Visa with criminal record

[simsy109]

Hi there,

I am only going to Oz on holiday for 4 weeks and not moving there but would like the idea to in the future. However for now let me explain my current problem and i am some of you might have the expiereince to help.

Im planning on going to oz in april to visit my girlfriend who is doing a round the world trip. I originally applied for an eta visa online and it came back fine and was all paid for. Problem is i read the small print which said this type of visa is not ok with a criminal record which i was unfortunate to get april last year. I got common assault for pushing someone who was shouting in my face they fell over cause a minor injury. Made a mistake in my life and now its coming back to haunt me all the time. Most annoying when im not a violent person and never been in trouble in my life. I got 100 hours community service which i completed with good reports. Ive called the oz embassy in london and was told to print of a 48R form (visa) which i filled in details including criminal record and brief discription of what happened. I was told it takes up to 10 days but my be a bit longer due to my case. Obviously im in a panic now and even if i get the visa i still have to tick the criminal record box on the passenger form on plane.

Anyone have any expierence on this basically to stop me worrying or any advice? thanks

[cantwait]

Hi
Your best bet is to call a migration agent. It is there job to know this stuff and most i've ever spoken to are really helpful

good luck

[calNgary]

Mnay guys on here have gained permant residency whilst holding a criminal record so i reakon youll be ok for a few weeks holiday.
Cal x

[Gollywobbler]

If I were you, I'd keep schtum for now. The conviction you have mentioned would NOT prevent you from getting PR in Oz. If it won't stop one from getting PR, who in their right mind is seriously bothered about one month?

The Character Requirement for migration to Oz is set out in S01 of the Migration Act. There is a good, accurate description of it here:

Australian Immigration Fact Sheet 79. The Character Requirement

Best wishes

Gill

[wombatty]

Hi there,

I am only going to Oz on holiday for 4 weeks and not moving there but would like the idea to in the future. However for now let me explain my current problem and i am some of you might have the expiereince to help.

Im planning on going to oz in april to visit my girlfriend who is doing a round the world trip. I originally applied for an eta visa online and it came back fine and was all paid for. Problem is i read the small print which said this type of visa is not ok with a criminal record which i was unfortunate to get april last year. I got common assault for pushing someone who was shouting in my face they fell over cause a minor injury. Made a mistake in my life and now its coming back to haunt me all the time. Most annoying when im not a violent person and never been in trouble in my life. I got 100 hours community service which i completed with good reports. Ive called the oz embassy in london and was told to print of a 48R form (visa) which i filled in details including criminal record and brief discription of what happened. I was told it takes up to 10 days but my be a bit longer due to my case. Obviously im in a panic now and even if i get the visa i still have to tick the criminal record box on the passenger form on plane.

Anyone have any expierence on this basically to stop me worrying or any advice? thanks

Hi there,

Good on you for coming clean - DIAC like that! It doesn't sound like you have too much to worry about though in my opinion. If you have completed community service and have had no other problems, it's likley to be treated as a pretty minor offence.

Were you issued with a report regarding the completion of your community service? It may be worth keeping a copy. Otherwise, just be honest. You've filled in the correct paperwork so there's no reason why your ETA won't stand up and I doubt very much it'll impede any plans for PR in the future.

Good luck.

[simsy109]

Just got an email from oz embassy asking for a police certificate that i can obtain from my local police station which is titled Case access. What is all this about? Should i worry or is it just what they do? Is it something i just pick up or do i apply for it and wait for ages? Also they want proof of money to support myself. I am taking 2000 pound for the month but as im going in april i cant show that in my bank account at the moment. So as im self employed would a yearly earnings print off be ok. Also they want a statment of what i will be doing over there. Im staying in sydney and renting a campervan and driving up east coast and staying in campsites. Dont know which ones yet. anything i should say or not say? Thanks