457 Visa-how long have I got to get there!

[lorna grennan]

I have my 457 Visa firmly stuck in my passport but as the majority of you am struggling to sell my house and cannot go until it is sold! Does anyone know whether there is a time frame in which you have to get yourself physically over to Australia! Thanks

[scottishcelts]

hello, yes you have to validate the visas within 6 months.

Not long is it when you've a house to sell, we are in the same boat!

[lorna grennan]

Thanks for that, we have two houses to sell, but if we sell one that will do, at least to clear our debts etc! We have had more interest in the cheaper house as it's more affordable these days, and we have already offered to pay the 5% deposit!!! Good Luck and thanks for the advice

[SOMV]

Usually there isn't a date by which you have to enter Australia (there is no initial entry date on a 457 visa), can I ask why you think that you only have 6 months to enter scottishcelts?

[scottishcelts]

hello, 6 months to validate your visa, followed by (i think) 5 years to move there!

[SOMV]

Hello again,

I think you are getting confused with another (perhaps skilled) visa? The 457 does not usually come with an initial entry date. The entry is usually very much driven by what the employee and employer have agreed. For example, if your employer says that s/he wants you to start on 5 August 2008 then as long as you have the visa, you better be there by that time. But if you do not get there by that time the visa will not be cancelled as it is not actually a visa condition.

Equally, the 457 does not have a 5 year "expiry date".

The expiry of the 457 visa is again very much employer driven. Usually though, the visa is granted for the maximum period available - the full 4 years. So again I am not sure where you are getting 5 years from? No 457 visa can be granted for 5 years.

[scottishcelts]

Yes you're right, sorry Lorna Grennan i wasn't concentrating on the type of visa, i was assuming skilled visa types.

SOMV take a chill pill - far too serious