Overseas Worker seeks help?

Question

im confused in making a decision, I'm working here in Qld, i've been here in Australia for 2 yrs. and having 3 of my friends who are also OFW (did training with b4) were hired and now living in Melbourne. I wanna move there too, what are the chances and risks that I would be going through? My friend in Melbourne whose boss is making a letter to immigration for my visa to continue. Is that ok? but another says i need to renew my visa? But what benefits will I get to my current job? Workplace agreement. I could start my new work like next Monday, my friend says. I'm really confused? will i have to go home, wat will happen to my visa? wats the process!! im on 457 Visa

Answer 1

The basic requirements of a 457 visa is that you remain employed by the same person or company that sponsored you. Having said that, you can go to a new employer as long as the new employer is prepared to sponsor you. It is the new employer's responsibilty to apply to nominate you for a position and if approved then the new employer has to have a fresh 457 visa approved for you. Your friends boss must apply for a new 457 visa for you he must follow the same procedures and paperwork, he can't just write a letter asking the  immigration department to transfer the visa. The system doesn't work like that it must be a completely new application. Also you must stay at your old employer until the new employer has been approved.

I hope I haven't confused you any further.

Have a look at the following Immigration department website abut 457 visa questions:

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-w...

Also contact the dept., there is a national phone number on this web page:

http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/telephon...