Hi All,

I have decided that I would like to move abroad and work in Australia for a little while - however I'm finding understanding the Visa situation very confusing.

I was hoping that if I write a little about my circumstances - you guys would tell me what Visas I would be eligible for (if any).

I'm 28, male, British national and live in the UK. I have a degree in Computer Science (2.1 Hons). I am the director of my own Limited company (only me in the company) though which I have been providing IT contracting services to my clients (normally multinationals) for the last 3 years professionally. I do software development, programming and analyst work for my clients.

I have no relatives in Australia.

I wasn't planning to have a job lined up when I moved - but rather move first then look for IT contracts when I get over there.

Please can you let me know my options available to me. Is it possible to sponsor myself through my own UK Limited company for example?

many thanks for all your help

I don't think you can sponsor yourself. You may qualify for a skilled visa - you'd need an occupation on the CSOL, to be able to pass the skills assessment (from what you've said you'll probably be looking at ACS), and meet the points and other criteria. Have a look at Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection and the 189 visa

Simplest would have to be the WHV, working holiday visa.

isnt there limitations to the kind of work you can do on a working holiday visa?

You can do any work someone will employ you to do but you can only do it for a maximum of 6 months per employer. I think what Mike is suggesting is a simple way for you to spend a year here experiencing the country and deciding if you like it enough to want to try for a skilled visa.