April 2006 (for subclass 880 ) and 5 April 2006 (subclasses 881 and 882) E-lodged (online) applications: 19 April 2006 (for all subclasses)

Skilled Independent Regional (Provisional) (SIR VISA)

Paper based applications: 11 May 2006
E-lodged (online) applications: 1 May 2006

New Zealand

All applications: 28 November 2005 (all subclasses)

OFFSHORE APPLICATIONS

Applications for Classes BN, BQ and BR (subclasses 134, 136, 137, 138 and 139)

Priority Applications: 20 March 2006
Non-Priority Applications: In the range of 25 January to 1 February 2006

Skilled Independent Regional (Provisional) (SIR VISA)

Paper based applications: 24 April 2006
E-lodged (online) applications: 18 June 2006

Notes

Onshore: means that the visa being applied for can be granted while the applicant is in Australia.

e-lodged: applications lodged online have quicker processing times.
See: Online Services – General Skilled Migration

SIR visas: All applicants for a Skilled – Independent Regional [SIR]
visa receive priority processing.

Offshore: means that the visa being applied for can only be granted
when the applicant is outside of Australia.

If a visa application was made before the earliest relevant date as shown above and you have not been contacted by a case officer please contact the Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre at: adelaide.skilled.centre@immi.gov.au

Applications eligible for priority processing

1. Applicants whose nominated occupation is on the Migration Occuptations in Demand List (MODL)

2. For applicants whose nominated occupation is not on the MODL, applications for any of the following visas are given priority:

a) Skill Matching (Migrant) (Class BR) – Subclass 134 – Skill Matching
b) Skilled – Independent (Migrant) (Class BN) – Subclass 137 – Skilled -
State/Territory-nominated Independent
c) Skilled – Australian-sponsored (Migrant) (Class BQ) – Subclass 139 -
Skilled – Designated Area – Sponsored
d) Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional) (Class UX) – Subclass
495 – Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional)
e) Skilled New Zealand (Residence) visa class (Class DB) – Subclass 863
– Skilled – Onshore Regional-Sponsored New Zealand Citizen
f) Skilled — Australian-sponsored Overseas Student (Residence) (Class
DE) – Subclass 882 – Skilled — Designated Area-sponsored Overseas
Student

Eligibility for priority processing does not mean that any processing requirements can be waived.

Finalising Applications

Please note that the information provided above is not about the time it will take to process an application to completion. The time it is expected to take to process a General Skilled Migration visa application to completion is detailed in the department’s service standards. Service standards are specified for applications lodged with complete documentation. Individual cases may take longer than the service standard depending on the completeness and complexity of the case.

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Tasmania is Australia’s island state, separated from the mainland by the 240 kilometre expanse of Bass Strait.

A land of wild and beautiful landscapes, Tasmania boasts a comfortable temperate climate, quality wine and food, rich history and a leisurely, relaxed lifestyle.

Tasmania is home to one of the world’s 10 best beaches (Wineglass Bay), the world’s best small town (Strahan) and is rated third in the world for wise management of the natural environment.

More than any other state in Australia, Tasmania enjoys four distinct seasons, each with its their own special characteristics.

Both local Tasmanians and visitors enjoy the state’s temperate maritime climate. Summer is a festive season when the Launceston Festivale and the Hobart Summer Festival are held.

Autumn is a mellow season with calm, sunny days when the native deciduous beech trees and European trees blaze with a riot of red, orange and gold colours. Winter days are crisp and clear with a dusting of snow on mountain peaks. Spring is cool and refreshing, with gardens bursting back to life as Tasmania celebrates the Blooming Tasmania festival.

Tasmania’s capital Hobart is an intriguing blend of the old and the new, a city defined by the river and sea. Hobart’s maritime focus can be appreciated with a harbour cruise or drive to the top of Mt Nelson or Mt Wellington – suburbs line the Derwent River, city buildings are clustered around the historic docks and the Derwent estuary broadens into Storm Bay.

