Spider Posted August 29, 2006 Report Share Posted August 29, 2006 Hi Guys,I was contacted this morning by Geoffrey Nathan stating that they will sponsor me on a 457 VISA as long as I get a job offer meeting their requirements - and they would send out my resume, but to those i apply on my own I should add to the cover letter that they are willing to sponsor me... I have Honours in Industrial Psychology, currently do Change Management and did project analyst/development officer work for 2.5 years (all in std bank)...so i need to find someone willing to offer a position....any ideas?Also, any ideas as to the ins and outs of Geoffrey Nathan? And how does it work if they sponsor you on 457 exactly if you find employment but they sponsor you?Will my boyfriend be able to acompany me on the 457 VISA as partner?Thanks for future responses, need help in understanding how this particular one works - would have thought you get an offer and that followed with the 457, not the other way around... CiaoChandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riekie Posted August 29, 2006 Report Share Posted August 29, 2006 Hi there, As far as your boyfriend goes, he has to be your de facto partner and you have to prove that you've been living together for the past 12 months prior to your application.A 457 Visa is valid for 4 years and has restrictions to the company you work for i.e. if Company A sponsors you, you can only work for company A. If you want to change employer, you have to find someone else willing to sponsor you and take over your visa. A 457 Visa also has a few other limitations as far as schooling etc go - depending on which state you migrate to. (Eg annual school fees per child in a public school in NSW $4500, which, I believe, is not the case in WA.....) No medicare on a 457. You pay tax but has no rights to anything you would be on PR. Most ppl apply for their PR once they get here on a 457.Who is this Geoffrey Nathan? Is he a migration agent, employment agent or what?.....Hope this answers a few of your Q's.... Good luck with everything! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 Hi Chandi,I'm in the same position, Geoffrey Nathan will also sponsor me. I think they are the same as Freespirit, they sponsor you on a 457 (and you pay the costs, I think) and then they basically contract you out to a company. I think the nice thing is that if you're not happy with the company you're working for, you can find another job (and still be sponsored by Geoffrey N). That's how I think it works, but I'm VERY interested to hear from somebody with more experience with these kind of agents. Please post if you get more information ....Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindylou Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 Hi Chandi and LindaWhy not ask Geoffrey Nathan for some contact details of people they have previously sponsored? You could then get in touch with them and maybe get a better feel for how the comapny operates, ethics, etc.Just a thoughtCindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 Great idea, thanks Cindy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rialet Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 Would recommend Freespirit rather than Geoffrey Nathan - heard from quite a number of sources that they do not have such a great reputation anymore (especially in Brisbane). Best is still to try and handle this on your own as these companies tend to charge a fortune (up to $4000 for the visa process) and it only costs about $ 180 to do this application online yourself. If all else fails then go through Freespirit - their consultants are very professional, trustworthy and reliable and they have a good response time as well.CheersRialet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spider Posted August 30, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 Hi Guys,Thanks, good idea to try get into contact with others...It did lift my hopes a little to get GN's response but now not very sure...will keep you updated Linda if I find out anything and if you'd do the same for me? I think i might question them directly as well with regards to what it means for us once we get an offer... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 I always wonder about how they make their money. Do they charge you the visa (and probably nice big agent commision fees like Rialet said) and then take a % of your salary as well? Questions, questions. I emailed GN yesterday with questions, but haven't had response yet. And is it really so easy to find a job once you've got a sponsor (but you don't have the visas yet). I don't know ......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 This might answer some questionsThe process is as follows: We will market your CV to our clients and we also expect you to search for employment on the websites mentioned previously. Please also log onto our website www.geoffreynathan.com once a week to check if there are any jobs that have been listed that you might be interested in. Once a position is found and you and the prospective client are satisfied, we will proceed with the application for a 457 visa. The 457 visa is a 4 year long term placement visa. It allows the candidate to stay in Australia for 4 years during which time the candidate may apply for Permanent Residency and ultimately Australian Citizenship. In effect, Geoffrey Nathan Consulting will actually be your employer and be liable for your sponsorship, and we will contract you out to clients. Usually a 457 candidate stays with one client for 4 years, however since GNC is your employer, you may transfer to another company if you are not satisfied with the role you are placed in. Thus this is an advantage since you are allowed much more flexibility compared to being sponsored directly by the company employing you. Most candidates prefer to only apply for permanent residency close to the end of their 4 years, since they are taxed less on a 457 visa than on Permanent Residency Status. On a 457 visa you are also eligible to claim LAFHA (living away from home allowance) which you cannot claim if you a Permanent Resident. However you may apply for PR status after one year of employment. There are no initial costs involved. Once you do find employment and are payrolled through us, we will charge you a 12.5% management fee per year, which will be deducted off your salary. However, you will still be paid more than if you were to be sponsored directly, we offer you the LAFHA benefit which most employers don't, since it requires