I suspect that Alan has hit the nail on the head. It is easy enough to see how the scenario described by Alan develops.
Employer desperate for staff: asks a State Govt official or asks in local DIAC office. Nobody in either place has any real clue so misleading and apparently also downright inaccurate information is provided.
Employee also doesn't know what the score is with the different skilled visas (which are a complete maze to me as well.)
Meanwhile the Aussie Press and the forums are full of references to the buzz-phrase "457 visa" whereas even those of us who have (a) heard of RSMS (for instance) and (b) have tried to understand what the DIAC website's description of them is supposed to mean end up thinking, "God knows what this gibberish is about but everyone else seems to think that the 457 visa is the way forward. Presumably everyone else understands what all this is about...."
I suspect that the 457 visa becomes the "default option" simply because of its fame (or notoriety) much of the time.
I've tried to get to grips with how, when and why a 457 visa might be converted to an ENS or RSMS visa (or the 457 stage by-passed.) One thinks one understands one bit. One moves on to the next bit. That is baffling and by then one cannot remember what the first bit said anyway. I'm quite tenacious with this sort of information but I end up thinking, "I have not got the faintest idea about this. Ask an Agent." The DIAC website, at times, is worse than trying to look for a needle in a haystack.
I saw a post by Welshtone a few days ago in which Welshtone explained to a brickie of over 50 with no formal qualifications what his visa options might be. Tony mentioned both ENS and RSMS visas and at the time, it all seemed to make perfect sense. But I can't remember what he said now, so I could not have understood it as well as I thought I did at the time. If I can't remember something it is a sure sign that I didn't really understand what I was told!
I'm sure that I am not alone in this sort of confusion!!!
Lots of people come over on 457 if they aren't planning to stay longer than a couple of years. It was perfect for me as it gives me greta flexability, it didn't cost me a penny and it took less than 4 weeks to organise. If I do go for PR at some point then the company sponsoring me pays for the whole thing and handles the entire application process for me. If things go pear shaped and they fire me or make me redundant then they have to pay for my repatriation tot he UK. It also means I'm only paying the equivalent of 20% tax due to the LAFHA. Couldn't be better really.
It all depends. I wouldn't want to give categoric advice of such importance on a general forum, and without knowing your personal circumstances.
As a rule - go for the visa that will most probably give you a permanent residency outcome. Assuming you want such an outcome of course.
Best regards.
__________________
Managing Director, Go Matilda, http://www.gomatilda.com
Registered Migration Agent Number 0102534 and Chartered Accountant (England & Wales, and Australia)
Offices in the UK and in Australia
I could be wrong here but we thought that we only had the option of 457 as without the d pathway without formal qualifications we have no way of passing the tra skills????
So for us having a sponsor pay for and sort the visa and also all Dave's costs to get there (flights, medicals etc) and medical insurance for all 4 of us once there is perfect.
2. Employer sponsored permanent residency visa applications lodged under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme do not require a skills assessment classification (though having one can help).
Best regards.
__________________
Managing Director, Go Matilda, http://www.gomatilda.com
Registered Migration Agent Number 0102534 and Chartered Accountant (England & Wales, and Australia)
Offices in the UK and in Australia
Unfortunately, the first post on the thread below is a very graphic and poignant decription of just how precarious life on a 457 visa can be in the event that an unforeseen (and unforeseeable) disaster should strike:
but surely that could happen to anyone as medical costs here are high and even though with insurance you have certain cover you still have to pay out (I may be wrong).
Sick pay is cr*p here unless you work for a huge company far less entitlement that I've ever received in the UK but still doesn't stop me from wanting to live here.
And please don't mention holiday entitlement....argghhh....but guess don't need so many days as can spend every weekend on the beach or exploring and chilling out.
Wouldn't leave for the world but always a downside to everything in life but the plus sides make up for it big time.
