Paul2412

I lodged the nomination (ENS 186 - Temporary Transition Scheme) and application on January 8 this year, Nomination and Visa was granted yesterday!

I have a quick question, in the Visa Grant email, there is no mention of us needing to leave the country on a specific date and then return. The only date says that we must arrive before 01 May 2020 but as we are obviously already in the country what does this mean? I was told that we would be notified of a date that we need to leave and re-enter on a new Visa. Is this telling us that we have until 2020 to leave and return? We have already planned to go on holiday to the USA in June, so would this mean that the Visa will be activated on our return or is this Visa now already activated from 01 May?

I'm currently on a 457 Visa, and would be interested in making the transition to PR.

I've been working for the company for a year, and am in the IT industry. I've got 8 years experience in the field (including over 1 year in Australia) but don't have a degree. I do have a Microsoft certification which the ACS state as being equivalent to a diploma however it was way back in 2007 so I'm now studying for the updated certificate.

Can anyone advise on what the process for me now is?

I assume I have to first get the updated certificate, then ask my employer to nominate me. I would then go for the medical and lodge a skills assessment with the ACS. Once those have cleared, is the next process to actually lodge the application?

Also, I'll be offering to my employer to pay for the Visa. I've seen on the SkillSelect website that it's around $3,000. Is there any other "hidden" fees to look out for?

Thanks!

I'm an IT contractor (ASP.NET, MVC and SQL Server) on a 417 working holiday visa. I arrived in Sydney on 9th February and started work about 10 days later. I moved to Brisbane on the 4th June and started work 1 week later.

The market seems pretty good to me so far, apparently most applicants are from Asia and it's as important here than you fit in culturally as it is that you can technically do the work. This puts Brit's at a distinct advantage.

The rates I've had so far are both around $60 per hour. This includes super (9%) so about $55 per hour minus tax. This is about £10 more per hour than I was getting int the UK (north England).

I would happily stay here and either continue contracting or go for a more permanent role. The working atmosphere in both places is leagues ahead of anything in the UK, for a start the bosses seem to appreciate you.