Hi
I am a British citizen currently living in Australia on a tourist visa subclass 600, this expires 18 October 2020. While this is a little early, I am looking for advice on the options to stay longer as the terms of the visa are (to me at least) a little complicated. In more detail:
- I was granted a tourist visa subclass 600 on 18 October 2018;
- The visa is valid for multiple entries with a stay of 12 months from the date of each arrival;
- The 'must not arrive after' date is 18 October 2019;
- I intend to leave Australia in early October, re-entering on 15 October 2019. I would not then leave the country after this date (as I would not be eligible to re-enter after 18 October 2019);
- This would therefore allow me to stay in Australia until 15 October 2020;.
- I would like to stay in Australia until the end of February 2021, although ideally I would travel back to the UK for the period May-August 2020 (as explained below).
I am seeking advice on the following options:
a) Ideally, I will travel back to the UK May-August 2020, returning to Australia at the end of August 2020. I cannot re-enter on my current visa. If I do this, will I be eligible for a new tourist visa once back in the UK?
b) If yes, would I be eligible for a new tourist visa subclass 600 (i.e. the same type of visa as I currently hold) or the evisitor visa subclass 651 (12 month stay but must leave and re-enter every 3 months)?
c) Is there a way of obtaining a new visa (subclass 600 or subclass 651) while in Australia and before I leave for the UK? If yes, would I be better doing this rather than leaving and applying for a new visa when back in the UK?
d) I understand my current visa cannot be extended, is this correct?
e) If none of the above options allows me to obtain a new visa, do you have any other advice which would allow me to stay until February 2021?
Many thanks