457 Sponsorship from dependent Visa

[PlantRoom]

Hi,

 

Very sensitive topic but will try my best to explain.

 

Have been living in Australia for 3 years on a mixture of WHV and then 457 dependent (my wife had qualified).

 

Long story short, I fear that separation may be heading my way. It's devastating in a number of ways obviously but I need to try and think clearly and see how this impacts my ability to stay here if the worst does happen.

 

About me:

 

10+ years experience working in a variety of Financial Sector roles

Currently employed in the public sector (have been there over 2 years)

Good health and private health insurance

Good English (Irish passport)

Have integrated myself into the local community (play Aussie Rules Football and have recently been appointed treasurer of the club)

No criminal convictions

Qualifications: No formal qualifications past A Levels. Attended University, completed course but did not graduate. Have a Prince 2 qualification in Project management.

 

I adore living here and am worried that I may face having to leave if I do not meet the requirements for a visa. So, questions:

 

1) What are my options? I have enquired at work for them to sponsor me but it is in the very early stages. If they decline, then what?

2) Will my work experience outweigh lack of formal qualifications?

3) Does 'character references' extend to how I have engaged in Australian society?

4) Self sponsorship - is this an option?

 

Thanks to anyone who can offer any clarity, this is an incredibly stressful situation.

[Wei Shu]

Q: What are my options? I have enquired at work for them to sponsor me but it is in the very early stages. If they decline, then what?

 

A: Will need to find another sponsor willing to sponsor you, you will certainly no longer be able to keep the current job, but working for the new employer once the 457 visa been granted.

 

Q: Will my work experience outweigh lack of formal qualifications?

 

A: Yes to your 457 visa, no to GSM, may be to ENS direct entry.

 

Q: Does 'character references' extend to how I have engaged in Australian society?

 

A: Character references usually relevant, or useful for visa cancellations, partner visa application with failed spousal relationship, or citizenship application, sometime but irrelevant to skilled PR applications.

 

Q: Self sponsorship - is this an option?

 

A: It is not impossible, depends on natural of the position, but not going to be easy, especially of those newly established business.

[PlantRoom]

Thank you for your reply, much appreciated.

 

It is a bit of a relief to hear that my work experience will help with the process.