Oz reception?

[Rob_Webb]

Does anyone have any idea (or experience) of how one would be received in OZ, having sailed there from the UK and wishing to stay for a loooooong time (possibly via liveaboard whilst applying for residency etc)?

I know it sounds a bit crazy (like many romantic dreams!) but this is a genuine question!

Thanks for any advice.

Rob

 

[ccscott49]

You need a visa, no matter how you arrive, a liveabord in Oz, should have no problems, but the first step is to check with Australia House in London, they have all the answers. Just arriving is not an option, they will deport you, very quickly, make sure you have all your paperwork in hand. Residency in Oz is not easy, you have to qualify, Oz house has all this information also. Good luck.

 

[Guest]

On a personal level we like to greet sailing arrivals with with a cold beer.

Unforetunately the Customs and Immigration service don't see it this way.

As mentioned don't arrive without a visa, if you come on a tourist visa don't expect to convert it to a residents visa after you arrive. The Australian Immgration service in London are only helpful to a point, they will not discuss your unique circumstances in advance and then try a find a way to fit you into a visa category.
You have to go to a immigration lawyer to access your chances if you are not going to neatly fit into the normal work visa points system.

If you do manage to arrive and stay you will have to import your boat and pay import tax etc on it.

Good Luck


Lash

 

[steve_royal]

good luck
ive just bought a yacht near melbourne and am planning to sail from there for a while.
as i understand you will need visas for all crew BEFORE you arrive and will need a cruising permit ( 6 months ) which can be extended to 12 months.
you can obtain multiple entry visas but i do not know how long you have to hve been out of oz before you can return.
i beleive it is illegal to liveaboard in NSW although i have heard of oeople living aboard for years in sydney.
NZ looks like a much easier option.

 

[Rob_Webb]

Thanks for the advice. So it looks like turning up in Sydney Harbour and seeking residency on the grounds of being a bold/brave/sailing spirit who made it all the way from the UK won't wash even with the open-minded Ozzies!

You say that NZ sounds a better bet, sounds interesting.....

Cheers
Rob