top

UK Youth Mobility Visa – The Reckoning

UK Youth Mobility Visa – The Reckoning

In my last post on Applying for a UK Youth Mobility Visa I went through what it was and how to apply for one.

After you’ve handed over the money, picked your appointment date for your biometric data to be taken and printed off everything in triplicate (hey I was taught to always be prepared, thank you Scouts) your next step is to wait till your appointment date. The appointment is just a really fancy way of saying hey we want your finger prints just in case we want to implicate you in a crime while your here. I kid honest… oh god I’m so getting strip searched on arrival.

The appointment is a breeze. They make you drive to “insert nearest capital city here” for what is a 2 minute process. That is unless you’ve worn your finger prints away like I had on my left hand pinkie finger. My appointment was in Melbourne which for the rest of you is about a 1.5 hour drive away.

Entering the consulate office you take a seat opposite the glass wall and wait to be called. Don’t try and talk to the staff behind the glass wall because your getting no love there trust me, the guy that walked in after me sure found that out.

Using the press here to talk method of PA systems your name is called and you front up to the counter and pass over the following:

  • Printed visa application form (Attach your passport photo to it)
  • Booking confirmation form
  • Valid passport

You then get told to stick your fingers on the miniature scanner so they can scan your digits. Right hand, left hand and then the thumbs. Apparently I work too hard because as I said one of my fingers wouldn’t scan. We tried pressing on it, breathing on it and even doing the look away to be all sneaky and fool the scanner trick. Eventually they got the scans and that was it. I got back my form with a stamp on it and a half A4 size piece of paper detailing my next step.

That next step will require the following important pieces of documentation:

  • Signed application form with accompanying biometric stamp of approval
  • Passport sized photo (hopefully still attached to your application form)
  • Current passport
  • Completed self-assessment form and accompanying documents (Appendix 7 Self-Assessment Form)

The first three items are easy you have those. The fourth item as mentioned in the first post is to print off the Appendix 7 document and fill it in. They ask the obvious stuff like your name (don’t get that wrong please), age etc. The important bit is Part 4.

This section requires you to prove you have 1600 quid in the bank before you get there. The easiest way to do this is send in your latest bank statement. Just make sure its current, they require one dated within 30 days of your application. Most banks are willing to issue you a current statement but be careful there is probably going to be a fee attached to it. I suggest applying for it as soon as you apply if not sooner, banks can be a bit slow and if your pressed for time applying well.. you don’t want to know the answer to that.

Set with all my documents I purchased two express post parcels. One to send the documents down in and one for them to post it back to me, the cheap buggers won’t even foot the bill for postage back. Express post also allows you to track the parcel just in case someone looses it because after all it will contain your passport.

Then you play the waiting game. Estimated processing times can be found at this web page . Only get nervous if after 10 days you still haven’t heard anything because according to that page 98% of claims are completed in that time frame.

You will receive an email when they receive your documents and then one at the end detailing if you have been approved or not. I can tell you when I received these words in an email today I was ecstatic.

Your application has been approved and your documents will be dispatched within 2 working days.

Overall when you have the right information this process really is a breeze. The daunting task is finding out what you need. I hope that both my articles on the topic can help to serve other future applicants in Applying for the Youth Mobility Visa.

UPDATE: Please click here to see the updated article on applying for a Working Holiday Visa/Youth Mobility Visa. It details the entire process and includes a detailed frequently asked questions section.

, , , ,

631 Responses to UK Youth Mobility Visa – The Reckoning

  1. RACHELLE March 5, 2012 at 12:30 PM #

    About to send my visa application away tomorrow after checking everything for the millionth time. This blog has been a great help putting my mind to rest that I haven’t missed something.

