Maddy657 Posted February 23, 2017 Share Posted February 23, 2017 Hi there, I'm currently on a 457 sponsorship visa and am looking to apply for a 189 skilled visa as a nurse. In April this year I'm leaving to go backpacking for 6 months around the world and my question is: If I apply for the visa whilst I am in Australia (i.e before I embark) then am I still allowed to leave the country? If yes, do I need to apply for a bridging visa B in order to leave? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieMay24 Posted February 23, 2017 Share Posted February 23, 2017 If you apply for a 189 while in Australia on a 457 visa, you'd be issued a bridging visa. You would apply for a BVB in order to retain the bridging visa when you leave Australia. The issue you may face is that if you leave to go backpacking for 6 months, I assume you are leaving your sponsoring employer (from your 457)? If so, your 457 may be cancelled taking the bridging visa with it. So depending on when the 189 is processed, you run the risk of not having any visa to return to Australia until the 189 is finalised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maddy657 Posted March 8, 2017 Author Share Posted March 8, 2017 Thanks so much MaggieMay - this is super helpful. One more question I have: If after 6-months of travelling my skilled 189 is NOT processed, am I able to enter Australia for a really short period on a tourist visa? (I ask because I have my boyfriends sisters wedding in Australia in October). Thanks again for your help - it is much appreciated. Cheers, Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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