Haven't the rules changed since you arrived regarding the 457 and made it more expensive for these visa holders with families?

not sure, we had to pay for education n all, well company did, and I know lafha's gone but they would've made up for that i'm sure. maybe? dunno

That's what changed for some mate - they stopped LAFHA and some companies didn't pay the gap so in real terms the 457 holders lost out.

bastards all of em, I'm not saying they should kiss migrants arses but at least try not to screw em at every turn. perhaps testing their resolve. i stand by my bastards comment

Seriously I went back to have my third child n lasted all of 12 weeks
I couldn't stand it been back in the uk....
I travelled with my 3 children aged 7, 22 months n a 13 week old n 11 pieces of luggage lol

Like everyone has said you are best been back here
Think of you n you family
As much as its hard you have to do what's best for you.

Keep us all updated

If I can do it anyone can
Good luck

Cheers again for the responses, my company will sponsor me for PR which is what we plan to do as soon as so at least that takes away the 457 burden. We will just arrive on 457 initially.

Why won't they sponsor you for PR now?

When are you guys coming back??

sometimes it's a time thing. Employers can get them here almost straight away on a 457 and then apply for perm res when they're on shore. To go straight for a PR takes more time.

I'm aware of that, but I'm asking specifically about the poster in question. It's quite possible that a company says that now, things change in the business and there's no chance of PR in the future - or things change in immigration law that means no chance of PR in the future.

Potentially a sticky situation if the "no chance of PR" scenario comes up when that 14 year old step-son has turned 16 and therefore hasn't done their HSC in Sydney, or their GCSEs in the UK.

I intend to get the ball rolling for PR as soon as we get there my employer will sponser me no problems, when we were there last time my employer had offered to get PR for us then but we were already intent on coming back to UK.

We are currently thinking about April as I want my Son to have his first Birthday here in the UK but this could change and we go a bit earlier.

It would make more sense if you come over at the end or beginning of a year so that your step son can begin school at a start of a school year rather than mid way. It would certainly be easier on him. Your young son wont mind missing his first birthday in the UK.

Great decision. Good to share.