Zatara80

Found the link about school fees http://absoluteimmigration.com/457-visa-holders-to-face-school-fees-from-2017/

Hi Sunshinedawn, We are also moving to Melbourne on a Sponsored 457 Visa (4 years) and I have been doing some research trying to best prepare ourselves for the relocation. As clarified by the migration agent, there is no age restriction to apply for the 457 visa, however as I understand, the 457 visa will be scrapped in March 2018 and replaced by a TSS Visa. Your 457 visa will continue to be valid after March 2018 for its entire validity and then TSS takes over but you will need to apply for this once the 457 expires. The Skilled Migration job list changes every year I think so need to make sure you qualify under the skills list should you want to reapply for a new temporary visa. Not sure what new TSS (March 2018) criteria's are yet as not much information about it has been revealed. Should you want to apply for Permanent Residency under the 457 Visa, your husband would need to approach his employer after two years and ask for sponsorship but yet again, there is no guarantee and automatic pathway for PR under the 457 visa and the Australian Government are getting tougher on issuing PR (currently there are talks about having a mandatory residence period before anyone will be issued a PR so keep updated about the latest migration news etc...). The age criteria for PR has been lowered to 45, however, read somewhere that if you can prove that your skills and experience are an asset to Australia then individuals over the age of 45 will also be considered. Sadly most of us on a 457 Visa will now have to pay school fees (this was announced and came into force in Jan 2017), if I remember right (and this applies to Melbourne too) it is $5100 AUD per child for primary school children and older one's charged something like $6100 AUD, siblings get discount. However, it is also income assessed so if you have a joint income below the threshold you will be exempt from paying school fees. School fees can be paid in installments. Faith Schools are private, really good education and I've been informed their fees are even less then the suggested Government fees...worth looking into! From feedback I have been getting on the forum, spouses/partners of 457 Visa holders can have difficulty getting jobs as some employers might be reluctant to employ someone if they know it is just temporary but it's not completely lost and it might just take longer or be harder to find employment. Do an expenditure list budget to see if you can live on your partners income until you find work and factor in things like Medical insurance, rent, utility bills etc...it will give you an idea! Hope that helps, all the best and Good Luck in your journey!

http://childprotectionjobs.dhs.vic.gov.au/faq.html

@ScottieGirl Thank you for your feedback, The Brexit is quite a sore thumb at the moment and I believe there is thread on here somewhere so won't go into it politically too much. A decade is a decade too much if you have already felt the pinch for years under the Conservative Government and IMO the UK will take more than a decade to even recover from this mess, and we don't particularly want to be here when they start asking us to pay the Brexit fee, watch services already cut to the bone shut doors, Armageddon on the streets and watch as Billy No Mates becomes a laughing stock in this post modern world where nothing makes sense anymore. Apart from Melbourne being voted as The Most Livable City in the World for a number of years now, with higher salaries and no pay freezes, better weather and laid back life styles, excellent education and healthcare are just some of the reasons why Australia will be better suited for our family. This link has got it spot on as to why Australia IMO would offer better opportunities for families such as mine http://dribblestoptops.com/life-with-kids-australia-vs-uk As for work opportunities for our kids, well that's for them to decide when they eventually enter the workforce in many years to come and if they want to make the decision to relocate to another country as adults, they have the opportunity as both European/British citizens - the world is their oyster!

@BacktoDemocracy Thank you so much for sharing your experience, advice and tips. Husband was asked what area he wanted to work on the application form as they have several offices all around Melbourne and suburbs (quite a huge recruitment drive at the moment). He was interviewed by the office he had chosen and although his base will be at an office, Social Workers tend to spend as much time out on local family visits etc...as they do in the office. Social workers do not tend to live and work in the same area for obvious reasons so commuting to work within a reasonable distance is something we have planned. Not aware of Social Workers being moved around Departments in Australia but would have been unheard of in the UK unless you specifically applied for a new role, we will just have to see what happens once he takes up his role in Australia. Being flexible is key I think as they can be asked to attend visits hours away from their office at short notice. It comes with the territory of being a Social Worker, being able to adapt quickly to new surroundings is therefore vital. I hope all goes well with your plans to relocate to France. Me and the kids are lucky in the sense that we hold dual citizenship (Swedish/UK) and could therefore still exercise our European Rights but the UK is heading for some tough times ahead and I prefer sitting on a beach or toboggan down some snow slopes in Australia while that happens!

