STEVEPEACOCK

I would say the same way as moving here, look for short term furnished accommodation then Open a bank account to transfer money, Buy a car & sort insurance & tax (Take Aussie no claims proof). Look for house (purchase or rent) wait for possessions or buy new. Probably worth taking proof of Aussie address, paid bills, bank acc'ts etc as many financial institutions require proof of past abode etc, Register with doctors & dentist. I'm sure the rest will come as you need it. Going back after 28 years seems a long time, what is your reason ? & good luck.

Has anyone over 50 appied for PR from 457 visa. I am now 5 months away from my 4 years with same employer and wondering what hurdles will be put in our way. I am expecting to require Police references and Medicals, unsure about IELTS test as both myself & wife from the UK. My teenage son will have attended Australian school for 4 years. My company will sponsor me and I do meet the necessary salary requirement levels. What documents can be prepared early and is there anything that might be held up. Wondering if we will ever get out of a rental property and buy our own place in Auss' Also how long do these applications take and what have others paid?

I'm in W.A.

Yes, I meet the minimum pay threshold but would like to make application for PR as soon as possible. I have recently heard of someone being penalised for making application before the 4 year period so if nothing changes I will have to have all ready for the 4 year anniversary. Unsure how long applications will take as I believe I will be amongst 1st applicants since these reg's were introduced. It seems ludicrous that the government commission a study into 457's & then ignore the results especially when it was published that they agreed in principle with the findings back in MArch, back in the UK it's advertised that Aussie welcomes migrants with open arms. Its a different matter when you get here with LAFA being scrapped, $4000 school fees introduced for 457's. Many find their trade qualifications are not acceptable. I suppose we are here to be tested !!!!

Is anyone aware if there are to be changes made to the 457 to PR visa route. I am aware that the investigation into this was published earlier this year and that the government agreed to all recommendations in principle in March - report as link following http://www.border.gov.au/ReportsandPublications/Documents/reviews-and-inquiries/streamlined-responsive-457-programme.pdf Being over 50 I need 4 years with sponsoring employer so now need to reapply for a 457 as mine expires in December (3 years 7 months in). the recommendations were that transition to PR for over 50's be reduced to 42 mths to reduce administration on Australian businesses. This has been all talk to date but is it on the cards. Obviously hoping this will be introduced in the next month to help my situation is probably wishful thinking! nothing seems to be made easy in this immigration process!

I'm still in Auss' but would argue that it also depends on your lifestyle and how you live. I am approaching retirement an would hope to have plenty of holidays, days out, pub lunches etc. Being from the North - a pub meal, especially if you don't mind Wetherspoons will quite often average £6 with a pint. In Perth if they charged you $12, you'd think they'd forgotten to add the meal. Perth average $40 with a pint !. However holidays are becoming cheaper with the change in exchange rate and cheap flights to Bali & the Far East.

I read last year that there had been an consultation on the Australian migration rules and that all recommendations had been accepted by the government. One of these being the reduction of the period before being able to convert from a 457 visa to PR. When would the announcement be made if these changes are adopted ? Although I believe this was related to persons under 50, I am especially interested in the over 50 age being an old git!

We are now 3 years in on a 457 visa but employment position is unlikely to continue much longer. Do we have any other options to get PR. I believe due to age PR application requires 4 years with same employer due to my age. Any advice appreciated.

From an immigration website obligations are for economy class air travel or, where unavailable, a reasonable equivalent. Travel costs must be paid within 30 days of receiving the request. I would expect money to be paid and sort your own flights !

Hi, interesting reading as I was put off bringing my 2007 Peugeot 407 last year as was unable to obtain a certificate of compliance. Instead sold for £2800 in the UK and bought a Tiida for $10000. Which isn't a patch on the 407. I have considered looking at bringing a Merc in in the future but unaware where luxury car tax kicks in or the rules if it has not been owned for 2yrs?

Yes go for everything you can. Expensive items in Perth, Shoes, bedding, sports gear, most furniture etc etc. Scuba diving gear, bikes and motor bikes, fishing gear extremely so and are things I regret not bringing. Gumtree is good to find or dispose of extras needed or unwanted ad along with ebay good to check out prices. Be aware East coast is cheaper than WA so check location.

I've not been but heard some bad reports that its quite rough in places. Nicer further South especially nearer beach but prices rise! Probably only short journey to Joondalup tho as all traffic is nearer Perth. Mitchell Freeway is like M25 in places.

Not the info I've had, obviously depends on age and skills but as an (old) Marine engineer (53yrs) on a sponsors 457 I have been advised 4 yrs earliest route to PR once passed 45 yrs old.

Hi Guys, been in Greenwood, Perth from England (Nth East) since April on a company sponsored 457. Were initially advised we could apply for PR after 2 years but this has since changed to 4 yrs because of our age (an ancient 54, where have the years gone, I don't feel a day over 40) Has anyone any idea if this is correct or if theres a faster way to go ??? Also interested in a few beers if any other old gits out there, work in the city so a couple to let the traffic go alwats seems a good idea! Cheers Steve

New to Auss' (7 month) & looking for a cheap (but Tidy) Tallboy chest of drawers, living in Greewood and can collect. Please send a Private Message with any details cheers stevepeacock