Mechanical Engineer Sponsorship

Bobjims

Myself and my partner are heading to Australia soon to work on a WHV. We see this as a great chance to see if we like the idea of living in Australia longer term through sponsorship or individual immigration visas.

My question really is, as an experienced (5 years) mechanical engineer, is sponsorship difficult to secure? Should I be upfront with prospective employers about my desire for sponsorship?

I know there have been some visa changes this week but from what I've read these don't come in until March 2018. Also my skill remains on the new skills list.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Bobjims

Bump,

Arrived in Australia the other day and love it so far.

Would really like if someone could give me some advice on whether to be upfront with employers/recruiters about my wish to get sponsored. Or any other tips for a first timer working in Australia.

Any help is appreciated!

Shy Ted

I guess it depends on where you're located and what area your experience is in. Most companies are reluctant to sponsor. It's very expensive for them. Would you be willing to try & get PR? It's expensive but worth it if you're planning on staying long term.

lg123

what industry is your experience in?

Bobjims

lg123 wrote: »

what industry is your experience in?

Most of my experience is in agricultural machinery research and design. I also have a couple of years experience in vehicle testing and legislation/homologation.

lg123

As Ted mentioned above, go straight for PR if you can afford it.
Test the water on the WHV, make a decision re PR.
AU manufacturing has been hit quite hard when the AUD was really strong in the first half of this decade. It's pulled back quite a bit making imports much more expensive.
If you're worth it, companies will sponsor. But the 457 is, and always has been, a $hit visa.

Bobjims

lg123 wrote: »

As Ted mentioned above, go straight for PR if you can afford it.
Test the water on the WHV, make a decision re PR.
AU manufacturing has been hit quite hard when the AUD was really strong in the first half of this decade. It's pulled back quite a bit making imports much more expensive.
If you're worth it, companies will sponsor. But the 457 is, and always has been, a $hit visa.

That might be the best thing to do. I'm likely eligible for PR so I'll give the WHV some time before making a decision on it. I believe that even with the cost, it's also a very long process. Have you any experience with it?

lg123

it's about five years since I got my PR, we used the old 175 subclass just before it changed to the 189. 
PR is costly but if you have any intention of putting a few years in, and even if you get sponsored, I'd recommend applying anyways. No medicare on the 457, I think it's a condition of the visa that you have to get private medical cover. That will set ye back about $2k per year. If you do the PR application yourself, I'm guessing you'd be looking at around $4k in expenses. With PR you dont have to get private health cover, so it'd kinda pays for itself if you were going to rely on medicare.
Plus, you have way more flexibility with work. Changing jobs wont have the extra hassle of getting immigration.

Morshlac

lg123 wrote: »

As Ted mentioned above, go straight for PR if you can afford it.
If you're worth it, companies will sponsor. But the 457 is, and always has been, a $hit visa.

Agreed. Was on 3 or 4 457's....de facto..PR...before eventually got Citizenship. and they were pain in the ar*e.
If you can go for PR straightup its the best way to go for sure.