ADAWN Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Hi all! Just joined the site, finding it really helpful We have just applied for subcass visa 461 for my husband as I have NZ passport Would be keen to hear anybody who has had experience with this visa or knows much about it. I know it is not a permanent residence visa but I understand it is renewable so not sure what other draw backs it has. Any advise would be appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Just want to say hi and welcome to the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Collett Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Very similar to a Spouse visa in terms of the documentation you need. It is also an "eligible visa" for an onshore employer sponsored permanent residency visa under the ENS (subclass 856) or RSMS (subclass 857) - http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/qualifying-visas.htm => If your husband can find an agreeable employer he may be able to secure permanent residency status via that pathway in due course. And ... the 461 visa is a temporary residency visa, so you may be able to make use of the temporary tax resident exemptions in respect of non-Aus source income and capital gains. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADAWN Posted February 18, 2012 Author Share Posted February 18, 2012 Thank-you Alan this is usful info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spamjam Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 hi ADAWN, I am new to the site too and we are also planning our move to Melbourne on a 461 visa, my partner is a NZ citizen and I have the 461. We applied just a couple of weeks ago and it took literally 2 days to be approved! I was so shocked, sent the application in on the Thursday lunchtime, received approved visa on the following Tuesday morning in the mail! My understanding is that although it allows you to live and work in Australia 461 visa holders are not eligible for some social benefits like unemployment etc (or Australian equivalent) but other than that it seems ok. good luck with your visa application :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADAWN Posted February 25, 2012 Author Share Posted February 25, 2012 Thanks for that Spamjam We have actually been delyed putting application in, thought it better to get a couple more things countersigned and OH is going in to Australia house tomorrow for a job seminar so he will put application in then and if yours is anything to go by fingers crossed we will see it back within a week, not that we can do anything with it but is settling to know we have it. I take it you didn't need to have the health check and xrays? Where are you heading to and when? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spamjam Posted February 26, 2012 Share Posted February 26, 2012 We're off to Melbourne - my partner is going first on Thursday (eek! so soon) and then I'm going in late April, haven't booked flights yet but starting a job on 1st May. Where are you going? No I didn't have to have ny x-rays or medicals or anything, I just included the police check certificate with my application along with a whole bunch of evidence that we are in a genuine relationship (joint mortgage, joint bills, statements from friends and family, photos of us a family parties and so on). I got certified copies of the passports, birth certificate and my driving licence (as proof of address) but just sent in normal copies or everything else and I sent the original police certificate. I included a stamped addressed envelope and they returned the photographs, christmas cards etc along with the visa. I'm not sure how much evidence they needed but I figured as we've been together 9 years and we had all this stuff it wouldn't hurt to send it all as extra proof! Good luck with your application, I hope it goes though smoothly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADAWN Posted March 2, 2012 Author Share Posted March 2, 2012 Good that you have a job to go to, what do you do? We are hoping to secure employment before going but they do seem to want to interview in person. Can I ask how you heard about this visa? because it has taken us nearly a year of looking inton different skilled visas before anyone mentioned this one, we did ask the question to nearly everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spamjam Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 We're both scientists so have both luckily managed to secure jobs working at research institutes/universities in Melbourne which is great, after a few years of working in different places and commuting in opposite directions reach day I'm looking forward to us both working near each other and hopefully neither of us having to travel too much to get to work. Have you guys got work lined up? I can't actually remember how I found the 461 visa, I think we were looking at partner sponsored/spouse visas but he can't sponsor me as he's not an eligible new zealand citizen, so had to look at other options. I could have probably gone for a 457 business one now I have a job lined up, but at the time I didn't have a job to go to and thought having the 461 would be more flexible and not tied to a job, especially as research/academic positions are generally on a fixed-term basis. I know I don't have the same rights as a permanent resident but I felt that the fact that my visa is not tied to my job might be useful if we still wanted to stay in Australia when my contract ends. I think I found the visa on the Australian immigration site, maybe by doing the visa wizard, although I can't quite remember I'm afraid, I found the whole visa process a bit confusing in trying to figure out what I was eligible for, so was glad to have found stumbled upon 461 visa! How did you find out about it? It seems to be that it's not a very common one for people to have, not many people seem to have heard of it. I hope your application goes through OK and you have the visa soon for your OH, when are you planning to head to Australia? