Hi!

I am currently on the 457 visa and have been for 3 years. All this time I have been paying into my superannuation as per normal.

I am starting to look into applying for Permanent Residencey. It is very likely my employer will sponsor me for this.

Is there any way to get the superannuation I have accrued thus far paid to me before I go for PR? From the ATO website it says I can apply for my super if my visa has expired or been cancelled.

Could I leave, cancel my visa and apply for my super, then get my employer to apply for my PR? Has anyone else ever done this? I'd like to have that little lump sum to start off with before my super is locked away forever.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Maybe start by reading here:
http://www.ato.gov.au/super/content.asp?doc=/content/32703.htm

Best regards.

UPDATE on DASPs

Info from the ATO
Changes to Superannuation

Changes to superannuation for former temporary residents passed


From 18 December 2008, changes apply to unclaimed super for former temporary residents.

These changes include:

1. the requirement for certain temporary residents’ super to be paid to the Government as unclaimed super

2. an increase in the tax rates for departing Australia superannuation payments (DASP) from 1 April 2009.

On 11 March 2009, the Tax Office announced that, in response to industry feedback, the first scheduled statement date (due date) for lodgment and payment of temporary resident obligations is 15 June 2009.

In future, the due dates will be 30 April and 31 October, to align with existing unclaimed super money reporting obligations.



Commentary:
The Australian Financial Review (AFR) reported recently that the federal government was about to seize the superannuation balances of foreign temporary workers. Here's what the AFR said: "Budget to grab $800m from super funds... After the initial payment in June, super funds will be required to hand over their obligations from temporary residents twice a year, in April and October."
The super balances in question belong to people that have come to Australia, worked for a period of time, paid taxes, received superannuation contributions from their employer, and then left the country to return home.

The AFR reports, if these foreign workers want their property back: "Members will be able to claim their savings from the ATO, but from this month former temporary residents will have to pay withholding tax of up to 45 per cent, up from 40 per cent previously."