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Recently i got an opportunity to work in australia and my employer is giving me sponsorship for that . but i read somewhere that if you had any caution , your visa may rejected .As i got a "simple caution", for sexually assault in u.k. , but it was not intentional , i never had experience with alcohol before and my friends gave me that in coke (coca cola - soft drink ) and i was not aware about that . And i had no knowledge the night before . next day i did not recall anything .I was in London only for a year and working for a bank . it was only 3 weeks before my friends ask me to join them at London Bridge , but before leaving they ask me to have dinner with coke and that was mix (alocohol) and i never had any experience before so it taste different (sweet and fizzy ) after that i did not recall anything after that .I never had any criminal background or any caution in last 29 year , this was first time will this effect my future or visa

Hi all, I have tried to find my answers in previous posts however there is lots of conflicting information and not an answer to a specific question that I have so here goes... I am about to apply for a skilled independent 189 visa, and I am adding my de facto partner to the application We are living in Australia at the moment on a WHV, I have all required to apply... skills assessment, qualifications, ID, medicals completed, UK police checks and although we have not lived in Aus we have Aus police checks just incase, IELTS completed for points etc Our UK police checks came back and although mine is fine, no trace; my partners has a stepped down caution for possessing a class A drug in 2012. He is going to contact the Uk police for further information as I have read this is commonly asked for He tells me that he has also been arrested in the past, 4 times for being drunk and disorderly, was taken to the police station and issued a fine with no further action My questions are 1 - where does he actually declare this? We have looked at the application form and character reference stat dec many times, it states has be a conviction therefore we initially said no as it is only a caution 2 - If he requests a subject access from ARCO, does this just list all information held against him, or will it provide more information about this particular issue which I assume DIBP will require more information for 3- Does he declare the other arrests? Should we be worried about these past issues? 4- Should he write a letter and upload this with our application, explaining his guilt and how he is a reformed character which he genuinely is? Any help would be greatly appreciated, at present we are finding it difficult to locate an appropriate RMA and we also are having difficulty visiting a RMA as we work long hours and are not in a position to take time off at present Cheers

Hi Everyone, I have for quite some time been reading posts on here and am eternally grateful to all those who have shared their experiences of applying for visa's. I have searched quite a few forums to try and find out other peoples experiences when going for the defacto whilst having cautions and although the question is asked and everyone says it should be fine....I have never seen a follow-up regarding what the outcome was. Which has brought me here to ask if anyone does have advice or can explain what the ramifications were? To give you an overview of my situation, I am currently on a 457 and going to apply for the defacto visa shortly (just starting the process) the UK police check takes the longest so want to get that sent off asap. I know it is going to come back for two cautions, one was relating to an incident where I was physically attacked, retaliated and due to this both of us got cautioned. The second was for a tiny piece of weed which was in my pocket which a dog sniffed out on the tube one day. These events occurred nearly 4 years ago, I have never has anything else happen (i realise some people get through life with zero cautions) and don't actually smoke weed. However I can kind of appreciate why these two cautions would be massive red flags. I'm going to send for the checks anyhow but just wanted to find out if anyone has gotten through the process successfully despite some unsavoury incidents in their past? Any information would be greatly appreciated!!

I am being talked into going to work in Australia for a year by a friend who has just returned from there. what he doesn't know is i have a sexual offence caution from 2008. its augured that you cannot have a caution for sexual offences but im the rare case! (arresting officer knew i didn't mean any harm and tried to let me walk. his boss wanted results which meant i had to take the lightest thing he could get me - a caution. This was from an incident from when i was 15-16, and is too embarrassing to tell my friend and ask him... would this caution stop me from applying for my Visa? as not yet ready to go and nothing is set in stone im not ready to apply for a working visa and just thought i'd ask here as i can stop worrying about it and maybe start planning. if anyone can help that would be great!

