smallbeagle

Hi there, we have received our temporary visa sub-class 457 and will be going to Sydney in January 2006. How long do we have to wait before we can apply for a PR status?

We were told that we have to wait for 2 years and I cannot seem to find that information.

Thanking you all in advance.

JAJ

Have you read the requirements for ENS? If not, you really must do so immediately. Download and read booklet 5:
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/books_migrate.htm

There is no minimum time (many people go straight for ENS and never need to worry about the 457) however unless you can get a skill assessment, or you are paid over A$152k, you will need to wait two years.

Is your employer willing to sponsor for ENS? Many employers won't do so.

And have you any other options to get PR? (eg points tested - download booklet 6).

Other points to bear in mind:

- is your employer paying for full medical cover while you are on a 457 visa? At best, you will only have very limited access to Medicare.

- if you have school age children, is your employer going to pay the school fees (AUD4.5k per child per year for temporary residents in NSW in government schools).



Jeremy

smallbeagle

Thanks Jeremy. We are hoping to apply under sub class 139 (designated area sponsor) as my brother is willing to be a sponsor and a AoS.

Company is not committed one way or another but told us hubby needs to work for 1 year and have lived there for 2 years.

JAJ

Why are you asking the company about PR sponsorship if your plan is to apply for 139? You don't need a company to sponsor you for 139.


You should be working on the 139 application as you speak. Details of the requirements are in booklet 6, available for download on the DIMIA website.

In case you're not aware, in the very near future the 139 visa is going to be closed to new applicants and replaced with a temporary visa. So you really haven't got a moment to waste - if you're eligible and keen, then you should sort out your application immediately.



Jeremy

smallbeagle

Jeremy,

Hubby's company wants him over as soon as possible and therefore applied for 457 for us. Personally I would like to apply for 139 because my brother is there and it's better for us in the long run. We cannot wait for 6 to 8 months to get the PR because the job will not wait for hubby.

JAJ

But why are you waiting to apply for 139? If you must go to Australia on a 457, that is not a reason to wait to apply for 139 if you are otherwise eligible.

There is a certain myth about 457 visas being quicker than permanent visas - employer nominated PR visas get priority and can often get processed fairly quickly. While some 457 applications take months to get sorted out.



Jeremy