Part 2:<p>The advantages of the temporary work (skilled) visa (457) is:<p>(1) Easier to obtain than 189, (2) Cheap and quick (within 6-8 weeks),  (3) No skills assessment, (4) lower English requirements, (5) you have 90 days to find a new employer if you lose your job, (6) employer may be able to sponsor you for a permanent visa after a while.<p>I think this visa is much better than equivalent visas in other countries.<p>The disadvantages of this visa is:<p>1. You have to get private medical care (can be expensive)<p>2. Private medical care has some waiting time (<i>big</i> problems if you get pregnant within 12 months of entering Australia)<p>3. Employers have to be recognized by DIBP (only larger well established companies)<p>4. Employers must do market testing and prove that they cannot fill the position with an Australian citizen (less jobs)<p>PS: There are other variations on these visa schemes. For instance, if you get state sponsorship, you can apply for a 190 visa (and receive more points). There are other visa classes for recent graduates (485). There is also working holiday visa (417). The impression that I get however is that 90% of people either start with a 457 or 189 visa.<p>PPS: I encourage you to do a skills assessment to check if you qualify for a 189 visa. Here is the test: <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.harriswake.com&#x2F;skillselectpointscalculator" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.harriswake.com&#x2F;skillselectpointscalculator</a><p>For job search sites, use indeed.au and seek.au. Note that most jobs do not sponsor 457 visas.<p>Also, all jobs on <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.austjobs.com&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.austjobs.com&#x2F;</a> sponsor visas.<p>PPPS: Forgot to add: Melbourne is (IMHO) much better to live in than in Sydney. Both are large cities (4 million+), but the cost of living in Melbourne (rent) is much lower. See here: <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;goo.gl&#x2F;pCwKNO" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;goo.gl&#x2F;pCwKNO</a>