Dear colleagues, I hope you may be willing to share some expertised as I have several visa-related questions that I haven't managed to answer through the official channels (including writing to the Australian IMMI).
As a NZer after ~25 years in the UK (where I now also have citizenship/GB passport) I have received a job offer from an Australian organisation who are willing to sponsor myself and my UK partner (GB passport only) to take up posts with them (him under their 'partner' scheme). I originally considered entering Australia and working on my NZ passport (a visa subclass '444' route, I have discovered, after much brain-ache on the various websites), however advice from my NZ aunt impelled me to look more closely at the status of NZers in Australia.
I understand that since 2001 NZers have had, for example, less access to medicare (and social security, although I am a bit less concerned about that), are unable to vote, no access to Australian citizenship, etc. and wondered if we are doing the right thing. If my partner enters on the same visa as I then he would be a '461' and have the same limited rights as I (less than he would if the new work place sponsored his application for permanent residency).
Should we, in your view (and we would welcome a selection of views), ask our new work to pursue what I understand would be an employer sponsored/nominated 186 direct entry for me (against my UK citizenship), which would also cover him as a partner, leaving us with the option full potential benefits of Australian citizenship? Would this even be allowed, given that I have a NZ passport?
If we did ask the employer to sponsor/nominate us, do we have to be outside of Australia while it is processed? Or could I start my job on my NZ visa and apply for the 186 while I was already working? My partner has already decided to take some time off so any delays would suit him!
Your advice would be very gratefully appreciated.
Best wishes, M