  2. KIMBERLEY March 6, 2012 at 1:24 PM #

    Hi Jessica

    Sorry this is the first chance I have had to reply (plus there is a 10 hour time difference). How exciting, you must be counting down the days now until you arrive!! Soooooooo awesome!! Yes, the visa process seriously did my head in and I was getting so frustrated (not sure why it has to be so friggen hard)!! 2 weeks will go quickly, there are lots of little things you have to do but you’ll be here soon enough. Are you guys booked into a hostel in London for the first 2 weeks, if so which one? I was also dreading the flight, it was crap but I was just so happy to touch down in the UK. It’s all so new and exciting, you’ll both love it I’m sure.
    What type of work are you both going to be looking for? I think you’ll be fine 🙂 I know that I was a bit nervous about coming over here (I had no job lined up) but everything always turns out fine….I booked a week’s accommodation in King’s Cross for the first week to settle in and do the touristy things, then I had a week’s training with ENA (European Nursing Agency). I saw their advertisement on Seek and had an interview in Australia before I came over. They also do interviews in London. So I did the week’s training and met some cool people, we all stayed in the training house and learnt everything about being a carer (for a person with disability). I had no experience at all and it was new to me but they have live in positions which appealed to me. Anyway you work for like 3 months with a client somewhere in the UK then you can travel etc. Some of the positions are short term like a few weeks or whatever. So that’s what I have been doing. Admittedly I did have to wait quite a while for a position to come up because they had more carers than clients but it was fine, I just stayed in hostels and did some sight seeing. I was down in Corwnall with a client for 1.5 weeks and I travelled back to London last night on a train. I’m staying in hostels again. I’ve stayed in numerous hostels around London, if you get into a goo one you’re sweet, but some of them are DODGY and best to be avoided. We all have a good laugh about some of them and warn everyone new not to go there! LOL You always meet aweseme people, It does get a bit annoying living out of a suitcase all the time and moving around but that’s the nature of travelling 🙂 It sounds like you and your boyfriend though will probably look for a share house or something and find work when you arrive. I’ll check out your post – Packing up and moving to London in a moment. PS This is the best thing you’ll ever do in your life I reckon!! Amazing times ahead 🙂 I’m no expert but if you have any questions or whatever, ask away and I’ll do my best to help out.

  3. KIMBERLEY March 6, 2012 at 1:37 PM #

    Jess
    I just read your post – you can bring 30kgs of luggage is that right? I could only bring 20kgs!! Something that I have found annoying is that I have a very large suitcase and when you are travelling between tube stations, most of the stations don’t have lifts so I have to cart this huge thing up and down the stairs!! It’s a nightmare and no one offers to help you. I’m thinking maybe I should go buy a big backpack rather than the case. And bring as little as possible. I think people make the mistake of bringing everything they own but it’s such a hassle carting everything around. It might be different for you guys cause you’ll probably get settled into a place quickly and can unpack etc but for me (someone who is moving around the UK for work and travel etc) a big huge suitcase is the worst! P.S. Don’t be surprised if the people here aren’t exactly overly friendly like they are back home. Also, It’s cold but it’s not unbearable 🙂 Europe is only a short trip away. I haven’t experienced that yet but I will. Just got to save up some $$$ first.

    • JESSICA March 10, 2012 at 5:21 AM #

      Hi Kimberley,
      We booked into two hotels for the first two weeks when we get there, one in Kensington and then one in Chelsea for about a week each, then we will stay in a hostel if we have to, but HOPEFULLY we will have somewhere a bit more permanent by then! We are just looking for a house for the two of us rather than a share house, and just been researching areas and prices for a while.
      I’m a hairdresser, and my boyfriend is an accountant. We will get work organised when we get there, but the company that Scott (boyfriend) works for is worldwide and he should be able to get a position with them if we can’t get anything else soon enough.
      What hostels did you stay at? Any good ones to recommend?
      I’m so excited! I started my blog to put people through a step by step process of what we are going through to help others out!
      Yes, we are flying Emirates and get 30kg each, which is really good, but yeah like you said, pulling them around is going to be a nightmare, we were thinking we will get backpacks once we get there so we can get around Europe easier.
      I’ve been keeping an eye on the weather! I was praying we wouldn’t be in a heat wave here in Adelaide when we left, that would be the worst, going form 45 to 10 degrees but its looking good, and I dont mind the cold anyway! Just so excited! I have never seen snow before so I cant wait for winter and hopefully a white christmas!
      We are having our going away night out tonight and I finished up work yesterday! It’s all happening!!!