Finally! Yes, finally, after months of an interminable wait for a DRC application, our PR came through yesterday. OH was also caught by the camera police for over speeding on the way to work. So all in all the day evened out I should say. They let him off with a caution as it was his first offence. That's a good thing I suppose. Anyway it was a UK licence so I guess they wouldn't have been able to take it off him. Spent the evening searching for a good Indian restaurant for dinner but finally ended up at Akash restaurant run by a Fijian at Liverpool. His medium spiced Biriyani burned a hole in my mouth. Otherwise not too bad but nothing to write home about other than the price which was quite reasonable. Tried explaining to the kids what a PR was and finally realised its not an easy concept-- is it? Have to go to centrelink in the morning to update on our new status!

Hi Guys, I hope you are all well? Some time ago I posted a thread on my conviction worry when applying for a working holiday visa, fortunately the visa was approved, I declared my conviction and the migration agent was satisfied enough to approve my visa without a police certificate. I have now been offered a 457 Visa by the company I am working for, I spoke to my assigned migration officer who requested a police certificate to confirm what I had said was correct.......which it was, BUT 2 other minor issues came up on the certificate, both for 'scrapping'. I am no thug and I am not going to excuse my actions, but I have put together a letter below explaining the incidents, just so people can give their thoughts on what they anticipate the outcome to be...... I have been in Australia for 7 months already and the company have supplied all the supporting paperwork and evidence for my application. The agent did say it was approved, but she was just waiting on the certificate. I am concerned that my other cautions may throw a spanner in the works..? My letter: - "I am writing this covering letter not to justify my actions or claim innocence for any of them, but merely to explain the circumstances to which the situations occurred. My reprimand took place at my school at the age of 15/16 years old, I had a dispute with a friend that turned into a scuffle, this was broken up by a teacher, when taken to our headmaster, we were both sent to the police station, as we had both struck one another. Our headmaster sent us to the police station to teach us a lesson and because it was our school policy. We both received reprimands and were back being friends within the hour. The caution was given when I was out in a nightclub at the age of 18, a larger gentleman pushed me out of his way, and then began to verbally abuse me in a nightclub, during the verbal abuse the gentleman tried to head-butt me, in self-defence I did react and struck the gentleman twice, I handed myself to security and explained the situation, the police came and I gave a statement but was not arrested, the other gentleman was arrested and charged with ABH as he instigated the situation and was the aggressor, I did react but the police officers at the time were very understanding and gave me a caution on the spot as despite the gentleman being the aggressor, I did strike him twice. I was unaware that a caution was given for this incident, as at the time I was only given a public order offence notice. I shouldn’t have reacted and this is something I deeply regret, on reflection as soon as the gentleman head-butted me, I should have walked away and reported him. The last was my only conviction, whilst visiting a Sunday market with Heidi almost 3 years ago, a drunken male walked past and hit Heidi for no reason, this provoked a defensive reaction and I did become involved in a fight with the gentleman, the police were just across the street and witnessed the altercation take place, during this altercation an advertising frame was damaged by both myself and the gentleman falling onto it (hence the damaged property note), as soon as the police became involved I instantly cooperated, this was all noted in court and the judge was made aware of the whole situation, both myself and the gentleman sustained no serious injuries and due to the circumstances of my reaction and the officers account of the situation, the judge was very lenient during my sentence, although the order states ’18 month supervision requirement 18 month programme requirement’, these were both tied in together, the programme was over 18 months, it consisted of 18 classes, one a month, the supervision was a part of that order in the sessions. The other gentleman was convicted of GBH and as he had several other convictions for similar offences, he