[Bert123]

G'day, We (family with 2 young kids) emigrated to OZ (Melbourne) from the UK in 2010. Our main concern at the time was that it was a huge gamble as the company I was going to be working for was "risky" even though it is a world leader in its field. However, we took a chance on the basis that we would sit it out for 2 years, attain PR status and then we had more control of our future. Unfortunately, prior to emigrating, there were already movements within the company which meant that in the space of 3 months, I was pushed into a new role and took on a regional role. This was an unsettling time for us all, more so as there were kids involved and could have been disastrous.
This has meant that I am having to make up my own job on a daily basis which has been frustrating for the past 12 months. In the future, there will be opportunities arising in the region but is likely to mean a move outside Australia which is not what we emigrated for.
To cut a long and boring story short, I am still working for the same company and they will put us through PR whenever we wish. The earliest time we can do this is July this year.
While we don't want to move back to the UK for many reasons, I can't continue working like this as I need to be busy! I have tried applying for other jobs but the visa situation prevents me from changing employers which is understandable. I have been offered 3 or 4 jobs since I have been here but it always stalls at the Visa discussion stage.
We have put our UK property on the market recently but will be slow to shift (if it does sell).
At the moment, it is difficult to remain positive about the future even though we are in a good position, any advice appreciated!! If I was offered a job back in the UK at the moment, we would seriously consider it.

 

[naoto]

Hi Bert. Sorry to hear about your situation. You have waited 2 years, I'm sure you can survive additional 2 month and apply for PR. Restrictions are always annoying since your fate is basically in someone's hands. This always frusturating. But once you have the PR you'll be your own king so to speak and can switch to any employer you wish.

 

[Maz25]

I agree with naoto. Sit it out until July and get your PR. Once you have that, you can change jobs and be on your way. In the meantime, use the time you have to start collecting documents for your PR application - it takes a while to get everything together and that will also take your minds off things and give you something to look forward to.

Even if you decide to go home afterwards, make sure you sort out your PR so that you still have options should you wish to come back at a later stage.

 

[shussel]

Hi,
Totally agree with other comments, stick it out - you've managed for this long you deserve to get PR and then take it from there. Why not start a new personal project to keep you busy and motivated - maybe study something / set-up a mini-business?? Do the minimum you have to at work and concentrate on planning the next phase.
Good luck!

 

[Riza2012]

G'day, We (family with 2 young kids) emigrated to OZ (Melbourne) from the UK in 2010. Our main concern at the time was that it was a huge gamble as the company I was going to be working for was "risky" even though it is a world leader in its field. However, we took a chance on the basis that we would sit it out for 2 years, attain PR status and then we had more control of our future. Unfortunately, prior to emigrating, there were already movements within the company which meant that in the space of 3 months, I was pushed into a new role and took on a regional role. This was an unsettling time for us all, more so as there were kids involved and could have been disastrous.
This has meant that I am having to make up my own job on a daily basis which has been frustrating for the past 12 months. In the future, there will be opportunities arising in the region but is likely to mean a move outside Australia which is not what we emigrated for.
To cut a long and boring story short, I am still working for the same company and they will put us through PR whenever we wish. The earliest time we can do this is July this year.
While we don't want to move back to the UK for many reasons, I can't continue working like this as I need to be busy! I have tried applying for other jobs but the visa situation prevents me from changing employers which is understandable. I have been offered 3 or 4 jobs since I have been here but it always stalls at the Visa discussion stage.
We have put our UK property on the market recently but will be slow to shift (if it does sell).
At the moment, it is difficult to remain positive about the future even though we are in a good position, any advice appreciated!! If I was offered a job back in the UK at the moment, we would seriously consider it.

get ur PR and then leave the company, or u can go back to the UK and return later as your PR is valid for 5 years.

 

[sstar]

Riza2012;

if an employer sponsors your PR isn't one legally bound to serve the employer for 2 years?

get ur PR and then leave the company, or u can go back to the UK and return later as your PR is valid for 5 years.

 

[Bert123]

Thanks for all your replies to date, for once, I would like to be in the driving seat which is causing most of the frustration! Our PR application is completed just awaiting the date when it can be submitted. I did notice a statement on the PR form (47ES) which states that by signing the form, the applicant is agreeing to take up the position (ENS) for at least 3 years. I asked my employer about this but they were unsure of what action would be taken by DIAC if the applicant moved jobs before the 3 year expiry date. I have agreed in writing to pay back the costs of the PR application if I leave before a 12 month period, this is on a sliding scale and originally they wanted me to commit to a 3 year period.
On a positive note, I am still in a good position as the company are doing everything possible under the circumstances to retain me but I did not come out to Aus to have an easy life! I want to work and be put under pressure etc.

 

[Maz25]

Riza2012;

if an employer sponsors your PR isn't one legally bound to serve the employer for 2 years?

It's a moral obligation only and most employers typically ask that you reimburse the visa expenses if you leave before the 2 years - that's pretty much it and then you can be on your merry way.

 

[sstar]

true but there are employers mostly HR firms which don't spend for the VISA but make the employee pay in those cases even re-imbursement wouldn't be required.

It's a moral obligation only and most employers typically ask that you reimburse the visa expenses if you leave before the 2 years - that's pretty much it and then you can be on your merry way.