Can I apply for a working Visa while having a vacation in Australia?

Question

I'm leaving on a Tourist Visa and plan to apply for a working Visa while I'm there in Australia.Is this possible? I'm a healthcare professional.

Answer 1

I don't think you can change your visa while you're in Australia - may have to travel out of/back home to change it.  Check http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-...

Answer 2

that is a definite no because i am from the UK. and i wanted a working holiday visa while i am in Australia but when i phone up immigration  about a working Holiday Visa they said that needed to leave the country first just to apply for one.

Answer 3

no, you may not seek work while on a tourist visa

you wont be granted a visa while in Australia

if your from a country that has a working holiday program you can apply for that visa from your own country

Answer 4

What Ozmanic said is right.

And I just gotta say it - what kinda dumbbutt thinks that immigration laws in Australia are going to be the same as they are in the US?

Answer 5

The only people who can apply for Skilled Worker visa while in Australia are students who meet certain conditions relating to qualifications gained in Australia. Everyone else is expected to be outside the country when they apply and there is no way to have a tourist visa changed to anything else while you are here. I guess you could apply while you're here as if you weren't in the country, but you would need to leave and re-enter if the visa was granted.

The only thing that may conceivably change this is if your occupation is on the MODL (Migrant Occupations in Demand List). That's a list of the occupations with the most extreme shortages and MODL applicants receive priority processing. If your job is on the MODL, and if you can find a sponsoring employer, you just might (outside chance only) be able to do something. I suggest you look into that and then contact the department.

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-s...

EDIT:

I just found this on the .immi website while looking for something else.

"An ETA cannot be granted while the holder is in Australia. ETA(s) cannot be extended.

If you intend to extend your stay after arriving in Australia, you should allow at least two weeks before your ETA expires to apply for a different type of visa. A visa may be granted if you:

have complied with the conditions of your ETA

meet all the eligibility criteria for the grant of the visa for which you are applying.

You may be required to undergo a health examination."

Looks promising for you.

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/...

Answer 6

if australian immigration system is the same as the US, then the answer is a definite NO.