For those of you starting ... read the sodding thread will you? It is a goldmine of information.

My story ...

I spoke to the exchange officer of my sister capbadge on 14 December 2005 and my case was referred to the Assistant Defence Advisor at the High Commission in January 2006 where I was advised I should proceed and go through the Lateral Scheme from the ADF website. I have just had the interview (29 August) and passed it with a provisional (on medical grounds) offer of employment in the ADF. The reasons for the delays are many - some bad admin on my part - some pure misunderstandings - but most due to difficulties with the labour agreement (these can be smoothed by complete documentation regarding all of your courses - if you don't have it then go and get it now).

If I nail the medical thing ... in my estimation the earliest I'll get there will be Autumn next year. It can be a long haul gentlemen and having been this far and now fully understanding the process it depends on a huge amount of factors - the biggest one being - your trade, experience and your qualifications (and proof thereof) versus the LSNs they have to fill.

If you get to the interview you have done well to get that far and the process is a very adult process but bear in mind its just like Glasgow or the job centre - they are looking to fill certain slots in certain ranks.

So if you think you can nail this in 6 months ... think again - yes it has happened but you need to be prepared for the long game. And as others will tell you (or if you read the thread from start to finish) the acceptance interview is only the start - the visa process is just as daunting. Also be prepared to take a huge drop in rank particularly if you are at the top end of the non-commissioned scale.

Also be prepared for huge disappointment - as you have seen (if you've read the thread) there are some guys who have had the rug pulled from them at the last moment because of the Labour Agreement saying - sorry we're not recruiting these trades any more. At my interview on Friday there were 2 of us when there should have been more for that reason.

Not trying to put anybody off but just trying to highlight some realities - nearly 3 years since I started and although I have an offer I am by no means there at all. You have to really want this and you and your family have to be strong - do the research.

Some very valid points made by Combatintman - research and being very proactive is vital if you want to get through the application process in a timely and smooth manner, however each application is unique and it is the SCMA who can advise you best on your application (they are always helpful and 100% upfront - good news or bad).

Be realistic - if you are fit and healthy enough for your age, have the necessary qualifications, Trade and experience (for a 'vacant' LSN), are of good(ish!) character and you, and your family (if applicable), are committed to Transfering then apply and give it your best shot. You have nothing to lose in making an initial application!

Don't let anything put you off applying, a strong will and poitive manner will definately help - and if you are unsure of anything ask the forum (if you cant find it in the 30+ pages.....) or the person dealing with your application - nobody is trying to trip you up.

SCMA advise that the whole process can take, on average, 12 -18 months - so use this as a rough guide.

Its taken me 14 months to get to awaiting the Formal Offer point .

Good luck to anyone applying or awaiting the Formal Offer.

Cheers,

Black Oiler

Originally Posted by rswo

Hi all ,

Emailed my expression of interest and CV away today, what happens next and how long does it take for them to get back to you. Is there anyone with an Infantry, Bowman or Armoured Infantry back ground going/been through this process? If so how has the process been for you?

Currently deployed over in Afghanistan therefore internet access is not always possible and very slow at the best of times. :D

Regards,

RSWO

RSWO,

The next step should be to recieve an application form for the Transfer from SCMA (detail of what is required to accompany the form will also be given).

You should hear something back from SCMA within a couple of weeks.

Good luck

Black Oiler

I have also PM'd you.

Quick Question:

Would you have dual Citizenship ie UK and Australian. Therefore after 3 or 6 years you can If you wish come back to the UK. If not would you have to apply to come back to the UK as a immigrant and if so how does this effect health care and state pesions etc. The main reason for this question is that we have a older son 17 years old (19 time we move) who may stay in the Uk and we are also keen to keeping the house in the UK on as a Rental to him or a agency or even to use as a holiday home/investment (I know housing market is not good, however it will go up, I hope!!!).

Regards,

RSWO

Originally Posted by rswo

Quick Question:

Would you have dual Citizenship ie UK and Australian. Therefore after 3 or 6 years you can If you wish come back to the UK. If not would you have to apply to come back to the UK as a immigrant and if so how does this effect health care and state pesions etc. The main reason for this question is that we have a older son 17 years old (19 time we move) who may stay in the Uk and we are also keen to keeping the house in the UK on as a Rental to him or a agency or even to use as a holiday home/investment (I know housing market is not good, however it will go up, I hope!!!).

Regards,

RSWO

Hello RSWO

I am just about to return to the UK, after taking in the Orlando experience for the last 2 weeks. I enlist in just over a weeks time. Now, to answer your Q's....... You'll retain your British citizenship, the only time you give it up, is if you decide to run for Parliament! As part of your ADF contract, you and your siblings must apply for Australian citizenship within 3 months. Your wife has to wait about 3/4 years. The new ruling for UK state pension is: you are fully qualified if you have payed 30 years contributions, this has just replaced the old 44 years system. If you have not qualified look on the pensions website and it tells you how to pay when you are out of the UK. My wife has not qualified as yet, it's not much, only about £30 a month. As far as your son goes; not too sure on this one, however I would think it would be a good idea to apply for him on the visa application. See what others say?

We were glad to sell our house, though it's entirely your call. We did not want the hassle of a large mortgage around our necks, 11000 miles away. We wanted a large sum of money to take with us. Re-read past posts on all financial matters, there is some valuable info. Just ask if you have any further Q's

Lats

thanks for your quick reply. Keep us info on your progress.

All the best,

RSWO

Originally Posted by rswo

thanks for your quick reply. Keep us info on your progress.

All the best,

RSWO

Mate

We had to leave our daughter behind (20yo) I think that over 18s are classed as NOT dependant. So have to apply in their own right (as an adult). In other words can not be on the family application. Plan is to get her out for a visit at xmas, see if she likes it, then help her apply. Feel free to pm me if you need more info.

Good luck

PYP

DISASTER !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ive just found out from DIAC that our permanent residency Visa has been denied by the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC), it seems that our disabled son who has Downs Syndrome doesnt fit in with the Australian idiology, and he would be too much of a burden on the welfre system in Oz, what a load of B******s. This is a massive blow to us as you can immagine, we are right at the end of our visa process, weve even had a pre move survey done py pickfords and our travel arrangements sent to Oz house, ive yet to get hold of the guys at the latteral entry office, but it looks like thats the end of our dream. We are waiting for the official notice to be sent to us through the post, obviously paying for private health care, putting your life on the line for the country and having a close network of family and friends near your potential posting area counts for nothing, sorry to be morbid but posts like this are just as important as the success stories, if anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it.

Cheers
Planty-re

Hi all,

Spoke to Sgt Bryson this morning. The board is being conducted at the moment and we can all expect to receive our formal offers in 2 to 3 weeks time. The wait continues....aaggghhhh!!! The Labour agreement still has not been finalised and there is no definate timeline for this as you would expect. However Sgt Bryson did elude that it was in the final stages and should have been done and dusted by now, so any time now.

Hope those fingernails are holding out.

ordovices

To all,
Had my interview on the 22nd August 2008 and was successful, just want to thank people for replying to my post. Just waiting for my formal offer which from the post above should be soon.