elonii

I'll try to keep this brief and clear, I'll also preface it with I know we need to pay for advice from an immigration lawyer. Trying to get clear in my mind what I actually need to ask. I'm also aware Aus immigration have tightened up around this area and it's now incredibly tricky.

Background:

Kiwi / UK couple (36/39) I'm the UK citizen, and the older one. Ahem.

Lived on Sunshine Coast for 8 years with me on the 461. Both ran successful self employed businesses with no other employees. We left Australia for the UK because we were nervous of my 461 status after I had a health scare which ultimately worked out fine, but it shook us quite badly. Fast forward to just over a year after we left, and we were pretty upset when the amnesty they all swore blind would never happen was announced.

Now: We aren't sure that long term life in the UK is for us. I miss my Australian life like my lungs have been ripped out. It has been 2 years and it is not improving.

Husband's business has the possibility of being a much larger entity but neither of us will qualify separately for business stream visas. Were we to lump our incomes together we might create something with enough turnover. Might. But we'd need to be in Aus or NZ already to do that. My occupation is on the CSOL (Marketing Specialist). I have strong business ties to Australia and still generate quite a lot of my income there. My income moves wherever I do.

Anyway, we are considering either going to New Zealand where I can get a nice safe, easy citizenship, or alternatively... follow the heart, and see if we can return to Australia. Say give ourselves 5 years to make progress towards citizenship (I'm 39 though, time's getting away from us!).

Cutting to the chase: Is there even a hope in hell of either of us structuring something to move towards 457 success? Husband has vetoed any AUS return without at least a hope. I agree with his judgement.

As an aside, I was offered sponsorship under the 457 stream to a company in Sydney. I don't want to be in Australia enough to give up my own business though. I love it too much. Husband's occupation wouldn't pay enough salary for any employment sponsorship, but it's very lucrative as a self run business.

If anyone has any knowledge, or can point me in the direction of someone who has good knowledge of this scenario and can offer (paid) consultancy I'd be really appreciative. Just knowing our options will clear a path forward for us.

Ideally we'd all fall in love with the UK and stay here. If anyone knows a magician selling love potions we'd also consider that. Thanks in advance

verystormy

Self sponsored 457 is possible, but complex and I would recommend you speak to a good registered migration agent.

verystormy

Will add, Go Matilda have a lot of experience in this

Pollyana

Definitely. Too many pitfalls to go it alone, its far more complex than a "normal" 457

elonii

I wouldn't dare attempt it alone as you guys suggest, I had a read up online and realised this is something you'd need to have help with throughout the process.

Thanks both, and for Go Matilda recommendation. It's hard to know who you should approach. Maybe they'll create a new Kiwi stream based around income as per the amnesty whilst we try to work things out, can live in hope anyway!

rammygirl

But a 457 is even more temporary than your last visa. PR is what you want. If your occupation is on the CSOL and a state is sponsoring it that would be the way to a 190 visa. Once you have the visa you can work in any occupation you like or br self employed.

elonii

As per original post, this is not an option for me (or it doesn't appear so?). I didn't think states sponsored marketing specialists? Unless I've misread in my internet research?

Edited to add, my particular occupation has difficulties regards skills assessment. In that I don't have a relevant degree, or qualifications.

Pollyana

Go Matilda would be a great company to use, well recommended. Alan Collett from there posts on here often. They could also advise you on skills assessments and whether there is a better way to a PR visa.

elonii

My thanks Pollyana!