Cantabrigian

Sorry for my delay in postimg, I have been a bit side tracked. Yes I think both of you are correct, I should check out things with a qualified person. Question is Paul vs Steve who wins ! I am only joking and thank you for taking the time to reply. I am going to contact the job offerer and see if its still there, I am sure it will be but who knows in todays climate. Are assessment's conducted over Facetime or similar ? prefer in person but that's probably asking a lot ? I sat here today in the cold UK and dreamed of Cairns, even read the Cairns Post online.

Thanks for all the replies. I didn't put detail on here to preserve my situation in case I then apply for an RRV and immigration are looking through the forum ( bit paranoid I think) but I take the points of migration agent posts and respect your professional insight. As for Buckleys sadly my grasp of Australian penal history was lacking so I had to look it up. I would apply tomorrow for an RRV but aged 61 and turned down for and RRV 7 years ago, I cannot even with eternal optimism believe I would get one now. I do have a job offer but I have no real compelling reasons for my absence other than my wife having a mother that we were involved in caring for who passed away 2 years ago. I would happily talk to an agent if there is a chance but not unless I am missing something, maybe I am ? tell me and I will book an appointment. Grass is greener sums me up for sure, its me, that's why I have always been driven to move forward, however I cannot recommend it. What's the point sitting there wanting for nothing but still feeling you haven't got what you want. My life and where I am will probably allow me to do what I want in terms of travel once my daughter leaves home, maybe I should be satisfied. But I still can't take away that longing to be in Cairns living in Daintree. or top end, I never wanted Australia for financial reasons, not interested in the cities or economic benefits. I had financial security many years ago. for me it was about lifestyle, daily Ashtanga yoga, driving round the remote outback, maybe even doing voluntary job. I would even invest some money in something wildlife based. I suppose I am reading my own words and concluding money corrupted me into staying in the UK. But if you started life in poverty its hard to let go of that neurotic insecurit. Thanks for reading this, I think I may die wondering (when I am a centurion ) with an unanswered question. Hands held high I should have been braver but none of us are perfect. Namaste

Hi there, can anyone give insight on my situation. I have now reluctantly accepted I will not move back to Australia, one reason I was turned down for an RRV 7 years ago but probably, more importantly I think I spent too long kidding myself I could realistically return - ironically after the RRV decision I have been given a job offer. If I’m honest to myself it’s not right to return as financially I am well set up in the uk, 6 years from retirement. I know I could not create my lifestyle in Australia, I understand how to make money here but.i would struggle in Australia. Would be different if I was thirty something. I also have a 10 year old daughter who is thriving here and fingers crossed she will have a good adult life, not sure I could pull her away from what she has open her. I know Australia has opportunity and wouldn’t talk her out of going when she adult. I spent way too many years imagining the perfect Aussie life but being honest it acted as a distraction from the mundanity of everyday life, I was never going to commit to it, just deceived myself and ultimately punished myself living in the past. I did and do love Australia but my time to get off my backside should have been 20 years ago when it was cheaper than UK, sterling currency was amazing and Australia seemed less ruined by globalisation than the uk. There is one thing I could see us doing though once my daughter is independent is try to retire, so my question was do you think I have any options to do so ? I have looked but seems unclear. Any help would be appreciated.

My wife and I are both former visa holders. When I applied and received an RRV in 2014 she was on that application. But you're right I need good advice.

I haven't been back on any temporary visas. I would apply from UK. Happily use a migration agent although I've always done all my own applications. I've no problem paying for it, would consider it money well spent if I got the visa, suppose being brutally honest, just don't want a hefty bill and nothing at the end of it.

Thanks so much for all your replies. I am going to weigh it up over the next few days. I never thought I would be in this position, I had accepted what fate brought me, took me years but I always yearned for Australia. Also having an 8 year old daughter I would love to give her the opportunity. I really appreciate your time

Hello - I haven't been on the forum for a long time, I had long given up on returning to Australia, spent many months regretting not making the move, eventually began to let go and move on. I still had the part of me that always wondered what might have been. Unexpectedly I have given a job offer in Australia.and now am wondering if anyone could help with the following questions. 1. I havent't entered Australia since 2011, would I be ineligible to apply ? I did have an RRV granted for 12 months in 2013 but didn't make it back, I wondered if that may allow me to apply. 2. I will have the job and my reasons for absence were driven by my wife's mother last 10 year battle with dementia she passed March 2021 Any advice would be very appreciated. I know its asking a lot. I would happily use a migration agent but unless I need to answer the eligibility. Thanks for reading

Hi Rachelle i sent you a private message. I’m a fellow Pom

Maybe wanting to move to Australia f your coming the other way ? I have thought about it but am always put off by worries our house will be cared for as its new and very nice place. I am sure it's possible though just need to have likeminded people.

