blackpool3

From the horses mouth so to speak - reply from Western Australia migration Dear Steve Thank you for your email enquiry. The information provided by your agent is not correct. DIAC announced Perth's regional status however this is only for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme and as a designated area for the purposes of GSM subclasses 475 and 487 sponsorship by an eligible relative. Based on your information provided in the email you will not be able to live in the Perth metropolitan area. I hope this has clarified your query. Kind regards Migration Officer Skilled Migration WA www.migration.wa.gov.au Education and Training International Phone : +61 8 9218 2100 Fax : +61 8 9218 2101 Address : Level 2, 123 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth 6004 Western Australia looks like Mandurah for us - makes it easier looking for houses but not so easy on the work front - can't have it all ways I guess Regards Steve

Hi Michelle I have just emailed my agent and Immi in Adelaide for a response. My agent did tell me that I could now work anywhere so just double checking with him. Confusing to say the least!!!! We are heading out June 28th (flights booked) I will hold on finding somewher to rent until I have conformation - fingers crossed Regards Steve

[h=2]This applies to the following visas and I have checked with my Migration agent for our Skilled Regional Sponsored (provisional) (Subclass 475) Follow this link http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/whats-new.htm#12sept Regional classification for Perth – 12 September 2011[/h]Following the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship’s recent announcement to include Perth in the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS), a number of changes have been made effective from 12 September 2011. regional postcodes for the RSMS to include Perth the inclusion of Perth as a regional area for family sponsored applications through the regional General Skilled Migration program. In summary, Perth has been classified as regional for the following migration programs: Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 119 & 857) Skilled Regional Sponsored (provisional) (Subclass 475) Skilled Regional Sponsored (provisional) (Subclass 487) Skilled Regional (permanent) (Subclass 887). Hope this helps Steve

Perth is now classified as a regional area so the restriction of having to live outside the Perth metro area has gone. Makes it so much easier for us as we have just had the 475 granted....Steve

Hi Sue I have just been down the 475 visa route and had it granted in August - the conditions are that you live for 2 years and work for 1 year and then you can apply for a residency visa. Perth is now classed as a regional area so the restrictions on a regional sponsored provisional visa (475) are not as bad. We are heading out June 2012. regards Steve

Hi Just been granted my 475 visa in August and booked the flights for June 2012. Anyone got experience of a 475 Visa and how easy is it to get a full visa after doing your 2 years living and 1 year working. Hopefully much easier now Perth classified as regional. regards Steve

Cheers - will do

Hi We have got our visa through and just booked our flights for June 2012. We have been looking at shippers and I was wandering if it worth the hassle to bring my motorbike with me. Anyone else shipped a bike across? Cheers Steve

Brilliant news - made my day

22 years offshore in the Gas industry here and looking to escape - various roles - Instrument technician, Engineer, Logistics, Offshore Installation manager and now in Health & Safety for the last 4 years. Just been granted my 475 visa and hoping that they make Perth a regional area so I can live and work anyware otherwise we are heading to Mandurah.

Thanks for the reply - I currently work offshore & was looking for a permanent onshore position but it is something to consider...cheers

Had a reply from my migration agent and he says that it a very strong possibility that Perth will become regional and that they were told of the possible upcoming changes in July but he said it might be as late as November when they are implemented - fingers crossed as I have just got my 475 visa. This would make life so much easier....

Hi Sue - We gota state sponsorship for a regional area (475 visa) - tried for the full visa but the WA Government changed all the skills so my only option was the state sponsored route to get the extra 10 points. We used a company Based in Perth called ASA - http://www.australia-migration.com/page/About_ASA/109 I was worried about using them as they are on the other side of the world but read the reviews and their success rate so went with them. They have been brilliant and give good advice on what you can get. It is a long and difficult process as there is so much paperwork to do and to get your skills assessed. Thankfully we have got our visa now and there could be some more good news as there is talk of the WA goverment changing perth so that is classed as a regional area because of the skills shortage. So we are holding our breath for that one. regards steve

Lets hope the 475 visa will be included in any changes - We have just got ours and we are planning on heading to Mandurah in June 2012 when my son finishes school. Visited there in 2008 and it is a lovely place.

Hi Sue - We have just got our 475 visa (state sponsored for a regional area) and looking at heading to Mandurah as well. I have checked up and Mandurah is fine as it falls outside the Perth Metro area - You don't have to tell them where you are planning on settling but I think once you are there you have to let them know as you have to complete surveys and things. I too have to live for 2 years & work for 1 in a regional area before going on for the full visa. We are looking at coming out to Perth June 2012 when my son finishes school. As long as you can prove that you have lived and worked for the required period of time in a regional area you should be ok for a full visa. Hope this helps .....Regards Steve

Hi - just got my 475 visa (state sponsored) and have to live & work in a rural area outside the Perth metro - I was looking at Mandurah as visited there 3 years ago and ideal for my wife and son. Anyone know if there are many jobs about for Health & safety Advisors....Cheers Steve