Hi Im marrying an Australian and want to be able to work

[Geoff]

Hi 

Ive moved to Perth from London to live with my Australian fiancee and could do with help on how or where to obtain work of any type. I'm only on a travelling visa and aged 62. We marry in November or earlier and should eventually get a spousal visa.

Ive volunteered meanwhile for unpaid work

  Thanks for any advice

Geoff

[Weedolly]

You cant work on a tourist visa, there is some volunteer work that your not supposed to do either I think.

[Geoff]

Thanks.

Because of my age I think the most likely visa is spousal? This is expensive though at $6865. Are there other suitable visas to apply for basic work eg handyman, window cleaner , fruit picker, dog walker, bar / restaurant manager?

Are sponsored jobs possible for general work?

[verystormy]

You don't qualify for any skilled visas and the occupations you mention would not be eligible for a sponsored visa - except for restaurant manager, though only in regional areas and with a number of issues and I would say your chances would be very slim and even if extremely lucky, it would not be granted before November.

While on a tourist visa, you can not do any work. Once you submit a spouse visa after you are married you will be automatically given a bridging visa which does have work rights while your spouse visa is processed. Instead of the tourist visa, you could apply for a prospective marriage visa, though I am not sure if this has work rights and it would probably not be granted before the end of the year.

As an aside, the cost for a spouse visa has now increased to $7000, you should also be aware if you are going to need to work, that ageism is very much alive and well in WA and that WA is currently in a serious economic downturn.

[Geoff]

Thanks

Presumably once I get bridging for a spousal visa I can do self employed work as handyman, set up my own bar/ restaurant or other self employed? Due to aforesaid ageism and recession self employed could be a better option.

Also having experienced two disabled siblings I could look at care work?

 

Alternatives:

There's a UK Podiatrist qualification dealing with verrucas/ in growing toe nails etc which is not recognised in Australia but I could maybe practice through an Australian Podiatrist.

Also a recently advertised training course in Perth was for taking blood but very lowly paid. 

There's a 2 year Marine Trainee Safety course with WA Dept of Transport too which had I a spousal visa.I could have considered.

Regards

Geoff