What are the 1st steps for a teacher wanting to get Visa 457 in WA?

[Guest garyjames9]

Hi,

 

I am a secondary school teacher in the UK, with 8 years teaching experience, 4 years of private tutoring experience, and 3 years business experience. I am also a fully authorised Corporate Finance Adviser and Bookkeeper in the UK.

 

My PGCE subject is Economics and Business Studies. My 4 year degree subject is Business Studies. In the last 4 years I have taught mainly Mathematics.

 

In short, I would like to teach Mathematics or Business Studies (or Accounting) in a rural or remote location in Western Australia.

I have read the details about visa 457 on the Department of Immigration website. I accept all of the terms and conditions.

 

I have also read information about the Department of Education in Western Australia and their ability to sponsor teachers from the UK under the 457 visa scheme.

 

As background to my time-scale, I have had my teaching qualifications assessed by Teaching Australia (in November 2007). I have passed the IELTS test with an overall score of 8.5 (with a score of over 7.0 in all 4 areas) (in September 2007). And I am 34 years of age (35 in January 2009).

 

But I am not sure as to what are the 1st steps for a teacher in applying for this visa?

 

Do I simply ask the Department of Education in Western Australia to sponsor me? (And if so, how long does it take to get a final decision? And what information do you need to send in order for them to be able to make an informed decision as to whether to sponsor you or not? Is there a special form to fill out for this type of request?)

 

And who sends the final application form to the Department of Immigration? (Is it the Department of Western Australia acting as sponsor? Or do I send the form with some kind of supporting letter from the Department of Education showing their willingness to sponsor me?)

 

Any advice from anyone with experience in this domain (particularly from a teacher who has successfully been through this process) would be greatly appreciated.

 

Kind Regards,

Gary