Not only only that but if it is a "transition" would this not be quicker? As you have proved you can hold your own and been good/followed the laws for at least 2 years on a 457 visa, paying your way. Ploughing money into the economy! What made me laugh is when I went for the medical. I had a travelling 417 visa first for 2 years then moved to a 457 which I have been on now 2 and half years. Both of those visas 417 and 457 I was never required blood tests or medicals. I jokingly told the nurse I could have been spreading HIV for the last 4 years, she was shocked I had never had a medical. So much for tight borders. One more rant a lot of insurance cover over here only covers permanent residents too. So you cannot always get the cheapest insurance. And I am not even going to mention mortgages. Right enough from this whinging Pom back to the waiting game. :mad: