Dilemma over Visas

[Miss Swan]

Hi everyone! I've been trolling this forum and gotten loads of wonderful information and cheers to those who've succeeded in getting their visas! Hope to receive some advice from Karen/Dolly as they've been so heartwarming with their replies!

I'm intending to move to Brisbane where my boyfriend is, but am having a headache over which visa can give me the best chances.

1) Skilled Migration Visa
I barely scraped through the test with the following results:
50 points for your nominated occupation
30 points for your age
25 points for English language ability
0 points for your work experience
15 points for your occupation in demand / job offer
0 points for Australian qualifications
0 points for spouse skills
0 points for work experience within Australia
0 points for language experience
0 points for regional study experience
0 points for State/Territory sponsorship
120 total points

I was just wondering how long it'll take to process this type of Visa if I apply for it? I read somewhere that 120 points will put me on a "waiting list"?

2) De-facto Visa
I'm currently working overseas on a contract but intend to join my b/f when the contract ends, hence it's not practical for us to have joint accounts, joint bill payments, joint assets, etc. But I can provide proof of photos and Skype calls/sms to show that we're serious and earnest about our relationship. Yes, sadly, we're enduring a long-distance relationship via the Internet, but we're still going strong!

This seems to put me at a serious disadvantage, since OZ Immigration doesn't recognise Internet communication as time spent together. For this year of 2008, I only get to see him 3 times/yr for a week each What can I do to make my case stronger?

3) Work Visa
I will try submitting my CV through recruitment agencies/headhunters/websites, and hope they can see my overseas working experience (in China & India, 2 of the world's largest growing economies) as a value-add. However, not sure how keen OZ employers (especially in Brisbane) are on hiring foreigners with no valid OZ work visa. *cross my fingers*

Oh boy I've run out of options at this point. It will positively sadden (and kill) me if I have to end our relationship for the lack of a Visa to go over and join my honey in Brisbane...

Any tips or experiences to share will be really really helpful!
Cheers,
Miss Swan

[kaz101]

Hi Miss Swan,

Welcome to the forum.

Originally Posted by Miss Swan

I'm intending to move to Brisbane where my boyfriend is, but am having a headache over which visa can give me the best chances.

1) Skilled Migration Visa
I barely scraped through the test with the following results:
50 points for your nominated occupation
30 points for your age
25 points for English language ability
0 points for your work experience
15 points for your occupation in demand / job offer
0 points for Australian qualifications
0 points for spouse skills
0 points for work experience within Australia
0 points for language experience
0 points for regional study experience
0 points for State/Territory sponsorship
120 total points

I was just wondering how long it'll take to process this type of Visa if I apply for it? I read somewhere that 120 points will put me on a "waiting list"?

I went through the point test link in the "Please read..." post and according to this website What is the points test? - Workers - Visas & Immigration
120 is a pass mark and does NOT put you on the waiting list.

Originally Posted by Miss Swan

2) De-facto Visa
I'm currently working overseas on a contract but intend to join my b/f when the contract ends, hence it's not practical for us to have joint accounts, joint bill payments, joint assets, etc. But I can provide proof of photos and Skype calls/sms to show that we're serious and earnest about our relationship. Yes, sadly, we're enduring a long-distance relationship via the Internet, but we're still going strong!

This seems to put me at a serious disadvantage, since OZ Immigration doesn't recognise Internet communication as time spent together. For this year of 2008, I only get to see him 3 times/yr for a week each What can I do to make my case stronger?

If you can get in on your own (see above) then you don't need to worry about the de-facto relationship.

Originally Posted by Miss Swan

3) Work Visa
I will try submitting my CV through recruitment agencies/headhunters/websites, and hope they can see my overseas working experience (in China & India, 2 of the world's largest growing economies) as a value-add. However, not sure how keen OZ employers (especially in Brisbane) are on hiring foreigners with no valid OZ work visa. *cross my fingers*

Unless you are sponsored most of us come in Oz without a job and get one when we are here. Most employers won't even consider you unless you have the right to work here.

If you read through some of the posts that hasn't stopped people who are in demand from contacting employers and trying to get jobs though.

As always Dolly and I would recommend contacting an agent since we are not experts. The first consultation is usually free and we have 2 agents on the forum - Alan Collett and Liana Allan, or you can try some recommendations form other members.

Regards,
Karen

[Miss Swan]

Hi Karen! Thanks so much for your swift replies!

So that's great, if 120 points does get me in, then can any of the forum members share with me how long is the waiting process for visa approval?

And I'm very keen to know how most of you get into OZ and then get a job there? If I enter OZ, it'll be on a holiday visa and employers won't be keen as they have to wait for me to go back to my home country to apply for a work visa.

De-facto will be Plan B if the work visa / skilled migration visa doesn't get through. Was pondering through my relationship situation and realise it's a toughie as we're doing long-distance pretty much of the way.

[kaz101]

Hi Miss Swan,

Originally Posted by Miss Swan

So that's great, if 120 points does get me in, then can any of the forum members share with me how long is the waiting process for visa approval?

It depends on the type of visa. There is a thread on here (started by Dolly I think) that has some times scales otherwise check out timeline with your visa type.

Originally Posted by Miss Swan

And I'm very keen to know how most of you get into OZ and then get a job there? If I enter OZ, it'll be on a holiday visa and employers won't be keen as they have to wait for me to go back to my home country to apply for a work visa.

Ah I thought you were coming in on a permanent visa. For the permanent skilled independent visa you need 120 points. The points aren't required for a working holiday visa (18 - 30 years) or a holiday visa. You can check out the requirements in the "PLEASE READ..." post since there are links to the Oz immigration site.

We came in on a skilled independent visa and my husband got a job when he got here. It took us two in all with the skills assessment process as well. Most people seem to come in as skilled independents or sponsored visas.

Agents should be able to advise you on the most suitable route for your circumstances. Employers will want you to have a visa to work here unless they are willing to sponsor you.

Originally Posted by Miss Swan

De-facto will be Plan B if the work visa / skilled migration visa doesn't get through. Was pondering through my relationship situation and realise it's a toughie as we're doing long-distance pretty much of the way.

As you say I would leave that as plan B for now, but an agent will be able to give you more info about de-facto relationships. I know someone has placed the criteria on a recent thread in this forum.

Regards,
Karen