2nd year WHV

[Melmur13]

Hey everyone,

Just looking for any advice ...... I'm still as clueless as my first post in 2014! some things never change

My partner and I have been granted our 2nd year working holiday visas. My partner is currently waiting for a date to complete his Vetassess skills assessment within the next month as he is a plumber and gas engineer and looking to do that type of work once we have arrived in Oz and completed appropriate tests/training. As much as my partner would love to just book a flight and arrive, I would much rather a plan! So looking for advice on renting and what to do when we arrive as we do not know anyone, would it be best to book a hotel and look at properties? What is the job opportunities like for his profession within WA and also Brisbane? any advice regarding the GAP training for his trade on arrival in Oz?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks

Melissa

[Marisawright]

Why are you going through all this effort, just for one year on a WHV?

[Melmur13]

Because I did not want to go through the full visa process until I had tried to live and work there prior? We were actually advised this was a good idea before applying for a permanent visa.

As I said .... I'm relatively new to it.   

[ali]

Even though your partner might have a positive skills assessment, he may find he needs to do some further qualifications here to work (unless he did them on the first WHV).  Remember that you can still only work for 1 employer for 6 months.  

Most rentals expect you to physically site/view the property before application, so it would be best for you to secure some accommodation on arrival first and then view/apply for rentals.  Be mindful also that the skills lists change constantly and jobs that are on there today may not be in a year.

[Melmur13]

Thanks for your reply Ali,

I am very much a worrier which doesn't help things, Ok I will keep this in mind.I just felt I had to try and see if I can live and sustain it before committing? May seem unreasonable! To be honest, ideally he would do plumbing but we are open to everything, I will likely do my dental nursing.

Is that quite uncommon to apply for a working holiday visa, then be placed on a bridging visa while apply for a permanent visa (all going well obviously)?

 

[Marisawright]

23 minutes ago, Melmur13 said:

Thanks for your reply Ali,

I am very much a worrier which doesn't help things, Ok I will keep this in mind.I just felt I had to try and see if I can live and sustain it before committing? May seem unreasonable! To be honest, ideally he would do plumbing but we are open to everything, I will likely do my dental nursing.

Is that quite uncommon to apply for a working holiday visa, then be placed on a bridging visa while apply for a permanent visa (all going well obviously)?

 

I'm a bit confused how you've managed to get a second year WHV if you're not already in the country?

[Toots]

2 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

I'm a bit confused how you've managed to get a second year WHV if you're not already in the country?

I was puzzled about that too.

[Melmur13]

applications for 2nd year holiday visa can be applied for on or off shore

[Marisawright]

1 minute ago, Melmur13 said:

applications for 2nd year holiday visa can be applied for on or off shore

I suppose my confusion was because you were asking about advice on renting etc, as if you'd never been in Australia. Whereas if this is your second year visa, you've already had one year in the country so surely you'd know the ropes by now? 

It is unusual to progress from a WHV to PR, though it does happen.  The reason is that most people who travel on a WHV don't have the requisite skills and experience to apply for PR (being already in Australia doesn't give you any advantage, you still need exactly the same qualifications and experience).  

It sounds as though in your case, you could apply for PR, you just want to come and try it out first. Which is fair enough, but remember there are no guarantees - and also that it's actually illegal to arrive on a WHV with the intent of staying permanently.  If Immigration gets a whiff that your partner has brought all his tools, gone through all the exams etc. as if he's planning to settle, he might be put on the next plane home!

Edited April 12, 2018 by Marisawright

[Melmur13]

Evidently I don't, I wasn't in Australia for the full year.

 

 

 

Edited April 12, 2018 by Melmur13
miscommunication

[Toots]

3 minutes ago, Melmur13 said:

Evidently I don't, I wasn't in Australia for the full year.

to be honest, if you don't really have anything other than negative things to say then I'll pass.

 

 

Marisa is right though.  There are many tales of people arriving here on a WHV who appear not to be genuine and are on the next plane home.  Forewarned and all that.  

[Marisawright]

12 minutes ago, Melmur13 said:

Evidently I don't, I wasn't in Australia for the full year.

to be honest, if you don't really have anything other than negative things to say then I'll pass.

 

 

Not being negative, I just need to get the facts before I can give you the right advice.   You're in an unusual situation, after all.

There is nothing wrong with using a WHV to find out whether you like Australia enough to migrate BUT the official line is that it's a temporary visa and you must go home at the end of it.  If you arrive and show obvious intent to stay, you will not be allowed in.  I'm not saying you can't do it, just don't do anything that would give you away to Immigration.

Ali is right, don't even try to find a rental place before you arrive, it's a waste of effort.  Book into an AirBnB or a hostel for about four weeks to give yourself time to find a nice place.  

 

[Melmur13]

No I understand,  I totally get what you are saying hence why I am asking all of these questions. Ok that is fair enough, I will definitely be doing much more research and making sure in the end up we make the right decisions, last thing I want to do is jeopardise any application in the future. My partner's plan was to do these exams so he could do plumbing work here and there so he is not under the same employer over the 6 month period and to earn a decent wage. I will definitely deal with the renting when I arrive and book into somewhere like you say.