a specialised payroll system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spider Posted August 31, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Hi Linda,Ja, i got the same response regarding costs and all that...so i contacted Freespirit as well and been talking to Cassie (cassiem@freespirit.com.au) and they tell you in their initial email how it all works...their approach appears a bit better and will also sponsor my boyfriend and I, so maybe email her your CV as well and have a look?They say that you pay $895 when lodging the visa application, waiting feedback on any other costs - though its not the $4000 mentioned by rialet (i think)...if you want to ask anything, pm me...otherwise i'll keep you updated with any more info i may get from them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Hi Chandi,Yes I've also had the same email from Cassie, and it seems better. I am however more concerned about the yearly "management fee". GN's 12.5 % sounds like a rip-off to me! Compared to that a $4000 once off sounds great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spider Posted August 31, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Hi again,Here's a section of what freespirit sent me - what you think??Freespirit is a registered business sponsor, which means that we are able to sponsor and employ skilled professionals to fill vacancies here in Australia. To be sponsored by freespirit, your position must be full-time and have the following rates of pay as a minimum, all rates include superannuation: $43.48 per hour or $76,000 per annum for IT roles; or $31.46 per hour or $55,000 per annum for non-IT rolesFreespirit will be your sponsor and employer. In order to lodge an application for a 457 business visa, you will first need to secure a job offer in your field of expertise.Freespirit have a dedicated resource team that may be able to assist you in securing an offer of employment to further your career here in Australia. We work as a "talent matching" agency, referring your resume to recruitment agencies that specialise in your area of expertise.While our resourcing team will endeavour to assist you to the best of their ability should your skills be suitable for any of our clients requirements, please be aware that sometimes it can be difficult for clients to consider you for their vacancies while you are not available for face to face interviews.We recommend that you actively utilise employment tools such as job boards and apply for positions advertised to see what kind of feedback is given to you by companies. Job boards we recommend are:www.jobsearch.gov.auwww.careerone.com.auwww.careermultilist.com.auwww.engineeringjobs.net.auwww.it2.com.auwww.jobserve.com.auwww.justengineers.com.auwww.mycareer.com.auwww.nowhiring.com.auwww.seek.com.auWhen applying for positions please state your current situation, that you're eligible for sponsorship and that freespirit is facilitating your sponsorship.If a position that you apply for independently is offered to you or if you secure an offer through our assistance, Freespirit are able to speak to the company about placing their vacancy with us, for which there are no fees or charges to the company. Once this has occurred, Freespirit are able to lodge an application to become your business sponsor to fill this vacancy.PREPARING YOUR 457 BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP APPLICATIONThe following documentation is required for all subclass 457 business visa applications. Please be aware that this information is only required once a definite job offer has been secured. Also evidence of your qualifications and experience will be required to support a sponsorship application. Current resume which must include: Exact start and finish dates of any work assignment you have undertaken whilst in Australia and overseas. All gaps must be accounted for - eg. If you have not worked due to travelling , please state with dates; Any qualifications obtained, with dates and subjects undertaken; Copy of any diploma, degree, or any other qualification held, including course transcripts (grades obtained) Relevant information of what visa you currently hold (if any). Signed and dated references from previous employers on their letterhead confirming dates worked, job titles, responsibilities etc.If dependants are to be included in a visa application, the following documents will be required:Marriage CertificateEvidence to prove you have been living together for at least the past12 months. This may include joint bank accounts, leases, rental agreements, statements from friends or family, letters sent to each partner to the same address, etc. As a guide, you should supply approximately six documents.COSTS FOR 457 BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP VISAThe total cost for a sponsorship application is $895.00. This cost is only payable prior to the lodgement of your sponsorship application.If you have any further enquiries, please refer to our website www.freespirit.com.auThank you again for your enquiry and we look forward to hearing from you soon.If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us again.Regardsfreespirit, Australia's Market Leaderwww.freespirit.com.auCall 1300 65 85 65Sydney Brisbane Melbourne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spider Posted August 31, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Hi Linda,It seems Freespirit is the same, but Cassie is willing to show you a table comparison of what you'd take home each month / year on their package compared to the normal tax and all that through the employer - just send her a figure to work with...At least freespirit's salary requirement isn't as high... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Got the exact same response from her. I emailed her about additional costs. Let's see what she answers ... (I'm sure there'll be a monthly deduction).Interesting ... GN said:Once you do find employment and are payrolled through us, we will charge you a 12.5% management fee per year, which will be deducted off your salary. However, you will still be paid more than if you were to be sponsored directly, we offer you the LAFHA benefit which most employers don't, since it requires a specialised payroll systemDo you think that's true?Another question ... what if I apply for PR the moment I get to AUS and get it a year later. Can I still continue working for the same company, but not pay the 12.5 % to GN?Sorry, I know you probably don't have the answers to this, but it is maybe something you also want to consider ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spider Posted August 31, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Hi L,similar to freespirit...so i'll send a figure to cassie to do a comparison, but maybe anyone out there that may have an idea around this and whether it is worth getting there this way...PLEASE advise us, it sounds good but don't wanna end up in something messy...It was mentioned that people usually start their app for a PR visa once they get there, and i believe the latest visa overrides the other, so we should query - would we "terminate" their employment and be direct to employer and so forth... