some general questions

[gsaps]

Originally Posted by LKC

Hi Grant.

I just thought I'd say "Hi" to a fellow Optometrist. I don't work in Australia because I am now a full time mum (I am not registered to practice here), but my husband is a DO and works for Specsavers. He is jsut about to open his new store later on this month. We are here on a 457, but Specsavers are going to sponsor us for PR.

We came on a 457 because Specsavers wanted us here asap. Our visa application was submitted on Friday 6th Feb and was granted on Tuesday 10th - so 4 days over a weekend. However, I do believe that things take longer now. It was lucky really, because we had the shippers in on Thursday and Friday the 12th and 13th, we moved in with the in-laws on the Friday and then flew to Sydney on Monday 16th Feb, handing the in-laws the keys to our house which was already on the market (it has now sold). Was a bit stressful at the time, but now we are here it has all faded in to distant memory! For us, the 457 was a slightly less risky option because as hubby has bought in to a joint venture, his job is secure. Probably a bit more risky for other jobs. Our children are not yet old enough for school (they are 1 and 3), so school fees don't apply to us either. The FIRB restrictions on buying property on a temporary visa have been lifted now too, providing it is for use as your main residence rather than for investment. We had our pre-approval for a home-loan come back fine today, so no problems there either. With Medicare, you do get reciprocal arrangements between the Aus/UK but would need to top up with private healthcare (which we did in the UK anyway).

Don't know whether any of that helps at all.

pm sent LKC

[Les Mighalls]

We are here on a 457,

and

457 was a slightly less risky option because as hubby has bought in to a joint venture

If that has happened while you are on a 457 then you are in serious breach of the visa conditions.

[olly]

Originally Posted by SOMV

Hello,

I am not sure if you are interested in regional areas but I know that there were a couple of vacancies for your role in regional Victorian locations. It would be a permanent visa too (under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme s/c 119) and my understanding is that you would be employed via the Victorian "Primary Care Trust" equivalent in that area.

This visa does involve Victorian Government (Regional Government Officials who certify the vacancy which is a requirement of the visa) so please PM me if you are interested and I will pass on the email address of the relevant individuals (who all very helpful).

Cheers and best of luck!

P.S. While on the topic of regional Victoria (we think this is great) - the town of Wycheproo is attracting new residents by only charging only $1.00 per week for rental properties in the town: NEWS & FAQs

My children's father was born near this town and my son goes there quite a lot and nearby Charlton. Both places are a long way from Melbourne, (3 1/2 hours) and it is very small rural town,a long way removed from the UK lifestyle TThe closest place is Bendigo, which is a nice small rural city. It would not suit everyone of course. Interestingly enough, Charlton's high school performs very highly in the school rankings (lots of one to one?) and I had been tempted a few years ago to send my son up there to do his VCE believe it or not! The one buck rental is just to give options for families who are sick of Melbourne to experience the counry life - and who knows some might stay. Thanks for posting the link. cheers Olly