I have good news!

Dear SH friends, I have a happy announcement. One month ago, my boyfriend and I (he is English, living in Australia on a temporary visa) sent off all the paperwork for him to get a permanent visa. It was tons of effort and very expensive. Had to get his parents in England to apply for a UK police check and deed poll....and it's $3000 just for the privilege of them accepting your application, and of course you don't get that money back if you are denied! Anyway, we had to fill in tons of forms, get statutory declarations, he had to get a medical check, and then we needed evidence that we are in a genuine and continuing relationship! We put a lot of effort into that application :)

And yesterday, a letter came in the mail saying the visa was granted! We were so excited because the govt told us there was a "9-12 month waiting period". He can now stay in the country as long as he wants, and in three years apply for citizenship :D