Switching from 175 to ENS

[grlva]

Hi, I have just found this forum and hope I can get help. I have applied for 175 two months ago, but in the meanwhile found a company who would sponsor me for the ENS visa. Is it possible to switch? Or do I have to start the whole process again and lose the application fee I paid?
Thanks in advance!

[Zoltan Bertok]

Hi, I have just found this forum and hope I can get help. I have applied for 175 two months ago, but in the meanwhile found a company who would sponsor me for the ENS visa. Is it possible to switch? Or do I have to start the whole process again and lose the application fee I paid?
Thanks in advance!

It is not possible to switch. You have to start again.

[iHH]

It is not possible to switch. You have to start again.


Nice country but very expensive!
The knowledge that must be paid for and you realize you knew.
:confused:

[grlva]

Oh, ok, I just did extensive search on the Diac website and also called them and turns out, I don't have to pay again.

"If you have a valid visa application for one of the following general skilled migration
categories:
• Skilled – Independent (subclass 175);
• Skilled – Sponsored (subclass 176);
• Skilled – Independent (subclass 885);
• Skilled – Sponsored (subclass 886);
• Skilled – Regional (subclass 887);
and have subsequently been nominated by an employer for an LA, ENS or RSMS visa,
you will be required to complete a new visa application. You will not be required to pay
an application charge for this new application."

Thanks anyway, cheers!

[George Lombard]

Hi Griva,

Yes it's true that you can make an application for ENS without having to pay a second visa application charge, but getting a sponsor to lodge an ENS application for you is not always so simple, so congratulations on finding a sponsor. I would recommend that you wait until the sponsor's nomination is approved before initiating anything with your ENS visa application; we often see people get into trouble when they assume that the employer will be approved, either by letting other applications and visas lapse, or lodging the ENS visa application too early.

Cheers,

George Lombard

[Sheelagh Blanckenberg]

Hi George

Knew the name - didnt recognise the face!!

[Emmanuel]

HI Griva,


I hope DIAC clarified the ENS to which you do not need to pay a visa application fee anymore. Remember that there is an ONSHORE ENS and an OFFSHORE ENS.

The ONSHORE ENS do require a further payment of the visa application fee.

The OFFSHORE ENS does not require a further payment. However, you will go through the same inconvenience as the 175 where you and your family have to go overseas and return to Oz to validate your visas. Also, once the switch is made, technically, the visa 175 is withdrawn.

I had a sensible suggestion by DIAC. If a 175 applicant do manage to get an ENS sponsorship, rather than switch to the OFFSHORE ENS, just pay the VAC for the ONSHORE ENS as the cost and convenience saved is a lot better.

Regards,

Emmanuel Solana
MARN 9790598