Worried my criminal record will affect my 457 visa **Please Help**

[luke261]

Im currently living in England and have been offered a job in Sydney which I require a 457 visa for. The problem is my criminal record, I've read posts on here where people have said were still given a visa although the had a record but I'm worried about mine as my record has a lot of charges on it. About 7 years ago I was charged 3 or 4 times with shoplifting and also assault on a pcso(police community support officer) for which I received community service and probation. The problem is I kept missing my community service so they kept adding more hours which shows up n my criminal record. I also have a drunk and disorderly chaged from nearly 5 years go which I received a caution for. I spent 2 years in Australia from 2011-2013 and got my working holida visa's; although that took a while to come through, I haven't been in any trouble since and have always had a job since I was 18. I'm really panicking that when the visa people see the length of my record (its on 4 sheets of A4) they'll reject my application. Has anyone received their 457 although their criminal record has lots of small stupid charges? I appreciate any feedback

Edited December 24, 2014 by luke261

[wrussell]

The regulations and ministerial directions applying to character issues have changed.

There are several recent posts about this issue.

[VERYSTORMY]

I would advise you to seek assistance from a good agent such as Wrussel who has posted above. His contact details are in his signature.

[Quinkla]

I would consider having your application handled by an agent who specialises in criminal records. As Westly says, the rules have changed and it is hard to know what a case officer would frown upon. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and an agent should be able to help you make the best impression your circumstances allow.

[luke261]

I would consider having your application handled by an agent who specialises in criminal records. As Westly says, the rules have changed and it is hard to know what a case officer would frown upon. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and an agent should be able to help you make the best impression your circumstances allow.

 

The company who offered me the job uses an agent but I'm unaware who the agent in or if th y specialize in a certain area. Because of the holidays its taking longer to process everything and which isn't helping, I just want to know where I stand

[mr luvpants]

How old are you? Most charges before the age of 18 are null and void (except murder obvioulsy).

[Quinkla]

I just want to know where I stand

Of course, but passing the character test when you have a criminal record is discretionary so you can't know that for certain until the CO has given a ruling - and individual circumstances differ so you won't get much from knowing that someone here with different circumstances got a particular outcome. An agent would have seen more caseload, but still cannot give a definitive answer.

 

How old are you? Most charges before the age of 18 are null and void (except murder obvioulsy).

This is not true. For the purposes of migration all offences, including spent ones and juvenile ones, must be declared and can go towards forming a picture of whether or not someone meets the character test.