was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. I am by no way excusing my behaviour and I do deeply regret the trouble I have found myself in, during the past, but I am a trustworthy, honourable person, who only means to do the right thing. I can assure you that my good deeds far exceed the bad one’s. If I could rewind time and take back the things I have done, I most certainly would. Solving violence with violence is not the right thing to do and I am fully aware of that and ashamed of my previous actions. I ask that you consider the situations that I found myself in above and know that I never instigated one of them. I intend to abide by all laws during my stay in Australia, contribute toward the well-being of the country and continue to live as happily as I have during the past 7 months I have been in Australia and hope that my honesty will be seen as a positive beginning. I very much look forward to hearing back from you soon, hopefully with a positive outcome. My reprimand took place at my school at the age of 15/16 years old, I had a dispute with a friend that turned into a scuffle, this was broken up by a teacher, when taken to our headmaster, we were both sent to the police station, as we had both struck one another. Our headmaster sent us to the police station to teach us a lesson and because it was our school policy. We both received reprimands and were back being friends within the hour. The caution was given when I was out in a nightclub at the age of 18, a larger gentleman pushed me out of his way, and then began to verbally abuse me in a nightclub, during the verbal abuse the gentleman tried to head-butt me, in self-defence I did react and struck the gentleman twice, I handed myself to security and explained the situation, the police came and I gave a statement but was not arrested, the other gentleman was arrested and charged with ABH as he instigated the situation and was the aggressor, I did react but the police officers at the time were very understanding and gave me a caution on the spot as despite the gentleman being the aggressor, I did strike him twice. I was unaware that a caution was given for this incident, as at the time I was only given a public order offence notice. I shouldn’t have reacted and this is something I deeply regret, on reflection as soon as the gentleman head-butted me, I should have walked away and reported him. The last was my only conviction, whilst visiting a Sunday market with Heidi almost 3 years ago, a drunken male walked past and hit Heidi for no reason, this provoked a defensive reaction and I did become involved in a fight with the gentleman, the police were just across the street and witnessed the altercation take place, during this altercation an advertising frame was damaged by both myself and the gentleman falling onto it (hence the damaged property note), as soon as the police became involved I instantly cooperated, this was all noted in court and the judge was made aware of the whole situation, both myself and the gentleman sustained no serious injuries and due to the circumstances of my reaction and the officers account of the situation, the judge was very lenient during my sentence, although the order states ’18 month supervision requirement 18 month programme requirement’, these were both tied in together, the programme was over 18 months, it consisted of 18 classes, one a month, the supervision was a part of that order in the sessions. The other gentleman was convicted of GBH and as he had several other convictions for similar offences, he was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. I am by no way excusing my behaviour and I do deeply regret the trouble I have found myself in, during the past, but I am a trustworthy, honourable person, who only means to do the right thing. I can assure you that my good deeds far exceed the bad one’s. If I could rewind time and take back the things I have done, I most certainly would. Solving violence with violence is not the right thing to do and I am fully aware of that and ashamed of my previous actions. I ask that you consider the situations that I found myself in above and know that I never instigated one of them. I intend to abide by all laws during my stay in Australia, contribute toward the well-being of the country and continue to live as happily as I have during the past 7 months I have been in Australia and hope that my honesty will be seen as a positive beginning. I very much look forward to hearing back from you soon, hopefully with a positive outcome." So guys....I open the forum to anyone willing to comment on my current situation. What do you all think, truthfully, will my 457 visa be granted or will the cautions now cause me an issue? Thanks Rick

