Another hit against 457 visas.

[Rossmoyne]

Doesnt seem a lot that can be done about it really. However, I am as interested as anyone to know how they will get us to cough up the cash for this little ringer. One big payment, monthly, weekly?? Also, I am wondering from what age we will be expected to start paying this for the kids? I certainley cant afford the money to apply for PR at the moment so it looks like we will have to fork out for a year or so. The cheeky monkeys, looks like I will definately be turning my hand to homebrew now!!!

 

Well with insider knowledge on how other visa holders pay their children's fee, I would say it would be termly.

[Arwen]

Well with insider knowledge on how other visa holders pay their children's fee, I would say it would be termly.

 

I was a school officer for 3 years. We billed our families termly.

[Guest guest9824]

Pea I am sorry to disagree with you as you and I have such similar ideas, values, views on so many things. Firstly, Colin Barnett is not a numpty as you say. He has been good for this state as Premier and stood up to the federal government on many occasions to get WA a better deal. He has a vision for the state and is trying to do the best for WA following years of Labour mismanagement of finances and everything else you could think of. If you havent lived here for 15 - 20 years wouldn't know what I was talking about!

 

In answer to your questions above:

 

a) I guess that the Dept of Education will "police" this as they do so many other visa holders who pay similar fees to have their children educated in the state system. There is a section in Dept of Ed who deal with hundreds of students from families on other visas and who pay fees much higher than this. Children in private education will not pay the fee. I suggest that home schooling won't attract it either.

b) Get what you are saying about wanting people in a hurry... just remember that other states have always charged this fee. 457 visa holders in WA have had it good for a long time on the education front.

c) I am sure that the fee will be charged termly and I would hope that any unused fee would be reimbursed.

d) Of course they will not build more schools for the 457 students. These students are already being educated in existing schools. But what you have to bear in mind is that the majority of these students are non-English speaking so the Dept of Ed is having to provide specialist teachers and aides to support these students. This is expensive and is something that has been going on for years at the expense of Western Australian students. However with the massive increase of students on 457 from non-English speaking backgrounds, the expense of covering this has become ridiculous.

e) no idea about tax implications on this, but it is a good thought and perhaps one to be followed through.

f) and yes maybe employers should be putting up this money if they really want 457 workers.

 

All up though Pea I think what has happened is just another nail in the coffin of this visa class. Saw it coming a few years ago so not surprised. I feel greatly for 457 English speaking visa holders who are doing the right thing and in my view they should be exempt from this charge, but I have also seen the financial issues it has caused individual schools and the Dept of Education, so am not surprised.

 

 

Rossy, I definately think we will have to agree to disagree on the Barney Rubble aka Barnett issue....but that is what balanced people do, agree to disagree on some things!

[Goat]

Pea I am sorry to disagree with you as you and I have such similar ideas, values, views on so many things. Firstly, Colin Barnett is not a numpty as you say. He has been good for this state as Premier and stood up to the federal government on many occasions to get WA a better deal. He has a vision for the state and is trying to do the best for WA following years of Labour mismanagement of finances and everything else you could think of. If you havent lived here for 15 - 20 years wouldn't know what I was talking about!

 

In answer to your questions above:

 

a) I guess that the Dept of Education will "police" this as they do so many other visa holders who pay similar fees to have their children educated in the state system. There is a section in Dept of Ed who deal with hundreds of students from families on other visas and who pay fees much higher than this. Children in private education will not pay the fee. I suggest that home schooling won't attract it either.

b) Get what you are saying about wanting people in a hurry... just remember that other states have always charged this fee. 457 visa holders in WA have had it good for a long time on the education front.

c) I am sure that the fee will be charged termly and I would hope that any unused fee would be reimbursed.

d) Of course they will not build more schools for the 457 students. These students are already being educated in existing schools. But what you have to bear in mind is that the majority of these students are non-English speaking so the Dept of Ed is having to provide specialist teachers and aides to support these students. This is expensive and is something that has been going on for years at the expense of Western Australian students. However with the massive increase of students on 457 from non-English speaking backgrounds, the expense of covering this has become ridiculous.

e) no idea about tax implications on this, but it is a good thought and perhaps one to be followed through.

f) and yes maybe employers should be putting up this money if they really want 457 workers.

