Visa Setbacks
March 13, 2009 | Filed under Life, Uni/Work
I’ve been researching quite heavily into UK visas and the like in recent days (see evidence), and am a bit disheartened as a result. Though I’d been hoping for an initial three years in the UK and a reassessment at the end of those three years to see if I still wanted to spend the rest of my life there, it seems that all I’m eligible for at the time being is a maximum of two years on the youth mobility scheme (formerly known as the UK working holiday visa). After that time, I have to return to Australia.
This is unless I manage to bring my Masters studies into the equation. I’m currently studying a Masters of Human Services Management via distance education (to be completed in November 2011), which basically qualifies me to take on management roles in community services, social work services, etc. Social workers are one of the categories of “skilled migrants” that the UK are currently in desperate need of. So the ideal situation then, would follow a timeline something like this:
- 2009: First year of part-time Masters studies, part-time work
- December 2009/January 2010: Do a short course for a Certificate III in social support work in the university break.
- February/March 2010: Move to the UK, and use my Cert III and Masters studies to find a job in the social work field.
- 2010: Second year of part-time Masters studies
- 2011: Third year of part-time Masters studies, graduate in November 2011
- December 2011 – February 2012: Consolidate permanent position in social work field
- February/March 2012: Youth Mobility Scheme visa will expire
Basically, I’m hoping that the social work-related job I’ll get in the UK will develop into something more permanent, that will allow me to stay in the UK on a skilled migrant visa in the social work field, or that the company I end up working for will be willing to sign a work permit for me.
Either that or I marry a Brit when I’m over there, and gain permanent residency through him. Both are legitimate options.
5 Responses to Visa Setbacks
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I’ll marry you!
Rachaely on March 13, 2009 #
Rachael has a point. Most people acquire visas through marriage. Either way, good luck! It’s not easy being an immigrant :(
Regine on March 14, 2009 #
A very well placed plan, especially considering the lack of social workers. Good luck with it, Amanda!
Erin on March 14, 2009 #
You are so practical and pragmatic. It must be Nature’s way to compensate for my own lack of these two qualities.
Julie on March 14, 2009 #
wow, so organized! I hope everything works out for you. I make schedules too, but realize i’m too much of a weakling to keep up with them, lol.
marilyn on March 14, 2009 #