Scary

Evening All!

Sorry, I've been non stop questions all day But seems you lot are so helpful so here i go again!

I'm a bit confused (again!) What is the difference for the company (hospital) that is willing to sponsor me on a 457 visa, probably on a 4 year contract to sponsor me for an ENS visa, what do they have to do different, as far as I can work out either way they are agreeing to sponsor me for a set amount of time, just one way i get to be PR from the outset.

I did briefly mention PR sponsorship to them, (only in passing tho) and got the feeling they wouldn't be that keen to do it from the outset, although they did say that it is very common for their 457 employees to go for PR which they then sponsor once they have been there a few months.

So if we are "sure" that we want to be in that area, and are "sure" that we are going to want to stay, is it really that much difference for them to give me PR sponsorship from the outset??

Ohh, also, they mentioned about we would not be covered by Medicare (only emergency stuff) which we knew, they gave me the name of a insurance company that "most of their sponsored employees use" (iman.com.au) who specialise in health insurance for employees on work visas. Now i had a look and it will cost $380 for me and hubby per month for medical cover! Does this seem a HUGE amount of money?? Also I'm sure i read on here somewhere that if you are on a 457 visa the company is supposed to pay for or help pay for you medical cover, if this is the case is it easy to get them to do it??

The confusion continues!!!........

Thanks again

Claire + Tel

JAJ

There are differences in the requirements to sponsor for PR through ENS, compared to a temporary 457 visa. However the most usual problem is that employers won't (rather than can't) sponsor.



If they want to bring you over on a 457 visa then why are they not willing to pay any extra medical costs (or education costs for those with children) over and above those paid by Australian citizens and permanent residents?

This ought not to even be a subject for discussion, ie it should be automatically done this way. However it seems to be a huge problem with many employers.

You may want to think about the option of putting off the move to Australia until you can qualify for a migrant visa, eg Skill Matching. That way you arrive with a permanent visa from Day 1 and no 457 hassles to contend with.

Or look further to see if you can find an employer willing to sponsor for PR immediately, or see if you can persuade this employer to change his mind.

Jeremy