Here on working holiday, and want to stay permanently. How can we do this?

[Richlacey]

Hi after leaving England in June and travelling through America Fiji and New Zealand we arrived here in Australia in September.
we are both on working holiday visas and We would like to apply for residency, but we don't know how to go about it.


I am mechanic and I'm currently working part time at two garages. One of my bosses has said he would sponsor me but at this time he does not have the work to take me on full time. So that's a non starter.
We have been here 4 months now, and we really want to get the ball rolling as we feel time is going by fast and before we know it we will have to leave.
Looking around it seems we need a 175 visa but I don't know if this is correct?
Basicly, we need instruction on what to do, then we can do it. At the moment we don't know who to talk to or what we need, so any help would be fantastic.
Our details-
Me, 30 yr old mechanic, qualified.
Mrs 31 no 'trade', sales background.
Married since leaving England, so our passports etc still not updated.
My working hol visa expires sep, Lacey's expires mid aug.


Hope someone can point us in the right direction! Thanks!!

[xzibit]

Is your trade on the occupations in demand list? You could apply for a 175 visa if you meet the points requirements, or a 176 visa if you are able to get state or family sponsorship. Hope you've got deep pockets lol.

[Richlacey]

Thanks for your reply.
Yep, it's on list. And then?

[xzibit]

Immi.gov.au should be your bible.

There is a points test on there which will tell you if you're eligible for a 175 visa. It also tells you all of the documents you'll need for the application. You can apply online, but waiting times from application to visa grant can be anything from 10-36 months!!!!! And I'm unsure if you can get a bridging visa for a 175 application.

It may be worth getting some advice from a migration agent first off, but wouldn't recommend using one to make your application, as it's so easy to do it yourself online and you'll save yourself about $5000.

[Richlacey]

Cheers man, that's just the kind of info we need. I pass points test, but that's as far as we got. I read their website but it's just so confusing! I guess once you have done it, it becomes more clear. 10 months is a long time! What's a bridging visa? Is that so you can stay after the WH expires, till the new one issued? Right so we need to contact an agent fair enough, can you recommend one?

[IrishStew]

Hi after leaving England in June and travelling through America Fiji and New Zealand we arrived here in Australia in September.
we are both on working holiday visas and We would like to apply for residency, but we don't know how to go about it.


I am mechanic and I'm currently working part time at two garages. One of my bosses has said he would sponsor me but at this time he does not have the work to take me on full time. So that's a non starter.
We have been here 4 months now, and we really want to get the ball rolling as we feel time is going by fast and before we know it we will have to leave.
Looking around it seems we need a 175 visa but I don't know if this is correct?
Basicly, we need instruction on what to do, then we can do it. At the moment we don't know who to talk to or what we need, so any help would be fantastic.
Our details-
Me, 30 yr old mechanic, qualified.
Mrs 31 no 'trade', sales background.
Married since leaving England, so our passports etc still not updated.
My working hol visa expires sep, Lacey's expires mid aug.


Hope someone can point us in the right direction! Thanks!!

HI Guys

You really need to do some reading on the IMMI site. Download the Booklets.


1. See if you have the points.
2. If yes then you will need to have your skills assessed.

"Skill level

This occupation has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience in Australia of AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3).
At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
If you require further information on this occupation, please refer to the Australian Bureau of Statistics website.
See: Unit Group 3121 - Motor Mechanics
Information on the skill level of each occupation is consistent with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and may differ from the requirements set by the assessing authorities for obtaining a skills assessment. Please contact the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation to check on their requirements"

If I were you I would look at a RSMS visa, if you are on the ground in SA find an employer with the full time hours and willing to sponsor you, an RSMS should be a lot quicker and simple and as far as I know costs the employer nothing/very little.

Regards
IrishSTew (OH)

[wrussell]

Hi after leaving England in June and travelling through America Fiji and New Zealand we arrived here in Australia in September. we are both on working holiday visas and We would like to apply for residency, but we don't know how to go about it. I am mechanic and I'm currently working part time at two garages. One of my bosses has said he would sponsor me but at this time he does not have the work to take me on full time. So that's a non starter. We have been here 4 months now, and we really want to get the ball rolling as we feel time is going by fast and before we know it we will have to leave. Looking around it seems we need a 175 visa but I don't know if this is correct? Basicly, we need instruction on what to do, then we can do it. At the moment we don't know who to talk to or what we need, so any help would be fantastic. Our details- Me, 30 yr old mechanic, qualified. Mrs 31 no 'trade', sales background. Married since leaving England, so our passports etc still not updated. My working hol visa expires sep, Lacey's expires mid aug. Hope someone can point us in the right direction! Thanks!!

May I suggest you consult a registered migration agent for a assessment of your case and the possibility of lodging a 'Decision Ready' application?

[Richlacey]

Thanks Irish stew, I will download the booklets tomorow and see. It's so annoying as one place is my dream job, and he would sponsor me but there is not the work at the moment. The company is growing but I don't want to keep waiting and get let down in the end.
wrussel what is decision ready application? And yes I would contact an agent if someone could recommend a good one.
thanks again to you all, its all progress!

[xzibit]

Alan Collett at Go Matilda. Get some advice as to the best way to proceed. It's probably not worth using the agent for the application though as its straight forward to fill out the online form. Agents are really only for people that have complicated cases like poor health or custody issues with children. It's a waste of money otherwise.

[thebacons]

I would say the same. If your on the skills list and there is nothing complicated you can do it yourself.

Chris.