 

All up though Pea I think what has happened is just another nail in the coffin of this visa class. Saw it coming a few years ago so not surprised. I feel greatly for 457 English speaking visa holders who are doing the right thing and in my view they should be exempt from this charge, but I have also seen the financial issues it has caused individual schools and the Dept of Education, so am not surprised.

 

What utter crap , all Barnett does is suck up to the money people , the bosses and mining magnates , he would sell his granny for prestige

Edited August 10, 2013 by ali

[StraighttothePoint]

What utter crap , all Barnett does is suck up to the money people , the bosses and mining magnates , he would sell his granny for prestige

 

When he said that folk do not need air con that was the tipping point for me!! He is a tube of major proportion. Mind you Captain MacGowan is not much better so where does that leave the State?

Edited August 10, 2013 by ali
edited quote

[Rossmoyne]

Rossy, I definately think we will have to agree to disagree on the Barney Rubble aka Barnett issue....but that is what balanced people do, agree to disagree on some things!

 

OK Pea - agree to disagree....

[Rossmoyne]

What utter crap , all Barnett does is suck up to the money people , the bosses and mining magnates , he would sell his granny for prestige

 

Totally disagree. Colin Barnett is good for WA.... he has had to bring this state back from the financial shambles that the labour party left it in. Landslide victory last election - which was a second term -that tells you what those who have lived here for a long time really know and want.

[elfie]

Gobsmacked, that you say that, truly

 

My wife is 52, I'm 59, and this is our only option as a visa, we have looked and looked. She is being employed by a responsible, and very prominent employer, without a 457, they could not of employed her, and the post has been advertised in Australia for 9 months.

 

As I said.......Gobsmacked, and that's me being restrained!!!!

 

 

In reply "gobsmacked" you need to be restrained with what you post indeed

For your reference - also on a 457 visa and I stand by what I say it should be abolished and replaced with something else.

As it is your only option of a visa how long does your wife intend to work so you can live in Australia ???? Because now she is too old to progress to a PR visa

So are you are here to make a quick buck and return to your country of origin also? And it takes more muscles to frown than smile

[elfie]

To be fair I don't believe Elfie was being nasty or posted with the intention of putting anyone down for using the 457.

 

if I remember rightly her OH was made redundant from his post, not long after they arrived. This was under the old rules of the 457, where you only had 30 days to find a new sponsor or you had to leave the country. I would imagine that kinda stress alone would colour your judgement on the visa.

 

even though things have worked out fine for us, it wasnt all plain sailing on the 457. As a spouse, I did find it difficult to find work, even now I'm still only temping. A lot of employers won't touch you on this visa, with many jobs only open to PR or citizens.

 

my daughter got offered a job with a international company. When she turned up for work HR turned her away telling her that she had no work rights on a 457 !!!. Even sending links to the immi website and our agent getting involved Didnt cut the mustard, they wouldn't budge.

 

We had the threat of my hubby being laid off after a traumatic start to our time spent here, it did not happen luckily as he was transferred to another site within the company. Oh guess what its come around again we are ok until January but after that who knows. To be honest gone past caring we have saved money and will be happy to return home when ever. We knew this was not for ever unlike some who sell up and come half way round the world for a new life. Personally would never do it specially if we had children in tow.

[elfie]

Not true, 4 years on a 457 can give PR for over 50.

 

http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/index/checklists/186-applicant-checklist.pdf

The visa has to be lodge before the main applicant reaches 50

[elfie]

Well for people on the 457 who have to pay the $4k education cost will create a revenue to fund the poor Australian education system?

Then the lack of trained folks who have been in demand to fill positions will fall ? No more 457 quick route to fill the positions that have been in such demand? Most of the jobs that 457 visa holders fill are jobs that people do not want to do perhaps? So will remain unfilled? Time will tell. Personally I think your shafted as soon as you obtain your 457 visa and enter Australia via this route if you are looking for a quick way to gain PR

[Arwen]

Well for people on the 457 who have to pay the $4k education cost will create a revenue to fund the poor Australian education system?

