Hi Gill My son went to check on visa's when he had only been there 3 months and they where very good with him.They explained ways for him to get a permanent visa. I am not to sure how he is going about it,what I do no is he has started filling all the forms out. My son's girlfriends mum is a nurse and she was sponsored,when she went over she was under the impression she would need to work there for a year and then another year before applying for permanent.When she took my son down to find out about his visa she asked about hers. They told her she could start applying for her permanent visa as they really need nurses there and would not be refused. I think it changes again when your over there,its amazing what red tape can be relaxed when they want it to. She only been there since Nov 2007 and has put her forms through for permanent visa.
luv Gwen
Oh! Gill could Bonus's girlfriend not apply for a permanent visa with being a primary school teacher. x x