Redemption Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 (edited) I was recently offered a job in Melbourne. I went through the entire process without mentioning the convictions (phone interview, skype interview etc.). When I received the call yesterday from the recruiter I was dealing with telling me that there were drawing up my conditional offer pending visa approvals and other administrative mumbo jumbo, I informed her of my convictions. Up to this point I was never asked about my criminal record and so never volunteered this information. Even yesterday when she spoke to me she never asked but I told her nonetheless. She said she will have to discuss it further with the hiring manager which is understandable. She also mentioned that this will complicate the visa application and she's not sure if it will be granted. From my understanding my crime does not meet the definition of a substantial criminal record but it does have me highly concerned. The background of my crime: It happened on holiday in New Zealand. I received a call from my mum saying my dad had a heart attack. The bar was loud, my mum crying so I said I'll call her back. I step outside and call a cab. The operator says the taxi will arrive shortly. I walk around a little and lose patience so I jump in my car and drive home. It's a 5 minute drive, just outside my place I hear the siren go off and I panic. I jump a red light to get home. When home I see the cop lights outside. I step out, apologise profusely. I'm taken to the station and charged with EBA (Excess Breath Alcohol) and also dangerous driving. I plead guilty to both and am fined and receive a 8 month license suspension. This all happened in the last two months. I am now back home when I get the offer. My profession is on the skilled occupations list and my employer are a pretty big multinational company. I am not too concerned with the job as I built a very strong rapport with the hiring manager and am sure I can explain to him that it was a complete an utter one off that happened at a time that my mind was muddled. It was out of character and I'm sure he will be able to see that (fingers crossed). However if the visa if going to be a hold up I don't want to waste their time as it will result in them stop looking for other candidates etc. This will damage my reputation with the firm which is the last thing I want. Any migration agents, forumers with similar experiences or lawayers with any advice that would be helpful. I speak to the hiring manager again on Friday and would like to know where I stand. Thank you all! Edited October 17, 2017 by Redemption Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Generally, it should not prevent you getting the visa. It may result in the visa taking longer though and you will need to submit an explanation similar to what you have written Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redemption Posted October 17, 2017 Author Share Posted October 17, 2017 (edited) In your experience would this process be something I can manage on my own or would I need a migration agent? A friend of mine who received a similar position earlier this year managed the process herself and it was relatively pain free. This leads me to believe that the company who've made me my offer are not going to pay for a migration agent. From the thread on this forum on agent fees, it looks like it will cost $1,800-$5,000. I'm guessing due to my circumstances it will cost on the higher end of that spectrum? My application with the exception of the conviction would be extremely straightforward from what I understand so assuming no complications that appears to be a little high for an application of this nature? Correct me if I'm wrong on what is actually involved. Either way I'm in no position to complain, just curious as to why it costs more than other similar visas. Edited October 17, 2017 by Redemption Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrussell Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 If you declare the matter to immigration, you should not have a problem. If immigration call for a written character submission (most unlikely) and you need advice, it should not cost much more than a consultation fee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redemption Posted October 18, 2017 Author Share Posted October 18, 2017 I will definitely declare the conviction. In terms of the suspension of licence, I have not served the full term. Will that be okay? Am I likely to be restricted from driving in Australia. It's no problem if that is the case, just curious as to how it will all work. My main concern is that it all happened so recently and in a country I don't call home. That really does not reflect well. Can't believe I was so stupid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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