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Heike & Conner – Returning to an Old New Home

Visapath client story · Rhineland-Palatinate / Hesse → Queensland

A fresh start that came with risks

Together with Visapath, he applied for the Resident Return Visa (RRV) at the end of 2020.

Just two months later, the good news arrived: approved.
“That was an incredible moment. I didn’t expect it to happen that quickly.”

With that, the path back to Australia was open for him. Now Conner only had to convince one more person: his partner Heike. She had never spent a longer period of time in Australia and only knew the country from a holiday they had taken together.

Still, she said yes – to Conner, to Australia and to a fresh start on the other side of the world.

When Conner decided in 2020 to return to Australia, it wasn’t a spontaneous idea, but rather reopening an old chapter. He had grown up there, but later moved to Germany with his family as a young adult, making it his new home.

Yet Australia had never quite let him go.
“I’ve always just felt at home here,” he says. After completing his apprenticeship and gaining his first work experience in Germany, the decision grew stronger: he wanted to return.

But it was unclear whether he would be able to regain his Permanent Residency at all.
“I knew it could be difficult. It was definitely a risk.”

At a glance

Timeline

2020 → 2023

Location

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Status

Permanent Resident with
Resident Return Visa (Conner)
Partner Visa (Heike)

Moving during the pandemic

Heike’s journey was anything but easy. In 2021, strict COVID entry rules were in place and Australia had largely closed its borders. Entry was only possible with a travel exemption.
“I read so many stories from people saying: We’re not allowed to see our family.”

During that time, Visapath’s support was crucial.
“You encouraged me not to give up. I was really close to saying: this is all pointless. But you explained what was needed, which documents were needed. Without that, I probably wouldn’t have continued.”

Eventually, the Travel Exemption was approved, and shortly after Christmas she was finally able to join Conner in Australia. Though two weeks of quarantine were included.
“I’m the kind of person who just takes things as they come. I made the best of it: ate, slept and waited. But it was worth it.”

A new profession, a new life

Conner began an apprenticeship in Landscape Construction to build on the qualification he had gained in Germany.

After arriving in Brisbane, Heike knew: if it’s going to be a fresh start, then a proper one. In Germany she worked in an office, but in Australia she wanted something completely different.

She opted for a Student Visa and enrolled in a Certificate of Horticulture, completed the course and shortly afterwards started working for a landscaping company.

“I would have never tried a new profession in Germany. But here it just felt natural. Now I work outdoors in nature. That means so much to me.”

Heike settled into her new life and took the next step: in June 2023 she applied for the Partner Visa. Only six weeks later she received her permanent residence approval.
“That was the moment when it felt like: now we have truly arrived.”

A new approach to work and life

Conner continues working in a trade in Australia. He has progressed from apprentice to foreman in the company where he first trained in Brisbane.

He appreciates the work environment and experiences it as more open and respectful than in Germany.

“I earn more here as a foreman than I did as a construction manager in Germany. But it’s not just the money. It’s the way people treat each other. My boss called me recently and said: take half a day off tomorrow – but I’ll still pay you in full. That doesn’t happen in Germany. It’s a completely different work culture.”

For both of them, Australia has become a place where work and life are more balanced.
“Everything feels more relaxed here,” says Heike.
“You can try things without everything depending on it. It just makes life easier.”

Heike has no regrets about her career change and enjoys working outdoors.
“In Germany, I often felt like I was working my way towards the next holiday. Here it’s different. I enjoy every day without needing a holiday for it. It just feels more free.”

Somewhere between city life and sunshine

Today, the two live in Brisbane and now feel truly settled.

“We love Brisbane,” says Heike. “You have everything here: the feel of a big city, beaches, nature. And yet it doesn’t feel hectic.”

In their free time, they enjoy the diverse cultural offerings: live music on weekends, small festivals in parks, exhibitions or open-air cinema in summer.
“Many things are free or super cheap. I love that,” says Heike.

And even everyday life has its perks:
“Public transport is cheaper – and sometimes even free on weekends. That really makes everyday life more relaxed.”

Sometimes they take spontaneous trips to the Sunshine Coast or to a lake nearby. Just heading out without a big plan.
“That’s what I like most about Australia,” says Conner.
“You don’t need to do anything special to feel free.”

A home with a garden and plans for the future

A few weeks ago, they reached their next milestone: their first own home.
“I would have never thought I’d own a house in Germany,” says Heike proudly. “Here it suddenly became possible.”

The new home is slightly outside the city, with a garden, space for guests and room for future plans.
“We want to make it nice, maybe build a pool someday. For us, it’s not an investment property, it’s our home.”

Guided through every visa step

Visapath supported them through all stages: from Conner’s RRV to Heike’s Travel Exemption and Student Visa, all the way to the Partner Visa and Permanent Residency application. Looking back, they see the decision to seek professional support as essential.

“Without your support we wouldn’t have managed it,” says Heike. “Especially with the Travel Exemption – I had no idea where to start. You told me exactly which documents I needed, what made sense, and you were always reachable. That really eased the fear.”

Conner adds:
“I’m more of a hands-on person, but with paperwork I didn’t want to make mistakes. It was so much easier having someone at our side who does this all the time.”

Looking ahead

Australia has become much more than just a place to live. It is their home.
“I miss friends and family, of course,” says Heike. “But I wouldn’t want to go back to Germany. Here I have a job that makes me happy. I would have never had that there.”

The next steps are already planned: early next year Heike and Conner will apply for Australian citizenship.

Until then, they enjoy what they have built together: sunshine, gardening, good friends and a life that feels right.

“We were lucky, but we also did the right thing,” says Heike.

And Conner adds:
“It just feels right living here.”

Interview with Heike & Conner

What advice would you give others who are considering moving overseas?

Heike: “I think it’s important to stay open and accept that some things work differently. Not constantly comparing everything to Germany.”

Conner: “And if you’re serious: get professional help. Don’t try to save money on the visa – it’s not worth it.”

How was working with Visapath for you?

Heike: “We always knew where we stood. You were honest and transparent, told us what was possible and what wasn’t. That took so much pressure off, and we felt well looked after.”

Conner: “I really liked that you’re not left in the dark. You don’t have to ask around in forums where no one really knows. You know: there’s someone who actually knows what they’re doing. It was the best decision we could have made.”

Which moment during your journey to Australia stands out most in your memory?

Heike: “Definitely the time with the Travel Exemption. It was really frustrating. But then the email came saying I was allowed to fly. I was shaking. That’s a moment you never forget.”

Conner: “For me, it was the email approving the Resident Return Visa. I read it three times because I couldn’t believe it. That was the moment when it was clear: it’s really happening.”

How was studying in Australia for you, Heike?

“Challenging at the start: all in English, lots of assessments. After school I often studied for hours. But it was a good experience. I met great people, from 17 to 50 years old – a real mix. And I finally felt like I had something meaningful to do again.”

For you, Heike, Australia was new. How was it finding connections?

“At the beginning it was hard to make friends. I thought it would happen faster. But eventually you realise: you have to be active, open up, talk to people, join in. Now we have friends, good jobs and feel settled.”

What do you appreciate most about life in Australia?

Heike:

“Definitely the weather – and that people are so friendly. Even if it’s sometimes superficial, the general mood is just more positive.”

Conner: “Work is more relaxed here. It’s more give and take. And as a tradesman you’re not badly paid. Completely different to Germany.”

What do you miss about Germany?

Heike: “The long summer evenings. In Queensland it gets dark so early. I really miss that.”

Conner: “Bread. Definitely the bread. And maybe the feeling of just hopping in the car and driving to Prague or Croatia. In Europe everything was so much closer.”