Visa confusion

eb9129 · #1 (**permalink**) 2nd April 2008, 08:28 PM

Hi all
My family are in a bit of a quandry and could do with a bit of help from anyone in the know. We are hoping to move out to Perth for 2 years but are findin gthe whole visa thing a bit frustrating. We have more than enough points for a permanent visa but would prefer not to go down this route due to cost and time. My husband is an IT specialist and I am a teacher and we have 2 small children. Is there any way we can get to Australia without going down the permanent visa avenue? We are aware of the work sponsored visa and are trying to get work from here but it is proving quite hard. We had considered going over on a tourist visa and then converting to sponsored - is this frowned upon? Could my husband go over on a working holiday visa (we are under 30), we follow shortly after on a tourist visa and then we all apply to stay on a work sposored visa once my husband gets work - again, is this possible? HELP!!!

Dolly · #2 (**permalink**) 4th April 2008, 06:27 AM

Hi there,

I have to say that the PR route for a visa is by far the best. It may take a bit more time, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune as you could do most/all of the work yourself.

Being sponsored by a company is quite rare these days, it does happen, but you're very lucky if it does.

Regional sponsored means you'll be tied to a certain part of the country for a period of time.

There's no rush due to your ages, so why are you being put off by the permanent visa route?

You can phone a migration agent for an initial consultation (this is normally free and without obligation), or we have 2 agents that post on here (Alan Collet and Liana Allan) you may be able to help you.

Dolly

eb9129 · #3 (**permalink**) 9th April 2008, 08:01 PM

Thanks for that. We have now decided to go down the PR route as you suggested. I know each case is different, but is it often that the visa can take 18 months? I know I am being impatient!!!

Dolly · #4 (**permalink**) 9th April 2008, 09:04 PM

Hi,

I think you've made a very wise decision. If you get cracking now on your skills assessment then you could be in sunny Australia by this time next year. I know that sounds a long way off but believe me you'll be so busy with the assessment and main application that the time will whizz by, and it will also give you the opportunity to take your time and decide where you want to live, housing, schools (if your kiddies are old enough).

Good luck!

Dolly