  4. TORI March 6, 2012 at 9:59 PM #

    Hi guys!
    I sent off all my visa stuff in an express post envelope and according to auspost tracking it has been delivered last friday (so 3 business days ago). I’m yet to receive an email to say they are processing my application… Should I be worried? Thanks for the blog, so helpful!!!
    Tori

    • AMITY March 6, 2012 at 10:02 PM #

      Hi Tori,

      No need to be worried at all. It takes 3-4 business days to get from their Sydney PO Box to the Manila hub. Then a day or so for them to process. I got my email on the 6th business day from it being received in Sydney.

      Cheers
      Amity

    • LOZ March 6, 2012 at 10:52 PM #

      Hi Tori

      We sent ours off and it arrived in Sydney last Thursday morning and we havent received anything yet either. I hope it all goes through alright for you. I guess we are waiting together hahaha.

      Loz

  5. DAVID March 8, 2012 at 1:35 AM #

    wow, this blog has been incredibly helpful with my visa application, i’m super excited and just about to send it off however there is one thing i need to put my mind at ease before i do!

    i have received a minor speeding fine (under 10km’s over the limit) the other week, AFTER i’d already filled out the online app form, i’ve never lost my licence or been convicted of any driving offences, so i was wondering whether i would need to include information about the minor speeding fine i received?

    thanks!

    • AMITY March 8, 2012 at 2:00 AM #

      Hi David,

      I wasn’t sure what to do about minor traffic offenses either. I used a visa service, and they advised me to provide a traffic history report just in case. Seems most people don’t include information on this, but I thought better be safe then sorry.

      I’d go into your local RTA or state equivalent, get an official copy of your traffic history, showing you have paid the fine. Then mention it in a cover letter, that it happened after the application.

      You’ll be fine, my minor traffic history, which included a speeding fine under 10km didn’t stop mine from being approved.

      I’ve noticed some people don’t even mention it, and they do fine too. So it’s up to you.

      All the best!
      Amity

    • HUONGY March 8, 2012 at 3:23 AM #

      Hi David
      My boyfriend was driving on a suspended license and had to go to court one time (cos i was drunk) ooppss :P, he is not convicted on any crime offence and his visa is approved. Traffic convictions means you have convicted a serious Traffic offence and have to complete a jail term or community service. A speeding fine is definitely not a conviction, so you should be fine. Hope that helps!!

  6. DAVID March 8, 2012 at 3:42 AM #

    thanks for your help guys, i’ll be safe and send it in with my app forms and write a short note. i’m sure it won’t be a problem!

    • JESSICA March 10, 2012 at 5:24 AM #

      David,
      I’m a terrible driver with a bit of a habit of not keeping an eye on the speedo, and Ive run a red light before accidently, I didn’t mention it at all and it got approved. You should have no worries at all! Goodluck 🙂

  7. SCOTT March 9, 2012 at 11:53 PM #

    Sent my application off on tuesday arvo and recieved passport and Visa on Friday morning.
    That was in the USA , but 3 days is pretty good.

  8. KRISTI March 12, 2012 at 10:34 PM #

    Well- I attended my biometrics and posted all of my stuff off in the little platinum bag on Friday 2nd March. Exactly a week later (Friday 9th) I got that all important email ‘Your visa will be dispatched shortly’. YAY! After reading previous posts I knew that I was waiting for those special words. So I just wanted to pop on and say a big thank you to everyone who has written out clear posts about what was needed each step of the way! It made things soooo much easier. Now I’m just playing the waiting game to get the visa in my hands!! I hope it’s not too long 🙂

  9. SCOTT March 12, 2012 at 11:00 PM #

    If anyones going to be in Scotland anytime soon let me know

  10. JODI March 14, 2012 at 1:11 AM #

    My visa just got processed…yay! Now just have to get a flight and first weeks accommodation sorted. I am hoping to find a more permanent place to live during then, as well as a job. Hope it goes well. I am a person who likes to know everything before I set out, but that’s impossible right now.

