Hi,

I have just lodged my application online (eVisa) for General Skilled Independent visa (with MODL). 2 days later I received an automatic email confirming receipt of my application by ASPC. I guess this is the acknowledgment email?

However, in this email they also requested the following among other documents:
Form 160EH - Radiologist report on chest x-ray
Form 26EH - Medical examination for an Australian visa
Form 47P - Overseas penal clearance certificate

Now, I am in doubt. Should I really do the medicals and police checks right-away? I thought that I should wait for a case officer to request me for medicals and PC before sending them to ASPC?

Does anyone know what I should do?

Thanks.

Hi Rishi
We applied online and when we got the confirmation email we got the meds and police checks done as requested. The meds were sent and according to the online status page the meds appear to have been checked and finalised. The police checks however 1x A4 page I scanned and attached but there's no acknowledgment on the page about them I've emailed to query if I need to send the originals but no response and still no C/O. I suppose it depends when you want to get over but and sure your aware you'll have to be over within 12 months of the meds or police checks which ever's earlier. I'm sure someone will correct me if that's wrong

Processing times for general skilled visa applications are some 6 to 9 months for UK based applicants presently (we are presently seeing applications lodged in November 2007 being assessed by case/support officers).

Given this and the 12 month validity of medicals and police clearance certificates (with a consequential impact on your required date of initial entry to Australia) I would generally recommend waiting until a case officer has been appointed before arranging meds and police certificates - or keeping close tabs on the processing of similar applications so you can gauge the point at which they will be requested.

Maybe contact your local panel doctor to find out present lead times for appointments?

See also www.austimeline.com

Best regards.

Alan
As they have requested the meds and police checks is there any onus on them to have them processed before the meds and police checks expire?
Also is there any speed advantage in online applications that you've noticed?
Regards
Neil

I'd be fairly confident a case officer will look at the application before meds and penals expire. The problem with arranging them too early is the need to actually enter Australia soon after visa grant.

Best regards.

Thanks a lot Neil and Alan!

I had thought that I needed to do the meds and police checks immediately on receiving this email. So now I know that I can wait till a CO is assigned to get these done. Was a little afraid that this email was the request that everybody was talking about (request for meds and pc, I mean). I am a bit relieved now. Thanks for your help again.

Best Regards,
Rishi