Hi

I am currently on a 457 visa. I have another offer at a company which I am keen on.

This company will sponsor my PR after my probation. I need to know, do I still need to get my skills assessed if the company does a ENS.

This company will also cover the cost of my medical aid for my entire family until we get PR. Is this to my benefit in terms of Tax or will I have to pay FBT on it.

There are 3 ways to get an ENS visa:-

1. Earn a really high salary - used to be $150k and up; or
2. Have your skills assessed; or
3. Work in the nominated occupation for 2 years with at least 12 months with the sponsoring employer, while on a 457 (or similar) visa.

So if option 1 is out and option 2 is too difficult, then your only other option is satisfy the requirements of option 3 which if you have been here a year already just means to transfer to the new employer, work for them a year and then you are eligible for ENS.

However option 2 may well be easiest dependent on your line of work. Mine was as simple as getting a certified copy of my qualifications and sending them off to Engineers Australia along with $300 !