Maggie03

Hi Raul, thanks for your message. I think you make a really valid point about the 'conflict of interest'. It would also explain their current behaviour. I have an appointment with another immigration agent tomorrow, hopefully I can get advice on what to do next. I mixed up the dates re the skills assessment. My partner had his skills assessed in September, visa was lodged end of Nov, and medicals and police checks were submitted in January/February. As for the 485- my student visa expired in March this year. My thesis is currently under examination and due to be completed within the next 2 weeks, graduation in December. This is a normal time frame for PhDs, hence we are often employed from the moment we submit the thesis (rather than after graduation). I will look into this though, thanks for the tip. The University also said they would sponsor me (although I need to look into the type of visa/what changes were made to the conventional 457). I have been employed with them since February this year (as a project coordinator for an international phd program as well as a research officer/scientist). Thanks again everyone for your insights, very helpful and much appreciated.

Hi MaggieMay24. 28 days is not exactly long. I guess we have to get a postgraduate visa for myself instead then. My partner could always apply for his own skilled visa later down the track, once we have more time (and money too). It's an option to consider at last. Out of interest- he had his skills assessed in January this year. Could you use this to apply to any other visa? Is there an 'expire date' on this assessment? Thanks heaps, M

Thanks Verystormy. I feared that might be the case. I'm trying to get info from my current immigration lawyer, as well as seeking independent advice elsewhere from another immigration agent. Our previous visa was the student visa, if the bridging visa gets cancelled then how long would we even have before having to leave the country? Would you happen to know? I have most paperwork ready and still valid (from the 186), my partner would likely qualify for the skilled visa. I can also apply for the postgraduate visa. We definitely have options in this regard but I need to assess which one is most likely within which time frame. Also, I think part of me still hopes the visa is approved by the time the claim against the company is through. If both parties can agree to a settlement then there will be no court, and it takes less time. I realise there are a lot of 'ifs' and 'buts' here, I still can't believe I am in this situation I guess. Once again thank you, every opinion or potential other options are highly appreciated.

thank you for your response. We are on a bridging visa at the moment

Hi all, I'm hoping someone could help us. My partner has been employed as a carpenter for the last 4 years in Melbourne. We were on my student visa for a PhD originally. Last year they agreed to nominate my partner for the 186 visa. We paid for it and it's now been lodged since Nov 2016. Last week my partner was dismissed from work with immediate effect, he has ben set up and replaced by a new worker within less than 24 hours. We are seeking legal advice to appeal and the lawyers are confident we have a case. The problem is now the visa. I don't quite know how I should handle the situation. Should we cancel the visa or await the appeal first? The company hasn't cancelled the visa yet. I have been in touch with our immigration lawyer (hired by the company last year), she suggested to leave it with her and she will be in touch. It has now been 7 days and I have not heard back. The visa could be approved soon, or not, I have no idea. We are now left in a vulnerable situation, both financially and also mentally, being dismissed without warning or the usual procedures in place has left my partner feeling very 'deflated' and somewhat hopeless. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.