spudmonkey32

She would be eligible for repayments now, but for some of the time she should have been paying in the last few years she wasn't employed. So maybe she will be partly exempt. Just concerned that the debt may have been transferred to a collector and she'll have to deal with them to clear the arrears then with student loans to service the loan.

Thanks for the comments, much appreciated

Thanks Peach. I would prefer to not have to worry so am encouraging her to pay it off. On that note does anyone know when your account is in arrears does that mean that you have to clear off that amount in one go to 'catch up' then begin the normal payments?

I have said that to her. But please i'm looking for advice, not for her to be judged.

Hi, My girlfriend and I live in Aus as PR, but she has an outstanding student loan from the UK from her studies (post 1998). They are sending threatening letters to her brothers address. He has responded to them several times stating that she does not live there, but still they persist. Can anyone shed any light on how far they would likely go in their pursuit of outstanding loans? Would her brother end up with a bad credit rating on his address? could the debt collection agency knock on his door? and what about in Aus, could they do anything to track her down here and call in the debt? And finally when she visits the UK could there be any immigration issues or court proceedings upon arrival? It is extremely unlikely that we would live and work in the UK - it would be just visiting our families. If someone has been in a similar situation I would appreciate your thoughts, and what action you took, as this situation is causing us a lot of sleepless nights. Thanks

Thanks for all the feedback - been waiting to talk to Immi for over 20 mins so will not bother wasting any more of my time - will go with the general consensus and rely on my 457 visa to get me back

Hi, I have applied for a 186 visa and am awaiting a decision - or more to the point a case officer. Previously I held a 457 visa which is due to expire Feb 2016. The email i received when I lodged my 186 is confusing, it says that whilst I have been given a bridging visa A, my 457 is still valid. Then it says that if I wish to travel overseas they recommend that I get a bridging visa B or notify my case officer. So i am due to head overseas for 2 weeks, do I need to pay for a bridging visa B - or is it the case that my 457 is still valid therefore I can travel overseas? I will call the immi office tomorrow but just wanted to know from anyone else who has been in a similiar situation. Cheers

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could offer me any advice. I'm currently in Australia as a secondary applicant on my partners 457 visa (with just over 2 years left), we were due to submit a joint PR application but our relationship has hit the rocks and she will now submit an application for her only. Does this mean that I have to leave Australia when she submits her application or as soon as her PR is granted? or am i still able to stay until my 457 visa expires? The migration agent said that she could expect her PR through in 4-6 weeks. If anyone has had similiar experiences or could offer me any advice that would be real helpful. Many thanks