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADAWN Posted March 10, 2012 Author Share Posted March 10, 2012 Seems you were very lucky to have a 2 day turnaround, it has been nearly 2 weeks and no word for us, I am sure we will hear next week. I actually did the visa wizard on the immigration site and because I ticked the to 'to live and work' option it came back with no options for me being the New Zealander. now I have gone back and ticked to option to 'work while I travel' all the information comes up. We asked many immigration specialists, no one seemed to know of an option for us so we were actually about to go down the skilled state sponsorship route, when the guy at visa bureau mentioned this visa. Bit annoying as we would have probably gone last year if we had known but now we are planning to go in August after the schools finish. OH Project manages Construction, hoping he gets work before we go, bit scary taking a family out without the security of work. Where in NZ is your OH from, why did you decide to go to OZ and not NZ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spamjam Posted March 11, 2012 Share Posted March 11, 2012 Hi ADAWN, It seems that our application must have just landed on the right persons desk and the right time, so sorry you're having to wait and hope I didn't give you false hope! Like you say we must have just been lucky with ours in terms of timing. My OH is from Wellington, he has lived in the UK for about 11 years and we've been together for 9. He was lucky to be offered a job in Melbourne and as his contract here was ending (bloomin' fixed term contracts!) and my job was changing location to involved a long commute, it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss! NZ would be lovely and I think we'd both like to live there one day, but we both work in science research and the job opportunities are a little more limited there than in Australia. Still I'm really looking forward to the adventure of going to Melbourne and living somewhere new, although now OH has gone already and I have to sort out shipping, letting the house and so on it's all a bit daunting! I hope your OH manages to get some work, I was under the impression there were quite a few opportunities in construction but I have to admit I don't know much about it! Are you looking for work as well? At least you've still got some time before you plan to go in August to get things sorted out, and hopefully your visa will come through soon! :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADAWN Posted March 11, 2012 Author Share Posted March 11, 2012 There was certainly no delay with them opening the application as the money was debited the day they got it but it really makes no difference if it takes another week or so, just nice to have one of the many boxes ticked. I am also from Wellington, Tawa area. I have been here 12 years. We did consider moving there and although there is some work there, there doesn't seem to be as many positions on offer and don't pay as well as Aus, the cost of living in NZ is really high so it just seems like it might have been too much of a financial struggle. There does appear to be plenty of construction jobs in Melb just hoping it won't be too difficult to secure something before we go maybe with Skype interviews, I know the do like to interview in person I won't be looking for a work initially, we have a boy of 7yrs and a girl 3yrs, once they are settled into their schools and kindy I may look for something. I work in fashion, I have seen some suitably jobs advertised but not so many. You are letting you house out here? that is what we are planning, does seem a bit daunting. Where do you live in the UK? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spamjam Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 Hi ADAWN, sorry not been on PIO for a few days, my parents were visiting and helping me to overhaul the garden and sort out garden pond ready for putting the house to rent so been a busy week! Any news on your visa yet? I really hope you get some good news soon! Yes we're letting our house out, it's making me quite sad as we've only been here a couple of years and bought the house as our kind of 'settling down house' with room enough for us to have kids maybe, we absolutely love it and it's sad to leave. But we're renting it so we can come back if we need to, or sell it when the market is better (and when I've already moved out so won't be so upset at selling!). We live in Bedfordshire, whereabouts are you? It is all a bit daunting but it feels good to get things sorted out piece by piece, booked the shippers in for mid-April, and have had the photos and things taken for putting the house up for rent so just got a few painting jobs and finishing tidying the garden then I think it'll all be ready. Hope so anyway!! Any news on the jobs front? I really hope you manage to get something sorted soon and get your visa soon, then you can be on your way :biggrin: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotsLass Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 Hi all! We have just applied for subcass visa 461 for my husband as I have NZ passport Would be keen to hear anybody who has had experience with this visa or knows much about it. I know it is not a permanent residence visa but I understand it is