verystormy

Hi guys, we got our 457 visa last week and are flying in May. Our visa is valid for 3 years, though we dont want to come back to the UK. I think my employer who has sponsered the 457 would be happy to sponser PR, but is it difficult? My OH has no real skills - admin and things, so would this be a issue and how do i go about doing it? Getting the 457 was confusing but not too bad, is transfering to PR difficult?

JAJ

Start by reading booklet 5:
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/booklets.htm

AHamm

In theory ENS applications are quite straight forward when you've been on a 457, though of course everyone's application is different. They're also being processed VERY quickly at the moment.

There's lots of info to get you started in JAJ's link, above.

jayr

How quickly are ENS going through? Mine is about to go in and I have a friend who put his in Nov 2007 and has heard nothing.

AHamm

If they're fully documented and decision ready (ie meds and police checks and everything else included) it could take a week or two, depending on the office it's lodged at and the case oficer it's allocated to.

jayr

Excellent, thanks for that. It is decision ready and qill be lodged at Paramatta

AHamm

Yep, apart from one case officer who shall remain nameless, Parramatta are really storming through them recently. Good luck with it.

JAJ

It is worth observing that having a 457 visa does not in itself make you eligible for ENS. It only removes one of many requirements, and only then after 2 years.