  11. SAIKATIB March 14, 2012 at 6:08 AM #

    Hey guys thank-you soo much for all the post really when one is going through the process it can be daunting and it was great to go through the posts and know am on the right track. Just got my visa approved, had my biometrics in Brisy on the 7th march sent it out the same day and got that email today my visa has been approved. Any way i can help please don’t hesitate. Now like many others the real deal begins of moving to Londooooon having an Oprah moment! lol

  12. AMITY March 15, 2012 at 11:23 PM #

    Hi All,

    Slight update –

    The required funds for Tier 5 YMV will be rising from £1600 to £1800 as of April this year.

    http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2012/march/43-changes-rules

  13. KRISTI March 16, 2012 at 2:37 AM #

    WOW!! The Australia post man just delievered my little package and I was shaking opening it up. WOOHOO!! Finally have my visa. I’m going to England baby!!
    So it’s been exactly two weeks since I sent off the documents…awesome!! 🙂
    Now it’s a matter of organising the loooong flight by myself..eek! … and then sorting
    out all the little details over there. Whoa!!

  14. GRACE March 19, 2012 at 2:39 AM #

    So helpful, thanks 🙂 Here’s hoping! Going over in April 🙂

  15. ALANA March 20, 2012 at 12:32 AM #

    Hi there, I hope this doesn’t sound silly but I was just wondering if anyone can help me. I’ve been on the UK border agency website trying to find out how long I need my 1600pounds or whatever it is in my account for before I apply for my visa (Youth Mobility Scheme)? and also I’m not too sure on when to apply, my friend and I are going to Europe In August, the 14th, and were popping into the UK for just two days then heading out to Italy, Greece etc for a month, then getting back to the UK on September 14th roughly. When would I start my application, no more than 3 months before my expected arrival, is that correct? so about mid May for when I arrive in the UK in August? or should I wait.
    Thank you to any one that can help me 🙂

  16. NICK March 20, 2012 at 8:01 AM #

    Great blog mate definately alot of help. I know its been touched on in this blog, but I’ve booked my flights for the 27th of June. I want to get the process underway especially as Easter is coming up. However I know on the online app site it says not to beging your application until your within 3 months of intended arrival. Has anyone done it earlier and had any problems? Cheers

    • JESSICA March 24, 2012 at 4:29 PM #

      Nick,
      It basically means that they can’t post date it anymore than 3 months from when you apply, so after March 27 you will be fine. Just be sure to write on the application that you are getting to the UK on that date, as it starts from whatever date you put on that form 🙂 I did mine earlier as it was going to be over Christmas and they closed for a while, (and I’m paranoid) and just dated it from then, which ended up being two weeks before I entered the UK and there were no problems. Anything else, just ask 🙂

  17. RYAN March 21, 2012 at 1:14 AM #

    What are the advantages/disadvantages of sensing in a letter stamped from the bank confirming the amount of money in your account?
    Has anyone ever had it rejected because of this?

    They do ask for a bank satement and wouldn’t want to lessen the chances of the visa because of this

    • KRISTI March 21, 2012 at 1:02 PM #

      Hey Ryan,
      You shouldn’t have any problems at all. I received my visa a week ago and I sent a stamped letter..no statement. The bank called it a ‘certificate of balance’ and noted the balance on the day and then stamped it with the all important bank stamp.
      Good luck,
      Kristi

      • RYAN March 22, 2012 at 12:03 AM #

        Thanks kristy.

        One question, does the bank statement have to be dated from the date I do my application online, or from when I send off the paperwork?

        Also, we definitely have to still send off a self assessment form still correct?

        • KRISTI March 22, 2012 at 12:23 AM #

          Ryan,
          If you mean the letter from the bank…I got mine a couple days after I submitted my online app so that I had it ready to send off with all my paperwork straight after my biometrics appointment.

