457 employee sponsored visa for newly qualified podiatrist aged 45!

Deborahb63 · #1 (**permalink**) 25th April 2009, 03:39 PM

Hello Everybody,

Firstly thanks for reading my thread. I'm 45 and qualified as a podiatrist last year and currently work full time for the NHS doing general clinics. I'm hoping to emigrate to Melbourne in time for my 16 year old son to commence his VCE in January 2010. I've had my skills assessed by APODC (podiatry council) AND in February i was granted registration to practice podiatry in Victoria from the Victorian Board of Podiatrists.

My brother lives in Brisbane and is an Australian Citizen and permanent resident. At the moment i'm posted on Podiatry Arena and registered with a number of agencies and in February i visited a potential employer in Melbourne too but as yet i'm having no joy. I've read threads suggesting using an agent is the best way forward. I've done everything i really can from the point of sitting in front of a computer and making sure all my documentation is ready for a potential employer to sponsor me.

If anybody can give me further advice i would be SO grateful. Thank you all.

kaz101 · #2 (**permalink**) 25th April 2009, 09:18 PM

Hi Deborahb63,

There is a link for sponsorship in the 'PLEASE READ...' sticky post towards the top of the forum. That was suggested by an agent so it's worth a look.

Have you considered state sponsorship?
It may mean living in a regional area though (not sure how suitable that would be with your son).

Regards,
Karen

Dolly · #3 (**permalink**) 25th April 2009, 11:41 PM

I may be wrong (and probably am) but I'm pretty certain that you have to be under 45 to be eligible for both the State and Regional sponsored visas?

I think your best bet would be to contact an agent (as Karen suggested). We have a few who post on here and SOMV (Veronika) posts frequently. You can contact her, or any other agent on the forum via their signatures. Whoever you approach, always make sure they are MIA/MARA registered and get the advice of at least 2 or 3 agents.

Dolly

Deborahb63 · #4 (**permalink**) 26th April 2009, 12:47 PM

Hello Kaz and thanks for the reply. I have some friends in Melbourne and as it's just myself and my son coming over i don't want to isolate either of us too much. I need some familiar faces to count on. I did give it some consideration but don't feel it would be right for us. Both Dolly and you have suggested looking up an approved agent so i think that is what i will try next. Many thanks for your very prompt reply. It's good to get some extra input.

Deborahb63 · #5 (**permalink**) 26th April 2009, 12:50 PM

Dolly, i think you may be right about the age thing. Certainly makes sense. I will take on the advice given by both you and Karen and search out some of these approved agents you've both recommended. Living in a remote area wouldn't suit me as my son and i have both fallen in love with Melbourne and we do have a few friendly faces living in Melbourne that we can turn to when needed. Many thanks for your reply.