Bungo

I cannot see why it matters whether your employer deducted tax or you paid it over yourself later. If you have evidence of the employment then declare it, if you think it is in doubt then don't. But I think the mechanism for paying the tax is not the issue.

You our are mixing up a couple of things, namely skills assessment and points test. Try to look at them separately. There may very well be some skills assessments that require a relevant degree but the points test never has any such requirement, this is purely a way of accumulating points. You have already demonstrated to immigration that you have suitable qualifications by obtaining a skills assessment, immigration do not then want to doubly ensure this by demanding relapse ant degree as well. A degree, any recognised degree will get 15 points. I have already commented on the requirement or otherwise to get an assessment. My answer will not change because you have asked the same question again. Same question. Same answer.

There is no requirement to apply for points test advice, I was trying to work out what qualification you had to determine whether it might be a good idea or not. If it were some weird and wonderful degree "equivalent", I might have said to get it assessed. However as you appear to have a straight forward bachelor degree, then just claim points for your degree NOT your masters. It is 15 points for a degree not a masters - if you put the masters down they would only ask for evidence of an underlying degree anyway hence might as well just declare the degree. This part of the process is nothing to do with skills assessment, obviously you have passed skills assessment or you wouldn't be applying. This is about points now and you can get 15 points for a recognised degree (won't have any issues with a UK university obtained degree).

Demanding quick replies in CAPITAL LETTERS and bumping after twenty seven minutes isn't going to get you far. It is not polite.

I would not be assuming that a skills assessment will gain you points, after all everyone has to have one. What qualification do you have? A degree? Looks like this occupation requires a degree anyway.

I am a bit puzzled about your girlfriends situation, you said she was on a WHV but you have also said she is 32 - so she can't be surely? Anyway I think you are over complicating this. The occupation you mention is on the SOL so why not just go for the 189, it doesn't take nine months typically, it processes pretty quickly and if you had started it when your girlfriend left or even before then as you mention it has long been on the cards, well you would be well on your way by now. Even now though, it seems like the most sensible thing to do. If your girlfriend secures a 457 sponsorship and you can prove a defacto relationship, then you can go on that application and get a temporary visa with work rights whilst you wait for the 189 visa. You would also put your OH on the 189 application so she gets a permanent visa too and indeed if you claim defacto for the 457 you would have to claim defacto for this one. My concern is that she has opted to go on ahead without you, through choice not necessity as far as I can see. A married person does not typically move to the other side of the world without a solid plan for their spouse, so you will have to ensure you have that angle covered in any future joint visa application. There is a lot of talk about the WHV age increasing, but the only official statement I have found is that they are going to think about it. Personally I doubt very much that it will increase to 35 in January. Sponsorship to a 457 is not that easy to come by and sponsorship to a 186 even less likely. So no, I don't think this as a plan is anywhere near as good a plan as applying for the 189 visa.

I remember before we moved, I was very worried that we would have trouble finding a rental because of all the scare stories I read - we had three cats by the way. But the reality is it was not even remotely a problem. Landlords do not typically say "pet friendly" but that does not mean they will not consider it when asked. Many, many people are pet owners and many rent as well. I have never heard of an insurance company insisting on no pets and I have worked in that industry for many years. Having just read the terms of the Suncorp landlord insurance policy, it states that damage by animals is not covered (in some circumstanes) but it certainly does not state that animals are not allowed. It would be quite extraordinary for an insurance company to dictate how people can live their lives and whether they have pets or not!

Yes it was the right decision that suited you at the time. Stop beating yourself up about it. Sounds like you have a great life so just enjoy it.

Well if you are itching to get back to the UK why not. But the UK is only generous to people with children, moving back with no children or non dependent children you should expect to be on your own. If you think that is manageable then go for it.

As above I didn't think the typical kiwi can sponsor for a PMV. If you got married though there is the 461 visa you could look into.

Then there would be no issue.

Medcals are valid for twelve months. There is nothing to stop you doing them early, but it is recommended to wait because they can expire and they shorten the length of time you have to make the initial entry to Australia, which will be one year from the date of the medicals. This is something you need to think about because your timings might mean haven't to make that trip either pregnant or with a young baby, which not everybody might want to do. It would also mean that you get your visa, but then when baby comes along they don't have a visa and you would then have to go through a child visa application process. More time and money. Personally, I would start the visa process and then if a pregnancy comes along I would actually delay the medicals until after the baby is born, add baby to application and then all get visa at the same time.

I have no idea if it will be sufficient, sorry. I still don't understand the problem with them transferring you money, as I said, why isn't this good?

No. :wink:

I am not sure I understand your post to be honest. What has been very very frustrating? And why is it a problem that your parents have been transferring you money - surely that would help the situation not hinder it? On what visa have your parents been living in Australia on for the last two years? I am asking because it might be better if you use phrases like "I live with my parents" rather than "my parents live with me" because the form give a better impression of dependency.

There are loads of other reasons for emigration. Some Brits move to Australia for the climate for example. We moved for an adventure. I didn't, and didn't expect to, better my life. Well other than I wanted an adventure and got one. As you seem to be doing well where you are and can't come up with any particular reason to move, then probably you are better off staying put.

Well the 489 is provisional rather than truly temporary. In that you can be sure of getting a permanent visa if you live and work regionally for a certain time. Whereas the 457 has no such certainty of leading to PR in time. I think I would look into that before the 457 as you do appear to want to move permanently. Although as mentioned earlier, you would effectively rule yourself out if you take the Penrith job.

They might not / probably won't be stopped at the departure airport. But the parent left behind would report it, Interpol would be alerted and arrest likely to follow pretty swiftly. Probably upon landing if the other parent realises within 24 hours.

Where is it? "West of Sydney" can put you in less desirable areas although would keep costs down! I would take a RSMS above a 457 any day of the week and would also find the Central Coast very appealing.

They want a job offer because people accept sponsorship and then don't move to the state. I guess particularly in IT occupations because there are more opportunities elee where. There won't be any leeway in this, they want a job offer and aren't going to take anything else. I think she needs to keep plugging away. Perhaps try SA too, although looks like they would also require a job offer, but at least it is two states to try.

Yes there definitely is gravity in this situation. To be honest I also wonder if it is worth it for just a year in UK. Unless it is a secondment, I can't see how it would be better for work, it would just be job hopping and might even mean needing to take a step back. It would seem a bit disruptive for schooling too. And final point, well it is a very expensive thing to do, my moves to Australia and back cost £25-30k each way! Anyway that was not your question, but things to consider in the serious discussion you will be having.

If you don't know anyone you don't know anyone, there is no way to get around it. Put down somebody not in the locality.

Is it a very large salon? Sponsoring another Brit for a PR visa is actually a bit of a concern to me, would they be able to do justify that twice to immigration in quick succession, don't know.. This isn't a chance you have to take. It is something that is worth weighing up very carefully, Sydney is a very expensive city and living there on a 457 visa could be a real challenge.

It wasn't a question about visas or passports. The husband won't have to go to court to stop them moving, the onus would be on the mother to go to court to get permission. My money would be on her getting it in the end, but still not a pleasant process for anyone to go through. If she didn't get court permission and didnt have father's permission, then it would be abduction under The Hague convention.

I would say your chances of securing NT state sponsorship whilst you are living in Sydney are between remote and zero. Probably closer to zero. NT had a history of offering sponsorship to people that then live elsewhere, as such they are now far more selective, often wanting evidence of work in the state and indeed some states immediately disqualify people from sponsorship if they already live elsewhere in Australia.