          You still need to send the Appendix 7 – self assessment yes! 🙂

  18. SAIKATIB March 21, 2012 at 2:36 PM #

    @ Alana
    Regarding the 1600 pounds , you need to show that you have that amount on the date of your application, e.g if you were to apply on the 10th may then you need to send in bank statement/letter showing you had that amount on that date.
    They generally wouldn’t issue a visa if your entry to the UK is outside three months of your arrival to the uk, i.e best to apply for the visa within three months of your arrival. Hope that helps!

  19. SAIKATIB March 21, 2012 at 2:39 PM #

    @ Ryan
    When i sent of my application i sent both the bank statement and a letter confirming the funds held in the account. Why not send both to cover all grounds!

  20. ALANA March 22, 2012 at 12:57 AM #

    Hey thanks SaikatiB that does help a lot, I just wasn’t sure on what to do. They make things confusing haha. I know it’s a pretty straight forward thing but it’s so much help when someone else gives you some advice, it’s less stressful having to worry on your own about all the little details that are needed 🙂
    Do you know by any chance if you need to show proof of the funds when you arrive?

  21. KRISTI March 22, 2012 at 3:33 AM #

    Just wondering…Is anyone moving or has anyone already moved to North England as opposed to London??

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD March 22, 2012 at 9:22 AM #

      I have a friend from home that is an hour north of London but the process of moving to London or further north is much the same. Most people come to London as its got lots going on and its easy to escape to Europe for weekends and longer trips.

      • KRISTI March 24, 2012 at 6:56 AM #

        Hey nomad, thanks for replying. I’ve already been granted my visa…thanks to a lot of help from your site! 🙂 I’m looking at moving North…to Yorkshire…something different 😉 Though definitely be making some London trips! So just wondering if anyone had done that or everyone just went for London.

  22. JESS March 23, 2012 at 12:22 AM #

    Hey Guys!

    I just need to vent, I’m concerned about my visa! I have read so many posts about people’s Visa’s only taking approx. 1 week to be approved, which is great, but I sent mine almost 2 weeks ago and have heard nothing.

    Does anyone think that because I’m travelling with my partner who is a British Citizen that it might take longer?

    Thanks Guys

    Jess

    • AMITY March 23, 2012 at 12:32 AM #

      Hi Jess,

      Don’t worry too much! As it is getting closer to the summer months in the UK I can imagine that they’d be getting more applications this time of year and that may slow things down a little. I know how you feel though, waiting to hear was the hardest, I ended up having a fight with my mum because I was driving her insane stressing about if it was approved, then 5 min later I got the email saying it was going to be dispatched!

      I have heard of some people also not getting the email at all, and then it just arriving in the mail. Try tracking your return post code? Wait a few more days, and then you could touch base with them, I think they’ll only accept process queries if it has been over a certain amount of time, can’t remember but read it on the website somewhere.

      Good luck 🙂

    • JESSICA March 24, 2012 at 4:38 PM #

      Jess,
      I travelled here with my boyfriend, who has a British passport, and there was no delay in that, he wasn’t even involved in it. Like Amity said, some just take a longer time. There is a guide to how long certain times of the year take, here’s the link http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/australia/processing-times/?langname=UK%20English#resultTableAnchor , hopefully that works (I’m on an iPad so maybe not). I know how stressful this is… Good luck and let us know how you have gone 🙂

  23. MATT March 26, 2012 at 10:50 PM #

    Hi All

    I’ve just sent my Youth Mobility Visa in, and realised I’ve answered a question incorrectly ‘is this your 1st passport?’ I said my current passport was my 1st passport, but just realised I had one when I was a kid – which probably expired like 10 years ago and is long gone.

    Anyone else done this? Has it been an issue?

    Cheers
    Matt

  24. CARLY March 27, 2012 at 2:11 AM #

    Hey,
    I am having issues working out this “The fourth item as mentioned in the first post is to print off the Appendix 7 document and fill it in”
    The link just takes us to that website which is so complicated to navigate!!
    I am unsure about where to find this form. Can you help me please?
    My biometric appoint is tomorrow.

