Compassionate Acceptance

[GarethOz]

Hello, I was wondering if any of you could help me,

I’m a 21year old male, and was born as well has having lived in England all my life. I used to look after my niece in England whilst she was an infant. My sister, who married an Australian, decided to immigrate to Brisbane, Australia in September 2004, and take their daughter with them. At the time, I worked in a public house with my sister and brother-in-law. I lost three loved ones and my social life.

I suffered pretty bad depression, panic and anxiety attacks for 18 months. It was very bad. Agoraphobic, and couldn’t face anyone without having a panic or anxiety attack. I was in a right old pickle. In May 2006, I came out to Australia on a working visa to live with my sister, brother-in-law and niece - and the latest addition to the family - my nephew. For the past 7 months, I’ve never ever been happier. I’m free of my troubles, and have helped my sister through poste-natal depression. But in May, when my working visa runs out, I’ll be losing my family I am close to once again.

In England, I live at home with my parents and younger brother. But my parents and I have a very rocky relationship. I have no reason to return to England. All my friends I made at the pub have moved on elsewhere, and in general, my preference would be to stay in Australia as it’s a better country. I feel settled here, I’ve made friends, I’m working. I’ve integrated with ease, and I can see myself here for the rest of my life. The lifestyle suits me.

I have no qualifications, though I am easily capable of learning. I missed out on it with the rocky spell I went through back home, and I‘m keen to make up for it.

I know I can extend my working visa by 12 months if I do seasonal work, but it only delays the inevitable of returning home. Something which I passionately wish to avoid.

With my parents and brother back home, I don’t think I could apply for a remaining relative, which is a shame, as the relationship I have with my parents is a polar opposite to the one I have with my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew. Can I be granted acceptance on the basis of compassion? I doubt it, but I still hold out hope. I have wrote to the foreign minister, local mayor, local MP and the premier of Queensland explaining my situation asking for assistance. I’m currently awaiting replies from all four of them before I contact an immigration lawyer. Is there anything else I could be doing?

Thanks,
Gareth