Marisawright

Once they're in the country they're in the country, so they can apply any time they like. In the grand scheme of things, theyé got so long to wait that a few weeks hardly matter. The bridging visa won't come into effect until their tourist visa expires anyway.

It's always best to ignore what the department says when you ring them. It's just a call centre reading off a screen, and they get things wrong as often as they get things right.

Westly Russell is an experienced migration agent. If he says the rules don't require both parties to be over 65, then you can trust that advice.

The problem would be proving your strong connection to Australia if you’re demonstrating (by your prolonged absences) that you’d rather live somewhere else.

Why did you not apply in Australia?

I didn't post the link before but here is the link to the correct visa: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner-spouse Notice that the initial visa is only for 2.5 years, then you have to apply again. It's a safeguard to deter fake partnerships.

You are right, no bridging visa available, you have to apply offshore. What's more, you must apply from your country of residence. When my oh and I were planning to move, we were thinking of spending several months in Europe first, so we thought we'd wait and apply from there. But he would've had to fly all the way back to Australia to submit his application.

Don’t forget the OP is coming on a 489 visa, not PR

Just to clarify, both those options are different ways of qualifying for the same visa, not different visas

There is only one way, as your partner. The website is confusing because it talks about a family member “joining you” in the UK as if you’re already there, but that is the visa you need

If you work in HR, then you probably already know not to state your age on your resume, and to cut down your resume to show "Relevant Experience" not "Career History" - which allows you to cut out your early career history, so they can't calculate how old you are. Many Australian employers are ageist but it's illegal for them to ask your age - so make it hard for them to guess. You're also up against the fact that the 482 visa is more expensive and more onerous on the employer than the old 457, so an employer is more likely to accept a less-qualified local candidate than go through all the hassle of hiring you. I understand the desire to be close to family, but you should also consider that you'll need considerable funds to finance the parent visa when you ultimately apply for it, so it might make more sense to return to the UK where you could get a higher-paid, more secure job for the next few years and save up for the permanent move. I wish you the best.

We were both on our Aussie licences when we arrived and had no trouble getting insurance. Get some evidence of your Australian no-claims bonus and they'll honour it.

If you've spoken to an agent, have they told you the specific occupations you can apply under and the specific qualifications and experience that you need to have? That's important to save you and any prospective employer wasted time and effort.

Have you asked them? Ask them.

It also says " Alternatively, provide evidence that you do not need to hold registration or a licence to work". You say the Taxation Board says you do not need a licence to work. If you have that in writing, that is your evidence.

You've just had a reply from someone who has actually worked in hospitals, telling you how it works in practice - I'd say that is far more important than anything you can find on a website. However, the wording I'm looking at is "Australian taxpayers will no longer subsidise treatments that can wait until the visitor returns home or for which the visitor can pay while they are here."

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/budget/publishing.nsf/Content/budget2017-factsheet17.htm

Given how important this is, I'd strongly recommend getting a migration agent involved.

If they are too old for a graduate visa then they're over 50.

Immigration asked for your licence OR evidence that you do not need a licence. If you have a letter from the Taxation Board saying you do not need a license, then that is the evidence you must submit.

Not aware of any such agencies except for a few which are basically scam artists. I seem to recall you're on a student visa, so I'd have thought your only option is to go for a graduate visa. To get a sponsored visa, you usually need qualifications AND experience, and the experience usually has to be undertaken AFTER you've got the qualification - anything before doesn't count. But not every course qualifies you for that visa, you'll need to check. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-study-work

True, but notice one of the things not covered is "care that isn't clinically essential". The interpretation of "clinically essential" relies on whether it would be safe for you to fly home and have treatment in your own country. If the answer is yes, then it's not essential and it's not covered. The fact that you won't be covered by the NHS either is not their problem. In practice, I have a sneaky suspicion that hospitals are not that rigorous and if you present with a medical issue, they may not always check your status before giving treatment. But personally, I wouldn't rely on that!

The problems with Sudanese gangs are greatly exaggerated by the media to make sales.

Partner visas are taking a long time for everyone, so I wouldn't give up hope yet.

This is what I found on Seek regarding what is required to be a Tax Accountant. It says you need to be a member of a professional body. Could that be what they mean? https://www.seek.com.au/career-guide/role/taxation-accountant