Melbkitty

I don't think it's a pipedream - I don't have figures but I would assume a large proportion of 457 visa holders go onto PR - you've just had an unlucky experience with a bad employer. You still have time to find a good employer who might sponsor you if you channel your energy into that!

Sorry just read you are already in contact with an employment lawyer, good luck with it!

Hi there Just wanted to say I feel your pain & can relate to feeling like they have you over a barrel. I've stuck it out with my employer on a 457 for 3.5 years in the hope that they would eventually assist me in gaining PR (they assured me they would since day 1) - but it is looking more & more unlikely that this will happen. In this time I have had 2 different roles (while sponsored under the same occupation) and my equivalent has left both times, leaving me with an unmanageable caseload. I had had several managers, one of whom so unbelievably unprofessional and discriminatory. It's been a running joke for some time that I am sponsored and 'we can deport you hahaha'. Hilarious. The only thing that has helped me drag my bum to work is having choices - at first I considered returning to the UK which took some pressure off....I had some interest from another potential sponsor a while back too but thought this would delay PR even more...and now I able to apply for a Defacto through my Aussie partner so I know I won't be 'tied' to the employer for the duration of my time in Aus. When you can see the end I think it makes each day easier. If I was you I would go in there with my head held high knowing it's only another few months. And look at contacting Fairwork after you leave but record every incident from here. Maybe even get in touch with your local MP for support. It's such a shame that some employers must behave in this way but it is the minority. My friends who are/have been on 457s have had only positive experiences and most now have PR, and with the same employer!

I agree that nurses, like any profession deserve their payrise. One thing I will say though is nurses and other health professions in the UK are lucky to have their training subsidised by the NHS. I was all set to undertake a Masters in MHN before coming to Aus and would have had all fees paid, in addition to gaining a bursary. I'm looking into studying an allied health profession over here in Aus when I have my PR and fees are phenomenal if the course does not offer commonwealth supported places (and even then they are still pretty high, and there is no bursary). Nurse pay over here does seem to be significantly better here compared to the UK (sis and few mates are nurses) - however I think it's pretty good that the NHS still fund a qualification that you can go on to use all over the world without accruing too much student debt like the rest of us.

Have a look on the CSOL it's quite extensive - the wording doesn't need to be exact for your role if it fits the duties you undertake: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/csol.pdf

That's awesome!

I appreciate anyone taking the time to give me advice - and I genuinely have no idea what you are talking about - I don't feel I am being in any way confrontational in any of my posts. Happy to go on the ignore list is that's how you feel.

Still - I would rather register a relationship to assist in obtaining a visa, than get married for that purpose.

Hi Collegegirl thanks for the response - I've been living in Vic for almost 4 years - and have the forms infront of me now & seem to fulfill all eligibility requirements. I'll keep people posted as I know the relationship registration comes up a bit on here!

Rupert - I never said I was under the asumption that pregnancy would waiver any requirement...

Rupert - I'm of the understanding that having a child together (not pregnancy) does waiver the 12 month requirement (see section on waivers): http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/35relationship.htm#d My question was - is it worth me applying for defacto in our current circumstances of being together 12 months, cohabiting for 6 months, baby on the way and ability to register the relationship.

Thanks George - I believe in Vic we can register the relationship so will be going down that avenue as soon as possible. I would have thought having a baby together would show additional joint commitment but there you go!

Thank-you Migrate Australia - we will get onto registering the relationship ASAP - the website states it takes 4 weeks to process. Yes I do know I'll still be on the 457 until defacto is granted - I just want get my application in ASAP as I understand they are taking over 12 months to process. I think there may be implications to the amount of (unpaid) maternity leave I can take being on the 457 - I had hoped to take 6-9 months and then return 3 days a week, but I'm unsure if this will be possible on the 457.

Hi Rupert - thanks for the response. I'm pretty sure I won't have PR via the defacto route by the time the baby is born, even if I had the X-ray. It's more about getting my PR as quickly as possible now so I'm not tied to my employer any longer. I know pregnancy doesn't automatically waiver the living together requirement (although having a child together does) - but it might further prove we are in a commited and ongoing relationship? I'd rather not go down the marriage route if we can satisfy the criteria in another way.

I have the same issue! I've been living with my partner for 6 months & together 12 - we're in Vic & plan to register the relationship. I'm worried about losing the 4.5k fee if the visa is refused though....

Could you apply for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) instead - on the family sponsored stream if you say you have family in Aus? http://www.immi.gov.au/visas/visitor/600/ My parents were granted 6 months on the tourist stream just a few days after applying, no questions asked and this will be their third extended trip in 4 years.

Hi there I am after a bit of advice on whether or not I am eligible for the defacto visa yet. I've been in Aus for almost 4 years on a 457 & had hoped they would help me gain PR, but I'm sick of begging & feeling frustrated now so looking at other routes to PR. I have been with my Aussie fella for 12 months and living together for 6 of those. We also have a baby on the way (4 months pregnant). I have heard different advice about whether or not we are required to have evidence of living together for 12 months. We can also register our relationship as we live in Victoria but I am unsure this will make much difference - I still plan to go ahead with it as supplementary evidence though. I know I can send off the application & hope for the best but I am worried about paying the 4.5k and being refused. I don't want to wait much longer to send the application though as I do not want be tied to my employer for another second. We are also not in a position to use a MA. Any assistance would be much appreciated!

Congratulations Roxy, not long for you now! Thank-you for sharing your experiences. I'm pretty sure about the PR requirement from DOB of baby - I'm thinking this has perhaps changed recently as a lady who works with my partner received PPL 3 months after the birth of her Son last year when she gained PR, she was on a 457 defacto too up until point. Or maybe they don't always run checks on previous visa status if you apply when you have the PR - I guess it's worth putting in the application anyway. But yes you're right there are other benefit entitlements once PR is gained and luckily my partner can apply for FTB etc in his name. Never know baby might come 2 weeks early and he can apply for the baby bonus too! Hi Rupert - thanks for the advice. I think you're right and I'm preparing myself for not receiving the PPL - optimistic part of me thinks perhaps my employer will surprise me, say yes to PR and rush the nomination through (I've heard of 186 visas being granted in 2-3 months at present). But that will most likely not happen! I didn't realise the bridge was so strict. If I remain on a 457 whilst waiting for the defacto will I have to return to work full-time to fulfill my visa requirements? As I had hoped to go back part time initially. My job is also pretty much unbearable but I would consider other departments in the company on return - but again I am unable to apply for internal roles of interest whilst on the 457.

Hi there I have posted previously about this but I am looking for some advice on new concerns. I am 4 months pregnant with my Australian partner and on a 457 visa, which I have been on for 3.5 years. I have enquired with my employer about support for PR though the 457 transition but I am yet to receive an answer. If it's a no we will go down the more expensive & lengthy defacto route. My main concern now is around gaining Paid Parental Leave. I will get 6 weeks maternity pay from my employer and the option of 12 months unpaid - however we will struggle without PPL & I have heard that the Baby Bonus is being scrapped 2 weeks before my baby is due (or being significanly reduced and incorporated into FTB). The paperwork for PPL states that I must be a resident from the baby's date of birth to be eligible - and it's unlikely that this will happen. Does anyone have any similar experiences? Perhaps my partner could apply for it on my behalf? My other question is, what will happen to my 457 if we apply for the defacto - will it remain or will I go onto a bridge - and will I have work rights on that bridge? I do not really want to return to my current position after maternity, but will need to work financially speaking. I would be really grateful if anyone could shed any light on my situation - I'm worried I will have to return to work really soon after the baby is born and fund childcare too - this will be really hard without the PPL.