    Cheers,
    Carly

  25. JOEL March 27, 2012 at 11:26 AM #

    Hi guys,

    This is my second post about the YMS, I have attended my biometric appointment and sent in my documents a week and a half ago. I have just received a small letter in the mail saying my platinum express envelop is ready to be picked up from the post office, yet I haven’t received an email….as I have been reading, I realised I didn’t send in the Appendix 7 form. Could that result in a refusal? I have sent in all other required info.

    I will go to the post office first thing tomorrow to check. nervoussss!!!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD March 27, 2012 at 11:36 AM #

      Hi Joel, some people never got an email and others did so the whole process there seems a bit strange. I’d say you will be all good and will keep my fingers crossed for you.

      • JOEL March 29, 2012 at 7:06 AM #

        Great News, Passport arrived along with a UK visa stamped in there!!! So Exciting…and a little scary!

        It says it starts 31/5, however I was looking at booking a flight a week or two following. Is there a certain date that I need to arrive in the UK by?

  26. JESS March 27, 2012 at 9:28 PM #

    I received my passport with Visa included yesterday!!!!! Wooo!! 6 weeks and I’ll be in the UK!! Can’t wait!

    Thanks,
    Jess

    • JAIME December 11, 2012 at 2:44 AM #

      Jess! I’m leaving in 6 weeks for the uk too, but as of now! How has it been for you over there?! Did you know anyone before you left? Xx

  27. KRISTI March 27, 2012 at 9:54 PM #

    Eek! One way flight booked for 16th April! England…here I come 🙂

    Hope everyone is enjoying their time over there!
    Thanks,
    Kristi

  28. SAIKATIB March 29, 2012 at 5:06 PM #

    @ Joel
    Hey Joel my visa starts mid May, but am actually going to be entering the UK about a month later in June, it should be fine as your entering on or after the visa starts!

  29. SAIKATIB March 29, 2012 at 5:08 PM #

    Kristi
    Just a quick question as your traveling soon, do you have any tips on accomodation on arrival to the UK?

    • KRISTI March 31, 2012 at 12:29 PM #

      Hi SaikatiB,
      I’m not moving to London sorry so probably not much help. I’m moving up north and have a family friend putting me up for a few days while I organise somewhere in the city. When do you head over? good luck 🙂

  30. JANE March 30, 2012 at 4:24 AM #

    Hi there,

    Your blog is amazing and has answered pretty much all of my questions about the application procedure. I am currently in the process of collecting all my documents and completing the application. However I don’t kno what to put for one question and can’t find any guidance on it anywhere. On the first page of the application form it asks how many points you scored for Attributes, English and Maintenance. The Attributes and Maintenance were easy as I have the money and Aus passport and am under 31. However I don’t know what to put for english as it is not covered in the calculator and I don’t just want to leave it blank. Any advice?

    Thanks and I hope you are having an awesome time, Hope to be there in June!!

    Jane

  31. SAIKATIB March 31, 2012 at 1:45 PM #

    Hi Kristi
    Thanks for the reply.At this stage am looking at entering the UK early to mid June and am keen on London, have vaguely started looking at accommodation options !

  32. SAIKATIB March 31, 2012 at 1:50 PM #

    @ Jane

    As for the English question , leave it as a blank as it does not apply to the YMS Visa. your on the right track and all the best.

  33. HEL Q April 2, 2012 at 5:17 AM #

    Hello!

    I have my biometrics appointment tomorrow and I have managed to cut my thumb over the weekend!!!! Does anyone know if they actually won’t take my biometrics with a small cut on my thumb and if I should change my appointment?

  34. THE AUSSIE NOMAD April 2, 2012 at 9:09 AM #

    Hel that’s a damn good question to be honest. I’d give them a call because I would imagine they can’t take your prints if that is the case.

