[Sammymomo]

Hi!

Thanks for taking the time to read and reply to my post.

Currently in a relationship with a girl from the US.

Just thought I would provide a brief overview of us before asking the question.

About Her:
- 27 years of age
- US citizen.
- In Australia on a working holiday Visa.
- Holds a bachelors degree and has 3 years HR experience working in the Pharmaceutical industry.
- Will have to leave the country mid-October if we decide against her doing farm work (I'm sort of the one opposed to this).

About Me:
- 25 years of age.
- Australian Born.
- Fulltime professional job that I do not want to leave.

About us:
- Relationship of 3 months.
- Currently living together.

Basically what my question is, what are our options to allow her to stay in the country? I really would love for her to gain sponsorship in a good company, however I imagine most companies would be reluctant to hire a foreigner without a permanent visa.

Any sort of help would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[cristinaevelez]

Im in the same boat as your gf - Im american on same visa. Luckily my boyfriend and I were together 2 years prior to moving here together on my temporary visa. So I have opted for the Permanent Partner visa.
ANYWAY - our australian friends' girlfriend works in hospitality - at a hotel to be exact and apparently its the best job to gain sponsorship easily. She said most of her coworkers are foreign residents seeking sponsorship. Maybe something to look into! And since her visa doesnt expire for a good 6 months - there are plenty of employers willing to hire and if they like her theyll offer sponsorship. My visa expires in two weeks and I got a casual job just two months ago and they were aware of how early my visa expired. So dont hesitate to ask! and if youre nervous about it- they honestly dont need to know shes on a temporary visa. Just say you do not plan to leave the country and maybe a month in- you ask about sponsorship.

 

[ampk]

You are best to consult a Registered Migration Agent to research her visa options.

This will cost a bit over $200 in many cases.

With visas it is not uncommon to need to do things you don't really want to do, but often there is no other options.

 

[Ozbound3]

If you are referring to farm work as a way of getting a second year, I don't believe Americans qualify for that. I'm American and went over on a WHV in 2015. Unless things have changed, that won't be an option for her unfortunately.

I would definitely speak to a Migrant Agent if you're serious about having her stay. I regret not doing that when I had the chance and my Australian husband and I have been separated for the better part of 2 years now as a result of immigration delays.

 

[Skybluebrewer]

Americans aren't eligible for a WHV (417), only a W&HV (462) and yes there is an option to extend for a second year but the requirements for a 462 are different from a 417.

"If you have worked in northern Australia in tourism and hospitality or agriculture, forestry and fishing you can apply for a second Work and Holiday visa."

The specific requirements can be found on immigration's website. Don't get information from other working holiday visa holders as the work and holiday is not the same visa.

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa-1/462-

 

[Simply]

Farm work? lol Americans are only allowed 1 year WHV 462.

I have a MBA and couldn't find a stable job yet alone a sponsorship. I was able to register my relationship (ACT) and file for a de facto 820.

This may be your only option. If things do not work out, take the loss ($7000) and call it quits.

 

[Skybluebrewer]

There is an option for a second year 462 as stated above. It may not have been the case several years ago but that is the case now.

 

[wrussell]

Consult a registered migration agent.

 

[Simply]

There is an option for a second year 462 as stated above. It may not have been the case several years ago but that is the case now.

Oh really? You mean I didn't have to marry my husband to stay?

I googled and looky

https://www.immigrationgurus.com.au/work-holiday-462-visa-visa-extension/

Tourism and hospitality doesn't sound too bad compared to farm work. Sounds like a lovely option.