Sponsored visa, sponsored move?

[Reinhardt & Christa]

Another 457 question -

As I mentioned in a previous topic, we do not qualify for a PR visa anymore and are now planning on going to Aus on a 457 visa. I will have enough money to pay for the move, but of course if my future employer pays for my move it will be so much better! It will go a long way in assisting with the cost of starting a new life there.

My question is, generally speaking, what are the chances of an employer paying for a move? Is it fairly common or is it something out of the ordinary? Must one mention it in an interview? I am of the opinion that it will be much easier finding an employer willing to sponsor a 457 when you can pay your own way, but it may just be worth while trying to find one that will pay the moving cost as well. Anyone in a similar situation that can give some advise?

[Ajay]

Hi R&C,

There is no real accepted norm, so it is something that you can negotiate on if you find an employer willing to sponsor you.

Hope it goes well,

Cheers

Ajay

[Dreamcatcher]

Hi there,

As Ajay mentioned, there is no norm. Some companies do, some don't. Most of them are however quite open to negotiation. A lot of companies pay for your visa, medicals and sometimes even your flights. Or company paid all that, but would not cover the cost for our container. They were very good to us, in eventually loaning us the money for the container, and we paid them back for it. How is that for service?

Talk to them during your interviews, and try and get them to pay for as much as possible. Also try for them to pay your private medical cover if you can, that will save you heaps once your'e here.

Greetings,

Dreamy

Edited October 10, 2006 by Dreamcatcher

[Reinhardt & Christa]

I never thought of the possibility of them paying for medical - as you said that could be a big saver. It's probably the wrong place, but since we are on the subject, ballpark figure for medicals? We are a family of 5, kids aged 12, 4 and 1. For a basic plan what would we be looking at? (I know it's like asking what does a car cost, but just to get an idea)

[Dreamcatcher]

Hi,

No, actually most medicals have either a set family or a single rate. You can check it out on their websites. Google them: IMAN, Medibank Private, HBF, HIF but stay away from Australian Unity. You can only take out medical from a specialised agency who caters for overseas visitors, as you will be classified when you are on 457. Australian Unity is the cheapest, they cost us about $230 per month. But they don't pay anything. You end up having to pay everything yourself.

After extensive research we decided to move to IMAN, or AHI as the also call themselves. They have the shortest waiting periods, and the highest limits on things that are important for us. We are now paying $192 per fortnight. We are also a family of 5. Oh, yes, we are on one of the higher plans, that includes dental and glasses and all kinds of other things. With kids you never know when you'll need it Most medicals do not cover pre-existing conditions, and others have hefty waiting periods. Make sure you choose the one that suits your needs in that regard.

Greetings,

Dreamy

[Sparrow]

Hey Reinardt,

I’ve just seen an iterating report on “Today Tonight” on Prime TV. They’ve talked about the so-called “lazy Ozzy syndrome”. Apparently, there are employers, mostly in the country that prefer to employ foreign workers under the 457 scheme. They’ve said that Ozzies in general were very fussy and were not prepared to relocate for work.

[Marius]

Reinhardt,

I am here on a 457. My employer paid for our flights, 3 weeks in a furnished apartment while we looked for a house, all our flight tickets ( 2 adults and 1 child of 14 ) as well as the cost of a shared container. Well, I paid the flights and shared container and they gave me themoney back once I started working. They re-imburse me the $ 400 I pay monthly for private medical insurance because I have no PR and state benifits yet.They are also paying for all our medicals etc as they are also now busy sponsoring us inder the RSMS scheme for Permanent Residency . I have to say, I am VERY fortunate with such a good employer , Gat in die botter . Skill costs money I suppose

As part of the employers obligations as sponsor for a 457 they have to pay i think the wording is reasonable travel expenses and medical expenses for sponsored employees. Now this is a bit grey, but most comply to some extent. Check out immi.gov.au and look for sponsor obligations for detailed info. Of course you also have obligations as employee, like working for them for a specified time. I think it is in order to enquire about this in the interview, stating you can get there on own steam, but was wondering if they might contribute towards it.

I hope this helps. Best of luck, let us know how you go.