RobbieMac

Greetings all. I'm a NZ citizen living in the UK with my Pommie wife. We want to move to Aussie. From my research this how I understand the process works (assuming all visa granted of course)

1) I obtain subclass visa 444 - special category visa
2) I then sponsor my wife using subclass 461 - NZ citizen family relationship (temporary)

If this process is successful I/we would effectively have a special 2 year temporary visa which enables us both to live and work in Australia. This visa type would also 'roll-over' every 2 years.

I understand that this isn't really the right forum for this but I hope someone may have been in this situation or is qualified to offer advice.

Thanks,

Robbie

sophiedb

You'd probably be best checking this with DIMIA or Australia House. I'm on a 461 (same situation: I'm UK, my partner's Kiwi), but as far as I understand it you only get a SCV when you enter Australia - I was already in Aussie on a working holiday when we applied. This would mean that you'd have to come to Australia before your wife, unless she can get a tourist visa that allows a visa upgrade (some state 'no further stay') or WHV for the application period.

On the upside my 461 took less than a week to be approved, though we had to send a lever-arch folder full of evidence regarding our relationship because we're not married - you should be ok, esp if married for a few years. It's also valid for a maximum of 5 years, which I took despite not knowing how long we'd stay because you never know if your circumstances will change.

The downside of both visas is that you will be temporary residents and so get only partial Medicare and cannot claim any benefit if unemployed. You do have full work rights, pay resident-rate income tax and 'home' fees for education though

hope that helps!

Soph