[rhersbach]

In 2012 I did plantation work on Norfolk Island, which is part of NSW. I was working on my 1st Working Holiday Visa.

After finishing my 1st WHV I wanted to apply for a 2nd, but unfortunately the immigration website showed regional postcodes to 2898 were valid. Norfolk Islands postcode is 2899, hence I was not able to apply for a 2nd working holiday visa.*

When I checked the immigration website today, it shows regional postcodes to 2899 are valid for a 2nd WHV.*

1. Is Norfolk Island now included for a 2nd WHV?
2. Having worked under the old legislation, does my work count for the new rules?
3. Does this mean I can apply for a 2nd Working Visa?*

Regards,*
René

 

[ampk]

The Norfolk thing recently changed and in many areas is still unknown for many rules.

You would be best advised to get a Registered Migration Agent to research and do this application for you.

I expect it would be a test case, you need the best chance.

My gut says yes, you will qualify a second WHV.

 

[rhersbach]

What is there to test? Does it cause problems that I have worked under the old system where Norfolks postcode was not included?

 

[ampk]

Yes and DIBP staff getting it wrong.

 

[rhersbach]

I contacted 1 agent.

He stated that under the 2016 legislations Norfolk`s postcode is not included, that regions to 2898 are valid. That the government probably made a mistake on the website.

I am going to visit a DIBP right now to verify.

 

[ampk]

Just remember DIBP often give out incorrect information.

 

[ampk]

New South Wales
(most areas except the greater
Sydney area, Newcastle, the
Central Coast and Wollongong)
2311 to 2312
2328 to 2411
2420 to 2490
2536 to 2551
2575 to 2594
2618 to 2739
2787 to 2899

question is up to (and including) or not?

 

[ampk]

Found this on their form.

"Regional Australia' is restricted to areas within the postcodes
listed in the table on page 3."

From checking other last listed postcode they list on their form. I think it is Land included on the postcodes (area within 2899)

 

[rhersbach]

Thank you for your support ampk, really appreciate it.

I went to the DIBP office, but they said I have to check their website or call them, that they won't be able to help me at the office. Knowing that the call ques can be more than 2 hours I decided to contact another visa agent.

I contacted Visa First, and at first they said it is not possible. But after checking the government website they said it is possible to apply for a 2nd WHV, that the government made new changes in postcodes.

Now I am preparing the documents to apply for the 2nd WHV, I will tell what the outcome is.

Anyone familiar with Visa First, are they a good agency?

 

[ampk]

For a few hundred $'s (I guess) speak with one of the MRA agents that post on here often about 5 I would recommend.

Again don't trust DIBP for advise can be fatal - key words "areas within postcodes listed" not between postcodes listed.

P.S. for tax reasons it is very remote, far more than Darwin where I live - all Northern Territory qualifies for 2nd WHV.

 

[norfolkblue]

Norfolk Island

From 1st July 2016, Norfolk Island is now part of Australia in the immigration sense. So whatever rules apply for you in Australia will carry through to Norfolk Island. Norfolk Island is now regarded as a Domestic flight from Australia, even though it leaves from the International terminals. Australian residents do not need to present a passport (unless they wish to shop duty free) and can present just a photo ID. For foreign nationals, the same rules apply as if you were entering Australia but you would need to present your passport/visa etc if coming to Norfolk. However, to be sure, you can email the officers here on the Island from Australia Border Force direct at norfolkislandabf.gov.au or telephone on ########. One of the officers names is xxxxxxxx. Good luck and let me know if you need more help. xxxx ([email protected])

 

[rhersbach]

My previous employer says he thinks my work does not count and I can't apply for a 2nd WHV. Because in the old system (before 1 July 2016) Norfolk Island had it's own taxation system; there was no income tax. There was also no super annuation. If you were unemployed you would get no money; hence there was no unemployment.

I got paid in cash during my work on Norfolk Island; I did not pay taxes because of Norfolk Island's old taxation system.

Now, after the 1 July 2016 changes, Norfolk Islanders DO have to pay taxes and get super annuation. Maybe that's why Norfolk Island is now included for a 2nd WHV?

Because I worked under the old taxation system on Norfolk Island, and did not pay taxes/get super annuation my previous employer thinks I am not eligible for a 2nd Working holiday visa.

Does this truly mean I cannot apply for a 2nd WHV? What are the rules if you worked BEFORE the 1 July 2016 amendment?

 

[ampk]

I read a bit that is normal in these things "not worse off" in relation to immigration.

Honestly this is new ground, contact one of the MRA agents that post on here often, they are good.

 

[rhersbach]

I read a bit that is normal in these things "not worse off" in relation to immigration.

Honestly this is new ground, contact one of the MRA agents that post on here often, they are good.

Where can I find their contact details and prices?

 

[ampk]

Mark Northam
Jeremy Hooper
CCMS
Westly Russell

are ones that I see post often, is a few new ones too.

Go thru threads and you will see them, they have details/link below comment.

They have a RMA number, the first 2 digits is year they got licence (your case that is less important to know).

 

[norfolkblue]

I am not up to speed with the working visa requirements, so you could be right. Prior to 1st July, Norfolk was not regarded as part of Australia, but it now is.

 

[rhersbach]

A small update;

I have been in contact with visa agencies, Norfolk's ABF and some MRA's. From this I got positive feedback, which made me start the process of gathering the required documents to apply for it. Unfortunately, this was a painfully slow process, which took almost a month.

I decided to use VisaFirst as an agency to apply for my 2nd WHV.

The 2nd WHV is just applied for, so that is good news. However, my current tourist visa expires on the 5th of November (which is in 1,5 weeks). My visa agent says the process for the 2nd WHV takes 2-3 weeks (mid November). And if my WHV process exceeds my current tourist visa, I will automatically get a bridging visa - they will email me.

 

[rhersbach]

1. Do I really don't have to do anything for a bridging visa?

2. And if the visa is denied, how long do I have to exit Australia?

3. If the visa is denied on the 5th of November, or just before, must I leave on the 5th of November? Since I won't have any flights booked in advance...

 

[LadyRogueRayne]

1. Do I really don't have to do anything for a bridging visa?

2. And if the visa is denied, how long do I have to exit Australia?

3. If the visa is denied on the 5th of November, or just before, must I leave on the 5th of November? Since I won't have any flights booked in advance...

You should automatically get the BVA when you apply for the WHV onshore. Check with your MARA agent to ask about it.

You will have 28 days from the date the visa is denied to leave.

 

[rhersbach]

Okay thanks LadyRogue. That is 28 days after the visa is denied, even if I am still on my tourist visa? Or does that only count when I am on a bridging visa?