  35. COURTNEY A April 10, 2012 at 8:29 AM #

    Hey Aussie Nomad,
    Thank you so much for your blog it has helped me sooooo much, I seriously thought before finding this blog I was going to have a mental breakdown.
    Just a couple of questions if anyone would be able to help me.
    On the application form when it gets to the section on your parents and where they were born, I forgot to put in their middle names. Do you guys think it will be a problem or am I able to write them in now with a pen?
    Also, I am planning to travel to the UK beginning of September, I have already applied for my visa tho because I am going to travel Europe first for a couple of Months (I am leaving in June). So my visa will just start automatically and i loose some months of my visa? I’m so confused :S.
    I’m planning to send it in on Friday, I just want to get it over and done with now.
    Thanks so much guys 😀

  36. SHIMDOG April 10, 2012 at 9:03 AM #

    Thanks Aussie Nomad – you’ve really clarified a lot of grey areas for me. In OZ there’s an ad on TV which promotes UK tourism (ahead of the London Olympics). One would think before they encourage more Aussies to travel to the UK, they could make their website more user friendly?!? “Include supporting documents” – talk about being specific… I’ve just got a quick question which I don’t think has been raised/answered before – I actually sent through all my paperwork to the UK Boarder Agency with my original current passport but did not send previous passports as I was not aware that I had to. In my application form, I ticked “expired” box and provided by previous passport details (I was able to obtain these by ringing up the Australian Passport Office). I have since realised that my previous passports should have been provided unless I ticked the “Lost” box. Do you know if they will reject my application on this basis? I appreciate that you wouldn’t know the answer to all the questions that get thrown in this thread but would really appreciate your opinion on this….

  37. JANE April 12, 2012 at 4:28 AM #

    Hey there,

    Thanks for your help with previous questions and providing such an awesome resource for us!!! I submitted my application today, damn exchange rates, $301 to apply (OUCH!!)
    Biometrics next week in brissie YAY!! Starting to feel more real now its all underway.

    Thanks again,
    Jane

  38. NICOLE April 17, 2012 at 5:33 PM #

    Just wondering did you end up having to send in a copy of the application as well as taking one with you?

  39. HUONGY April 19, 2012 at 2:12 AM #

    Hi All
    As most of you are already in the UK, just wondering if the exchange rate is better over there or should I exchange my money here first in Aussie?

    I will be leaving in 10 more days woo hoo 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Thanks!!

  40. DEEMARTI April 20, 2012 at 4:54 PM #

    I sent two sepperate parcels on the same day due to me forgetting my appendix 7 in the original documentation. I’m really afraid I will be rejected purely because I have sent off two sepperate parcels and the info isnt all together. Have you heard anything aput this at all? Help!

  41. JOEL April 23, 2012 at 10:02 AM #

    Hey guys,

    I have my visa approved and ready to land in london on the 9th of June!! I have only booked a one way flight, will there be any issues getting through customs etc? Have others booked a return or one way?

    Cheers.

  42. JAIME April 25, 2012 at 10:03 AM #

    Hi! THis has been the most useful website I have ever read.
    I applied for the YM Visa last week and have my appointment for biometrics on the 7th of May. I am flying outta Aus on the 2nd of June to go to Sth America. I am wondering if I should just bail on the whole thing for now incase I dont get my passport back in time to go! Im not planning on being in the uk until Late december, should I just get back from my trip, then apply again?? How do I get my 300 dollars back?\
    thanks
    Jaime xx

  43. CARA April 25, 2012 at 10:15 AM #

    hi thanks for the great information. just a quick question… do you need to get your bank statements stamped from the bank? thanks

  44. JAIME April 25, 2012 at 10:26 AM #

    ok. So i just cancelled it. I wa probably unrealistic to expect it back in time! especially as I am in the process of getting a US VISA!! I will apply again when I get home in December and play the waiting game then, when I dont have such a hectic timeframe!!!
    Thanks guys!

    One more question….how hard/easy was it to find a room to rent once you got there??
    Thanks:) xxx

  45. ALANA April 25, 2012 at 2:11 PM #

    Hi there, this may be a bit of a silly question but I’m just wondering on how people who are going to live in the UK for a while take all there money over? that is if they have a lot to take with them. Would you take it all on a travel card or something like that and then transfer to a bank account, transfer from your account back home, if possible or bring it all in cash?
    Just don’t know what the easiest thing would be to do without going with one of those companies that help you get started with basic $80 jump start packs transferring the money for you.

