457 in WA

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May 15th 2006, 5:30 am

woody1cruiser

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Joined: Jan 2005

Location: Bunbury, WA

Posts: 541

457 in WA

Hi

I have just been offered a job on a 457 visa for WA and have read the restrictions that apply at the top of this forum.

I wonderd if there was anyone out there that is actually out in WA on a 457 who could give me some guidance.

I have 2 boys so need to find out about school fees.

Entitlement to medicare. As I am not eligible how much am I looking at to get myself and family covered.

FIRB restrictions on purchasing a property

How easy is it to apply for a PR

Details on the take breaks available to temporary residence

I know these questions have probably been asked before but I am still in shock from the phone call.

Thanks

Debs

May 15th 2006, 5:47 am

OBI WAN

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Joined: Jan 2006

Location: Tyneside

Posts: 81

Re: 457 in WA

I'm going to WA on a 457 with my wife and kids don't believe everything you read on here, I'm going to work I will pm you later today with all the answers you need.

May 15th 2006, 6:10 am

Luma

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Joined: Nov 2005

Location: WA

Posts: 1,784

Re: 457 in WA

Congratulations on the job offer

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody1cruiser

May 15th 2006, 6:22 am

andrew63

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Joined: May 2004

Location: Termite Country (Tanah Merah)

Posts: 1,372

Re: 457 in WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody1cruiser

Hi Debs
Pretty sure it is the same for most States except NSW, there are no fees for public schools.

Medicare - You should be covered by the reciprocal agreement which is fine. I was not. Your employer is "obliged" to cover your Health Inusrance needs (mine took out MBF Overseas cover for me)

FIRB - I found no issues being on a 457 but I do think there are some. Their web site should help.

My 457 employer got me in as PR via ENS within 12 months. If I could have got PR myself I would have done so.

Not sure on tax breaks - I didn't find any but you may be able to get the LAFHA (Living Away From Home Allowance) if you are renting. I bought a house straight away as I was confident of staying permanently and getting PR.

Hope that helps

Andrew

May 15th 2006, 12:57 pm

Fardell

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Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 158

Re: 457 in WA

Hi

Just a comment about health insurance - I just responded on another thread. Your sponsor/employer is actually not obliged to provide you with health insurance but it is in their interest (they are liable for medical cost to the Government) and yours for them to provide it. Some employers actually make it a contractual requirement that a visa holder take it out - this is a second class solution. The cost for family coverage would seem to be around $4,000pa for medical and hospital and another $1,000 pa for dental, optical etc., So, not a small cost and one you should sort out with the employer before committing.

May 15th 2006, 2:07 pm

Bix

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Joined: Jan 2004

Location: Lion in da jungle

Posts: 22,767

Re: 457 in WA

Agree with Fardell....the sponsor is not obliged to provide health cover.
This changed a while ago so maybe after Andrew got his visa.

Disagree in that from what I have seen and also reading on here the sponsors are throwing the responsibility / cost onto the visa holders. Second class solution it might be but it is what I see happening.

Agree with the cost too. Mine was just over 300 bucks a month for family visitors cover. May have gone up a bit now though.