VikkiP

Thank you yes, I'm on the SOL list. We looked into it last year as I was about to apply via my previous employer but then got made redundant 1 month before I could apply.

Yes I have all my qualification details and things to hand but my job isn't on skills list so it will have to be supported by the business. There are a lot of poms in my industry so think the wait list for company sponsorship might be quite long.

Thanks. I'd better get working on my company to see if they could do PR now instead of at the 2 year mark! Best of luck to everyone else.

Thanks everyone pretty much what I thought. I have been there nearly a year and by the time I go on maternity it would be about 18 months. Will definitely ask them about PR as this would be the ideal scenario. It's also a good point you make about not being able to work part time on a 457... This will not be ideal at all! Although my husband is also on a 457 so possibly I could jump defacto on his. This is a big mess. :-( They do not make it easy here do they!!

Hi all congratulations to everyone. I have recently found out I am 7 weeks pregnant and I am on a 457. I know people who are also on 457 and have had no issue with maternity leave. My biggest worry is the financial side of things. This was a surprise and we are not at all prepared financially. Does anyone know if there are any benefits at all for people on 457? We are going to struggle and I won't be able to take more than 3 or 4 months leave maximum. I have no idea what my company would offer if anything at all. It's quite scary. Any advice or shared experiences would be very welcome. Thanks!

Sadly it is a lot more expensive over here. I'd say wages are about 30-40% higher and cost of living about 25% higher, so you are still better off and it just depends on the sort of lifestyle you want (city living, suburbs or further out along coast or country). Which state are you moving to? In terms of cars, we spend $22k on a 10 year old car! Depending on what you are after it is usually worthwhile looking around for a deal on a new car, all the dealers have some sort of offer at the moment. European cars tend to be more expensive, so Japanese models, Ford or Holden generally give the best value for money. You can get a mortgage without too much problem, but make sure you have a good deposit. Property is VERY expensive. Its generally better to rent first and try out sme areas to make sure you're happy. Good luck! Vikki

Thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions

Hi there, just wondering if anyone can recommend an immigration lawyer in Melbourne. Want someone reliable and helpful, its so expensive here that I don't want to waste any money. Thanks

Thank you that's really helpful! I'll certainly be looking into it!

Hello out there.. I was wondering if anyone had moved from a 457 sponsored visa to PR and if so how did you go about it? Does it too have to be work sponsored or can you go it alone? I recently got made redundant and we will have been in Melbourne 2 years on 9th march. Really wanted to start the PR application but not sure if we can still do it now? My new job are taking over my existing visa and my husband also has the option to be sponsored if need be. Any help very gratefully accepted. Thanks