Then the lack of trained folks who have been in demand to fill positions will fall ? No more 457 quick route to fill the positions that have been in such demand? Most of the jobs that 457 visa holders fill are jobs that people do not want to do perhaps? So will remain unfilled? Time will tell. Personally I think your shafted as soon as you obtain your 457 visa and enter Australia via this route if you are looking for a quick way to gain PR

 

Some people don't have any other route in. We didn't at the time. We obtained PR after 2 years via my husbands employer but his job was not on the general skilled occupation list so that was never an option for us.

 

We came with 6 weeks notice and having never been before. 8 years on we are citizens and this is home. It can and does work out for many people.

[Daveakaginge]

In reply "gobsmacked" you need to be restrained with what you post indeed

For your reference - also on a 457 visa and I stand by what I say it should be abolished and replaced with something else.

As it is your only option of a visa how long does your wife intend to work so you can live in Australia ???? Because now she is too old to progress to a PR visa

So are you are here to make a quick buck and return to your country of origin also? And it takes more muscles to frown than smile

 

We are not out to make a 'quick buck' as you call it, given the choice, we would take PR in a heart beat, but this is not an option. The only way to PR is balance of Family, or a 196, both not a viable option at this moment. I said restrained, as you seem to have a strong opinion of most things, reading the threads I have read , and tend to upset others with them. That's fine, life is about opinions, but to say get rid of 457's, is a knee jerk reaction, which would hurt a lot of people such as ourselves who genuinely wish to live in Australia for the rest of our lives, but can't due to the age issue. My wife has a son who is PR, and married to an Aussie girl, so for her, this is a dream move, we have our eyes wide open to all the possible outcomes, including having to return to the UK. I feel that your 'opinion' is one based on a starting point of selfishness, as you apparently, have managed to get yourself settled in Oz, so sod anyone else who dares try Heh!

 

Elfie, I have no wish to fall out with anyone on here, as I am a new member, but like you, I have a strong personality (and Red hair), so tend to react a little to posts such as this. One thing I will agree on, is that the 457 has been abused big style, so rather than 'get rid of it' I'd suggest that a tightening of the rules regarding it, and that's what appears to be the process here. My wife is coming to work for a major multi national company, who tried to recruit in WA, and Australia in general, and failed to fill the position. We will pay our way, and have a good wage, in which to live on, if it's four years and bust, then we will return to the UK with heavy hearts, but we hope that this will not be the case.

[elfie]

We are not out to make a 'quick buck' as you call it, given the choice, we would take PR in a heart beat, but this is not an option. The only way to PR is balance of Family, or a 196, both not a viable option at this moment. I said restrained, as you seem to have a strong opinion of most things, reading the threads I have read , and tend to upset others with them. That's fine, life is about opinions, but to say get rid of 457's, is a knee jerk reaction, which would hurt a lot of people such as ourselves who genuinely wish to live in Australia for the rest of our lives, but can't due to the age issue. My wife has a son who is PR, and married to an Aussie girl, so for her, this is a dream move, we have our eyes wide open to all the possible outcomes, including having to return to the UK. I feel that your 'opinion' is one based on a starting point of selfishness, as you apparently, have managed to get yourself settled in Oz, so sod anyone else who dares try Heh!

 

Elfie, I have no wish to fall out with anyone on here, as I am a new member, but like you, I have a strong personality (and Red hair), so tend to react a little to posts such as this. One thing I will agree on, is that the 457 has been abused big style, so rather than 'get rid of it' I'd suggest that a tightening of the rules regarding it, and that's what appears to be the process here. My wife is coming to work for a major multi national company, who tried to recruit in WA, and Australia in general, and failed to fill the position. We will pay our way, and have a good wage, in which to live on, if it's four years and bust, then we will return to the UK with heavy hearts, but we hope that this will not be the case.

 

 

Hmm yes I do have opinions not on most things just a few and are always from my perspective if it upset some then so be it. I say it as I see it offend or please. I obviously have pushed a button somewhere on you and your offended by it. Sorry I say it as I see it from my eyes such is life your an adult arent you oh arent we all on this forum?

