Bailey1

So my partner & I have booked our flights - one way - into Oz for July 08. We have not received our visa and do not expect it until August-September 08. We plan on travelling around Oz for 6 weeks.
The problem we now have is how do we make sure that we are not stopped by immigration officers.
We do not (as yet) have a job offer.
Will we be allowed in on a tourist/one year working visa without a return ticket? Tickets are non-refundable but we can change dates at extra cost.
Any suggestions???

Pollyana

If you are on an ETA then they may ask why you don't have a return date, and they can refuse you entry if they think you are planning to stay.
Have you told DIAC your plans to visit Aus?

Bailey1

We are waiting for a case officer to be assigned to us before we say anything. Is this wise?

Pollyana

Having looked at your other posts, it looks like you are considering doing meds and police checks unrequested. In which case you may never hear from a case officer, if they have all the info they need.

There is no reason for you not to get an ETA and visit Australia while waiting for the visa grant, but in order for it to be granted you will need to be outside of Australia. Thats why you need to let DIAC know. They will then advise you when they are ready to grant it so that you can leave the country. They will also know where you wish to go to get your visa evidenced - NZ, Bali etc.

The other thing you should bear in mind if coming on a one way ticket is - what happens if there is a hitch and the visa isn't granted?

Bailey1

Hey Pollyanna,
We have sent the medicals and the police checks are being sent tomorrow. We plan on going to NZ while the visa is being issued. I will email DIAC and let them know our plans.
Should there be a problem with our visa application being approved we plan on getting a one year working visa and then maybe get sponsored by a company. Fingers crossed that there are no problems - our visa application was relatively straight forward.
Getting back to our one way ticket problem, would it be easier to go through immigration if we managed to get a letter offering employment? Or is there anything else we can do to ensure we have no entry problems?
If we let DIAC know about our intentions can they ensure our easy passage through immigration?
Thanks for your help,
Bailey1.
PS: If anyone else has any ideas please let me know.....

goldchoccycoin

If you are entering on a ETA (visitor visa) then a letter of employment will land you on the next plane back to the UK. Your best option (in my opinion) is to apply for a Working Holidya Visa (each) and then entering on a one-way ticket is no problem (as long as you are prepared to show proof of funds to support yourselves and get a return ticket if needed - although they rarely ask to see this evidence). You can then start work etc if need be.

Apply for the WHVs now, they are valid for entry for 12 months, then let DIAC know when you plan to travel etc.

Bailey1

Ha Ha, LOL. I didn't think of that. "Oi, here's my tourist visa.......and my letter of employment" That wouldn't go down too well!
What you suggest sounds like our best option.
BTW, can you apply for two visas at the same time? The 175 and the working holiday visa?

goldchoccycoin

Yes, but you need to make sure you organise the WHV well before you think you might get the 175 granted. So do it now! Then email DIAC your plans in detail including your application transaction reference for the 175 and your WHV approval numbers.