Sponsorship for over 45's?

[Anji]

Just wondered if anyone has got into Australia on 1121I route, and was the process difficult?

Our situation is hubby is 47, I’m 52, no kids - so obviously we both fail the under 45 rule. Hubby is a well qualified computer professional specialising in computer storage systems currently working for a local Council and has a Masters, - I’m self employed.

Hubby has a brother in Mackay and we went out last year and spent time there and in Sydney, - and absolutely fell in love with the country and people and decided we would love to relocate there.

We’ve been to some of the exhibitions, - found them seriously busy and even the migration experts who seem eager to have anyone’s money weren’t particularly interested in us due to our age.

We’ve been investigating moving to New Zealand as they allow entry under 55. We pass all the points requirements, and are aware if we stay for 5 years we can then relocate to Australia. Went to a NZ jobs fair and there were some serious blue chip IT companies, who nearly had his arm off and wanted to know when we could come. So we’re reasonably sure that he’s very employable.

However, we keep coming back to wanting to move directly to Australia. Find getting information on the net a bit frustrating, - the Aus government site isn’t particularly user friendly, - and if you go on migration agents sites, - all they want is your money!

Eventually I rang the £1 a line number at the embassy and spoke to a guy there who was very helpful and told me we could get out on a sponsored visa (1121I route) and seemed to think as hubby was only slightly over the age limit it shouldn’t be a problem if his job was in demand. It does appear to be a real demand for his job, - trawling the job sites there appears to be plenty of work in his area of work, although mainly around Sydney and Melbourne.

We’re not ready to even think about contacting possible employers yet, as we’re thinking of making the move in 12 to 18 months.

So, with apologies for the long winded post, - I was curious to know if anyone else has gone down this route and how difficult is it? Are employers really prepared to go through the 6 to 9 month process of sponsoring employees? Can they/do they change their minds half way through the process? What is the timescale you have to commit to the employer? Would we be better off going to NZ, and applying for sponsorship to Aus from there? Or really any other info that you might think is useful about it all.

Many thanks,



Anji

[kaz101]

Hi Anji,

Welcome to the forum.

I know you are not going to like what I'm about to say but I would talk to an agent Yes they want money but the first consultation is usually free and you'll get a better idea of where you stand. Some agents ask for staged payments so that is you are turned down you don't lose all your money.

I've never even heard of that visa type but I'm sure that you can find the details on the immigration website but it sounds like you've been there already.

Alan Collett is sometimes on this forum and it may be worth dropping him an email and getting his advice.

There is also a NZ country section on this forum although I have to say that a lot of the posts aren't as positive as I thought they would be.

Good luck,
Karen

[TGM]

Some employers are used to putting their valued over 45's through the sponsored route for PR: Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 121/856), it's not that unusual and they seem to find good reasons to justify it. I know people in their early 50s who've got through ok.

I'm not sure how an agent is going to be able to help you with this one because it is the employer who does all the "leg work" and gets the prior approval before you submit your application, but if you feel the need to seek advice go for it.

This is the page on the immigration website you need to start at
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 121/856)
then
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 121/856)
and the exemptions page
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 121/856)

But don't be surprised if the employer opts to bring you over on temp 4 year visa called a 457 instead.

This is fast tracked and will get you into the country a lot faster than applying for sponsored PR will, very often it comes through in a month or so.

You can then apply for sponsored PR through your employer at a later date. (Just make sure you have a formal agreement from them that they are able and willing to do this for you)

For heavens sakes don't fall into the trap of settling on NZ as a fall back. It's not worth the backwards step careerwise and it's nothing like Australia.
5 years, plus 10 months or so waiting for NZ citizenship to be approved, is a long time at this stage of a career.

[TGM]

P.S.
By the way, the 457 Visa is not age dependent so being over 45 won't be an issue.

Here's the link for it

Temporary Business (Long Stay) - Standard Business Sponsorship (Subclass 457)

Good luck, it's not as hard as it seems at first.

[Dolly]

Hi there,

I'm no expert but 1121i is not a visa type. It's a form which contains SOL and ENSOL (the skilled occupations acceptable for General Skilled Migration and the Employer Nominated Scheme).

As Karen suggested, I would definitely seek professional advice from a migration agent. They usually don't charge for the first consultation and it is without obligation.

We used George Lombard who was absolutely fantastic. Whoever you choose, just make sure they are members of MARA or MIA.

Let us know how you get on, and if you've got any other questions just ask. There's always someone on here who can help and put in the right direction.

Dolly

[ste74]

Hi I'm going on a 457 to Mackay. There are a few benefits to being on a 457 but ultimately the PR is what you will be needing. I would use it as a way to get you in to Oz.
Just a note: it took 3 weeks start to finish to get the Visa !!