Worth doing a reccie to secure a 457?

[piccolo]

I'm just wondering if it's worth the money for my OH to travel to Perth for 2 weeks to try and find an employer willing to sponsor him? He is a CNC Machinist and Gear Cutter and is having no luck from Ireland. He has made a couple of contacts and had some good conversations but no one's willing to take a chance on him having never met him, which of course is understandable.

 

We are about to send off his TRA assessment to start the ball rolling on a 176 visa but that could take ages and the money we have from my redundancy could be gone by the time we actually get out there if it takes more than 6 months. Whereas a 457 would get us to Oz much faster and we would have the start up cash with us. What do you think? Any opinions?

[ali]

It has been done, but I know from reading this and other forums that people who have visa's and are actually here are often finding it difficult to get work - it's certainly an opportunity to knock on doors, perhaps contacting companies first to set up appointments whilst your here on the visit as 2 weeks will go fairly quickly.

[portlaunay]

I've met quite a few people who've been over here with a very limited window of opportunity to secure work and have gone home disappointed. As most of us here know, WA stands for Wait Awhile and whilst this is one of the factors that makes it such a great place to live, it can also be a little frustrating if you want to get something done.

I'd agree with ali - set up as many meetings and interviews as possible but be clear that, if they think your OH is a potential employee, you'd be looking for sponsorship. Some may simply say no but at least you can target those who are more positive. Networking is very important here so talk to people, I know someone who found work from saying hi to someone in the supermarket queue.

There is work here but it's not as easy as some think and a lot of people come here looking for change and find themselves back doing the same old job because it's the only one they could get.

Good luck, I really feel for you, I know Ireland's had a tough time so I hope you find what you're looking for.

[Guest Ali&Paul]

Not that I want to put a dampener on things but I would think 2 weeks may not be long enough, it is quite frustrating with the whole WA meaning Wait Awhile, we didn't think it would be an issue but it really is when your new and trying to get stuff done in a hurry. We've been here just over 5 weeks (176) and my husband just started work the other day, he applied for loads of jobs, even before we left Scotland and had little or no response from most of them. I can sympathise coz we were thinking of doing exactly the same as you and in hindsight I'm glad we didn't, we would have wasted a lot of money I think. If you do go for it then try to set up as many meetings as possible before you leave.

I'm really not trying to put you off the idea as I know it's frustrating waiting for a visa (we waited 3 years) it's hard going but the 176's are not taking as long as they used to I don't think.

Good luck with whatever you decide, it's a great place to live, we are finally here and it has been so worth it! :-)

 

Alison

[New Life Down Under]

I'm just wondering if it's worth the money for my OH to travel to Perth for 2 weeks to try and find an employer willing to sponsor him? He is a CNC Machinist and Gear Cutter and is having no luck from Ireland. He has made a couple of contacts and had some good conversations but no one's willing to take a chance on him having never met him, which of course is understandable.

 

We are about to send off his TRA assessment to start the ball rolling on a 176 visa but that could take ages and the money we have from my redundancy could be gone by the time we actually get out there if it takes more than 6 months. Whereas a 457 would get us to Oz much faster and we would have the start up cash with us. What do you think? Any opinions?

 

Hello Picolo

My advice would be save your money and get your visa granted. Unless you are an Engineer in gas and oil or a medical professional there seem to be very few people being granted a 457 from overseas. Employment agencies generally will not put candidates forward unless they are lawfully allowed to work. You are obviously trying very hard to secure employment, you may be lucky, but in my experience most employers do not want to hire blindfolded unless there is a serious shortage for very specific industries ie subsea engineers, geologists etc. Many employers also may not meet the criteria of becoming a 457 Sponsor and are also unaware of the legislation.

Keep sending off the CV's but I would suggest that you are better saving your money as you may need to support yourself when you get here. As a couple of other posts have mentioned, getting a job is not always instant on arrival!

Good luck with your TRA. By the way remember that GSM is changing on 1st July 2012 so I would advise all prospective visa applicants to get their application in asap. TIME IS RUNNING OUT on the current application process. I think it may be a lot tougher for many applicants and the waiting time after sending in an Expression of Interest may be very lengthy. And that is even before you are allowed to lodge an application. Make sure your skills assessments are very thorough to avoid any delays.

Good luck

[piccolo]

Thanks guys, it would seem then that it might be a wasted trip. New Life Down Under:....re the TRA, that's what I'm worried about! We are not using a migration agent and compiling the application to TRA is very daunting. We can only hope we have been thorough enough but there's a few little glitches we're worried about being accepted. The guidelines are also very confusing and ambiguous. OH has lost his trade certificate and they don't issue replacements, only a headed letter stating he is qualified and when he qualified. Now we also have his academic transcripts but he's worries they wont accept the letter from the awarding body.