Vic154

Fingers crossed for you, hope you get it by December! I could apply for DE, but I foolishly didn't earlier as skills assessment process was laborious for my field and my current company said they'd sponsor me in the TRT steam when time comes anyway so I never saw the mad rush. Stupid in hindsight I know.... My MA told me the other day I may as well wait for for the 2 yr mark, as it's coming up soon in July, and apply under TRT stream then. The irony of all this is I would've had PR by now if I had not been headhunted by an Australian company whilst I was almost 2 yrs into a 457 with another company. I took the gamble to take on new job and start 2 yr clock again as was good opportunity and they wrote in my contract they would do PR for me. And now the Aussie government is saying I don't have the skills to stay long term! Despite the only reason why I don't have PR, and almost citizenship, like most of my friends do, by now is because an Australian company wanted my skills & experience and actively pursued me. Very frustrating but it is what it is....hopefully I'll get there before March.

If that's the case, that changes only apply to DE stream, then I'm keen to know why is this on the fact sheet from March 2018: 'Residency: The permanent residence eligibility period will be extended from two to three years' - since this only applies to TRT stream.

Think as long as you apply before March 2018 you should be ok, but this hasn't been confirmed. My MA isn't even 100% sure. I'm on my second 457, haven't managed to get PR due to changing jobs and the 2 yr rule. I'm hoping to get my TRT app in before March, if something goes wrong and I can't get PR and have to leave after 457 expires, that would mean I've been in the country for 8 years, working constantly in a good job, paying taxes, settled down and still not allowed to stay. If I then do the short stay work visa twice (4yrs) then it's 12 years total been here and no right to stay! Then add to that the 4yrs to get citizenship if/when get PR. This is seriously messed up but am optimistic it will work for me and majority of us surely. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My two years is coming up soon anyway in July, and I wasn't 100% sure I would pass the skills assessment for my field - Sales and Marketing

I've heard that immigration on the phone sometimes don't know either and not to 100% trust what they tell you! I'd prefer hearing it from a MA. I can apply for my TRT in July and am also concerned it wont be approved until after the March 2018 date. I'm pretty sure the skills piece won't apply to us but what about the eligibility shift from 2yrs to 3yrs? I'm hoping that changes may only be based on application date, so as long as you apply before March, rather than when they get to processing it.

Yes it's great for global companies who have an office in Australia and want to ensure business is running as per global best practice having the skills/experience of an established MD on shore. My point was more that you would think Australia would want this calibre of people in their country as no doubt would bring different methods and knowledge of how things work in other countries which is vital. Some MDs I suspect given the choice by their company would now choose not to got to Australia, and maybe stay put or go elsewhere. I know my old MD wouldn't have come without chance of PR down the track. It would probably be more inconvenient for companies as they would have to guarantee a similar role back home or somewhere else after the two years in order for the employee to commit.

Yeah I think if your applications already in you'll be fine. Just thinking of people like me who are still waiting for their 2 year mark to be eligible to apply.

Sounds like they're gonna have an influx of 186 applications in the coming weeks. Wonder if that will prompt them to issue further comms and/or make more amendments....

I'm surprised at some of the jobs on the short term list - especially CEO/Managing Director. What CEO is going to give up his current role, up sticks and move to Aus for two years with no chance of PR if they settle down with their family? And surely leaders in their 30s/40s with experience and earning good salaries are what the country should want to attract? My previous MD was on a 457 and he was amazing, transformed the whole business, made it extremely profitable for the good of all Australian employees and the economy. Shows they are out of touch and have not thought it through. Surely this policy is worse case and they will tweak it down the track a bit more leniently - I have faith! Luckily for me I hit my 2 year point in July, and company have agreed to help with TRT so doing the paperwork now, fingers crossed there are no further changes in the meantime, but I really feel for some people who's hopes and dreams of living in Aus permanently have been shot.

Hi I've been in Aus on 457 for 3 and half years now. I got to 2 and half years with my original employer and applied for PR (sponsored by them) but shortly after submission I had to change jobs and companies so no choice but to withdraw PR application, so my new employer took on 457 and the 2 year clock started again. The new job is a better job anyway and I negotiated with them to put that they would sponsor me for PR when time comes in my contract so made the best of it I guess. Its frustrating because I already did the 2 years and I am still working in the same field/industry, actually a more senior role than previous company, so I clearly have the skills to do the job, but I still need to wait 2 yrs. oh and I've tried the direct route but immi lawyers don't think I'd pass skills assessment as I have not held the most senior position in my company for my function - Sales Thats the background, main point of my post is that I spoke to a lawyer a few months ago and he said he'd heard that the 2 yr rule might change to a more lenient 2 year rule which could be spread across multiple employers providing job was similar, which would obviously help me. As in this day and age changing jobs is far more common. Apparently changing this is under consideration. Any immi folks on here heard anything similar and have info on this? Thanks for reading!

Thank you very much Raul - you give good advice and info! I am talking to them tomorrow so will tell them where my heads at. I've decided that if they cannot sponsor straight to PR then I won't take it. Appreciate everyone taking the time to reply.

I really appreciate your responses - thank you. How do I know that I will pass the skills assessment? I have 6 yrs similar management experience in the same industry. I don't understand what criteria is required to pass this part. All it says is 3yrs experience related to the role. Do many people get refused at this stage even if they have experience? I have not done the exact same role but similar skill set required as to what my experience is. The new employer is eligible to nominate for 457 I know that. I'm sure they can do PR. The costs are a factor I am willing to pay back if it comes to it. Thanks again.

Hi everyone Can you believe it I'm on 457 and I've been counting the days for my 2 yrs to be up so I could finally apply for the 186 employer nominate scheme, and on same day it is submitted I have been contacted about a great opportunity with another business which based on initial conversation and other things, I'm fairly confident I'll get. does anyone know if the new employee can take on my PR application or what options I have? I really don't want to go back to 457 visa and start the two yr clock ticking again, but at same time this is a great career opportunity for me which I'm excited about. Im guessing if I take the new role my current employer would withdraw the 186 application and my new employer would take on my 457 sponsorship? At that point can they then apply for my PR? I probably can negotiate this but wanted to check if it's an option. Its a senior management sales role, I've been in sales managment 6 yrs and have a degree, not sure if direct entry is an option or is that for non 457 holders? I'm in a real dilemma and not sure what to do! Appreciate any advice....