Hi all, I'm just waiting to hear back from an oz security company regarding a job. I have a caution for theft from an employer from about 4 years ago and wanted to know if this will cause us a problem. The only reason I got a caution was because the police officer had only just passed out and this was his first case. He decided to give me a caution even though they was no evidence that I'd done what my employer alleged. I was advised by solicitor at the time to accept the caution so i did. I really need to know if this will cause us any problems with our visa application. Thanks in advance Ben & Kelly

There have been many recent posts in regards to the new points system which will be implemented from the 1st of July. I advise caution in this regard, as there is still much we do not know for certain, as much of the relevant Regulations and none of the Policy has yet been released. So far only some of the Regulations are available, such as the regulation which deals with the points allocation (Schedule 6C). This is problematic as the relevant Ministerial Instruments and Policy have not been released. As one example, the definition of Superior English in the Schedule defers to another Regulation, which Defers to a Ministerial Instrument, which has not yet been released. As such it is yet to be defined. My point is to proceed with caution and not make any irreversible decisions until the full ambit of the new system is know.

Just FYI: Be a little cautious using Singapore Airlines new website for the timebeing. I booked a flight, selected seats, entered credit card info and hit submit. The session "timed out" and no booking was made, but the money was taken on the CC. Spent a couple of hours trying to convince them that I made a booking, which they eventually located. Had to rebook a new ticket over the phone and pay abother 2500 dollars and then they informed me that I must do seat allocation online (to pay extra for exit rows etc) because they can't. Exit row costs 49 AUD, and I selected 2. The grand total: $732.45...until I hit refresh and then it went down to $343.98...then again to about 150 then to around 600. Finally it stated the right amount, but this generated a system error when I selected 'Pay' I'm now chasing up the refund for the first ticket that was never properly created. Something serioulsy wrong with their payment system and new website (2 days old). Its buggy as hell.

Hi everyone. I could do with some help, I had a police caution (UK) as I stole a couple od dvd,s in a stupid moment, no court or anything but the caution is on record, I applied online for a 48 visa, got it back within a week,so i have the visa. I am just worried about what happens when you arrive in Australia, should I tick (No conviction ) on the form as in the uK a caution is not a conviction as such, or tick conviction? What happenes when I get there, I dont want to be shown up or taken a way to discuss this as I will be with friends,(embarassment) if anyone can help, I would grateful

Hi all we have got Pcc checks. We had a German Shepheard 7 yrs ago who was tormented by neighbours kids. Ie throwing things over fence at him. I was out front cleaning car and our dog was on grass. Was fine then neighbours son road passed Wearing shorts on bike and dog jump up him and barked. Caught his leg with tooth and had little Mark no cut or blood. Police were called on me and I was advised to take caution for 5 yrs to keep on lead,or dog may be put dwn. Even though he was friendly with every one else.Was treated like common criminal ie had finger prints DNA and photo. Will this affect our visa. Dog died 12 months later age 11.please advise:policeman:

I have a friend who is in a dilemma, they are applying for a whv. In the character references it asks do you have a criminal conviction. I said to answer no to that as I didn't think a caution is a criminal conviction and to write a brief note explaining about the caution and the circumstances leading up to it. Before he could proceed onto the next page an error message was displayed saying as he'd answered no that no description was to be written in the box so the question is: Does he answer yes and put the description in the box or is the answer no and say nothing, I'm just worried that if he does answer no it will jump up and bite him on on rear at a later date. Any suggestions?

Hi, Please could some one assist, I received a Simple Police caution back in October 2010 for petty theft of £20 from my previous employer. My Sill Assessment has been approved, I am just about to apply for 176 visa immigration application and just wanted some clarification on the Questions around Criminal convictions, Should I add the Simple Police Caution details to Visa Application form? How will this affect the Visa Application if its added? will it be rejected? Please any assiatance will be welcomed. Thanks

My partner & I are starting our application process, we want to know if a caution from ten years ago will effect his chances of his skilled visa application will be rejected ???