renewable so not sure what other draw backs it has. Hi. I'm on a 461 living & working in Sydney since July 2011. I did the 461 through my NZ partner so that I'd have freedom to work where I like and because it was quick a cheap. It's generally quite good as you say you can renew it every 5 years and you can work for who you like, choose not to work etc. The downfalls I've encountered... You don't get full medicare (NHS equivalent) - UK residents will get a reciprocal health care card, most doctors here will not bulk bill for your Medicare if you're on a reciprocal card so for each trip to the doctors you'll pay around $70 and get $35 back from Medicare. This is for a standard check up. Any specialist visits incur more. Ok in the short term but if you're thinking about babies (which we are!) it's going to stack up... Also I have been told that due to the visa conditions you cannot get proper Private Health insurance. They will make you pay for Private Health insurance but you can actually only access Public Services and you can't chose your own doctor/hospital etc... So you pay through the nose for the standard NHS style treatment and waiting lists! There are no routes to permanent residency other than through the standard channels of non NZ family members - work sponsorship or skilled worker etc. If you're already in Oz I don't think you can move to a 457 temporary visa you have to move to a 856 which ties you to your employer for 3 years... I'm also struggling to get a NSW driving license which I want for ease (ID rather than taking passport, ease of car hire arrangements etc) - you have to have been in the country for 6 months since your last entry stamp on your passport not the date you first entered on your visa. This is proving annoying as we're visiting family in NZ every 6 months at the moment since we're now closer to them. This is more an annoyance I'm having due to the timing of holidays and weddings overseas etc forcing me out of the country. So may not be an issue for you. Your UK license is valid anyway. If you have children in Oz and you do not hold permanent residency they do not get citizenship in Australia until they have lived the first 10 years of their live in Oz. This is something to consider. You will have to register them through a descendent visa of either the UK or NZ I'd imagine NZ is best so that they have the 444 visa and the rights of your husband which are better than the rights of a UK cit. So there are a few things I've encountered to date not being PR. If we intend to live in Oz long term and raise children one of us will have to go down the PR route to ensure security and nationality for our kids. You never know when they're going to change the 444 (NZ Sub Class) visas and put further restrictions on kiwis in Oz - although hopefully this isn't something we need to work about. We haven't looked at buying a house or car yet and I don't know what issues if any we'll run into there but given the house prices in Sydney we won't be rushing into that any time soon! If you can I'd recommend going PR or a route that can progress to PR but if you're just here for a few years to get away from the bleak British summers then the 461 will be fine. Hope that helps. Also if anyone knows how to get around the health insurance or moving to PR please let me know...... Cheers and good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spamjam Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 Hi ScotsLass, Thanks thats really helpful, and great to hear someone else who has the 461 - it doesn't seem to be a very common one! We went for the 461 for exactly the same reasons - the nature of my job is such that fixed term contracts of 2-3 years are common and there is a chance there could be a gap between contracts so I wasn't too keen on having a visa tied to a position in case I had to leave the country when my job ended, especially if my partner was in the middle of his contract at that point! Interesting what you say about the Private health insurance - have you taken out any provate health insurance of just using the Medicare Reciprocal agreement at the moment? I had thought we would just take out a policy if we felt we wanted more cover and if we wanted to have kids and things but I hadn't thought that there might be restrictions on access to private services. Hopefully the driving licence won't be a problem as I read that in VIC you can just exchange your UK one for a Vic one, but having read your post I'll check up on this in case there are other requirements. So much to think about! How are you enjoying Aus so far? I'm coming over to Melbourne in about 3-4 weeks time, and can't decide whether to be excited or terrified!! My partner is already there (he went about a month ago) so I'm sorting all the house and things out which is keeping me busy and focused at least, just got a few more weeks of shipping our stuff, packing up the house and saying sad goodbyes then I'm on my way! ADAWN - any news on your 461 application yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotsLass Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 Interesting what you say about the Private health insurance - have you taken out any provate health insurance of just using the Medicare Reciprocal agreement at the moment? I've taken out ambulance cover with NIB on a cheap plan which also gives me dental and other perks. Medicare won't cover you for ambulance charges which can be expensive I believe so definitely find something. Yeah my main concerns are with birth related services and not being able to claim back the full amount rather than not being able to go private. Something to look into and remember once you're on a