Visa Queries - I'm confused!!!

[grif500]

Hi all

Does anyone on here work for ( or know someone who works for ) a recruitment company? Basically, after working in Melbourne for 6 months last year, I'm desperate to get back over there. The trouble is I'm a little confused on how I go about applying for jobs, as the majority of them specify that you must have a valid visa before applying (which seems like a catch-22 to me... ). The last time I was over with my previous company, so I just applied for a temp business visa, and then the 4 year visa when I was there, but I guess I can't do this now? (then again, I still have 3 years to go on that visa, don't suppose there's any chance it's still valid?)

I've thought about just going over there on a tourist visa, and then applying for jobs when there, but have heard lots of horror stories about people being turned away at customs!

Any help or advice greatly appreciated!

[vyt]

Permanent residents Visa is the best way, other than that you have to get a company to sponsor you for a business visa, then you have to leave every year for a few weeks, (I think). If you have a degree and are <35 you should get a permanent residents visa no problem. It will take 9 months or so to arrange. You can do it yourself just download the docs from the internet.

[grif500]

vyt said:

Permanent residents Visa is the best way, other than that you have to get a company to sponsor you for a business visa, then you have to leave every year for a few weeks, (I think). If you have a degree and are <35 you should get a permanent residents visa no problem. It will take 9 months or so to arrange. You can do it yourself just download the docs from the internet.

Hi vyt,

I've thought about the permanent visa route, but to be honest always presumed it wouldn't be possible for me as I would be going over on my own, and that they preferred families. The business visa is what I had before, and once you have it you can effectively stay for 4 years, without having to leave the country. This is probably what I need to get again, but the trouble is I'm finding it difficult getting interviews as the agencies don't want to know you if you haven't got the right to work there (which you can only get if you're sponsored..ARGH!!!!). Has anyone on here gone the permanent visa route on their own before? Would be interested to hear anyone elses experience,

Ta again!

[Stv]

Karl. I got a permanenet Resident Visa back in February, I'm going on my own and I'm the other side of 40. Application takes around 9 months depending on Visa category but if you have skills the Australian employers are looking for and can fulfill a few other catagories then you should get a permanent visa no prob. My flight is booked for November and coincidently have resigned from my job a couple of hours ago. Trying to get a Noble over with me as well which should be interesting.

[vyt]

grif500 said:

Hi vyt,

I've thought about the permanent visa route, but to be honest always presumed it wouldn't be possible for me as I would be going over on my own, and that they preferred families. The business visa is what I had before, and once you have it you can effectively stay for 4 years, without having to leave the country. This is probably what I need to get again, but the trouble is I'm finding it difficult getting interviews as the agencies don't want to know you if you haven't got the right to work there (which you can only get if you're sponsored..ARGH!!!!). Has anyone on here gone the permanent visa route on their own before? Would be interested to hear anyone elses experience,

Ta again!

Hi Karl

The point score that you require is lower if you have family that are willing to sponsor you. I do but still I got the visa on my own as I could just make the required point Score. The reason I said <35 is just because you get points for age. Over 40 then in my case meant I would not have had enough points without a family sponsor. If your occupation is on the jobs in demand list then you need less points. All the info that you need is on the net. My brother inlaw regularly hires engineers from the UK but is finding it harder to convince the Australian authorities that he needs to do that.
If you meet the point score the Permanent residents visa is the way to go. I think it is cheaper then the business visa as well.

Cheers

Bob

[pombstard]

I'm not sure how old you are, but me and the missus came over on Working Holiday visas (under 30 when you apply, arrive within 12 months of the visa being granted), picked up half-decent jobs, made a good fist of them, and one of the companies then offered to sponsor us to stay for up to four years (457 Visa).

After getting that visa, we then applied for permanent residency through one of the companies we worked for - used their contacts and preferred immigration consultants - and we footed the bill. Cost about AU$8,000, but took 3 weeks.

Have heard horror stories to complememnt to good stories of doing it your self, but they're usually down to 'difficult' circumstances.

Just out of interest, what is your career??

[grif500]

Thanks for the replies guys, lots of thinking ahead of me I reckon!

Bob, unfortunately I don't have any family in Aus, so I'd have to apply purely on my own merit. I'm 29 and would be when I apply, but will more than likely have turned 30 once I get over there. I've filled in those "self assessment" points test online, and come in above my requirement, but I'm reluctant to rely on these as I presume they pass everyone in order to get your business (cynical, me, never....)

Lee, I work in IT (Unix/Storage SA), and have previously worked in Melbourne with this skill set. From looking at the Aus job sites there seems to be quite a lot of work in Sydney and Melbourne, so hopefully finding a job wouldn't be difficult. I guess it's all about taking hte plunge and going for it!

Oh, and Steve, could you let me know how you get on with the Noble? I'd love to take my Griff over (hmmmm, V8 motoring down the Great Ocean Road ) so would be interested in how you get along,

Thanks again!

Karl

[vyt]

grif500 said:

Thanks for the replies guys, lots of thinking ahead of me I reckon!

Bob, unfortunately I don't have any family in Aus, so I'd have to apply purely on my own merit. I'm 29 and would be when I apply, but will more than likely have turned 30 once I get over there. I've filled in those "self assessment" points test online, and come in above my requirement, but I'm reluctant to rely on these as I presume they pass everyone in order to get your business (cynical, me, never....)

Karl

Karl, Ah, didn't mean those consultant sites, can't be doing with those. The OZ government have all of the current points test info on the immi.gov.au website. You can download the points test information, the visa application and the qualification assessment.

First you have to get your qualifications and experience assesed. From what you have said I think no problem but you have to get that done, cost about $400AU. if I remember correctly.

Then armed with that assessment you complete the visa application, send it and a bunch of certified copies of passport birth cert etc and $1750AU or there abouts then wait to be asked for police report and medical info.

Bob

[grif500]

vyt said:

grif500 said:

Thanks for the replies guys, lots of thinking ahead of me I reckon!

Bob, unfortunately I don't have any family in Aus, so I'd have to apply purely on my own merit. I'm 29 and would be when I apply, but will more than likely have turned 30 once I get over there. I've filled in those "self assessment" points test online, and come in above my requirement, but I'm reluctant to rely on these as I presume they pass everyone in order to get your business (cynical, me, never....)

Karl

Karl, Ah, didn't mean those consultant sites, can't be doing with those. The OZ government have all of the current points test info on the immi.gov.au website. You can download the points test information, the visa application and the qualification assessment.

First you have to get your qualifications and experience assesed. From what you have said I think no problem but you have to get that done, cost about $400AU. if I remember correctly.

Then armed with that assessment you complete the visa application, send it and a bunch of certified copies of passport birth cert etc and $1750AU or there abouts then wait to be asked for police report and medical info.

Bob

Thanks for that Bob, I've got all the relevant info now, hopefully be going through the assessment phase soon, might even make it over there for the Ashes