cherrybobs

I'd be interested to know the outcome of this as I'm looking at doing the same when my 457 ends.

Thanks for the responses. I would qualify on points but I unfortunately just don't have the thousands of dollars to go down that route. The WHV (at $365) is a much cheaper option. And moving in with the boyfriend isn't an option, it's far too early!

I moved to Australis in June 2012 on a year's contract on a 457 visa. My visa (and job) will finish in June; there are no opportunities to extend the job. And there aren't many jobs out there so I think it'll take me a while to find a new job. Do I have to leave by the time the visa expires if I haven't found a job in the meantime? I have family here and a new boyfriend and I really don't want to go. The best option I can come up with is going to New Zealand for a week when my visa expires, and applying for a Working Holiday Visa, which would give me time to find a new job. Will they hold it against me if I've already had a 457? I really don't want to go back to the UK! :sad:

It's making a massive difference to me as my employer isn't paying any relocation costs. They're only paying for my flight. There's no way I could afford to pay to ship a load of stuff, so this is by far the best option for me.

I've just booked my flight. I emigrate to Brisbane on Tuesday on a 457 (which came through yesterday) - eeek! I've booked with BA because of their really reasonable rates for extra bags. I'm flying - Manchester - Heathrow (BA) Heathrow - Singapore (BA) Singapore - Brisbane (Qantas) Because the first two flights are BA, my bags will be checked through and I can buy up to 10(!) extra bags at the airport I get 1 free bag of 23 kg, 2nd bag is £40, 3rd bag + are £90 each, and heavy bags (23 -32 kg) are an extra £40. So 3 bags @23 kg each will cost me £130 extra.

Snap! Mine is now showing as approved. Do you get an official e-mail and how long will that take? Thanks

My timeline - 18th April - offered position 22nd May - job contract received 23rd May - Nomination lodged 23rd May - I applied for e457 26th May - Further information requested - proof of healthcare 30th May - Nomination approved 6th June - Further information confirmed as received 14th June - Visa Approved! Yay!

My 457 was lodged 3 weeks ago and I'm hoping to get it any day now.

Good Luck with it! Mine seems to be taking forever although it's only been 3 weeks.

I've read of people getting them in 3 days. I applied on May 24th and still don't have mine yet. I had confirmation a week ago that they have everything they need and I'm just waiting for them to process it. That's just the bit that you apply for. My nomination took about 4 days, and the company were already sponsors. I think it depends on your CO and which office it goes through as to how busy they are

My 457 visa is being finalised, and I will be emigrating in the next week or so. It's just me and 2 suitcases, so I'm really trying to minimise what I have to take. That said, I'm not sure how much paperwork I need to take. On my list currently are: Passport Job contract Payslips from the last year - for tax return Mortgage statement - for Rental agency Degree certificates Do I need to get my medical/dental/optical history? Is there anything else that I would benefit from taking? Thanks

It's definitely worth checking out BA or Qantas, as you can buy extra bags at reasonable prices.

I didn't need a medical either. AFAIK, you only need a medical if you are from a high risk country or if you will be working with children or sick people.

My updated timeline - 18th April - offered position 22nd May - job contract received 23rd May - Nomination lodged 23rd May - I applied for e457 26th May - Further information requested - proof of healthcare I've had an e-mail from immigration asking for proof of healthcare. I was expecting this; I'm currently sorting out BUPA cover as it's a condition of my contract that I have private healthcare. I'm just surprised that that was all they asked for. With my application I put in scanned colour copies of my passport, CV, and degree certificate. I wasn't sure what else to put and figured they'd just ask.

My timeline so far - 18th April - offered position 22nd May - job contract received 23rd May - Nomination lodged 23rd May - I applied for e457 My contract was to start on June 1st, but that seems rather unlikely now!