Ports3

Hi all, with the new law that took effect 1st July 2013 prioritizing residents/Aussies first, I can't help but sob why we current 457 visa holders and dependents seems marginalized for work opportunities. While the new law states that current 457 holders are NOT affected, you can feel/see the effect. Kids have been rejected many times even on part time jobs, and yet for tax purposes we are deemed Australian residents. Not fair. Even ads now states "Australian or permanent residence only". Yet, when we were granted 457 visa, it says dependents can freely work and study. The new law now seems confused this as employers shy away when they hear you are a 457 visa holder. Hope someone helps soon. Any one had same problems?

Correct, I already talked to a migration agent and the Direct Entry stream is the only way I can go if I wanted to pursue PR now or wait for another two years on my new employer. If I go to Direct entry stream, I would need my skills assessed (though I already demonstrated that on my previous employer since being on the same line of work) + a bit higher mark in IELTS if I'm not mistaken.

Exactly why we have this forum right? So that one can say their opinion or feel about it. At any rate, whatever was expressed here, the DIAC rule will apply, no matter I whine about it or not. This is why I said on my previous post the that the stream in my case is only on Direct Stream, as I left my previous company (though already way past 2 years). Job opportunity is another thing I considered aside from the PR thing. Some people i met abandoned their employer after sponsoring them for PR, which is their own choice and opportunity. I temporarily dropped my wish to pursue PR on Direct stream-if I was not clear about it, I will just wait till something comes out differently on the rules or be qualified after two years. Nothing affects my working situation on 457 visa as I will earn same, and pay tax the same. Thanks guys.

I dropped my request for PR for now, it's a bit unfair I suppose. Perhaps in few months or next year, the government will realize that they have not considered people like me who have been 2years on previous employer who shifted to another one, now we do not a proper category stream to go through except on a direct stream which is meant for beginners in AU market. I feel that is a bit unfair as I need to have my skills assessed and a higher IELTS points required, where as we would theoretically are the same with those eligible to the temporary resident stream. Good luck to all the rest pushing....hope you make it.

I had to get financial proof of my support to my son (that I pay his schooling in college), that he has no residential address as he is residing with us (also found on receipts that has his name and our address) and the monies I sent (though indirectly because my wife is the account holder). I printed all those and submitted together the form. It did take a while for the visa to come out due to this but it did come out and my son was allowed to join us though he is 19 at that time. So, gather whatever proof you have.

Hi all, I spoke briefly with a migration agent. If you read my other post, I was also on a 457 in almost exactly two years working, but shifted to another employer. Hence my ability to apply for the first stream got invalid as I need to work for another two years on my new company, though I have already worked for two years my previous employer, under same work category. I hope in the future, this can be taken into consideration as I reckon some people out there would be on my same shoes who shifted employer and now cannot apply for PR without being assessed with their skill, required for a higher English mark etc... though you already have demonstrated 2 years or more on the 457. The migration agent suggestion was to have my skills assessed, then apply under direct entry. I also raised the same concern, because the immi wordings are straight forward that it is for those who are untested on AU market and have not held a 457. So, I will let you know if I become successful on this.

Thanks TP, i really need help from a migration agent being currently on 457 and have worked two years already but have changed employer on my second year. Probably have my skill assessed if my work is not on the exempt list (working in WA offshore - oil & gas).

Thanks, it is a situation that needs assessing. I have been on 457 for the last two years on my previous employer since June 2012, so technically NOT brief on 457. July 2012 I changed employer, hence, this problem. I can't see applying on Direct entry as I hold a current 457 visa (still good for another two years before expiry) and is using it on my new employer. Thanks again for your help.

Thanks for the reply, I see, I had a look with ENS but did not see that option on the three types. I guess the skills assessment is the best way to go rather than wait for another 2 years since I already have 2 years experience in Australian market, but overall 20years experience in field of work. Is it true that it will be harder for my family who are under sponsor via my 457 to process PR when they are not in Australia? I was thinking to sending them back to my country soon (now they are in Perth).

Almost two years on my previous employer, i was offered a good job, so I accepted. Problem is, it was July 2012 when I started on the new employer, the time new changes began on rules. I was informed that I need to work for another two years more on my new employer to get a chance for PR, so I lost 2 years for working on my previous employer. Can somebody advise me please? Thanks.

Fruity, we are almost same situation. My wife and I did not come to this agreement easily, as we have learned to loved Oz, but there are other matters that are more important especially our future. Regards to your family as well and best of luck. I will also be staying here in Oz to continue working and returning back to family during vacation slots. Thanks to all as well.

Thanks guys, it was a decision both I and wife agreed to do; wife will also travel back with the children, meaning, i will be left alone to remain in Oz to work. It was good though we did not decide last year before moving to Oz to sell our house back home(in case like this). PR is something i am a bit reserve especially regarding the Super which i've read becomes blocked/non-withdrawable until you get on the pension age; was thinking 457 renewal when expiry comes. I have to check their PR qualif just in case I decide otherwise. Ta

Hello to all, I would like to ask your opinion on my situation. After a year now on 457 with the family in Oz, financial side has been a struggle, barely making from salary to salary. I am deciding to send my family back to our country soon, kids also struggling to keep up with the school. Not thinking to lodge PR yet, but would the children be entitled to be included even i send them back home should I decide later on to get PR? I also got them a small car via a loan on a car dealer, but since no one would be using it when they go, can i just return that to the dealer as I am only paying it weekly for the next 2 years more? I have not spoken with the dealer yet. I pity to see the family not really enjoying the life I thought they can have when I brought them to live here. Thanks for your help.

Hi IC, thanks for that advice. Yeah, I might as well put him on TAFE to further his studies and have him work part time if he wants to, as 6 months is only a short time to wait for the PR. Appreciate your help on this, Ta!

Hello to all, thanks for helping people like us in need of so much information. I am on 457 visa turning two years with my same employer in couple of months which I am intending to lodge permanent residency. My problem is my eldest son who also got his visa as my dependent but now that he just finished his college and can work, will he not be affected/taken off from the 457 visa soon as I lodge an application for permanent residency? I heard that there are instances that the Immigration will deny the dependent/s for permanent residency if they are now capable to work/in work. Would he be able to have his own 457 should a company be willing to sponsor him or he needs to leave Oz? Appreciate your thoughts/advice on this.