MrsGC

Hi Everyone....been reading the forum for quite a while picking up some absolutely wonderful tips, thank you so much for them...x

We've been dreaming of this now since the end of 2010 but wanted to get all our debts paid off first before we started saving up again..so here we are, ready for starting the first adventure of 'getting there' before we even get there!!!!!!

Due to hubby's job we would need to get a 457 visa...I'm self-employed and fortunately can take the business anywhere....I have a first cousin who now has citizenship (married Australian) and has mentioned that he would consider sponsoring us too. OH is in public sector procurement so can anyone recommend some good sites IN Australia that specialise in sponsorship roles for white collar workers?!?!?

Thanking you in advance for any help you can offer...xxxx

Bermudashorts

If you have been dreaming since 2010 have you actually done some research? Does your OH qualify for a visa, there are occupation lists even for the 457 visa and not every 457 visa holder can progress to a permanent visa. I have not seen "procurement" person on the occupation lists previously I must admit.

Sorry if I have come across a little abrupt, I just am very surprised that someone could mention that they have been thinking of this for such a long time but yet appear to have a slim chance of qualifying.

NickyC

There aren't any sites that specialise in sponsorship jobs that I've ever heard of. The biggest job site is Seek http://www.seek.com.au/- you might see the odd, rare job advertised as available for sponsorship - but 99.99% of the jobs I've seen on there specify that you must have permission to work here to apply.

Finding sponsorship from overseas is notoriously difficult (unless you're in mining or nursing or some specialised industry). You'd be better off targeting potential employers directly rather than applying for advertised jobs along with the masses of locals.

What does your husband actually do? Public service jobs won't be available to him as you need to be a citizen for most of them.

MrsGC

Hi Bermudashorts...thanks for the reply...yes we've done lots of research and hubby is currently gaining the relevant experience to become a business consultant (in Procurement) as we could apply that way. I'm a self-employed artist so could apply as an illustrator together with the family sponsorship but as I AM my business then me taking employment would prove difficult but not impossible.

MrsGC

Hi NickyC....thank you...do you feel that contacting the companies directly is better than using an agency?!!? Some UK companies view this differently but would love to know if Australian companies are more receptive to this form of direct communication.

Bermudashorts

I have not so far come across anyone on BE applying as a "business consultant" and I don't see it on the SOL. Are you sure you have seen it on the list? Maybe I am just missing it it is very boring to keep looking at that list.

Regarding yourself, illustrator is indeed on schedule 2, so do you know which state is sponsoring this occupation at the moment, have you looked into skills assessment and considering your self employed status recently are you sure you would meet the recent work experience requirements?

Bermudashorts

I would expect it depends upon the individual.

NickyC

I don't know if they'd be receptive or not - but you don't have anything to lose by trying. You might get lucky.

Agencies will always prefer a local applicant so they can fill the job quickly (and get paid) rather than having the hassle of organising visas and waiting weeks/months for an overseas applicant to get here.

Reaver

Hi MrsGC,

Welcome to the forums. Unfortunately Family sponsorship isnt worth what it used to be, as family sponsors basically now just sign a declaration to take financial responsibility for you, should you fall on hard times. You dont even get any points for a family sponsor anymore. However your cousin would not be eligible to sponsor you anyway, as only immediate family can sponsor.

Thats,

(a) child
(b) parent
(c) brother or sister
(d) nephew or niece
(e) uncle or aunt

The website here quotes a 176 visa, but I would imagine they wouldnt add cousins into the mix for one specific type of visa.

http://ozma.web.officelive.com/FaqSpon.aspx

As for you're husband, I think its very unlikely he will be able to find a company to sponsor him. Companies willing to sponsor these days are few and far between. Those that do choose to sponsor, are usually those that require people with specialist knowledge, in that they cannot fill the job with a local citizen.

You should also be aware, that they are changing the system (very soon?) to EOI. If you dont apply for the visa before then, you may not even get the chance......as the way I understand it, you express an interest in emigrating, and if the immigration dept thinks they need someone like you, you are then invited to apply for a visa......... Although I will admit I dont know many of the details and if I have it wrong someone else will point that out....

.