Dear All,

I'm getting confused about all kind of visas. Currently i'm working as a restaurant and catering manager under a 457 business visa (in NSW). The visa has been granted 10dec 2006 and i started to work 2 jan 2007. This means I have been working more than 2 years under the 457 visa.

I would like to apply for PR. Now they took off Restaurant and catering manager off the skilled list (25-03-2008). what are my current options as I would like to start a 'real' life here in Australia!?
I vaguely know there is difference in PR and Sponsered PR, but if sponsered pr is the only solution, how much longer do i have to stay with the company as i would like to change.

Please help me with my case.

Thanks!

To best of my knowledge, the 457 pathway to PR was that you could become eligible to apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa[121/886] - http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/1131.pdf and have a look from about page 15.

There are eligibility criteria and mention of the nominated occupation being on the SOL and as you've indicated your occupation is now gone from there.

I think the best thing you can do is contact the department and see whether they are making allowances for people like yourself who have been granted a 457 only to see your pathway to PR possibly disappear.

I can understand your disappointment with that occurring and it does seem unfair, though do steel yourself for immi to proclaim that no guarantee is given for people to progress from a 457 to PR and that SOL is reviewed to reflect demand situations.

Good Luck.