Can you change visas while in country (U.S citizen in Australia)?

Question

I wanted to know if I could get a tourist visa for maybe 6 months or a year just to go to Australia, and while I'm there on the tourist visa, request a sponsored work visa... Because I don't want to wait 3-5 months to go to Australia, but I know the guy sponsoring me very well, been friends over a year... But I want to be there as soon as possible, and want to know if it is possible to get the sponsored work visa (atleast request it) while I am in Australia? Need Answers ASAP! O_O Thanks to all who help =)

If I apply for the work visa while in the USA, and wait for it to pend, and get a tourist visa for the 3-6 month waiting period... Is there a way to do that?

Answer 1

"To remain longer in Australia than your original visa allows, you are required to obtain another visa. If you wish to remain in Australia for tourism or recreational purposes or to visit family or friends, you may apply for a Tourist visa.
If you are refused a further visa, you must leave Australia before the expiry of your original visa.

From the Department of Immigration web page here:
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/index.htm

You'll find all the information you need about all the different visas at http://www.immi.gov.au/immigration.htm

Answer 2

tourist visas are not valid for that long a time and i doubt you can change your visa from within australia
best to get in touch with australian immigration call centre

Answer 3

I'd say you need to contact the Australian Embassy or consulate to find the answer to this. Or just make the application for both (separately, of course), and see what happens.

Good luck :-)

Answer 4

hello,
choose the nearest embassy from the list given bellow

http://australia.visahq.com/embassy/United-States

contact the embassy officers, they will tell you for sure.