Hi there

I was wondering if anyone had any info about what extra costs are associated with being in Australia on a 457 visa?
Does schooling cost extra, does medical cost extra, what else. Do you have access to the 1st time buyers grant?

Any help is appreciated.

Schooling - depends on which state you move to - they all have different rules on this and you would have to check the department of education website for the state you wish to move to. NSW I know you do have to pay school fees, whereas WA I believe you don't.

Medical costs - depends on where you are from and on what kind of medical coverage you want. If you are from a country that has signed the Reciprocal Health Care Scheme (eg UK) then Austrtalia will give you a limited Medicare card which will cover you for all immediatley necessary treatment including visits to a GP. Even covered us for all of the costs realting to the birth of our son. If you wanted to have additional medical insurance then you will find this quite costly for a 457 visa holder and many of the normal companies will not cover 457 visa holders anyway.

No you do not have access to the 1st time buyers grant or any form of centrelink benefits or family tax benefits. You also cannot buy property without getting approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

Securing loans and credit cards may also be difficult as you generally have to declare your immigration status on such aplications and it may affect your application.

All this probably sounds very negative really, but if you can get your employer to help out with the costs of school fees, medical fees and also get them to give you Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA) then you will be fine !