Only twenty-five kilometres from Hobart is the historic town of Richmond, home to the old Richmond Gaol and part of Tasmania’s early convict origins. The nearby vineyards and wineries of the Coal River Valley are home to many of Tasmania’s superb cool-climate wines. Hobart is an ideal base from which to explore southern and eastern Tasmania.

Hobart has more summer daylight hours than any other Australian capital city. Tasmania is the southernmost of the eight Australian states and territories, and enjoys over 15 hours of daylight on the summer solstice (22 December).

This is 2.5 more hours of daylight than Darwin (Northern Territory) receives and 1 hour more than Sydney (New South Wales) receives on the same day. Experts at the Launceston Planetarium claim that the day is even longer if twilight periods at dawn and dusk are taken into account.

On the other hand, Tasmania receives less daylight than mainland Australian states and territories in winter. Hobart has around 9 hours daylight in winter, 1 hour less than Sydney and about 2.5 hours less than Darwin.

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The Yarra Valley is located a short 90 minutes north-east of Melbourne, the capital of the southern Australian state of Victoria, and is an idyllic destination for a day tour or weekend getaway.

The Yarra Valley’s rolling green hills are brimming with vineyards, boutique wineries, orchards, cheesemakers and quality restaurants, and the whole region is quite simply a gourmet’s delight. Whatever your interests, Melbourne’s Yarra Valley has something for everyone.

The Yarra Valley is home to many excellent food and wine festivals. In January, raspberry lovers can enjoy the Kinglake Raspberry Fair, while May offers the Kellybrook Cider Festival and the Grape Grazing Festival. In November, the Victoria Strawberry Festival is held in Seville and the Country Harvest Festival is held at the Warratina Lavender Farm. In December, the Victorian Cherry Festival is held at Wandin.

The Yarra Valley is home to at least 23 wineries which are open to visitors and where you can sample their award-winning produce. The wineries range in scale from large operations such as Rochford’s Eyton and Tarra Warra Estate to small boutique wineries such as Ainsworth Estate in Seville and Warramate Wines near Healesville.

If history interests you, the historic Yering Station-Yarrabank winery near Yarra Glen claims to be the first vineyard established in Victoria.

Pioneer history can also be experienced with a visit to Gulf Station, an early farm in Yarra Valley now managed by the National Trust.

Lovers of Australian animals can pack a picnic lunch and visit the world famous Healesville Sanctuary to view a large variety of native animals including kanagroos, wallabies, wombats, emus. echidnas, goannas and platypus.

On a sunny day the Healesville Sanctuary is a great place for a picnic, and there are plenty of picnic shelters for damper weather. Opposite the Healesville Sanctuary is the Galeena Beek Living Cultural Centre, where you can learn more about the cultural heritage of indigenous Australians from the Melbourne region.

Healesville is delightful country town nestled in the Dandenong Ranges and is a haven for lovers of art, crafts and cafes, making it the perfect place to while away a relaxing day. Healesville is surrounded by charming picnic places, including the Maroondah Reservoir Reserve, which has barbecues and bush walking tracks along the Badger Creek. Visitors of a literary or historical bent can visit the magnificent two hectare Singing Gardens of early Australian author C.J. Dennis, located near Toolangi. C.J. Dennis lived in Toolangi from 1915 until his death in 1935, and wrote his famous work The Sentimental Bloke there.

The Yarra Valley Regional Food Trail allows you to independently explore 14 ‘farm gate taste and buy’ gourmet experiences and 11 ‘pick your own’ produce farms. With more than thirty top quality eating places dotted throughout the Yarra Valley, there’s plenty of gourmet experiences to choose from. And all that is before you even consider the Yarra Valley’s world-renowned wineries!

Whether you love fine food and wine and abundant fresh farm produce, are seeking a relaxing, therapeutic or romantic getaway, or are inspired by natural beauty and want to walk through towering eucalypt forests, an unforgettable experience awaits you in Melbourne’s idyllic Yarra Valley.

Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Outback Australia Tour topics, including Alice Springs Tour destinations and Yarra Valley Tour itineraries.

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Australia is a very diverse country geographically and a hot spot for tourism. If you are thinking about heading down under, here is some information on Australia.