I do appreciate the words of advice!

[ali]

1 hour ago, Melmur13 said:

Thanks for your reply Ali,

I am very much a worrier which doesn't help things, Ok I will keep this in mind.I just felt I had to try and see if I can live and sustain it before committing? May seem unreasonable! To be honest, ideally he would do plumbing but we are open to everything, I will likely do my dental nursing.

Is that quite uncommon to apply for a working holiday visa, then be placed on a bridging visa while apply for a permanent visa (all going well obviously)?

 

I'm not sure how common it is to be honest - and I don't blame you wanting to try before you buy because it's a lot of money to part with if you're not sure.  I think the visa landscape has changed so much over the last few years that if you're eligible now to get a PR visa (and can afford it), I'd certainly be thinking about it now or be ready to submit if you find you're liking it after a few months.

[Melmur13]

3 minutes ago, ali said:

I'm not sure how common it is to be honest - and I don't blame you wanting to try before you buy because it's a lot of money to part with if you're not sure.  I think the visa landscape has changed so much over the last few years that if you're eligible now to get a PR visa (and can afford it), I'd certainly be thinking about it now or be ready to submit if you find you're liking it after a few months.

Thanks Ali. I was actually just thinking that, I hope that soon after arriving, I am loving it and we are ready to submit an application. We have spent our time saving the last few years as this was something we always wanted to try. Our long term plan would be Oz if it all works out, I see from reading other peoples experiences the application process can vary timing wise, getting accepted etc so the sooner the better! Here's hoping. Research for me!

[VERYSTORMY]

The main problem I see is that on a WHV he can only work for one employer for six months. To get a license to work as a plumber will include working as a trade assistant for about a year. Not many employers would be willing to employ someone who isn't licensed and won't get a license while working for them. At the time he will need to do TAFE courses. These are expensive at the best of times, but on a temp visa with international fees, eyewateringly so. 

 

[ramot]

1 hour ago, Melmur13 said:

Evidently I don't, I wasn't in Australia for the full year.

to be honest, if you don't really have anything other than negative things to say then I'll pass.

 

 

My daughter came on a WHV age 30, 7 years ago, she was well qualified and experienced, but her skills weren't on the list. She started a good job soon after arriving, and then a 457visa. She met someone almost as soon as she arrived, so they applied for a partner visa, has PR and  should get her citizenship shortly. Yes still together and a genuine relationship.

Although it might be more difficult now, a surprising number of people she knows also came on a WHV, found good jobs and were sponsored or applied for PR here. It seems if you are older, have good qualifications and have the needed work skills, rather than fresh out of Uni you certainly used to have a good chance of staying. I have been surprised how many of her UK friends came the WHV route.

I certainly didn't know that it was illegal to come here on a WHV with the intent to stay permanently, are they quizzed by immigration on arrival? Lots might come and hope it works out, My daughter came because we lived here and she wanted to spend a year in the same country as us and her brother. She certainly knew it might only be for a year, but also knew it was her best chance. The last thing she was looking for was a relationship, that was unexpected.

Good luck with your plans

 

[Melmur13]

8 minutes ago, VERYSTORMY said:

The main problem I see is that on a WHV he can only work for one employer for six months. To get a license to work as a plumber will include working as a trade assistant for about a year. Not many employers would be willing to employ someone who isn't licensed and won't get a license while working for them. At the time he will need to do TAFE courses. These are expensive at the best of times, but on a temp visa with international fees, eyewateringly so. 

 

Thanks for your response. I will take this back to my partner we know that you can apply for the provisional plumbing license while working under a licensed plumber while completing the GAP training, so that was our plan of action. I am glad I started this topic!

Thanks for advice

[Marisawright]

17 minutes ago, ramot said:

I certainly didn't know that it was illegal to come here on a WHV with the intent to stay permanently,

It's illegal to arrive in Australia on any temporary visa with the intent to stay permanently.   In practice, the great majority of people are not quizzed on arrival, though of course, everyone has to fill out the arrival form - you wouldn't want to disclose your intent on that in any way, for instance.  Anyway, it's best to be prepared in case they are doing random checks or in case they notice something which rings alarm bells for them (for instance, someone arriving with all their tools on a tourist visa). 

Like I said, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with coming on a WHV to try things out, you just need to be aware that it is a temp visa and no guarantees - which your daughter was aware of.

While I was working, I employed dozens of temps on WHV's who were desperate to stay.  They were all office workers - receptionists, clerks, etc - who didn't have the skills for PR but they still had the dream.  The hostels where they stayed were full of tales of people who'd been able to get sponsored, yet nobody seemed to have actually met anyone who'd done it!   But then, those were younger people, as you say older people with better skills would have much better chances of success.

Edited April 12, 2018 by Marisawright

[Melmur13]

14 minutes ago, ramot said:

My daughter came on a WHV age 30, 7 years ago, she was well qualified and experienced, but her skills weren't on the list. She started a good job soon after arriving, and then a 457visa. She met someone almost as soon as she arrived, so they applied for a partner visa, has PR and  should get her citizenship shortly. Yes still together and a genuine relationship.

