stormywhether

We're in the final stages of our 475 visa application and hoping to be out there in a few months.

Meantime I'm wondering whether - as 475ers - we can buy property in Oz?

ruthnurse

Hi there, I am keen to apply for the 457. Qualify in June 2009 and wondered when I need to started.. A hospital in Sunshine Coast has said they will accept me on their new grad course but I have to apply for the 457 myself.

Fingers crossed for you that it all works out well, I can't wait to get out there! Went last year and fell in love with the place, my brother lives there and my dad's moving out so at least I won't be missing them!

Vanessa

a simple answer is yes but there are restrictions. www.firb.gov.au/content/faq.asp

MartinH

Yes you can (we did) but you need:

1. Minimum 20% deposit.
2. FIRB approval (which takes 10-14 days).

The FIRB approval step makes it difficult for you to buy a house at auction and also makes you slightly less preferred than local buyers.

bushy

I think FIRB approval takes longer than that. If I'm right,they have to give you a decision within 30 days and,as they're usually v.busy it can take that long.

Vanessa

Got our FIRB approval inside a week!

yanH

We also got our FIRB approval very quickly. I think that it came sometime in the second week after lodging. Have to say I found them very efficient. The Case Officer phoned me up to check something and then once I'd sent him the requested documention called again to say our request was approved.

MartinH

They quote a maximum of 30 days but in reality it is much quicker.

tomy2tums

we FIRB within a few days.

but then we became permanent residents, so it didn't matter

furkew

our FIRB approval on a 457 took exactly 30 days, and our settlement was 12 days later.