An Overview of Australia for Travelers

Australia is its own continent, the only country in the world that can say as much. It covers roughly 3 million square miles and is about the size of the continental United States. The capital is Canberra, but Sydney is the biggest city with 4.2 million people. The climate of Australia is extremely dry inland with more temperate conditions along the coast. The population centers are primarily along the coast due to soaring temperatures inland.

Australia was originally inhabited by Aboriginal tribes. In 1770, Captain Cook claimed the land for Great Britain. In 1788, the first colony was established in New South Wales. Most of the colonists were convicted criminals from Great Britain. Gold was discovered soon thereafter and Australia became a destination for immigrants seeking fortune and a new start in life.

On the far northern coast, Australia is home to one of the amazing sites in the world. The great barrier reef is a water enthusiasts dream. With incredible plant life, the reef is world renowned as a diver’s paradise. A watchful eye is advised given the presence of the Great White Shark in the area.

Australia is a Commonwealth. The federal powers are mapped somewhat after those in the United States, but no bill of rights exists. Unlike the U.S., the individual territories retain significant authority over their own affairs.

People in Australia are called “Australians.” The country has a population of just over 20 million, and the population is growing at a rate of 1.1 percent a year. Australians ethnicity is 92 percent European, 6 percent Asian and 2 percent Aboriginal. No religion dominates, but 27 percent of Australians considered themselves Roman Catholics. Life expectancy for males is 78 years while females live to 83 on average. Literacy rates are a surprisingly low 85 percent.

Australia was often considered the forgotten country. Long distance transportation changed that designation. Now it is one of the hottest tourist destinations year in and year out.

Richard Monk is with FactsMonk.com - a site with facts about everything. Visit us to read more about Australia.

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Australia’s Northern Territory is a land of swirling, near-phosphorescent, ochre dust, rocky mountain-high thunderclouds and sky-shattering storms – a region of pawpaw (papaya) and mango farms, pearl oyster meat from the pearling industry, farm-raised alligator and Thai spices. Indigenous people still dive for lily roots and burn the forests to trap game and make passage through the undergrowth possible.

To journey through this land and taste it was one of the greatest privileges of my travel-writing life.

Equivalent in size to France, Italy and Spain combined, Australia’s Outback Northern Territory is bordered by Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. A vibrant, developing economy, the Northern Territory has one-sixth of Australia’s land mass and just over one percent of the population, but with the youngest, wealthiest people in the nation.

It has an environment that ebbs and flows with the seasons, of contrast and colour, where change is the only constant. Of awe inspiring iconic wonders – the World Heritage National Parks of Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock).

Darwin, the state’s capital, is so close to Asia that it’s much easier to head to Singapore than Sydney. Immigrants of every Asian culture have brought their foods and cooking traditions. At Darwin’s Hanuman, Thai Nonya cuisine meets Tandoor Indian: soak up the lemon grass and basil-flavoured sauce drenching the grilled rock oysters with warm naan bread. These are served in the trademark earthenware plates with little lids covering the oysters.

Australia’s Outback Northern Territory is renowned for its colourful characters. The type you’d meet at one of the legendary outback pubs, cattle stations or country towns. The gateway to Asia for the rest of Australia, or the window into the country for the rest of the world, the Northern Territory is a unique part of the most exciting continent on earth.

It’s almost hard not to fall in love with its down to earth attitude.

Don’t miss this great once in a lifetime experience. National Visas can help you get a Visa for Australia. Visit our website for more details.

Source: nationalvisas.com.au

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In 2004 the UK government saw an unprecedented number of eastern Europeans enter Britain when 10 new countries joined the European Union.

The Government estimated fewer than 20,000 would come to the UK but it was closer to 600,000 with Poland being one of the larger contributors.

It’s pretty apparent too. Walking through the city centre or into your local Asda, its pretty amazing how many eastern Europeans you bump into.

Romania and Bulgaria are to join the EU in the next couple of weeks but it looks like the UK government have learnt from these past experiences.

The UK Trade Secretary Alistair Darling yesterday revealed the government was seriously considering imposing a limit on the number of places available for new immigrants.

Britain was one of the few major EU nations to open its borders to new members in 2004 while France and Germany tightened controls.

