meganqb Posted April 13, 2014 Share Posted April 13, 2014 Dear colleagues, I hope you may be willing to share some expertised as I have several visa-related questions that I haven't managed to answer through the official channels (including writing to the Australian IMMI). As a NZer after ~25 years in the UK (where I now also have citizenship/GB passport) I have received a job offer from an Australian organisation who are willing to sponsor myself and my UK partner (GB passport only) to take up posts with them (him under their 'partner' scheme). I originally considered entering Australia and working on my NZ passport (a visa subclass '444' route, I have discovered, after much brain-ache on the various websites), however advice from my NZ aunt impelled me to look more closely at the status of NZers in Australia. I understand that since 2001 NZers have had, for example, less access to medicare (and social security, although I am a bit less concerned about that), are unable to vote, no access to Australian citizenship, etc. and wondered if we are doing the right thing. If my partner enters on the same visa as I then he would be a '461' and have the same limited rights as I (less than he would if the new work place sponsored his application for permanent residency). Should we, in your view (and we would welcome a selection of views), ask our new work to pursue what I understand would be an employer sponsored/nominated 186 direct entry for me (against my UK citizenship), which would also cover him as a partner, leaving us with the option full potential benefits of Australian citizenship? Would this even be allowed, given that I have a NZ passport? If we did ask the employer to sponsor/nominate us, do we have to be outside of Australia while it is processed? Or could I start my job on my NZ visa and apply for the 186 while I was already working? My partner has already decided to take some time off so any delays would suit him! Your advice would be very gratefully appreciated. Best wishes, M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickyNook Posted April 13, 2014 Share Posted April 13, 2014 Should we, in your view (and we would welcome a selection of views), ask our new work to pursue what I understand would be an employer sponsored/nominated 186 direct entry for me (against my UK citizenship), which would also cover him as a partner, leaving us with the option full potential benefits of Australian citizenship? Would this even be allowed, given that I have a NZ passport? If we did ask the employer to sponsor/nominate us, do we have to be outside of Australia while it is processed? Or could I start my job on my NZ visa and apply for the 186 while I was already working? My partner has already decided to take some time off so any delays would suit him! It's a no-brainer. Yes, you should definitely pursue the PR route rather than the permanently temporary visa available to you as an NZ citizen. A PR visa is vastly superior - for the reasons you've noted. Yes, you can apply for for the 186 PR visa as an NZ citizen. Yes, you can apply for it whilst already in Australia and .. Yes, you can begin your job on the 444 and then apply for the 186. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meganqb Posted April 13, 2014 Author Share Posted April 13, 2014 Brilliant, thank you for your help, NickyNook, really appreciated. Perfect (phew). Actually I don't think that the new work will mind as they had it factored in already, I thought that I had saved them a step until my aunt's message. You have been very kind in taking the time to respond. Thank you. M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lebourvellec Posted April 13, 2014 Share Posted April 13, 2014 Your partner will need to apply and be granted 461, it is not automatic like that of SCV for NZ citizens. To to go down the 186 direct entry route you will also require a positive skills assessment and. 3 years work experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meganqb Posted April 14, 2014 Author Share Posted April 14, 2014 Thank you lebourvellec, again, the help/advice from members of the forum has been invaluable. I saw that there is a 2 month waiting time for the 461 at a cost of AUD325 which would fit well; we will try the 186 route through work first (I was defensively allowing 8 months for that). We feel very lucky to have so much support from the new employer. I hear your catuion about the skills assessment and work experience above. Moving the humans is *almost* more complicated than moving the cat but not quite, yet (DAFF changed the rules in January but that is another story altogether). Thank you again. M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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