Blewyn

Check what qualifications are needed for your wife to work in Oz - no use finishing degree in UK if she just has to repeat in Oz. If getting 457, be very wary. You can't buy an existing house only newbuilds, if you get laid off you have 3mths to find a job or leave the country. Is your sponsor shipping you over ? If so make sure they include a clause in the contract to pay for your return costs no matter what the reason unless by your choice. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

You're obviously hanging with the wrong Brisbanites. Check out the Gentle Thinkers and Brisbane Philosophy, Politics and Economics groups on meetup.com, go to a poetry slam or Politics In The Pub at the Powerhouse.

Is Rockie below the croc line ?

The line about the countryside not being up to the UK standard jarred with me. Really ? Damn we must be wearing very different specs

How on Earth could anyone seriously compare Scotland and Queensland, and decide to move to Scotland ? The mind boggles. Why not move south to SEQ, where a) you can swim in the sea b) it's warm but dry, c) no crocs and there's a lot more city to enjoy, as well as plenty of country.

Hey Alaska was this income earned from work, or asset ownership ?

Thanks. Just wondered if amyone here haf done it.

Not at all. 457s don't get medicare by default (only if country of origin has a reciprocallity agreement)

The other country I am thinking of doesn't have income tax....

Who said anything about being in the UK ?

A 457 holder can leave and re-enter Australia as they please, no ? What if the secondary was working overseas FIFO, and getting paid overseas, no money being paid in Australia ?

What if they're not living in Australia but regularly visiting their spouse, who is living in Australia ?

If a secondary 457 holder earns a salary or contract payment for work performed overseas for an overseas employer, is it taxable in Australia ?

Thanks Alan....maybe we've just been unlucky.

Exactly. For example, we were told that my spouse could work while here on a 457 visa. That sounds to me like she can go get a job, like anyone else. But guess what ? Aussie employers always ask for the applicant's residency status, and those on 457s can only be hired if no equivalent Aussies or PRs are available. So in actuality, your spouse pretty much has to find a 457 sponsor just like you did, just like any foreigner has to. Employers natuirally paint a rosy picture of work and conditions here in Oz - and let's face it, that's not difficult to achieve. But be warned ! All it takes is for your employer to finish a contract and need to drop headcount....and if you're a 457 in a department of Aussies, you're automatically closest to the door. Especially if the Aussies are all mates. Then all of a sudden it's cheers mate see ya and you have 90 days to find another sponsor or leave the country. Obviously this is less of an issue for those with widely-employed skills (tradies etc), but for those of us who are specialised, it can be a huge issue. People being asked to come here on a 457 may well be giving up a permanent position to make the move. It's only right that they are given the full picture as to just how temporary a position they may be getting in exchange. I know people who have demanded PR upfront, or a commitment to sponsorship for PR after 2 years. If you feel you may have enough clout to swing it, give it serious consideration. I post this message with the intention of warning and helping others.