Thanks BacktoDemocracy, Are you and your wife Social Workers? I think our mind is set for a move to Australia, I have close relatives in Sydney and husband is currently in touch with a friend of a friend who relocated to Melbourne from the UK as Social Worker two years ago and the feedback he has been getting around the Social Work role has been really positive so far. Better wages (and no pay freeze), better work/life balance than the UK. There are also better options for Social Workers to enter wider areas of work should they want to. He has been reading up on the CP role and about the Aboriginal community and I believe he knows what to expect in terms of difficulties, he adapts really well in new surroundings and will be following the practices of the Department with regard to work ethics/practices. We are very aware that this journey isn't going to be an easy one but in the long run we feel it is the best for our family with how things are going here in the UK at the moment and how the next decades will look like - our children will have no future here and we want to give them the best. I have been reading The Age and Herald Sun almost every day since we decided to move to Melbourne to keep up to date with the latest information and news and further I have been researching the internet and Australian Departments in general. We are in the process of selling our house, just waiting to exchange contracts any day now and have no plans to buy another house here in the UK straight away as we are hoping to make Australia our permanent home. The House deposit is always going to be saved for a house purchase in the future whether it be Australia (after PR) or UK should all fail. We have another house in another country which we plan on renting out for secondary income and backup. There seems to be lots of changes in Australia coming and with a new election in Australia next year who knows what will happen but I strongly believe the trade deals between Australia and the UK can only be for the better and if I had a choice between the UK or Australia after Brexit- it would be Australia every time!!!

Interesting read, just came across this article http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/punjabi/en/article/2017/08/01/australia-may-introduce-mandatory-provisional-visas-permanent-residency It seems that the Australian Government is considering bringing in mandatory provisional Visas before anyone will qualify for PR in the future, the discussion paper is being released today, views to be submitted to DIBS by 15 September 2017 so I assume we will know more sometime after this date. Sadly in our case, I do not think we will be able to apply for the PR before we fly out as the Relocation package with the Department of Victoria is only valid on the 457 Visa. We only have the police checks, medical and 457 Visa application left to submit now. However if granted before March 2018, I wonder if we will still be in for some luck as there is already a 'mandatory 2 year wait' before we might be sponsored for PR with employer and whether they will make it an automatic pathway for 457 Visa holders already on it before they get scrapped...will be following this debate and outcome closely.

Thanks again, We might all be in for a positive surprise http://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/836658/Brexit-deal-Australia-visa-travel-tourist-UK

Thanks again, Been reading up on everyone's stories so far and appreciate all the information. We won't loose anything by going except a little bit of inconvenience should we have to leave Australia, we are treating it as a once in a life time work/extended holiday experience, we are cautious and will keep up to date with any changes and seek necessary advice should we need to. Would be really nice to hear from any UK Social Workers who have relocated on this VISA and get a feel of how your experience has been so far.

Thanks Collie, We think so too, I have been doing a lot of research lately and I came across these two points, hubby will be within the age range when we eventually qualify to apply and we have decided we won't buy until we have PR, sounds like the most sensible thing to do. We just have to keep informed of the latest migration updates and changes to 457 visa, I am currently getting help from McArthur to find work so hopefully we will both be in work when we relocate or some weeks/months after??? Hopefully that will give us two opportunities for PR but need to check the skills list for my occupational background.

