Question about 457 visa for working in Australia

[gobear]

Hi there

This is my first post and I am not sure a few things and hope somebody can help me out in regards to working and living in AUstralia

I am originally from Hong Kong and I am considering to work in Australia, Sydney. I was going to get a working holiday visa but I realised that this is for 18 to 30 years old but I am already 32 years old which obviously doesn't apply for me

Then, I learnt that the next option I can choose is to go for 457 Visa. From my understanding, I just fill in the 457 non refundable application form (choosing the occupation I wish to proceed) and wait the company to respond me or sponsor me? And after I am officially sponsored, then I could come to Australia to work?

If I do apply a company hoping that I will get employed, how long does it normally take to get everything approved before I am allowed or eligible to come to Australia ot work?

By the way, I have studied in University Of Sydney in my specalised field before back in the late 90's but left back to Hong Kong for good in 2001. So I don't know whether that wil increase the chance for approval?

I want to work in the field of either a photographer or a media producer and I am wondering whether there are good opportunies that I will be sponsored and hired there since I have a long time experience in Hong Kong since I came back here for good

Also, would it be better and easier if I ask an agent to do it on my behalf? Or this is not complicated stuffs and I can do it myself? I ask these questions since I am just a beginner here and I am not sure how these things work so I hope I can ask you guys before I go for the agent in the last restort.

Your answers and help will be greatly appreciated

Cheers and have a great day

Veron

[amaslam]

Originally Posted by gobear

Hi there

Then, I learnt that the next option I can choose is to go for 457 Visa. From my understanding, I just fill in the 457 non refundable application form (choosing the occupation I wish to proceed) and wait the company to respond me or sponsor me? And after I am officially sponsored, then I could come to Australia to work?

If I do apply a company hoping that I will get employed, how long does it normally take to get everything approved before I am allowed or eligible to come to Australia ot work?
Veron

Please read the 457 conditions again. The above is reverse of what it normally should be. It is you who needs to convince an AU company to sponsor you and then they put in a application for you and then you can apply for the 457. It is not where you fill in the form first and then a company comes and finds you.

You cannot come to AU to work until you have the 457 visa. Finding a job from overseas is difficult unless you have a highly sought after skill that is not available from most applicants inside AU.

[anj1976]

hi gobear

did you consider going the skilled independent route? check the sticky threads for link to the immi site, see if you qualify for skills in SOL or skills in state sponsored skill list. get your skill assessed, apply for the visa and wait, you normally get a visa in 6-36 months.