Another 457 query

[gilesbest]

Hi all,

I wonder if anyone can help with another question regarding my 457 visa. I was offered a job back in Oct '07 following a phone interview at which point my sponsor said they were going to start immediately with the visa; they were confident enough to suggest I book flights at around the same time to leave the UK on the 1st June!
It's now almost 6 months later and I still haven't had confirmation of the nomination or sponsorship through which is obviously holding up my part of the process.

Has anyone had any recent experience of the time taken for the 3rd part (the visa application) to be processed? I'm guessing not but if the worst comes to the worst can I complete this process in Oz? I suppose I'm also looking for some reassurrence!

Many thanks

[suzy+1]

Hi, i suggest the delay maybe with your sponsor. From when the immigration dept.looked at my application-they then asked for an additional document which was faxed and visa was through within a week.my employer/sponsor advertised from time of signing contract and accepting job to start date in oz would be 2-3 months.
if youve booked your flights already i would definatly get onto your sponsor, some are very slow at communications with all relevant departments, i had a friend and it took her over a year to get here on her 457.

[gilesbest]

Thanks for the reply Suzy. I had an e-mail earlier this week from my employer saying that the paperwork was nearing completion and that HR should be in touch soon so fingers crossed I'll be able to proceed in the next week or so. It's just quite reassuring to hear the speed at which yours was processed! Did you submit your application electronically and if so am I correct in thinking it's not neccessary to have the documents certified?
Many thanks again

[suzy+1]

Hi, is it the nomintaion process that is near completion ready to be submitted or do they mean the immigration dept.should be looking at the visa application soon?It is def.a quick process from when they look at it, and 457 usually take priority so shouldnt take long for them to look at them.
i didnt submit mine online and had everything certified (took it all to the local police station-free and quicK)

[gilesbest]

It wasn't particularly clear from the e-mail what paperwork was nearing completion but I'm hoping it was the nomination and not just a letter of offer from HR!

[suzy+1]

Well i hope the ball gets rolling now-hopefully it shouldnt be too much longer.