Thanks All for sharing your experiences and advice, Were your partners on full relocation packages sponsored by the Department of Victoria as Social Workers when you faced difficulties with the 457 Visa? We were planning on selling up regardless as we were looking to relocate in the Midlands from Essex (Plan B if all fails with Australia), with they idea of renting for some time before buying another house as easier, so the house sale was inevitable. The housing market in the UK is somewhat wobbly at the moment so our thought was sell up quickly before Brexit...save our deposit for the future and use the rest of our equity for our relocation and expenses until first salaries. My husband is in a fortunate situation as a Social Worker as his job is in high demand both in the UK and overseas, getting a job as a locum Social worker (better pay) in the UK would not take long and with strong contacts in different Social Work Departments around different counties is also a positive so we are not worried in that aspect (he is currently working locum and has for the past 3 years and he keeps getting inundated with job offers on a regular basis even though he is in full time employment, in fact some Departments have fought over him in order to have him working on their teams). I doubt we would be 'standing at the Airport with a suitcase not knowing where to go' should we ever have to leave Australia, in that sense we are fortunate to have family and friends who would gladly assist until rental accommodation could be sorted out or plan B, we also own property in another country so we would never be homeless. Having Researched Child Protection jobs in Australia, especially in Melbourne, there is a huge gap in the market to fill and we are aware that job markets change and that might not be the situation in the future but I cannot see that CP Social Work jobs would be scarce anytime soon with so many Social Workers leaving the field. My husband has 4 years work experience and an acquaintance of his who currently work as a Social Worker in Melbourne is of the opinion that Social Work is so much easier in Australia than the UK, sure it is different but as he put it: 'you won't regret coming here as a Social Worker.' Being employed by the Department Of Victoria is another advantage IMO, keen on providing sponsorship and generous relocation packages to then say Bye Bye wouldn't seem logical, especially as they are investing their time and finances on you. The 457 Visa isn't the greatest, I agree on that point but it gives you four years with the opportunity to reapply for another four years. Yes come March 2018 this Visa changes to TSS but your 457 Visa will still be valid for the remaining time after that date if your Visa had been issued already (Info from Australian Border Agency). So if you have a 457 Visa with four years stay, after two years if your employer is happy with your work standards, you can have them sponsor you on a PR, which take about 1 year to process, leaving you with another year until Visa expires. You would in practice have your PR before the 457 Visa expires should they Sponsor you. My opinion only but as an Overseas Social Worker on full relocation package (or other work areas with full sponsorship and relocation packages) I feel you have a better chance to be sponsored for PR. For any Social Workers out there...Stay Positive, realistic and do your research...enjoy the journey and life time experience this may bring to you and your family and who knows maybe we will see you Down Under...I sure will keep you updated on this thread of our journey ahead! Good Luck All!

No your UK qualification is sufficient together with your work experience, it's actually the easiest and quickest way to go but it's not entirely fool proof as you will find out, especially when you will have to travel with a young family. It will be quite costly with school fees and the uncertainty of not knowing if your partner can secure work on a 457 visa as most employers would prioritise PR. Working for the Department of Victoria would however give you quite an advantage as you could discuss sponsorship after two years on the 457 Visa, but don't expect PR for another 12 months the least and it is also no guarantee of PR. We are taking a Risk, hoping we will come out on the other side jubilant

My husband only started the process three weeks ago and it's gone very quick so far, read somewhere that if you are being sponsored by the Department of Victoria, you get fast tracked and waiting times not as long, we will just have to wait and see I guess! Did you say you went with another agency than McArthur? Fingers crossed for you that all goes well.

Hi, My husband passed his interview and has sent through his references now, guess it is the visa application next but not sure. the stages passed so far: Application Video recording interview Psychometric testing Three panel live Skype interview What agency did you go with and do they offer the same relocation package on the PR visa? McArthur told us the relocation package is only part of the 457 visa. What subclass PR visa are you applying for?