Mr Darling hinted that decision was flawed.

When asked if the Government would allow a free for all from Romania and Bulgaria he said: ‘No. We will need to see what our requirements are so it is done in a managed way.’

I think this is pretty good news for the UK if these plans are implemented correctly. Following Australia’s lead and Identifying skills in demand could well be a good way to go.

Still, I think these plans are about 4 years too late, another reason why I’m so glad to be moving away to a country that developed a well managed immigration policy from the start.

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Ahh the delights of selling a property or should that be AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

The lady who was supposed to go into the Halifax yesterday to finalise the mortgage details and pay the surveyors fee’s was unable to make her appointment because she was to tired after working a night shift.

So, we’ve been shunted back to Saturday now. She did come back with her family for a second viewing last night though. They are a really nice family with a baby so our house is spot on with the pre-made nursery, fully enclosed back gardens etc.

We’ve taken the opportunity to swap numbers this time and it’s obvious that she really likes the property to!

Anyway, we’ll need to wait until Saturday now so we’ll see what this weekend brings…again!

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Well. We are still here

Our ‘buyer’ is still to sort a mortgage out so we continue to market our property as best as we can.

The Little house company hasn’t generated eny enquiries (although their hit counter is showing that over 40 people have looked at the property via their site) and the Halifax Estate agency folks continue to be beyond terrible when it comes to their lack of appreciation for proactive customer service.

We’ve been through the old emotional rollacoaster again this weekend. As we continue to market our house, we had a couple of viewings last Friday and one of these looked really positive!

The viewing was actually under quite sad circumstances for the family looking at our house. The lady who booked the appointment was here with her family and sister-in-law who had recently become widowed following the death of her husband.

She was looking for a smaller property close to her immiediate family and by the looks of things our house certainly appeared to hit all the right buttons, so much so that we started having the discussion about money and what we were considering.

I mentioned that the house was already under offer so their offer would need to be pretty near the asking price as our buyer was a first time buyer which for us, not being in a chain and all, was a very good thing.

For this family though, being a first time buyer was nothing. They ‘had cash’ so no mortage was required. They loved the house and could have everything finalised inside two weeks. In fact they liked the house so much they would be ring the estate agent, first thing on Saturday to make an offer.

Woohoo! great news, after the recent dissapointment, this was a really positive sigh.

I called the Halifax first thing to give them a quick heads up that they were going to get a call and to advise them that I’d have my mobile swicthed on all day.

I also wanted to make sure that they wouldn’t divulge the current offer price to ensure that a counter-offer could be as competative as possible.

I was assured that the only time they would detail anything around offers made would be if the asking price had been met. Otherwise, no specific info would be given.

So, we waited, and waited and waited. Nothing!

Its Monday as I type this, I’ve not long got off the phone with the Halifax and they have still to hear from this family!

I’ve asked them to chase them up for feedback but its not looking hopefull! It begs the question though. Why say your so interested and that your going to make an offer if you have no intention of doing so..

One small glimmer of positivity is that one of the other couples who saw the house on Thursday are interested in making an offer. At time of typing though, I won’t be packing just yet.

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Oh joy of joys

Things are never as simple as you’d like them to be are they?

Following the utopia of this weekend nothing has really progressed.

It seems our buyer is now having issues getting a mortgage so although solicitors details have been exchanged the Halifax still haven’t had the ‘mortgage promise’ they need before they can mark the property as sold and give us our sought after sold sign.

The buyer has now apparently increased her deposit and is now going to apply for a ‘buy to let’ mortgage which takes into account the potential rental income when calculating the mortgage.

No surprise to you guys that we are still marketing the property and we have two viewings tomorrow. After the joy and jubilation this weekend it’s a serious low for us all right now and it begs the question again, why the hell do people even make an offer on a house before they have done their bloody homework!

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Hi Folks, Current Australian Immigration processing lead time as of 1st August.

News

Please note that there are no changes to the allocation dates for Offshore, SIR or New Zealand visa applications this week.

Applications for Subclass 139 – Skilled – Designated Area-sponsored visas must have been received by the Department by 30 June 2006. Applications received after this date are invalid.