    I have gone over all this information so many times haha the really simple things start to mess with you head lol when your wanting to make sure your ready with every detail.
    sorry if it sounds really dumb to people I just need to know someone out there has thought the same thing as me and im not alone 🙂

    • AMITY April 26, 2012 at 12:22 AM #

      Alana, you’re not alone!

      I’m stressing about that myself. I leave in a month and need to work out what time doing. I’ve set up a UK bank account with Clydesdale Bank as you can set one up through NAB migrant banking in Australia for free.

      But now I’m anxious to transfer money into that account before I’m in the UK. :S

      So I’m thinking I’ll transfer a bit onto a travel card, a little in cash, a bit into the UK account (and hope all goes fine with that when I get there) and leave the rest into my Aussie account until I get there.

      To transfer into the UK account I’m going to use a company called Tranzfers.

      I’m so anxious about a years worth of hardcore savings, and don’t really know what to do! 🙂

      • THE AUSSIE NOMAD May 7, 2012 at 5:42 PM #

        Amity I’d look at getting NAB to transfer the money for you or sign up for a 28 Degrees Mastercard and transfer the money onto that. They don’t charge fees for withdrawing money abroad.

        Also NAB had (not sure if its still available) a Gold account which cost you 10 a month but let you withdraw money with no fees once you were abroad. You could simply use that to access your money until you start earning money abroad as then you can simply spend from your account over here.

  46. RYAN April 26, 2012 at 2:04 AM #

    Umm quick question, my paperwork was posted off last Wednesday, but I still havnt even received an email confirming they have my paperwork? Did everyone receive an email saying they have the paperwork? Starting to stress slightly

    • AMITY April 26, 2012 at 2:23 AM #

      No email when they receive it, only when they dispatch it 🙂

  47. ALANA April 26, 2012 at 2:35 AM #

    Hi Amity, thank you so much for your reply!
    I think I will do the same thing as you and break it up a bit. It looks like the best option anyway just in case.
    But I know what you mean, you have heaps of savings and your worried about sending it all over before you even arrive, it’s a little nerve racking lol.
    Thanks again for your tips, its good to hear when its from someone else 🙂

  48. ALANA April 26, 2012 at 2:39 AM #

    @ Joel –
    Hey Joel I’m pretty sure it will be ok you going on a one way ticket, I haven’t heard of any others having issues 🙂
    When I apply for mine in a month I will be going on a one way ticket 🙂

  49. SAIKATIB April 26, 2012 at 2:49 AM #

    Hey Guys
    Has anyone shipped excess luggage to the UK and if so what company did you use??

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD May 7, 2012 at 5:39 PM #

      Its crazy expensive to ship stuff to and from the UK. I’d sell your stuff at home and buy new stuff over here, its rather cheap anyway.

      • KRISTI May 8, 2012 at 6:35 PM #

        Hi SaikatiB,

        I shipped a medium size boz from London to Aus after holidays last year and seriously – it’s just not worth it! lol Nomad is right – buy what you need over here! 🙂

        If you fly with Emirates you get 30kg tho and trust me – that helps!!
        (Even if I was still taking stuff out at the airport) Damn scales!! 😛

  50. DEEMARTI April 26, 2012 at 8:47 AM #

    I’m stressing because I sent my paper work off sepperately because I forgot half of it like an idiot! Has anyone done this? I’m freaking out!

    • KATE May 22, 2012 at 1:33 PM #

      Hi Deemarti,
      I also forgot appendix 7, the sheet they gave me at biometrics didn’t mention it, but I’ve looked at appendix 7 and all the required info I have supplied in various other forms, eg bank statements and that long print out of the online application.

      I was freaking out because I though it would automatically mean I was out, but others here have stated they forgot it too and still were approved. Should I post off Appendix 7 today ( i sent everything else yesderday) or email them. What’s their email.WHY DIDNT THEY SAY ON THE DAMN FORM FROM BIOMETRICS ABOUT APPENDIX 7!??!?!?!?!?!??!

Leave a Reply