plan for a few things you have to wait 12 months in some cases before you can claim, some babies stuff will fall under that... How are you enjoying Aus so far? I'm coming over to Melbourne in about 3-4 weeks time, and can't decide whether to be excited or terrified!! My partner is already there (he went about a month ago) so I'm sorting all the house and things out which is keeping me busy and focused at least, just got a few more weeks of shipping our stuff, packing up the house and saying sad goodbyes then I'm on my way! It took a while to settle in but we love it. It feels like home now. I thought it may be hard being away from my folks and friends, I'm very close to them. But we Skype/Facetime almost every weekend and it feels like I see them more now! It's been 9 months and they come out tomorrow for their first visit but it really does seem to have flown by. It's great out here, the summer has been terrible but still better than a British summer and Autumn is shaping up nicely here, 26 and sunny all weekend so looking forward to making the most of it. Good luck with the move, I remember that fun time all too well haha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADAWN Posted March 31, 2012 Author Share Posted March 31, 2012 Sorry I haven't been on here for a while OH has been using the computer every evening all week - to apply for jobs and make contacts so can't complain but have been experiencing internet withdrawl. Scotslass that is very interesting escpecially about the medical and PR. We did start looikg into other visas which may have offered PR before we found out about the 461, they all take a lot longer and cost a lot more. we didn't want to delay things any longer, for the kids sake mainly although it is very easy to just settle back into life here and then wonder if it really is worth moving. But certainly something for us to consider and be aware ofin the long term. On the Medical front, I think but maybe this insn't true the NZ passport holder get equiv to Aus Citizen, please tell me if this isn't true, if it is then myself and the kids are all covered as we all hold NZ passports and only my husband to worry about, he thankfully is quite healthy and rarely needs to visit the doctors. Spamjam We have now had the visa issued, seems it was all my fault, for some reason I didn't print the complete form. Lucky we called them to find out as they had sent us and email which we didn't recieve even in junk, we were checking, they didn't try to contact us again in 2 weeks. But no worries now as it is done and a load of our minds We are now doing all the little DIY jobs around the house to get it ready for renting. Have you rented your place yet? Next week we are having a big clear out loft included a masssively daunting task We have been told that construction employment in Melbourne has slowed, so may be difficult to get a job there without being there for interviews and it is just too risky for us go without having a job first. We are opening our minds to other areas but is difficult after doing so much research on Melbourne and having my heart set on it, where too next, Perth and Brisbane keep popping up on the job radar, Adelaide sounds nice and Sydney too but expensive. Difficult to know where to persue next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seichel Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Hello anyone and everyone, I am applying for this visa and was wondering if you could help me with some questions as well? - Health Care: I am from the USA and I have lived in AUS on the WHV for the past year and are now in NZ for 3 months while I apply for this visa. Therefore I am from a low risk country and have been residing in a low risk country. DShould I submit x-rays and health care still? Is it safe to not attain or submit medical info/coverage? - De facto proof: I have been with my kiwi partner for 17 months, we have pictures, insurance in our names, plane tickets, and letters from our parents and friends. Should we get those notarized? -I am currently married, but separated, do I need to provide separation proof? any tips and help is greatly welcomed and appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharin Posted November 29, 2013 Share Posted November 29, 2013 We applied for same in August these year, So when did u applied.?? We are from Auckland Hi all! Just joined the site, finding it really helpful We have just applied for subcass visa 461 for my husband as I have NZ passport Would be keen to hear anybody who has had experience with this visa or knows much about it. I know it is not a permanent residence visa but I understand it is renewable so not sure what other draw backs it has. Any advise would be appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules RT Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Hi all, I'm really glad I found this post as we are considering going down this route as well. I'm currently trying for the skilled independent visa but I can't seem to get my IELTS test with a score of 8 for each section, which is frustrating considering I'm a national british citizen with a degree! I need this for points as I'm 43. Can an someone please answer a couple of questions I have - 1. On this visa how much will l have to pay for my children's education, as we wouldn't have PR? 2. How many times can we apply for this visa, every 5 years indefinitely? 3. Can we buy a car & house? looking forward to your comments. Jules Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buzzy--bee Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 1. On this visa how much will l have to pay for my children's education, as we wouldn't have PR? Nothing, assuming your partner is an NZ citizen and they are your partner's kids too, as NZ kids get educated here as if they were Australian. 