[Mark]

Welcome to the forums, Macauley! Thanks for introducing yourself. 😊

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas. To determine if you’re eligible for this visa, we first need to align your occupation with an ANZSCO code.

ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) is a system that classifies jobs based on skills and duties. Each occupation has a specific ANZSCO code, which helps determine whether it is eligible for a 482 visa and under which stream (Short-Term, Medium-Term, or Labour Agreement).

Could you please share details about your occupation, including your job title and main duties? This will allow us to check whether your occupation is on the relevant Skilled Occupation Lists and explore visa pathways for you.

Looking forward to your response!

Regards

Mark

[Mark]

G’day Sheu and welcome 🤗

If you have experience as a Bricklayer (ANZSCO 331111), you may have opportunities to relocate to Australia under skilled migration pathways.

Bricklaying is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which means you may be eligible for visas such as:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – No sponsorship required.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – Requires state or territory nomination.
• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Requires nomination by a regional area.
• Employer-Sponsored Visas – If you find an Australian employer willing to sponsor you, you may qualify for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) or Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186).

To apply for skilled migration, you will need to:

1. Check if you meet the eligibility requirements, including age, English language proficiency, and work experience.
2. Get your skills assessed by TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) – https://www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au/
3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
4. Receive an invitation and apply for the visa.

If you’re interested in employer sponsorship, I recommend searching for jobs on:

482 Jobs (our website, all jobs offer sponsorship) – https://482jobs.com

Seek – https://seek.com.au

Indeed – https://indeed.com.au

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.

All the best

Mark

gettingdownunder.com

ANZSCO Occupation Codes - Getting Down Under

Learn about ANZSCO codes, find your unique Occupation code in our A-Z List and understand ANZSCO's significance in Australian visa applications.

[Mark]

Welcome, Godwin! Great to have you here. Australia has strong demand for skilled trades like boilermaker welders, so you’re in the right place. Feel free to ask any questions, whether it’s about job opportunities, visa options, or moving logistics.

You can start a new post here: https://ozvisaforum.com/post-new-topic/

Looking forward to your journey! ☺️

Regards

Marm

ozvisaforum.com

Page not found – Oz Visa Forum

Page not found – Oz Visa Forum

[Mark]

Welcome, Adeola! It’s great to have you here. Moving to Australia is an exciting journey, and we’re happy to help with any questions you have along the way.

Feel free to explore the forum and post any questions via the new thread link here:

https://ozvisaforum.com/post-new-topic

Looking forward to hearing more about your plans! ☺️

All the best

Mark

[Mark]

Here is the official blurb Michelle. Australia and New Zealand have a pretty special relationship so you can stay in Australia as long as you like as long as long as you are a NZ citizenship and meet the general character requirements.

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/special-category-visa-subclass-444

Age is not a factor when applying for Australian citizenship through the New Zealand citizen pathway.

Unlike skilled visas, which have strict age limits (usually under 45), the SCV (Subclass 444) to PR or citizenship route does not have an upper age restriction.

The main requirements for Australian citizenship via this pathway are:

1. Living in Australia for at least 4 years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident or SCV holder.
2. Meeting residency and absence limits (no more than 12 months outside Australia in the past 4 years, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months).
3. Passing the citizenship test (basic English and knowledge of Australia).
4. Meeting character requirements (no serious criminal history).

Since New Zealand citizens can live in Australia indefinitely on an SCV, they can later apply for PR or citizenship regardless of age. 👍🏻☺️

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Immigration and citizenship Website

Find out about Australian visas, immigration and citizenship.

[Mark]

Sorry to hear that Michelle. It’s near on impossible but not completely so (never say never and all that).

I know you mentioned New Zealand. Is this an avenue you would consider?

If it is, your best (although longest) route may be moving to New Zealand as a PR Visa holder, gaining New Zealand citizenship and then moving to Australia under a Special Category Visa (SCV – Subclass 444).

Once in Australia, you can explore PR options based on policies at that time.

Also worth considering that there are no real term limits on the Australia sponsored 482 Visa though, equally, there is always a chance that legislation will change just as you are getting settled which would never be a good scenario to be in which may put you off this idea.

Hopefully someone else might be able to provide some first hand experience too.

All the best

Mark

[Mark]

Welcome to our community, Adeyemi! It’s great to have you here. ☺️

Feel free to make yourself at home and explore the forum. If you have any questions about skilled visas or anything else related to migrating to Australia, you can start a new post here: https://ozvisaforum.com/post-new-topic

All the best

Mark

ozvisaforum.com

Page not found – Oz Visa Forum

Page not found – Oz Visa Forum

[Mark]

Hey Sara,

First off, I just want to acknowledge your incredible community spirit! Wanting to help those affected by a natural disaster is a true reflection of the Aussie values of mateship and giving back. That kind of attitude will serve you well as a future Australian! 🤗

Now, regarding your visa and volunteering:

Since you’re on a Subclass 500 Student Visa, the key thing to consider is whether your volunteer work is truly unpaid and non-compulsory. According to the Department of Home Affairs, volunteering is generally allowed if:

1. It is genuinely voluntary (not replacing a paid role).

2. You are not receiving any payment (except for meals, accommodation, or out-of-pocket expenses).

3. It is with a not-for-profit organisation.

If the work meets these criteria, it should not count towards your 48-hour per fortnight work limit.

However, if the role includes payment or could be considered an employment-like arrangement, it would fall under your work-hour cap.

Given the urgency and significance of cyclone relief, you might also want to check if the Australian Government or state authorities have relaxed restrictions for student visa holders in disaster response situations. Sometimes, special exemptions or temporary measures are introduced. You can check this on http://www.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Your willingness to help is admirable, and Australia benefits greatly from people like you. If you need further clarification, I’d recommend reaching out to a migration agent or checking with the organisation you plan to volunteer with to confirm they meet the legal criteria.

Hope this helps, and again, hats off to you for wanting to make a difference! ☺️

Regards

Mark

[Mark]

Hello Osman and welcome 👋🏻☺️

The Australian Partner Visa is not the same as marriage, but there is some overlap in how they are assessed.

A Partner Visa allows an applicant to stay in Australia based on their relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

This applies to both married and de facto partners. Since you and your girlfriend have been living together for over two years, you may qualify as a de facto couple under Australian immigration law.

However, marriage and a Partner Visa are separate legal concepts:

• Marriage is a legally recognised union that is officially registered.
• A Partner Visa is an immigration pathway that can be based on either a marriage or a de facto relationship.

The confusion often arises because proving a de facto relationship for migration purposes requires similar evidence to a marriage, such as shared financial commitments, cohabitation, and social recognition of the relationship.

Your parents’ concerns about marriage are understandable, but applying for a Partner Visa does not mean you must get married. If you qualify as de facto partners, marriage is not required.

As a side note, It must be a day for de facto enquiries today so if you are looking for tips to provide evidence of your de facto relationship you might find this thread useful: https://ozvisaforum.com/discussion/partner-visa-tips-for-gathering-evidence-during-a-long-distance-relationship/

Please let me know if you have any further questions Osman.

All the best

Mark

ozvisaforum.com

Partner Visa: Tips for Gathering Evidence During a Long-Distance Relationship - Visa Applications & Processing - Oz Visa Forum

Hi Everyone - First - what a great place - I'm very glad I found you! Secondly, sorry for the long post, though I hope you can help with some questions I have a

[Mark]

Hi Ethan,

I understand your frustration with trying to reach the Department of Home Affairs from overseas without spending a fortune.

Unfortunately, Home Affairs does not provide direct email support for visa inquiries, and the +61 2 6196 0196 number is indeed the main contact method.

Here are a few alternative ways to get the information you need without breaking the bank:

1. Optus SIM Card – If your Optus SIM has an active international roaming package, check whether it includes discounted calls to Australian landlines. You may also be able to use VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Viber for calling if your SIM allows data access.

2. Google Voice or VoIP Services – Consider using Google Voice, Skype (with credit), or another VoIP service like Rebtel or Viber Out. These often offer cheaper rates for international calls compared to mobile operators.

3. Australian-Based Contacts – If you have friends or family in Australia, they can call Home Affairs on your behalf and relay the information to you. Some migration agents also offer contact services for a small fee.

4. Online Status Checks – While Home Affairs does not offer direct email support, you can track your visa application status through ImmiAccount. If your application has passed the standard processing time, you may be able to submit an online visa status enquiry.

If your visa is being processed by the Australian High Commission in London, you might also want to check their contact options here: https://uk.highcommission.gov.au/lhlh/home.html

I hope this helps! Let me know if you need further assistance.

Regards

Mark

Regards,

Mark

online.immi.gov.au

ImmiAccount

ImmiAccount

[Mark]

Hi Grace,

Welcome to the community and thanks for your nice opening comments! We are really pleased you found us 🤗

Thanks also for sharing your detailed background as it really helps in providing better guidance and advice.

Here’s how you can approach your partner visa application and strengthen your evidence:

Question 1: When can we officially claim a de facto relationship?

The Department of Home Affairs requires proof that you have lived together for at least 12 months unless you have registered your relationship in Australia (which you have). Since you lived together in Germany in 2018–2019 and again in Australia in 2024, you can claim your de facto relationship from when you first started cohabitating. However, you’ll need strong evidence to show continuity despite the long-distance period.

Given that your time apart was due to COVID-19 and work commitments, explain this clearly in your statement. Include proof of ongoing commitment, such as financial ties, visits, and communication logs. Your relationship registration in Australia also helps support your claim.

Question 2: How to demonstrate long-distance communication?

You don’t need to submit every single message, but instead, provide representative samples that show regular communication over time. Here’s an effective approach:

Call logs & chat history: Take screenshots of call records showing consistent communication across months/years.

Message samples: Select meaningful conversations (e.g., discussing life plans, emotional support, making travel plans together). A mix of texts, emails, and video call records will help.

Letters or cards: If you exchanged physical letters or gifts, include receipts or photos.

Social media interactions: Even if minimal, any posts or tags showing your relationship can support your case.

You want to balance quality over quantity—aim for snapshots that demonstrate ongoing commitment rather than overwhelming them with excessive detail.

Question 3: Additional evidence to gather before submitting

You’re already taking great steps, but here are some more ideas to strengthen your case:

Financial ties: Continue merging finances—joint bank statements, shared bills, and investment plans show commitment.

Official documentation: Update wills, superannuation beneficiaries, and emergency contacts to include each other.

Travel records: Provide boarding passes, hotel bookings, and photos from your trips together.

Social proof: Witness statements from both your families and friends confirming the nature of your relationship.

Plans for the future: Document emails or chats discussing long-term goals (e.g., future home, children, financial plans).

Since you’re temporarily apart while preparing for the visa, continue collecting evidence of ongoing communication and planning for your life together in Australia.

Your case is strong, especially with your history of living together, financial merging, and official relationship registration. If you present your timeline clearly and provide solid evidence, you should have a compelling application.

Some additional tips we wrote on one of our other websites here: Australian De Facto Visa Tips To Prove Your Relationship

Best of luck with your visa process! Let me know if you need any more help.

All the best

Mark

[Mark]

Hi Ethan and welcome to Oz Visa Forum! 😊

Thanks for sharing your journey! Based on recent trends, the processing times for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) can vary.

• Subclass 189: Invitations are issued periodically based on points ranking. With 70 points, it may take longer to receive an invitation, as the recent rounds have been prioritising higher scores (often 80+). Once invited, the visa processing time typically ranges from 4 to 9 months, but this can fluctuate.
• Subclass 190: State nominations can be faster depending on the state and occupation demand. Since you have 75 points (including state nomination points), you may have a better chance of receiving an invitation sooner. Processing times post-invitation are generally 6 to 12 months, but some states process nominations quicker than others.

Given your occupations (Electrician and Nurse), both are highly in demand. However, securing a state nomination is key for subclass 190. Keep an eye on state migration program updates, as some states open and close their invitations frequently.

Tips during the waiting period:

• Consider increasing your points (e.g., improving English scores or gaining extra work experience).
• If applicable, explore employer sponsorship pathways for faster processing.
• Monitor state nomination criteria changes to maximise your chances.

Would you mind sharing which states you applied for 190 nominations? That might help narrow down expected timelines.

Hope this helps, and best of luck!

Regards,
Mark

[Mark]

Hi Rohin,

Your nominated occupations, Analyst Programmer (ANZSCO 261311), Systems Analyst (ANZSCO 261112), and Software and Applications Programmer (nec) (ANZSCO 261399), are all listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making you eligible for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).

Best Visa Pathway Based on Points

• Subclass 189: Given the high competition, 90 points may be borderline. Recent invitation rounds have seen very high cut-offs, so securing more points (e.g., through NAATI, partner points, or increasing work experience) would improve your chances.
• Subclass 190 (Victoria): Victoria nominates IT professionals, but the competition is very strong. You’ll need at least 95 points (90 + 5 from state nomination). Your chances depend on your work experience and how well you meet Victoria’s skills demand.
• Subclass 491 (Regional Victoria): With 105 points (90 + 15 from state nomination), this could be a stronger pathway if you are willing to live and work in regional Victoria. The processing time for 491 visas is often quicker than 189/190 due to fewer applicants.

Skill Assessment Considerations

If you lack work experience points, switching to ICT Support and Test Engineer (ANZSCO 263299) is not ideal because it is on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), which means:

• Not eligible for subclass 189.
• Can apply for subclass 190 and 491, but state demand is lower for STSOL-listed occupations.

Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186)

If your company is willing to sponsor, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa is a direct PR pathway. However, since you mentioned your employer is difficult to navigate, this may not be the most reliable option. The process can be complex, requiring:

• Employer commitment to labour market testing (LMT) and sponsorship obligations.
• A valid skills assessment and meeting the work experience requirement (usually 3 years).

Next Steps for Fastest Approval

1. If you can increase points quickly, focus on Subclass 190 or 189 by:

   • NAATI CCL (5 points)
   • Professional Year (5 points)
   • Partner skills (if applicable, 5-10 points)
   • State nomination (5 points for 190, 15 for 491)

2. Subclass 491 (Victoria Regional) could be your best bet, given the additional 15 points.

3. Consider an employer-sponsored 186 visa only if your employer is cooperative and meets sponsorship conditions.

Since your visa is expiring soon, ensure you explore bridging visa options if you lodge a new application before your current visa ends.

Hope this helps, and let me know if you need more details!

Regards,
Mark

[Mark]

Thanks for the details, Aliya!

It sounds like Y-Axis is assisting you with a skilled migration visa, likely under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which includes the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa).

Your occupation as a Relationship Manager (Banking) doesn’t appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which means employer sponsorship through the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa) is not an option. This explains why they mentioned you need to wait for a nomination.

Understanding the Process You’re In

1. Skill Assessment – You would need a positive skills assessment from an assessing authority relevant to your occupation. Did Y-Axis assist you with this step?

2. Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect – You must submit an EOI and claim points based on age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and other factors.

3. State Nomination (if applicable) – If applying for a Subclass 190 or 491 visa, a state or territory government must nominate you. Have you applied for state nomination, or are you waiting for an invitation under Subclass 189?

4. Invitation to Apply (ITA) – You cannot apply for the visa until you receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.

5. Visa Application Submission & Payment – Once invited, you can lodge your visa application and pay the fees. If you paid in 2024, does this mean you received an ITA, or was this a service fee to Y-Axis?

6. Processing & Grant – Visa processing can take months to years depending on demand and eligibility.

Concerns with Your Case

If Y-Axis said the process is valid for 3 years, they might be referring to the validity of your EOI. However, if you haven’t received an invitation yet, it’s important to reassess your eligibility and strategy.

It’s unclear whether you have applied for state nomination, which might be necessary given your occupation’s status.

Did Y-Axis confirm which ANZSCO code they used for your skill assessment and if so would you mind sharing it with me as this will help us re qualify the visa options?

Next Steps

If you have not applied for state nomination, you should explore eligible states that might sponsor your occupation.

Check your EOI points score, if it’s low, improving English test scores or other factors might help. Se this simple points calculation guide here.

Confirm with Y-Axis whether your visa application has actually been lodged or if you are still waiting for an ITA.

Happy to help where I can.

Regards

Mark

[Mark]

Hi Aliya,

Thanks for reaching out! 🙂

Could you share a bit more about the agency you mentioned? Is it an employment agency helping you find a job, or a migration agency assisting with your visa application?

Also, in the banking industry, what specific role do you work in (e.g., financial analyst, loan officer, risk management, etc.)? Knowing more about your occupation can help determine the best visa pathways for you.

If it has been two years without an invitation, it may be worth reviewing your visa strategy. Some factors that could affect your invitation include your occupation’s status on the skilled occupation lists, your points score, and whether employer sponsorship is a better option. Once I have more details, I can guide you on potential next steps.

Looking forward to your reply! 🙂

All the best

Mark