meelie

We are currently living in Brisbane on a temporary 457 subclass visa and want to apply for PR. We have been told that if we want to apply for PR we have to leave the country when it is being granted. Has anyone applied for PR on this visa or can anyone tell me if this is true? Otherwise I will have to get my employment to sponsor me which I dont want to do if I can help it.

Pollyana

When they are ready to actually grant the visa you have to leave AUs, but its as simple as popping over to NZ for a week or so, and then you get the visa sticker put in your passport while you are there. Lots of people have done it - Caroline Gorka was one, so maybe search for posts by here about 3-4 months back.

meelie

Thanks Pollyana. I'll check that out.

Pomster

PR visas are only granted 'offshore', so you do have to leave Oz- this allows it to be validated as you enter Oz.

You tell DIMIA where you want to collect your visa. When you go to your chosen location, you hand in your passport to Australian representation, and collect it when they tell you to! DIMIA say you should leave 7 days, but most are a lot quicker.

We were returning to UK so chose to pick ours up there- they made us leave a registered post envelope and we received it about 4 days after depositing it.

meelie

Thats great thanks. Ive just spoken with someone at Adelaide processing offices and she was really helpful and confirmed what you have said.

JAJ

Depends on the type of PR visa - true for general skilled, on the other hand, employer nomination may be done onshore.



Jeremy

phoenixinoz

Speak to Bix as Im sure he can help

Bix

Mine was a Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa and was granted onshore.

Sounds like Melee will be going for an independant skilled visa which will necessitate the little holiday overseas for visa grant

meelie

Thanks everyone for your replies. Quick update, I have spoken with the director ( a fellow expat ) at the hospital I am working at and they are going to sponsor me so no little holiday for me now, awwww shucks! I wouldn't have minded popping over to New Zealand for a holiday!

phoenixinoz

Great news meelie.

Maybe you can take the holiday some other time!

meelie

Thanks, Now theres an idea!!!!!! Nah first holiday I take will be back to UK to see family and friends probably, but then that will depend on finances too as we are saving for when we buy.

phoenixinoz

Good on ya Shelia.

Maybe next Xmas with the family?

Great news cos you can now save up for it. No worries

meelie

Ewww you sound distinctly ozzie. There's no way Im gonna lose my queens english accent! LOL!

phoenixinoz

I've actually got a Yorkshire accent. And Im happy to keep it...lol

meelie

OOOO arrrrrrr me lovely! I have a sussex accent, come from shoreham by sea meself.