As for selfishness and settled in Oz.............. We are here on this dreaded 457 visa and we knew it was not for ever here to make a quick buck and admit it - thank god will never settle here. I just try to point out the pitfalls experience as it is not always the case of sun sea sand an happiness To those who wish to remain and do so good on them I say and all the best. I am not selfish I just say it as I see it. A lot of people come here with rose tinted spectacles on it is not always the case. Then also you possibly were under a false illusion regarding the visa terms? Although your in a better position than most re the age and PR as you have family here who have PR and could possibly gain PR down the parent route I dont know I am not up on the other visas only this goddam 457 as it relates to my situation. My husband also works for a multi national company and yes we have a very good wage and pay our way also the same as everyone else who works in the country As for the red hair statement tsk how do you know Im not a red head also and the use of an exclamation mark get a grip

I hope it works for you and you can stay here with your family I truly do and that statement is not condescending

[verystormy]

As long as you really do understand the 457 and it's issues. I am seeing a increasing number of 457 holders losing their job and having to return. I myself came on a 457 back in 2008. I was recruited / headhunted because of very specialized skills that are almost unheard of in Oz - I am a geologist with a masters of a type that is not taught in Oz. We arrived may 2008. We had a couple of weeks to find a house and things then I started work. Two weeks into the job I was called to say my department was being abolished and everyone made redundant. We had been in Oz 28 days. I was very lucky that I found another sponsor. In the current economic climate that would not have happened.

 

We are not out to make a 'quick buck' as you call it, given the choice, we would take PR in a heart beat, but this is not an option. The only way to PR is balance of Family, or a 196, both not a viable option at this moment. I said restrained, as you seem to have a strong opinion of most things, reading the threads I have read , and tend to upset others with them. That's fine, life is about opinions, but to say get rid of 457's, is a knee jerk reaction, which would hurt a lot of people such as ourselves who genuinely wish to live in Australia for the rest of our lives, but can't due to the age issue. My wife has a son who is PR, and married to an Aussie girl, so for her, this is a dream move, we have our eyes wide open to all the possible outcomes, including having to return to the UK. I feel that your 'opinion' is one based on a starting point of selfishness, as you apparently, have managed to get yourself settled in Oz, so sod anyone else who dares try Heh!

 

Elfie, I have no wish to fall out with anyone on here, as I am a new member, but like you, I have a strong personality (and Red hair), so tend to react a little to posts such as this. One thing I will agree on, is that the 457 has been abused big style, so rather than 'get rid of it' I'd suggest that a tightening of the rules regarding it, and that's what appears to be the process here. My wife is coming to work for a major multi national company, who tried to recruit in WA, and Australia in general, and failed to fill the position. We will pay our way, and have a good wage, in which to live on, if it's four years and bust, then we will return to the UK with heavy hearts, but we hope that this will not be the case.

[verystormy]

Totally disagree. Colin Barnett is good for WA.... he has had to bring this state back from the financial shambles that the labour party left it in. Landslide victory last election - which was a second term -that tells you what those who have lived here for a long time really know and want.

 

Sorry, but the man is a menace. He is running up a huge debt. He lies - no big electricity price rises. Within weeks of being relected what happens. 22.5% increase. His big grandiose transport plans are never going to happen as they are not even scheduled to start till after he has left office. Nice crafty one. There is no way any future premier will be able to go ahead with it because of the debt.

He has squandered the mining boom. What have we had from it - eliabeth quay! Wow.

His treasurer is a joke - a man that in any other political environment would be out to pasture. Or at least out to sniff chairs.

The people need to understand that the $28 billion debt (and they admit it might be a lot more) is going to have to be paid for. It is 17500 for every tax payer. Plus interest.

[fifi69]

We had the threat of my hubby being laid off after a traumatic start to our time spent here, it did not happen luckily as he was transferred to another site within the company. Oh guess what its come around again we are ok until January but after that who knows. To be honest gone past caring we have saved money and will be happy to return home when ever. We knew this was not for ever unlike some who sell up and come half way round the world for a new life. Personally would never do it specially if we had children in tow.

