‘Forever Home’ Lost: German Woman Forced to Leave Australia as Partner’s Visa is Revoked

German expat Julia Schmitt was reduced to tears after being forced to leave her “forever home” in Australia. The couple was just one year shy of applying for permanent residency when her partner’s visa situation changed unexpectedly.

Over four years ago, Julia Schmitt arrived in Australia. Although she never expected to settle down, the warm, beachy life in Coolangatta became home for the 24-year-old and her boyfriend. In a devastating turn of events, the German expat and her partner were given just six months’ notice to pack up their lives after her partner’s skilled worker visa (a 482) was suddenly derailed.

“A few months ago, my life changed completely,” Julia shared in an emotional Instagram video, where she filmed herself crying while departing. “I am leaving Australia, not for a holiday, but for good. We are leaving behind the home we built over the last four years… I’m still grieving for losing my home, my friends and the life built here.”

The couple had paid upwards of $10,000 in visa fees and other expenses. They were only one year away from being eligible to apply for permanent residency when her partner’s occupation, property management, was removed from the skilled visa list.

“Australia is amazing, and we were devastated to leave. It was very unexpected,” Julia said.

Julia and her partner wished they could have stayed, but the strictness of the system—where there is “no room for special cases or consideration”—left them with no alternative.

Julia’s case, unfortunately, is not unique. A Ukrainian-Italian family in Adelaide is also fighting to stay, facing the possibility of being forced to shut down their popular cafe despite strong community support.

Julia and her partner are now navigating a new path in Bali, but the abruptly broken dream and the loss of their Australian life have left a deep, painful mark.

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Source: News.com

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