Bungo - I didnt mean you lead me to believe that £1 million would be needed, my poor message, just really going on what you said about substantial ties and mainly the fact the officer said to me my investable assets (5 million AUD) were not invested in the currency. I did also have a business plan to invest and develop a holistic retreat with evidence of emails and paraphernalia linked to purchasing a particular business, which is incidentally still for sale (have up to date emails form agent) But the case officer was not persuaded a second time round. Ken - Why would I apply for an RRV and not use it (personal issues with life but now sorted out, arrival of baby and marital stuff) I probably should have come alone to see, but I now look back and think I may not have had a marriage at the end of it. Ironic but with a sleeping baby we are back to normal and happiest we have ever been. shame she didn't sleep 2 month earlier :wink: Opening myself up to you, I think my life in the UK is very good and although I still hold the desire to escape to Australia and try it, maybe I was not desperate enough to just do it. Hunger and necessity always act as wonderful motivators to do things. The UK is and has been good to me, I know how to make money and I like the fact its not heavily regulated. For me I accepted on the face of it Australia would maybe not be financially as kind but was pulled by the lack of people and weather (maybe not the best reasons in their own). I just wanted to give it a 2 year trial and then see where we were.

Forgot to say - I am a trained Carpenter and also Construction Project Manager (not done either for a few years though) Also an Advanced Yogic Practitioner, always fancied investing in a Yoga Studio in Australia and have funds to do so.

Thanks for your reply. Its interesting that they OK'd the first visa on exactly the same information as the second, but I can understand they may now think he has not done anything in the past year to enhance that position. They accepted compelling and compassionate reasons but not the ties to OZ (although they are no different) Someone said to me 'its in the lap of the gods and it depends whose desk it land on' and I think this time we encountered a less amiable officer. I am in a difficult position with getting a job offer as I have spent the past 20 years as an investor in property and am not really sure how employable I am. I would certainly work for someone if it secured our passage. If I could get a job it would be good. In honesty I would like to employ me (I am not being conceited :wink: ) my business background is very varied and work my ethic fantastic, I live and breathe what I get involved with. I would do anything and have no real ego about what I should or shouldn't do. I dont need to earn the money so could work in theory for nothing, if I was given a chance We have a good life in the UK but there is part of me with a 19 month old daughter that makes me want to try Australia, if I am totally realistic, I dont know if it would be forever but I wanted to try for a couple of years and see what happens. I wondered whether to just come out for a 3 month holiday and see what we think and then worry about it. Otherwise from your general comments and my understanding of the decision, I would at least need to transfer circa £1 million or more to AUD account to show my willingness. That may not be enough to show the authorities, plus with a declining AUD I could loose a fair bit of cash for no result and my gut feel says it wont be enough. Any job offers appreciated :wink: I know thats a big ask but who knows who may be reading this.

Hello - I have just had a RRV application refused. The reason was that I do not have substantial Ties condition 155.212 (3). I was granted a one year visa 16 months ago but did not enter Australia within the time frame. Therefore I made this application and in the case officers summing up he notes that I have funds (which are very substantial on deposit with UK Banks, I wont put figure but happy to indicate if it would help with an answer) but as they are not invested in AUD or in assets in Australia are not good enough to be accepted. Interestingly they approved my visa last time on the same criteria. Being sensible I can understand they would be questioning my intentions after letting the previous visa expire. Can I ask if anyone can help with these questions. 1) Could I still apply for an RRV at a later stage if I demonstrate or have increased substantial ties, or is the refusal a final one and the visa has gone for good ? 2) If we came to Australia for a holiday and found a business or applicable investment, could I revive my old resident status or would I have to start again with a new visa. I am quite pragmatic and understand the RRV decision is probably not unfair. I just really want to know what my options are for the future . Any help would be wonderful and really well accepted.

We are looking for a furnished let, good quality. Need only 2 beds and will consider house or appt. Would say 'nice' place is the main desire, would rather upgrade it and pay a bit more for a good place.

Hi - We are coming out to QLD, to be honest we have mulled over various different places and are drawn to Cairns and Sunshine and Gold Coast. We have visited before as a couple but now have a 8 month old daughter. Wondered if either of the areas are easier to settle in to. We wanted to try and rent furnished for 6 months and see how it goes, not sure how easy it will be to get rentals that are furnished? Our budget will allow us to do it without pressure and we want to make it an enjoyable adventure. We hoped to get a laid back lifestyle, wanted to avoid 'suburban' Australia as that is what we have here in the UK, wanted something different with less emphasis on consumerism and money (this may not exist with Globalisation). If after a couple of years it does not appear what we thought at least we will have tried, but just feel a pressing need to leave the UK (London). Still love the UK and are proud of it but are very grateful to Australia for giving us a chance. Any advice appreciated.

Thanks for the reply - Would we be able to travel without an RRV for our Baby (on a tourist visa) and apply in Australia or must I apply for it in the UK ?

Hello - I am over the moon as I have just had a 12 month RRV granted for myself (the original Principal applicant) I though it was not clear cut if I would be granted the visa but now have the 155 visa. Can anyone advise when applying for an RRV for my wife if the Immigration Department are likely to approve her RRV same as mine. My wife's circumstances and all compelling reasons, substantial ties mirror mine, in fact it was very much based on her that we could not return initially. We have a baby of 4 months who has no visa and we want her to be able to enter Australia. We are not sure how to handle her application and whether to apply from the UK or can we take her on a tourist visa and apply onshore. Any help would be really appreciated.