Hi All, Thank you for your replies. The Relocation package is sponsored by the Department of Victoria for overseas Social Workers, McArthur the recruitment agency deals with the vetting procedures etc... He will be employed as an Advanced Child Protection Practitioner in Melbourne (hopefully Footscray office) with a salary of $89,375 Plus Superannuation, they are sadly only offering the relocation package as part of the 457 Visa. With his qualifications and experience, he could also accept the Child Protection Practice Leader vacancy with a salary of $109,969 (however, he feels that he want to get to know the CP role in Australia before taking on more responsibilities). The Relocation Package includes: Full 457 Visa Sponsorship (4 years) for staff member, spouse and dependent children. Relocation Assistance - $7000 (Staff member, spouse and three children). One-Way economy airfare for each family member relocating in accordance with their 457 Visa. Staff member may claim the cost of up to 1 months temporary accommodation upon arrival in Victoria. The department offers assistance through settlement services. Removal and Shipping Costs Staff member can claim the costs of an Australian working visa, accreditation for the Australian Community Workers Association and the Australian Association of Social Workers and relevant international police checks. Airport pick up for staff member and their family. Welcome pack - children given an Australian cuddly toy. First night's accommodation provided in a central location. Housing assistance - support helping staff to find suitable accommodation, visiting properties on their behalf, being a housing referee to verify salaries. Assisting staff to apply for bank account and a tax file number before staff leaves their home country. Linking staff to a migration agent (staff member will pay for this) Linking the staff member with a buddy support group. Health insurance cover information provided to the staff member. The reason I mentioned school fees are because I came across this article: https://www.tssimmigration.com.au/migration-news/blog/457-visa-holders-to-pay-school-fees-in-south-australia-in-2017 We are not planning to live in the CBD but have been looking at Caroline Springs, Melton and we are expecting to find a house to rent up to $500/week, no council tax I understand as this is the Landlords responsibility but obviously we will have the usual utility bills. We don't mind doing some commuting as this has been the standard here in the UK. We are hoping to eventually buy a house but not until we get PR. Fully aware that Australia is more expensive in some aspect but very grateful Aldi and Coles exist together with outdoor markets, I am also a fan of Ebay and Groupon, LOL so bargains can be had, just have to look in the right area!!! McArthur, which deals with the main aspect of the relocation assistance are also there to help spouses settle in so although I am very grateful that they have offered to assist me in finding work through their agency, I am also realistic that I might not have the job before we relocate. Guess we just have to live frugal! We so want to make this work as I have read some nightmare stories from Expats leaving but everyone's journey in life is different and sometimes you have to take risks or you will never know. It really is Now or Never as husband is 41 (43-44 when we eventually qualify for PR under direct stream). Don't know how long this process will take but regardless - Here we come Melbourne!

Hi Everyone, My husband has just passed the final stages of securing a job with the Department of Victoria as a Senior Practitioner Child Protection Social Worker, there is a very generous Relocation Package on offer for him and our family, however, the only thing that is slightly concerning me is the 457 Visa. As non residents, we will as I understand from researching have to pay about $5100 AUD/child for school fees (we will have 2 children) and no access to nursery fee rebates (1 child). McArtur agency has now offered to help me (the spouse) find work in a criminal justice field (I have 10 years working with the police and a Criminology degree) in order to help alleviate some of the worries of not being able to secure work on a 457 Visa. We are a family of 5 and husband will be earning $89000 AUD with the possibility of upgrading his job title and earn in the region of $109000 AUD, this might sound much (or not) but don't feel much if you take into consideration the cost associated as a non resident with three young children. Therefore it would be paramount for me to secure work ASAP in order for us to survive until we can secure permanent residency. My understanding is that we will have to wait 2 years whilst working in Australia (my husband at least) before we qualify to apply for permanent residency, but I am wondering if there is a better way once we are out there to apply for permanent residency straight away? We just got an offer on our house so could afford to finance the Visa once the house is sold but it seems there will be a lot of financial sacrifices for the first three years that we arrive in Melbourne, Australia. I am not even sure we are making the right decision but with Brexit looming, I do not think anything else could be much worse than to watch the UK crumbling into an absolute abyss. Any advice and tips would be greatly appreciated, in order to make our move to Australia both financially and emotionally less stressful. Many Thanks!