Hi Everyone
I heard yesterday through a friend whose application wasn't as far in the process as mine, and who hadn't yet had an interview, that DET are putting the whole 457 program on hold. My friend received an email from TeachingWA saying that they weren't processing any more applications but would keep his "expression of interest" on file until they had finished a review of the workforce something or the other. Has anyone else heard of this? I emailed my DET contact Sue, but got an out of office message to say she would be back in on Monday 5th Jan. I know these people have to have a break and it is the festive season, but the agony of waiting until next week is massive! I had an interview in October in London, but there was an issue getting a reference so I have given DET another contact, but of course Christmas came along and everyone is on holidays. I teach Secondary English, been to West Oz before and love it and want to go back, but now worrying that I might have missed the boat - thanks to one very narky Head who has no sense of urgency about references!

Do any of you have any idea what is happening?

I have not heard anything.

However we were one of the first groups, and they suddenly pulled the plug on Primary sponsorship just 6months after the start up of the scheme. Then they decided to start Primary back up Primary for Jan 10.

So I always tell people if they really want to come, to do so. As they have and can stop the programme.

However it could be they just want to check things in January, with all this talk on credit crunch etc.

Sue is your best bet, it could be just a glitch for a few week.

Gems
PS, if its any help we have had record births in Australia this year. Also education survey found that by 2010 would see more shortage for Primary. So it looks like primary could be shortage for a while.

I'm in the Jan 09 intake and all we've been told is:

Thanks Roamer.

Hope all goes well for you in WA. Spoke to relatives in Perth yesterday and apparently it is HOT HOT HOT! Be prepared!

Hi Everyone

Been doing some internet research about this and came across an article that was written by the ABC News team http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...07/2413320.htm
Seems teachers are returning to the profession since the latest pay rise which makes WA teachers the highest paid in Australia; also because of the slump in superannuation, less teachers retiring. The article was dated November 2008. A cousin in Perth also tells me that the mines are laying off workers in a big way and he personally knows of 2 teachers who left teaching for the big money in the mines, but who are both back teaching next term.

So I suppose all those situations equal "no more 457 visa to WA"!

When I get the official view though I will post what I receive.

Glad we've secured a position already. But to ad to this Aus has had record birth levels last year and Primary Teaching is going to be very much in demand

WA has just announced that they are suspending the 457 programme. It does not look good even for those of us that have already been offered positions.

Shocking news, heard from teachers that they have been informed that scheme on hold.

Really sorry guys, I did not know they were going to stop it at this short notice. Or that they would not bring you guys over who are already in the system and sold houses etc.

One thing I heard was Immigration want to do changes to 457, which would make it unaffordable to DET. eg pay for flights,insurance etc.
So they want immigration to do a new visa just for teachers if this proposal goes through.

Really, really sorry to you guys already in the system. Im hoping its a glitch and they will still bring you over even if its a couple of months later.

Gems

Can anyone tell me what's going on? What email has been sent out?

Everyone that was offered a job for Jan 10 has been told the offer has been withdrawn. Those who are going in July 09 have been asked to delay to Jan 10, or even later. I'm not sure of the exact position of the July 09 lot, but for the Jan 10's, they are definately not going!


Kareena

Gutted

All I know, is that a couple of teachers have contacted me.
They said they recieved emails yesterday from DET, saying their start date is now on hold as is the scheme. These teachers were due July 09 and Jan 2010.

Check your spam if your one of those in the process. Or contact DET asap.

Gems

Please read my 457 update.
Important info.

Gems

Says on our email that it's suspended not withdrawn. There has been no definate no, not sure where you got this information from?

Please read my 457 update post.
The scheme is not cancelled and will run in the future too.

They have delays, and only telling new enquiries the scheme is on hold.
So no recruitment drive for 2009.

This gives them time to sort out teachers with dates in July and Jan.
Also to sort new visa regs, and see exactly how many positions they need eg people are not retiring as expected.

Again, repeat after me : the scheme has not been cancelled. No new applications in 2009, but maybe opening to new applicants after this.

Gems