Processing and Allocation Information

As advised on the DIMA website processing of an application will usually commence within seven (7) working days of its receipt by the department.

This means that an application is receipted, acknowledged and a file number is allocated. Read the full story

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Well, its been over a month since we had the first formal, and highly disappointing offer on our house.

We had a chap come to look at the house this week, he brought his daughters with him and I have a feeling that the purchase will be for his daughter/s rather then for himself.

He confirmed that they don’t have a property to sell which is really good for us as it reduces the chain. I think the fact that we’re also not in a chain would be viewed as a good thing.

Anyway, we hope that the offer will be formalised at some point today so we’ll see!

In other house related news, we paid to add our house via The Little House Company last weekend.

For £135 (basic package starts at £89) You can upload your property details and they’ll distribute the details across a network of over 350 property related websites including such sites as Fish4 and Homesandproperties.co.uk.

The big sell for TLHC is the fact that if you sell via this service its classed as a ‘private sale’ so no commission is payable on the final sale of the house.

We made this decision as we wanted to increase the exposure we can give our property as much as we possibly can. If the most recent offer falls through we’ll also be making our Estate Agent (Halifax) aware that we are also marketing the property privately.

Perhaps this competition may help push them to pull their finger out! Unlikely but you never know.

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Latest Processing times for July:

As advised on the DIMA website processing of an application will usually commence within seven (7) working days of its receipt by the department.

This means that an application is receipted, acknowledged and a file number is allocated.

Once this has occurred a case officer is appointed to assess each application as soon as possible, however, the ASPC receives a large number of applications and you will not be contacted immediately. Applications lodged on the dates shown below are currently being allocated to case officers for further processing.

As of 18th July 2006 the Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre is allocating applications lodged on or before the following dates:

ONSHORE – paper based applications: 8 March 2006 (all applications)
ONSHORE- e-lodged (online) applications: 10 March 2006 (all applications)

SIR – paper based applications: 15 March 2006
SIR – e-lodged (online) applications: 1 May 2006

ONSHORE NEW ZEALAND APPLICATIONS: 22 November 2005

OFFSHORE APPLICATIONS (all paper based)
Priority Applications: In the range of 1 March to 8 March 2006
Non-Priority Applications: In the range of 28 November to 5 December 2005

Notes

Onshore: means that the visa being applied for can be granted while the applicant is in Australia.

e-lodged: applications lodged online have quicker processing times.

SIR visas: All applicants for a Skilled – Independent Regional [SIR] visa receive priority processing.

Offshore: means that the visa being applied for can only be granted when the applicant is outside of Australia.

If a visa application was made before the earliest relevant date as shown above and you have not been contacted by a case officer please contact the Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre at: adelaide.skilled.centre@immi.gov.au

Applications eligible for priority processing

1. Applicants whose nominated occupation is on the Migration Occuptations in Demand List (MODL)

2. For applicants whose nominated occupation is not on the MODL, applications for any of the following visas are given priority:

a) Skill Matching (Migrant) (Class BR) – Subclass 134 – Skill Matching
b) Skilled – Independent (Migrant) (Class BN) – Subclass 137 – Skilled – State/Territory-nominated Independent
c) Skilled – Australian-sponsored (Migrant) (Class BQ) – Subclass 139 – Skilled – Designated Area – Sponsored
d) Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional) (Class UX) – Subclass 495 – Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional)
e) Skilled New Zealand (Residence) visa class (Class DB) – Subclass 863 – Skilled – Onshore Regional-Sponsored New Zealand Citizen
f) Skilled — Australian-sponsored Overseas Student (Residence) (Class DE) – Subclass 882 – Skilled — Designated Area-sponsored Overseas Student

Eligibility for priority processing does not mean that any processing requirements can be waived.

Finalising Applications

Please note that the information provided above is not about the time it will take to process an application to completion. The time it is expected to take to process a General Skilled Migration visa application to completion is detailed in the department’s service standards. Service standards are specified for applications lodged with complete documentation. Individual cases may take longer than the service standard depending on the completeness and complexity of the case.

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