2. How many times can we apply for this visa, every 5 years indefinitely? Yes, unless the rules change. However bear in mind that at some point you might fail the medical requirement. 3. Can we buy a car & house? Yes. If you can buy thee house in your partner's name there will be no FRIB aproval needed, in any event, this is just a formality. You should apply for your 461 as late as possible before you enter Australia, as it has a fixed term of 5 years from date of issue. I reckon 3 months before you intend to arrive would cover all bases. On a day to day practical basis, there are very few differences between this visa and PR. By the way your Kiwi partner will also get a visa, called the 444. There are subtle difference between the two. The 444 is indefinite, but it gets cancelled whenever you leave Australia and a new one issued when you come back in. The 461 doesn't. Both visas are temporary. The laws changed for New Zealanders in Australia in 2001, and anyone who arrives after 2001 only gets temporary residency. But for 444 holders it is perpetual temporary residency. The 461 does help a bit when getting other PR visas, if those visas have for instance points for having worked in Australia. A friend of mine here on the 461 is intending to apply for PR based on him having worked for the same employer for 2 years+, and I think the 461 releases him from a skills assessment (not 100% about that bit). It's a great visa to get into Australia quickly and easily, and I would not intend to live here for ever on it, not least because you have to reapply every 5 years and you may in the future have lived here 20 years and then fail the medical!!! BB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules RT Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 Thank you so much for this information BB, I really appreciate it. The boys are my husbands step children so I guess l will have to pay for their education. It's so frustrating also as my Uncle and cousins are Aussie citizens and my only remaining family apart from my Hubbie and kids of course! So it's keep going for the IELTS academic 8 until ive had enough and then just go straight for the 461! Thanks again , Jules Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buzzy--bee Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 The boys are my husbands step children so I guess l will have to pay for their education. The children should be elegible for a 461 themselves, assuming "they usually live in the New Zealand citizen’s household" and "they are dependent on the New Zealand citizen." Whether their education is free or not would probably depend on which state you were migrating to. In Victoria, it would be free for instance, whereas I think in NSW it wouldn't. BB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotsLass Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 (edited) The 461 does help a bit when getting other PR visas, if those visas have for instance points for having worked in Australia. A friend of mine here on the 461 is intending to apply for PR based on him having worked for the same employer for 2 years+, and I think the 461 releases him from a skills assessment (not 100% about that bit). BB I've just started talks with a migration agent to have my work sponsor me through a 186 visa so that I can go PR. Currently on the 461. I've been here just under 3 years and they've confirmed I don't have to do the skills assessment which is great. Saves money and time and hassle. On a 461 you won't get full Medicare unless you're kiwi (not sure about the kids), you will get rebates if you're from the UK or other country with reciprocal agreement, there's only one private health insurer that I know of for 461 visas and they charge quite a bit more than your standard providers especially if you want extras and full cover. 461 is a great entry visa (quick and cheap) but if you can get one leading to permanent path then I'd definitely recommend exhausting that route first. Especially if you plan on being here long term and raising the kids here. Once you're pr it's easier to get the kids and husband PR, you never know when they change the rules again on kiwis! Remember if you're on a visa linked to an employer or other specific conditions and it doesn't work out you'll likely always have the 461 to fall back on Best of luck! Edited July 1, 2014 by ScotsLass messed up the quote on my phone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brownowl Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 Hi Guys, thank goodness I have found ppl who have applied for the 461, I'm new here so firstly " hello" ! Ok here goes Me I'm from the Uk married 1 yr to a kiwi we both lived in the UK, he came bk 6 months ago I stayed sold the house and joined him two months ago here in NZ ( been together 4 yrs) so the evidence bit for the 461 isn't a problem my question is! Can an I apply for the 461 now before my husband gets employment in Oz? Reason being we have family coming from uk for dec/ jan so he can't go ahead now and get work. after hearing waiting times for decisions my heart has sunk I'd prefer we went together to get work but is this possible ?? That I can apply now for the 461 even though he is still here in NZ and hasn't excepted a job yet in Oz? Even if I applied now I'd be so happy we could enter together instead of me being here alone in NZ waiting for the decision on the 461 visa! Any info i of I would be grateful Many thanks J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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