Australia - British Expat Forum

Hi, i saw lot of posts on 457 and PR, and it is really confusing me.

Here is my situation, i got the 457 visa on December 08 and for 2 years, ie till Dec 10. I reached here on Jan 09, so bascially, i wil not be here till 2 years, but only for 1 year and around 11 months.

Which are the possible ways in which i can apply for a PR. Is it a lengthy procedure? If the easiest way is through an employer doing something, please let me know the procedures and cost.

Also now i am paying tax and what about "Live away from home allowance". My employer is ready to pay me like i am mentioning, if it is legal. CAn someone help me in finding some legal documents on it (either in ITO website or something)

Thanks,

You can apply for General Skills Migration independantly if you have sufficient points in your own right. You can do this at any time but you can get points for Australian work experience in some instances.

If you dont have enough points and your employment is in demand you and you can get your Employer to sponsor you, you can go down the Employer Nominated Sponsorship route. This reduces your points requirements and speeds up processing time. If you have worked for the employer for 12 months and here in Australia for 2 years (in your nominated profession) then you dont need to get a Skills Assessment.

My understanding is that LAFTA is available if you get an offer of employment before coming to Australia (the T stands for Travel). If you were here on a 417 and then got a job you wont be eligable.

Well, in my case, actually i got the job offer when i was in my country and the employer had processed the e457 visa (so basically it is employer sponsored). So i am here on an employer sponsored e457. So let me know whether i am eligible.

I understood about the procedures of gettng the PR. But can you provide some support web links, which i can go through to get more details.

Let me know.

All 457's are Employer Sponsored thats the 1st requirement of the visa the e stands for Electronic not Employer.

Depending on how many points you have will depend on if you need the Employer Sponsorship to apply for PR.

It may also be faster if you get Employer Nomination, but if the employer wont do it (they want you on a 457 so you cant leave them) then you can go for State Sponsorship.

www.immi.gov.au will give you information on both VISA's or you can go see a Migration Agent

Sounds like you are eligable for LAFTA but its up to the Employer to pay you that way, its not a right that you have, its a concession that can be offered to you by the Employer.

Hi

Question related to this.

I am on a 457 visa, which expires early September. The company i work for has nominated me for a PR visa. (same company that my 457 is on) The approval of the nomination has come back from immigration. My application is going into tomorrow.

What happens if the decision on my PR hasnt been made by early Sept, am I automatically granted a bridging visa?

If yes - I need to travel mid Sept. Is this possible at all on a bridging?

Many thanks