[CCMS]

I currently have a visitor visa (ETA) and it is set to expire in March, 2018 (keep in mind, I've entered and left Australia on that visa already) and we are wondering, if she's going to go back in March anyways, should we just apply onshore for the 820?

Ultimately,it is a matter of personal choice.Keep in mind the possibility that from next year on the sponsorship may have to be approved first. This could be problematic if the stay period of your tourist visa expires in the meantime.

actually[/I] allow me to work in Australia while our application is being processed? If so, can I still enroll in medicare?

You will have full work rights once your tourist visa ceases and the bridging visa come into effect.You should be able to enrol in Medicare as soon as the onshore partner visa application has been lodged.

Another question, as we plan to stay in Australia for the foreseeable future, is this - once we are working and have more money saved, does the likelihood of me getting a home loan with my partner go down because I'm on a bridging visa?

It is my understanding that financial institutions will no longer provide home loans to people on temporary visas, so your partner may have to get the loan in her own right.

 

[CCMS]

So, even if I apply offshore for 309 and am granted that, I wouldn't be eligible for a home loan until my permanent visa is granted?

I am not qualified to give financial advice, but I asked a finance broker about it a while ago and I got the impression that only Australian PR/ citizens could get home loans. Happy to chase it up for you and get some clear advice on the current lending rules.

 

[CCMS]

I received some advice on this, which I am happy to share privately. I am not qualified to provide financial advice, so will not share this information in a public domain.