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Some links:http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread....ight=freespirithttp://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread....ight=freespirithttp://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread....ight=freespirithttp://www.brainbox.com.au/members/brainbo...15?opendocumentI will definitely research this more before I decide to use them ...Sorry about the scrambled post, I want to edit it, but can't find the edit button Some links:http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread....ight=freespirithttp://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread....ight=freespirithttp://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread....ight=freespirithttp://www.brainbox.com.au/members/brainbo...15?opendocumentI will definitely research this more before I decide to use them ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Here's another link:http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread....ight=freespiritI quote:You must be a direct employee of the company that sponsors you. What Freespirit and others do is employ you and hire you out to the interested company. They have an agreement with DIMIA so they are Pre-Qualified Business Sponsors and that's how they can get around the rules to a degree. I have read comments from some of the agents who say they don't like this and I guess I can see why but I have heard of plenty of people who've done it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spider Posted August 31, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Hi Linda,Jeez, now what...i'm so desparate to go but not sure about this way...It would be nice to hear from someone who's been through them from SA and what it was like... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rialet Posted September 1, 2006 Report Share Posted September 1, 2006 Hi Linda & ChandiWill really go the freespirit route if you do not want to handle this yourself as I just like the way they do business. Freespirit will probably also charge a monthly management fee - just had confirmation that it is also 12%. Entity Solutions is another "management company" and they quoted me $3 500 to handle our 457 visa and in addition to this an almost 9% management fee for payrolling me through their company - I almost had a heart attack!!!!!If your salary package is sufficient then you can claim LAFHA -when I started with my second sponsor - they did not know about LAFHA but I gave all the info I could get and I receive the tax benefit of this monthly. Employers are not funny about this at all. As temp residents on a 457 you can not make use of Medicare and have to take out Private Health Care , which is an additional cost and you also do not qualify for any other entitlements like child care benefits etc. LAFHA at least helps you carry these costs.Hope this helps.I am on my second sponsorship and have received LAFHA from both my sponsors (I am directly sponsored by my employer). I also work very closely with Melanie Wilson of Freespirit's Brisbane office and she is really wonderful!!Rialet(You can PM me and I will bring you in contact with someone that is currently on a sponsorship through freespirit - will have to ask his permission first) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spider Posted September 1, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2006 Hi Rialet,Thanks a lot, i did PM you...i guess what we all need to remember is that there will always be conflicting stories of both good and bad experiences, so i believe it has a lot to do with mindset and determination and also and acknowledgement that making this move is not easy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckitshoff Posted September 1, 2006 Report Share Posted September 1, 2006 Hi guys!I have also been investigating FreeSpirit and Geofrey Nathan. I'm not sure if you sign with say Freespirit...Do you have an exit clause...Don't like the idea of been "joined by the hip" for 4 years?My knowlege of a 457 visa, is that you can only apply for residency after 2 years. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spider Posted September 4, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2006 Hey there,Not quite sure...as soon as I find out from them i'll make a note here (unless you do first and let us know ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun dean Posted March 10, 2008 Report Share Posted March 10, 2008 Hi there, As far as your boyfriend goes, he has to be your de facto partner and you have to prove that you've been living together for the past 12 months prior to your application.A 457 Visa is valid for 4 years and has restrictions to the company you work for i.e. if Company A sponsors you, you can only work for company A. If you want to change employer, you have to find someone else willing to sponsor you and take over your visa. A 457 Visa also has a few other limitations as far as schooling etc go - depending on which state you migrate to. (Eg annual school fees per child in a public school in NSW $4500, which, I believe, is not the case in WA.....) No medicare on a 457. You pay tax but has no rights to anything you would be on PR. Most ppl apply for their PR once they get here on a 457.Who is this Geoffrey Nathan? Is he a migration agent, employment agent or what?.....Hope this answers a few of your Q's.... Good luck with everything! Hi Guys,we are looking at immig to Aus ( Bisbane)and are a bit confused,sorry just a few questions1)457 visa-company sponsors you to work for them for a period of time?2)you have to pay your own medical in total????? for whole family?3)we have a daughter 9 years old-will we have to pay for full schooling?????4) what is the tax rate on income ????thanxshaun and fi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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