Hi Folks. The basis for this thread is to show that Australia whilst not for everybody is still a country that welcomes and embraces many migrants each year. It is still a country that holds a fascination for many of us, and when looked at in terms of migration is one of the best countries in the world to make your long term future if you have the correct mindset and attitude. The figures below I think bears this out. UK citizens returning to the UK are still minimal in number when compard to other parts of the world, the success rate for Australia migrants is extremly high and Australia still maintains a very dear place in many peoples hearts and minds. We all know that many people emigrate to Australia in the hope that it will be a permanent move, but for many people it doesn't work out, for many, many, different reasons may I add. Whilst a lot of research is done etc on the numbers of UK citizens returning to the UK each year and 'say' that they will never return to Australia again, the numbers are at times very blurred and not collected in any reasoned manner. I have for many months/years had a long and fascinating history with Australia, it is a place I still love and hope to make my future home. In relation to this fact I have for a number of months/years been able to calculate the numbers of migrants leaving, entering and returning home to the UK. These are the figures below. Percentage Of Migrants Returning To The UK. (Who said it was a permanent move) 36% Of migrants returned to the UK within the first five years. 24% Of these migrants have indeed stayed in the UK for a period of three years or more. 12% Of migrants returned to Australia within three years of being back in UK. (Otherwise known as Ping Pong Poms). Areas Of Migrant Return Of the 36% of returning migrants these are the figures for the areas they returned from: 12% returned from NSW. 9% returned from Queensland 5% returned from Victoria 5% returned from NT 3% returned from WA 2% returned from South Australia There were a few returnees from Tasmania and ACT but barely registered on the scale. I am NOT for one-second saying that the figures I have detailed are in any way more accurate or expert than any other figures. But because of my long standing relationship with Australia, and a couple of businesses I have been involved in I have been able to collect and gather the above figures. Whilst statistics can often be misleading, I am the first to admit that, I hope the figures given will in some small measure help a few people. I could have put the reasons why people move back to the UK, but in all honesty they are to varied to even contemplate, each to their own I guess. The figures are based on months of research and the number of people questioned was 2,300. Yes, a very small snapshot, but a snapshot nonetheless that 'may' give a fair and honest picture. Please just take these figures as a guide, not for one second do I pretend to be an expert in such matters, but I have a very, very keen interest in all things Australia and whilst the country and its people fascinate me, the migrant issue is one I take a great interest in, and hope the figures given may help a little. It is purely a hobby of mine, (sad but true) which has come in very handy over the years in both personal and professional life. PS. This is NOT meant to be a negative thread at all about Australia. The reverse in actual fact, based on the figures 64% (76%) of migrants go on to make a happy and wonderful life in Australia. This figure is amongst the worlds best figures when spoken in terms of 'successful' migration by Brits to other parts of the world. Just goes to show that whilst Australia may not be for some, it is still looked at and is indeed proved to be one of the most sought after destinations for UK citizens to make their long term home, long live Australia and its migration policy. Cheers Tony:wink:

Hello all, I have a query relating to a police caution I recieved in 2003. The offence related to me streaking in a public place late at night - I was with friends and no one else was about but a patrolling police car caught me red handed. I recieved a police caution and was given a warning. I was never arrested for the offence. I am currently having a dilemma. I am currently in Australia on a 457 visa and never declared this on my visa application. I have just applied for a 176 visa application as recieved state sponsorship - all of my details have gone off. When I recieved my UK police check it stated that I had no-live trace which means there are records on you. So when I applied for my current visa being processed 176 I stated no but put a covering letter in detailing the events. Is this likely to count against me and my current visa as I declared this as no convictions as a police caution is not a criminal record and seems unfair that I should be criminalised for something so minor. Will I have to provide further details - i saw this post from another member: The Joy of Emigration: The character requirement Would really appreciate any advice as am very worried at present. Many thanks

my partner got a caution for using threatning language in a football incident in Manchester would this effect his application? I am the sponsor so a bit worried that he might not get his visa. we are also putting in two character references with his applications hoping this will help matters. Any ideas?

My son (16) has been caught with a small amount of cannibis & has been given a low level caution. Now do i tell the australian orthorities or keep quite. Our police checks have been done so this is not on there as this as only just happened. Your thoughts please.

Please help! Will a minor police caution (abuse behaviour/language) affect my partners visa application (defacto spouse) We are sendin it off on Tuesday but Im worried that this may affect everything! Pam x

Hi - I got my police check back today, it came back with a caution i got april 2007 for posession of cannabis. I am scared this will be a problem, as i did not disclose it as a conviction. any advice please?

Hello there. I'm Very new to the site and wondered if anyone could offer any advice reguarding a police caution i recieved two and a half years ago. It was for a brawl i got dragged into one evening, caution: assault, the first and last time i've been in trouble with the police and the law and at my age, 38, it was very foolish. Do cautions appear on police reports for imigration purposes and if so how do the Australian authorities view such matters? Many thanks.