Sub class 804 question

[teejaybee]

My partner and I hope to be arriving Australia later this year to join family .

Our question for the community is when we arrive on tourist visas ,if questioned on arrival by immigration do we openly declare our

intentions to apply for the subclass 804 visa asap ?

[Marisawright]

It's not illegal to arrive in Australia with the intention of applying for a further visa, so there's no reason not to be honest. 

I hope you have looked into the downsides of living in Australia on a 804 visa, including property surcharges, limitations on medical treatments etc. 

[teejaybee]

Thank you Marisa for your reply and advice.

I have researched extensively many aspects of the 804 visa but I am sure there will be other questions.

The property surcharges are certainly hefty ,your warning appreciated.

Melbourne greater area near family is our preferred destination but the prices have rocketed in past two years so other locations must be considered.

[Marisawright]

14 minutes ago, teejaybee said:

Melbourne greater area near family is our preferred destination but the prices have rocketed in past two years so other locations must be considered.

Yes indeed (I live in Melbourne).  Geelong is worth considering as an alternative. Excellent train link to Melbourne to visit family, but has its own amenities and city centre.  Better than living in the far outskirts of Melbourne, IMO, which can be pretty dreary.    There is a big move among millenials to Ballarat and Bendigo now that so many of them can work from home, so I predict those cities will start to really grow.