yp95

So my situation is that I have 5+ years of overseas experience in my field, and that will give me points. By taking a English test I can confirm I have proficient english thus getting me some more points Finally, by taking 3 IT related exams, I would gain a qualification that is recognised by ACS (skills assessor) as a equivalent to a ICT Major Diploma, this again gets me points. So combining all 3 of these along with Age etc, I have enough points to meet the requirement. In this scenario I'm not sure if experience will only be counted after the exams as they are 2 different criteria's. I would have thought that will be standalone. PS. My occupation is on the Long Term scheme (previously known as the SOL) I see what you mean however my occupation isn't really in doubt. It's whether my previous experience aligns well enough to the skills criteria. The grey area for me is whether I have accumulated 5 or more years of RELEVANT experience and unfortunately its a little unclear at this stage despite reading over the criteria many times. It may well be that ACS (skills vetting authority) see my previous experience as suitable. Personally I think it is worth a shots whilst I am still in AUS under a working holiday VISA. It means I can stay here a tad longer and accumulate Australian work experience which I suppose can bolster my prospects if nothing else.

Hi All, Since the announcement of the 457 being abolished we (along with many others) have found ourselves in a unfortunate situation. We had planned to purchase a property here and settle down but clearly that plan is up in the air. I am currently in Melbourne on a Working Holiday visa and I "believe" my occupation falls under the skills list. I do need to take some exams however just to ensure i meet the points criteria and I am confident I can achieve this within 4 months or so. My understanding is that if I apply for a 189 PR Visa whilst within Australia (i'm covered under working holiday visa until Dec 2017), I am eligible for a bridging visa which ensures I can stay and work in Aus until a decision is made on my 189 visa application. Would my wife also eligible to stay in Aus under the bridging visa as well? She is also here on a working holiday. Thanks all

Thanks for the responses. No we havent applied for a PR and it may take a while to come through still. Also we are aware of the FIRB so will keep an eye out for approvals that cover "any" auction property as this could save us 1000's rather than risk loosing the auction (and the FIRB approval with it). Seems as though we have a rocky road ahead if we really want to buy a place of our own. The downside of waiting for a PR is rising house prices and lack of supply. We either pay extra now and secure a good location, or wait for PR and save some money but risk loosing out on preferred suburbs. Tough one!!

Hi All, I recently moved to Melbourne with my wife (who is on a 457 work sponsorship). We would like to stop renting and instead purchase a small house and have a budget of around $600K - $700K. We can put together about $400K for deposit and plan to take out a mortgage for the remainder. The issue we have found ourselves in is that being on a 457 means we incur higher stamp duty costs (7% on top of basic cost) and we miss out on the first time buyer schemes normally available to PR's or citizens. I wanted to know if anyone here had any experience of buying a place whilst on a 457 VISA. I recall reading somewhere that if we purchase a house on a 457, we will pay the higher stamp duty however if we subsequently gain a PR within the next 12 months we can apply for a refund of additional stamp duty paid. I cant seem to find where I read this however. Just wanted to hear of any similar experiences and any helpful tips. Thanks

Congratulations, hoping to get myself out on the job hunt scene very soon too.