Hi,

I am currently in Australia on a WHV and would like to stay long term. I was tempted to find an employer to sponsor me and move to a 457 (or its new equivalent). However, i am leaning towards a 189 independent visa for me and the gf so i am not restricted to a single employer/location. I currently contract in IT so it gives me some freedom to move about. She would come in as my defacto as she does not meet the requirements on her own. However, we only started living together since we arrived in australia and would only meet the 12 month defacto living requirement when our WHV expires in June 2013! :s

From a professional point of view, i worked in the UK from 16-26 years old in a full time IT role (35-37.5 hours a week). I also studied 2 degrees - one at undergrad and the other at post grad on a part time basis whilst i worked. I have a whole load of other professional IT qualifications from vendors such as microsoft and Cisco.

So i have a couple of questions:

1) How would the skills assessment (ACS) and DIAC view my work experience? Some information suggests that DIAC only view work experience gained after you have graduated university. Officially my last degree graduated in may 2012. If DIAC views it this way then i take it NONE of my work experience will count towards any points? I find this crazy considering i have 10 years in IT and 5 in the profession on the SOL.

2) As my gf and I will have only reached the 12 months threshold for defacto come the end of our WHV, does this mean we will get kicked out of the country or is their some kind of bridging visa until you are invited to apply? Please note, i will not be doing farming etc for a 2nd year.

Would really appreciate any help people can give on this one.

Thanks

Hi,

Did you apply yet for 189 Visa??

Thanks...