Hi, I came here on a 457, and have now got PR through 136 Send Independant Visa.
If your employer is going to sponsor you for PR then you will be tied to that employer for 2 years. Obviously, if you go down the same route as myself, then you will have no obligations to anyone - employer wise - you can choose who you wish to work for with total freedom.
My application took 4 months, which I think is about average for 136 SI.
You only need meds if yours have become invalid (all people on application), but ensure you have all had HIV blood test - as a nurse I had, but my husband needed one, as he had not had one with 457 application (it was my application) DIMIA asked him to repeat full meds, even though he only needed HIV test. If you do need meds, then you need to go Health Services Australia, and they willl do the whole lot in one day and it cost approx $280.
Australia vs New Zealand Sender: JAJShort answer: Probably yes, although it's dangerous to try it until you have Australian citizenship. People who try to 'hop' between Australia and NZ are often left without status...
Police checks are valid for 12 months too - but you need to get Australian PCC if you have been here for over 12 months.
I will be back on later this evening if you have anymore questions or PM me.
Cas
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