Suzukiscottie

457's are visitors. Only in Aus temporarily. They can work. Once you are a permanent resident, licences need to changed.

Torch browser has Hola built in, other browsers just need you to add-in the Hola extension. Simples!

Direct stream - apply whenever you like and pass a skills test. Transition stream - wait 2 years with your employer and no skills test needed.

If your licence is a "ipaf" licence, then that is an international standard, so you should be fine.

Research, research, research, understand the industry sector, develop business case, talk to finance providers. I wouldn't imagine that it's easier to start a business in Aus when you are not in Aus.

Glad you had a successful trip! :-)

Every garden centre I've been to sells fruit trees, even Bunnings and Masters. There's a great garden and arts centre in Bulleen with a great selection of stuff. Have you done a Google? https://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=garden+centre+eastern+suburbs+melbourne&rlz=1C9BKJA_enAU592AU592&espv=1&hl=en-GB&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&ei=qfAdVNm3Esv98AW81oKABw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ

Wrong. VAT refund/exemption is for goods being exported. However, if you ask nicely, your solicitor might do a deal for cash! *cough* [emoji56]

Bloody hell - looks like you're the one having a meltdown!

Yes

We just use an old laptop, hooked up to the big TV (VGA cable, not all TVs have a VGA port). Firefox (or any other browser of your choice) with the Hola Unblocker extension. With that you'll get access to all the online iplayer type stuff, BBC, ITV etc. if you have a decent internet service then you're all good to go. No extra costs for a VPN. The other free option is to wait for stuff to appear on YouTube. My Mrs regularly watched Casualty (she's a casualty tragic!) on the ipad streamed through Apple TV box to the big telly. We don't like paying for stuff if there is a free option. :-)

The 2 year thingy is to do with the requirement for a skills assessment. If you have worked for your employer on a 457 for 2 years then you don't need to have a skills assessment done when applying for PR. I went from 457 to 186 employer sponsored PR. No skills assessment; I'd been here on 457 for 4 years. If you can get through a skills assessment then there's options for applying for one of the PR visas straight away. No need to wait.

No. Only mentions "licenced". Anyhoooo........ Back on track........ OP may need public transport in Melbourne once they get here; get a Myki.

Document everything. Not a good situation to be in, but you have to cover your own backside.

Ahhh. In that case, get them to earn their money. Watch them assemble a few for you to evaluate. [emoji12] Then find the same tent cheaper on the interwebby thingy.

457 to PR would be through ENS transition stream, after the qualifying time period of 2 years. But if your skills are already "assessed successfully" then why not go straight for PR direct entry? Why bother with 457?

Start looking for a new sponsor now. Before the 90 day clock starts clicking. If you wait until your employer makes whatever decision they have to make, then you've given yourselves additional time to sort things out. Resign, and your click starts ticking now.

Over 25. I got a Vic licence for convenience. Wife didn't bother; yet. Haven't been asked about it for either of us. She is the policy holder. Will check the small print when I get a chance. Edit. Checked small print. Nothing specific; only that any drivers have not had licence suspended, cancelled, restricted.

How much is it going to cost your employer to fly you all back home versus the visa application fees? Just sayin' ! [emoji12]

Let your MA do his job. He'll have the best answers to your questions and concerns. I wouldn't sell your house on a 457 visa. It's a temporary visa. Are you aware of all that?

I've never been asked by our car insurance company whether I have uk or VIC licence. Name, address, vehicle and named drivers.

Anaconda. Ray's Outdoors.

I stand corrected. Cars in the UK rarely rust. Somebody on the internet said so. [emoji12]

We too have gone through the 457 route. First one for 4 years and then applied for another 457 and 186 simultaneously. 457 granted, then a few months later PR granted. That was our means to an end, so it all worked out well in the end. If you were only one year into your 457 then you'd need an assessment due to being less than 2 years with the employer.

Get a cheap android phone, a payg sim with data, and use the android hotspot for all your wifi-enabled devices.