Hello - I am applying for a 155 157 Resident Return Visa. I completed the online application on immi website but cannot work out how to attach supporting documentation. I have a lot of information to attach to support and explain my absence from Australia and need to attach it. Can anybody kindly advise me how to attach my pdf files to the application. I will be eternally grateful for any help. I have tried to work it out for hours with no luck.

Not sure yet, anywhere with work, not looking for Sponsorship - need an offer of work (not binding commitment from employer) this should help persuade the immigration to issue a Resident Return Visa. Good luck let us know how it goes

Worked for many years as a Carpenter and Joiner, have built my own houses and been project manager on various sites. been developing my own property schemes in the UK. Does anyone think I would be able to get a job offer in Australia, I am not after any guarantees, just an offer and a chance. If I do not live up to my billing when I arrive send me 'down the road' with my tools. Have past residency and would probably get it renewed if I had a job and reason - Please someone give me a fair go :biggrin: I'm in London and still want to live the dream with my wife and soon to be born first child. Not desperate but bloody motivated to make an impression and let my work ethic do the talking All offers accepted and or any advice on best places to make it happen would be priceless. Thanks for reading

Thank you Rupert and Quinkla. I feel very capable of representing us and being able to offer good evidence. To add to the other reasons for not returning, I was referred to a CBT Psychologist through my GP in October, I was suffering with mild depression and quite severe social anxiety, which has gradually made my life harder to conduct on a day to day basis, at times I felt ready to give up on life even with a baby arriving, the past years just caught up on me. Things really changed rapidly and I am now back working in my property development and am well on the road to recovery, in fact I feel best in 3 years. I believe 5 years of infertility and close loss of loved ones made life a challenge. I honestly feel a new baby has given me a reason to get up and a kick up the backside. After years of both wanting it desperately, when it happened I went into panic mode, but now with help I am back on course. May I ask - would it be wise to mention my referral to the Psychologist and GP element? I am sure they will give me documentary evidence. I have letters from Doctors about my wife's mother and our involvement and also the same with regard to another relative who was treated like a parent whom we undertook the care for. Also I am sure I could get a letter from the Fertility Clinic we were treated in overseas, it involved 6 months of trips and staying there for treatment. I want to present the most I can but do not want to offer evidence that may be deemed negative. I am of sound mind and always have been but wondered how brief mental illness/challenges would be viewed. Thank you for reading this and any advice is appreciated. :biggrin:

We did enter Australia twice when holding the visa but only stayed 4 months in total - I reviewed the DIBP requirements and I seem to only have the option of the RRV 3 month visa and it stipulates that I must have 'lawfully spent at least one day in the past five years in Australia' which unfortunately I have not - Do you think I am understanding the criteria correctly? If I had compelling reasons to return such as a business or family I think my options would be greater, but I may not be correct?

We were former permanent residents of Australia, we have not been back in 5 years and unless I am misunderstanding the DIBP advice we would not be able to gain an RRV as we do not have family or compelling ties. I am not sure if there is anyway back without a further new visa application, I am a bit gutted as we missed a wonderful opportunity to start a new life, but at the time my wife and I were, after many years trying for a baby, undergoing the stress of fertility treatment and life's events took us over and it was all consuming. We also had to cope with my wife's mother having dementia and bereavement (not making excuses, hope it does not appear this way) Ironically though my wife is now pregnant and a new life in Australia would now be the right path for our life to take. We have thought about trying to buy a business and create a compelling reason to regain and RRV but are not sure this would even be permissible. We also thought about coming to Australia in 12 months, when the baby is a bit bigger, it would be a realistic thing to do for a holiday, we thought we could then decide the best way forward and maybe apply in Australia 'onshore' for PR or a new visa. To be quite honest we are confused with the best course of action to take. We would have the funds to live in Australia for a while until a visa was granted but are not sure if this is a risky strategy, after all if there is absolutely no chance we would be best off finally admitting that its not going to be our pathway. I love the country, I know its by no means heaven and am realistic about what life would be like. I am though attracted by rural Australia and would like in time to channel myself and work experience and ability into this area. I wondered if anyone can help or give any good advice of a way forward. We need a clear strategy and must find the best route to take to give us the strongest chance. Even if I could obtain a job offer, this may be a way forward, I do not seek the financial rewards of this route as I can support my family independently. I know I would be able to give a great deal back to any situation, its not right to start selling myself on this post, but I have achieved a fair amount in my career. I will not give up with my quest as I always learned persistence and tenacity can overcome many obstacles in life and the difference between success and failure is often having the bloody mindedness to carry on can be what secures the ultimate goal. If anyone can suggest a good reputable Migration Agent who would be able to help us with our quest to return to Australia we would also be grateful. Thank you for reading, sorry if I went on too much but hope you can sense my genuine feeling.:biggrin: