Visa to Australia

[LovingHim]

Hello,

Although I am European and my boyfriend is English, I have always dreamt about living in Australia. I have heard that it takes up to one year to get a visa if you have an occupation that is in demand - mine is not (I study journalism and French).

Any experience about the whole process? Thanks

[Silviar]

Hey, I'm an American whose moved to Australia to be with her boyfriend. I'd suggest talking at australiaforum.com for any specifics you have, but generally speaking, the work visas will take about 2-3 years for you to get unless you're in a higher demand job, then it's about a year. Australia has staggered wait periods depending on the job type.

Since you're young, however, you could try doing the Working Holiday visa and live there for a year to just enjoy some time there. The WHV allows you to work and travel around.

[aggie]

Hey, well, I haven't really gone through the whole process yet, but having my SO in australia, I basically know the whole www.immi.gov.au by heart by now.
So if youre from UK (although Im not that sure - you said youre european and your bf is english) - then youre lucky - cause you can do working holiday, and it just requires some money on your account... However, if youre not ... I guess student visa could be an option ? Youre allowed to work on that up to 20hrs/week during school periods, and full week during your time off.

Being Polish, it took me no longer than 3-4 months since I received all the application (but it included going to the specific doctors, getting your chest xrays). Can't remember now, but I think it didnt take more than a month since my complete application form landed in the embassy. So if you study in UK, id consider student exchange or a year abroad.. perhaps your uni has an agreement with one of australian institutions.

And from what I know, unless youve got recognized qualifications (theres a list of recognized european unis at the immigration website), the skilled migrant visa requires 2 yrs of work experience in the field of studies too.

Whatever you do, good luck! And, for those, who dont know yet.. Australia is a great place to live. It's just pain in the ass that its sooo far away from everything. )