WinterBench

On 15/09/2021 at 18:14, Ken said:

So close? You've got 6 weeks if you're lodging it yourself or 8 months (does vary by individual though so you should check) if lodging via an agent. I think you've got time yet. Besides if your tax return is late the ATO aren't going to refuse to accept it!

Hi, I have still yet to receive it but I can calculate the number of days that I was exempted from the full 2% levy based on when I received my interim medicare card. Should I go to a tax agent or proceed with my tax return? 

Hi everyone, 

I applied for my MES on 13th July and heard back on 12th Aug, requesting for more documents. I emailed everything again on 12th Aug and have not received anything yet. With the deadline for tax returns so close, I am starting to get worried. Has everyone been receiving their MES? 

Hi all, 

I am asking on behalf of someone who is pursuing a master's degree in early childhood in QLD. If they choose to go for 491 afterwards,  will they require 3 years' experience prior to the application? 

Regards

2 minutes ago, paulhand said:

You need to comply with whatever conditions are on your currently in effect visa. 

I am on the 485 visa which does require me to be on appropriate health insurance. Already cancelled my private one. Will have to call Bupa up to remain on it. Thanks Paul

Hi all, 

I was invited for a 189 visa and have just recently submitted my application. I enrolled in Medicare as well and have received my number. My interim card will be arriving in a few weeks. Is it all right for me to cancel my private health insurance with Bupa? 

18 hours ago, paulhand said:

Actually, this is not the case:

The regulations define settled to mean ‘lawfully resident in Australia for a reasonable period’, and Departmental policy says:

“‘Lawfully resident’ includes periods of lawful temporary residence, for example, a sponsor may arrive initially on a Student or a Temporary Work (Skilled) visa before later on becoming a permanent resident. The lawful residence should include the time spent on this temporary visa. In addition, the lawful residence may include periods on bridging visas that are related to events such as making a substantive visa application or a tribunal/judicial review.”

Thanks for the clarification, Paul.

2 hours ago, Marisawright said:

You have to be "settled", and a student visa is only temporary.  

Noted, thank you.

2 minutes ago, Tulip1 said:

It may count, I’m not sure about that. Your sister could perhaps get the ball rolling now if not. 

All good, that is definitely a question for a migration agent in the future. Ah, my sister is unable to commence the parent visa process as we wouldn't meet the balance of family test until I attain my PR. 

Thank you for your response thus far, definitely gave me more things to think about!

2 minutes ago, Tulip1 said:

I think from what you have said, the only way your brother will get a visa is to get one in his own right as you are doing. If I was you, I’d wait until your two years residency is nearly up and look into visas again then. It may be by then the parent visa option doesn’t exist anymore. Whilst being organised is good, there’s little point in doing that now as so much could change by the time you are able to sponsor someone. 

I was actually under the impression that my time in Australia on a student visa (4 years, 2016 - 2019) would be applicable towards the two years residency? I have an older sister who is an Aus citizen as well. 

Yes, I understand planning right now amidst a pandemic plus possible future parent visa changes probably isn't the greatest idea. 

1 hour ago, Marisawright said:

I just noticed your other posts.  Do you have your own visa yet?  Your parents can't even apply for the 143 visa until you've been settled in Australia for at least 2 years.

That means your younger brother definitely can't be included on the visa, because by the time your parents apply, the waiting period could be more like ten years, assuming the visa is still available (which is certainly not guaranteed). 

The reality is that if you are considering migration to a foreign country, you should always make your decision on the assumption that your family will probably be unable to join you.   In general, countries want skilled workers, but they don't want the burden of extended family members - and the long waiting lists for parent visas reflects that.  Some countries (like the UK) don't even offer them any more, except in extreme circumstances. No one can predict what Australia's visas might look like in two or three years' time?  

Hi Marisa,

Thank you for the thoughtful response. I don't have my 190 visa yet though my EOI is ready to be sent in when BSMQ opens. I am currently working FT in QLD.

My family is from an Asian country as well, not UK. We have always lived outside my home country due to the nature of my parents' jobs and thus have no fluency in our language, only in English. Migration is the only way for us since we are third-culture kids. Hence, I was just wondering about the various ways I could help my brother migrate over in the future and wanted to find out more information about this before heading to a migration agent in the far future.

Appreciate your input as always. Thank you. 

1 hour ago, LindaH27 said:

You may wish to read page 47 of this topic as it had a similar question and  has replies including one from an agent Concerning dependants 

https://www.pomsinoz.com/topic/207694-parent-visa-application-timelines-143-173/?page=47

Thank you for directing me to that thread. Didn't realise it was a 8 years' wait now. What a shame.

Hi everyone, 

If my parents and younger brother (14 years old) were to apply for 143, is it possible for my brother to come here on a student visa for his university in the future while waiting for the 143 visa to be granted since it takes more than 5 years now apparently?

20 minutes ago, VERYSTORMY said:

It is essential you use a migration agent as things are in a state of flux. For example, at the moment, the 190 is closed. 

Hi,

I do have an agent. I just wasn't sure if I should start looking at regional jobs if 70 points (80 after PTE) for 190 wouldn't get me anywhere. 

Hi everyone, 

I am currently on 70 points for my 190 in QLD. Will be able to get that to 80 once I get ny english to a superior level. Would that give me a higher chance of getting a 190? I know 189 is definitely off-limits. I live in Brisbane so I am not applicable for 491 unfortunately. 

7 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

I would be very surprised if a casual contract was sufficient. If you are working full time then the employer is possibly acting illegally too

I think it might be legal actually. We are allowed to ask for a permanent contract after a year of working with them. I have set up a consultation with another agent and will see how it goes. Thank you for commenting!

20 minutes ago, ali said:

I didn't realise you're on a casual contract - I understand now why they can't write you have work for 12 months - technically as a casual they may not need you tomorrow.

Yeap, I am on a casual contract. I understand why they are saying that but they do intend to keep me on for 12 mths and more. They just cant write '12 months' on the letter since Im casual. Im definitely thinking of other jobs though so we will see. It is just frustrating having to start over with the 6 months conditions for BSMQ again. 

26 minutes ago, ali said:

Hopefully, one of the agents who regularly contribute to the forum will be able to comment on the strategy.  Is your agent MARA registered

Yes, my agent is MARA registered.

Would be great if any of the agents comment on my case actually. Im mostly stuck abt whether to find a new job which would provide me with the offer of employment for 12 months or to continue staying but with possibly no positive outcome. I have been applying just in case anyway. Im hoping the last 6-7 months of me staying with my current employer isn't a waste.

Due to my casual contract, they are saying that they cant put the '12 months' by right but they still put me on full-time shifts. Very frustrating. 

Thank you for commenting so far. 

21 minutes ago, ali said:

Personally, I'd be concerned if the requirement is for 12 months that  the application wouldn't be accepted.

Yea, Im a little concerned too. Not really sure whether to proceed with my application. Most likely will, I guess. 

Hi all, 

For 190, BSMQ requires me to have an offer of employment from my employer foe 12 months. I have spoken to my employer and they will only be writing that 'employment is ongoing', NOT 'employment is ongoing for 12 MONTHS'. 

My migration agent thinks we can give it a try with just this. What are everyone else's thoughts on this?