 

Gotta love your honesty Hun, glad your saving loads, and why not. Makes a nice change to hear that than from others on big bucks declaring poverty! But that is/was the good thing about the 457s IMO. It give a choice, quick visa, no outlay, opportunity to come and make some money and then depart or if you found you liked it then apply for PR. I totally agree if you move hook line and sinker on the back of a 457, then you do it at your own risk. We are now PR but I'm still not going to sell UK house, not because I don't like it here, I do, i love it, but why burn bridges if you don't need to.

[bensdad]

IT's more like a work permit than a visa, however people still see it as a permanent visa.

[elfie]

Elfie..... I'm on a 457, with 5 kids in tow!! I am very well paid, pay sh1tloads of tax each week and get naff all back from this increasingly backward country!!

i refuse to pay $20000 in school fees!!

my employer this evening said we are going for PR.... Soon as!

if I leave... It will mean 6 young Aussie apprentices will be made redundant..... Pointless visa is it????!!!!!

 

For you no not pointless many congratulations

[elfie]

Gotta love your honesty Hun, glad your saving loads, and why not. Makes a nice change to hear that than from others on big bucks declaring poverty! But that is/was the good thing about the 457s IMO. It give a choice, quick visa, no outlay, opportunity to come and make some money and then depart or if you found you liked it then apply for PR. I totally agree if you move hook line and sinker on the back of a 457, then you do it at your own risk. We are now PR but I'm still not going to sell UK house, not because I don't like it here, I do, i love it, but why burn bridges if you don't need to.

 

Well thanks for that Fifi totally appreciate that reply. So glad your one of the lucky ones and are progressing to something permanent. I totally agree with not burning your bridges back home housing market is pretty dire in the UK presently. The difference in coming here is that I am with my hubby than if he had gone to Saudi or Africa and took money from there. We are not the only ones who are doing what we are doing its just I am not worried about saying so. I do see more of him than if he went there, but id rather he came home each night. Sacrifices now for something better perhaps January maybe not ............

[Plimthing]

I'm sorry, but is it only me that thinks the clue is in the name???? '''''Temporary'''''' long stay visa. Its a 4 year holiday, with 4 years of superannuation to look forward at the end of it. Should be a nice lump off mortgage when I get home! Or a good deposit towards my next Jaguar. If I choose to apply for PR, it will only be if my employer helps me out or I consider myself financialy comfortable to do it. The kids will do as they are told and my wife understands. I guess i'm lucky. Ive got one day at work in uk left and this tax isn't going to stop my adventure.

[Daveakaginge]

I'm sorry, but is it only me that thinks the clue is in the name???? '''''Temporary'''''' long stay visa. Its a 4 year holiday, with 4 years of superannuation to look forward at the end of it. Should be a nice lump off mortgage when I get home! Or a good deposit towards my next Jaguar. If I choose to apply for PR, it will only be if my employer helps me out or I consider myself financialy comfortable to do it. The kids will do as they are told and my wife understands. I guess i'm lucky. Ive got one day at work in uk left and this tax isn't going to stop my adventure.

 

You do know, that you can roll it over, as many times as you like, so it could be an eight year holiday or twelve, depends what you want!

[Plimthing]

Really, that's good news, however I guess you don't get the perks like voting for which loser is going to come into office next, to screw immigrants!

[Arwen]

I'm sorry, but is it only me that thinks the clue is in the name???? '''''Temporary'''''' long stay visa. Its a 4 year holiday, with 4 years of superannuation to look forward at the end of it. Should be a nice lump off mortgage when I get home! Or a good deposit towards my next Jaguar. If I choose to apply for PR, it will only be if my employer helps me out or I consider myself financialy comfortable to do it. The kids will do as they are told and my wife understands. I guess i'm lucky. Ive got one day at work in uk left and this tax isn't going to stop my adventure.

 

Great attitude to come with and yes most people know it's temporary. What 457 holders who are already here are up in arms about (and rightly so IMO) is that they are suddenly going to be lumbered with a cost they didn't expect.