Although it might be more difficult now, a surprising number of people she knows also came on a WHV, found good jobs and were sponsored or applied for PR here. It seems if you are older, have good qualifications and have the needed work skills, rather than fresh out of Uni you certainly used to have a good chance of staying. I have been surprised how many of her UK friends came the WHV route.

I certainly didn't know that it was illegal to come here on a WHV with the intent to stay permanently, are they quizzed by immigration on arrival? Lots might come and hope it works out, My daughter came because we lived here and she wanted to spend a year in the same country as us and her brother. She certainly knew it might only be for a year, but also knew it was her best chance. The last thing she was looking for was a relationship, that was unexpected.

Good luck with your plans

 

Thanks for your response ramot.

I am glad it all worked out for your daughter and that she is happy and loving it! I am 26 and my partner is 27, the qualifications I have is my dental nurse qualification but I have been working within a housing association for the past 2 years progressing into various different roles within the organisation, my partner been doing his trade for the past 6 years. Yeah I couldn't believe how many people have went over there on a WHV and stayed, it's just took us a bit longer to get to this point.

Thanks again

[Samson]

It's pretty tough in WA at the moment especially for tradies, for work it could easily take 6-8 months to find employment. If you arrive on a WHV then maybe settle in one of the bigger cities and travel to other places you may like to settle if PR works out for you. 

Someone above said if you have some $$$ now, then it would be a better plan to start a more Permanent visa now, because Australia can very quickly eat up your savings ;-)

Good Luck with your adventure. 

[Melmur13]

3 minutes ago, Samson said:

It's pretty tough in WA at the moment especially for tradies, for work it could easily take 6-8 months to find employment. If you arrive on a WHV then maybe settle in one of the bigger cities and travel to other places you may like to settle if PR works out for you. 

Someone above said if you have some $$$ now, then it would be a better plan to start a more Permanent visa now, because Australia can very quickly eat up your savings ;-)

Good Luck with your adventure. 

6-8 months, wow! If he struggles to find work for that length of time , we will have a problem ! As well as the ever changing visa conditions defo sooner rather than later to get the permanent route on the go.

Thanks again

[Phoenix16]

I think you have a tough decision to make.  It’s nice to come out on a WHV to ‘try before you buy’ but the rules are ever changing and quite frankly it’s getting tougher to get a visa, even with the most sought after professions. We came on a 457 a few years ago with rose tinted glasses and were fortunate to become PR within 12 months we were extremely lucky, that simply would not happen now.  I think if you come on your WHV and fall in live you may face severe disappointment about your ability to remain, however, if you get the PR visa, you are certainly more attractive to employers yet you can still ‘try beforehand you buy (the house, the dream, the lifestyle)’, it gives you complete security and gives you total control of your choices and wishes for your future.  I am no expert, but I have seen how much visa rules have changed, even obtaining citizenship, it is completely different now and much more difficult than it was when we arrived here which was really only 7 years ago, so much has changed since then and so very quickly, you really cannot be complacent these days, I do wish you all the best xx

[Melmur13]

1 minute ago, Phoenix16 said:

I think you have a tough decision to make.  It’s nice to come out on a WHV to ‘try before you buy’ but the rules are ever changing and quite frankly it’s getting tougher to get a visa, even with the most sought after professions. We came on a 457 a few years ago with rose tinted glasses and were fortunate to become PR within 12 months we were extremely lucky, that simply would not happen now.  I think if you come on your WHV and fall in live you may face severe disappointment about your ability to remain, however, if you get the PR visa, you are certainly more attractive to employers yet you can still ‘try beforehand you buy (the house, the dream, the lifestyle)’, it gives you complete security and gives you total control of your choices and wishes for your future.  I am no expert, but I have seen how much visa rules have changed, even obtaining citizenship, it is completely different now and much more difficult than it was when we arrived here which was really only 7 years ago, so much has changed since then and so very quickly, you really cannot be complacent these days, I do wish you all the best xx

Thanks Phoenix16 - I definitely agree, being on this forum has opened our eyes and I think it may have knocked our rose tinted glasses off! I have been reading constantly and see with the changing visa requirements that we could potentially get to the end of our WHV, love it and need to leave as no doubt the requirements will be completely different again. Tonight we will be having a big conversation. As you say I do not want to make any mistakes. Thanks for your help!

xx

 

[Jojoe]

If you met all the criteria for your 2nd year whv then I would advise you to come out here and look at it as an opportunity to explore all areas  in relation to your future plans  and the main applicants job . Utilise this through the freedom  of not knowing you have to do the dreaded  rural criteria but ensure you keep within the working condition limits . .why would you commit to a rental before arrival when you can explore the country through backbackers , shared occomadation  , short term let’s etc ... go with your partners idea of just book a flight but go with your idea also of planning your destination on arrival and book temporary  accomaodation  to  alleviate your anxiety . There are many Ex pats living in Australia not  knowing anyone  so I’m sure you won’t be short  of willing associates for a night out. Good luck with your partners visa application for  PR  as that is what I’m presuming he is applyiing for so i, would suggest you also look into the partner dependency within this , but also best wishes and enjoy your 2 nd year on the WHV out here