Why do employers offer subclass 457 visas rather than permanent residency?

[Gollywobbler]

Originally Posted by diesellisle

When I read Julie's post, my heart just went out to her -it must be a very stressful time for her and her family. My OH is a nurse and had a number of interviews with nursing agencies and also Ramsay Health, all of whom were offering the 457 visa as the route into Oz with no mention of an alternative. It would seem (though I am far from an expert) that the 457 is touted as the 'get-here-kwik' option. We were lucky in that OH had an interview with WA Health and a subsequent job offer and is able to apply for a visa under the ENS, which is a better option for us as a family with 3 young children. You can't help but think that some of the employers are exploiting people's desire to get to Oz.

Lisa

Hello Lisa

I could not agree with you more. A nurse sent me an e-mail today, forwarding one that she had received from a company which I presume is a nursing recruitment agency (not the one you mention.)

The company's arguments contained more holes than a colander. To distil a few of the claims made:

• All the hospitals are offering 457 visas and nothing else.
• If you apply for skilled independent migration, we can't help you to look for a job this far in advance. (True, but the nurse doesn't need a job this far in advance either.)
• It is cheaper to get a 457 visa followed by an onshore ENS Visa because the hospital will help with initial relocation expenses and (bizarrely, I thought) "you will already have your ANMC skills assessment."

My impression is that the woman who wrote the e-mail only understands one idea - how to get this nurse signed up today and sold to a hospital tomorrow so as to maximise the Agency's short-term cash flow.

I don't think it was a case of deliberately trying to exploit the nurse. I think it was simply sheer ignorance on the part of the author of the e-mail.

Best wishes

Gill

[EM&M]

Just thought I would add a little to this thread. We are here on a 457 since August 2007. Both of us were called as "unskilled" due to our careers not being on any lists. This as far as I am aware was the ONLY way we could gain entry to OZ. We cannot have a skills assesment so as far as I am aware cannot apply for PR until 2 years after the 457 was granted. If anyone can tell me any different then please let me know. Obviously we cannt claim any centre link benefits etc and money is very tight, be we came here knowing that and knowing that we would have to keep things tight for the first couple of years. Maybe we are lucky as OH works for his uncle so we have non the exploiting that has been mentioned and they are very fair with him and treat him the same as the other staff, most of which are family anyway.

I would say to anyone yes if you can get here on PR then do it BUT if 457 is the only way and you really want to be in Oz then go for it but make sure you do your homework on it.

Em x