struth

can anybody help please.

we have been in australia for approx 6 weeks and i thought it high time i got off my behind and got some work. i picked up an application from Woolies but one of the questions is are you legally allowed to work in australia?

options yes - hold a current australian citizenship
yes - hold a current australian permanent residency
yes - hold a current australian student/working visa

as i hold none of these am i legally entitled to work?

any advice would be greatfully received.

Wendy

Yes you are legally entitled to work. Just tick the current Australian working visa box.

struth

cheers Wendy,

i was getting a bit concerned, although i love being off work, financially its not a long term viable solution.

suppose i had better fill in the application form now

Scubaemma

Yes you're allowed to work. It's just that some places (eg Gov't jobs) won't let you have a permanent contract, only temporary. Ask Pollyana about that....

Pollyana

Just fill in the form to say you have Australian residency - if they ask you about it, make sure that you say you are on a spouse visa, which although temporary at the start, becomes permanent as long as you stay in the relationship! Mentioning that you're in a relationship with/married to an Aussie helps to show that you are putting roots down here.
What they are really worried about is people having to leave Australia after only a few months.
Some jobs - like Qld State Govt will only employ you on a temporary basis until you have PR, but it is feasible to keep renewing your contract every few months - I was temporary with them for 3 years before I got a permanent job after getting PR.

MAin thing to remember is - if asked, stress that there are NO workign restrictions on that visa.

Good luck!