Australian Skilled Migration Visa - Megathread

DeclanClune

Immigration are now charging
50% of main applicant fee for partner
25% of main applicant fee for each child

for people under the 189 and 190 visa.

Thanks Declan

mightyabhabelle

Hi all,

I have my EOI in now for 10 days and believe the next you round of invites is 1st of October. Thought I was home and dry with 65 points and excellent references but it seems i was August they bumped the points up to 70 for a business analyst and take each case as it comes.

Does anyone know anything about this as It i was hoping to go out at Christmas for a holiday and to activate my PR visa.

Dont count your chicken does come to mind.

Regards M

john.co

mightyabhabelle wrote: »

Hi all,

I have my EOI in now for 10 days and believe the next you round of invites is 1st of October. Thought I was home and dry with 65 points and excellent references but it seems i was August they bumped the points up to 70 for a business analyst and take each case as it comes.

Does anyone know anything about this as It i was hoping to go out at Christmas for a holiday and to activate my PR visa.

Dont count your chicken does come to mind.

Regards M

For the most accurate information (ie straight from the horse's mouth) check out this page on the SkillSelect website:
http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/

Click on the Reports Tab and it gives information on the next round of offers - October 7th - as well as reports on previous rounds' offers (breakdown of points/occupations etc) and a list of those occupations that there will be a limit on the number of visas offered for this year. If you're applying under the occupation '2611 ICT Business and Systems Analysts' then you might be waiting awhile by the looks of things...

mightyabhabelle

thanks John... yes I just see that now and the six occupations... might be time to dust of the brick laying trowel lol. The points cut off are quite high and I am in the ICT Business and Systems Analysts section.

Is there any other options open to me or am I now in a waiting game.

thanks M

john.co

Hi M,

Honestly not sure how they're dealing with visa applications for these six Occupations - all I can find is the quote "Due to the continuing high numbers of EOIs received for the following six occupations, invitations for these occupations will be issued on a pro rata basis in each twice monthly invitation round over the remainder of the program year" I can only assume that this means that they'll divide up the total number of visa applications (Occupation ceiling) for these occupations across all the invitation rounds for 2013/14 rather than issue all the invitations in the next round.

How you could increase your chances of being invited I'm not sure. I imagine trying to increase your points would definitely help (obviously!). Have you considered doing the IELTS or applying for a State Sponsored visa (Subclass 190 - extra 5 points).

I could be completely wrong on all of the following but here's my view on the situation...
It seems like in the last round, 16th Sept. 2013, for Occupation ID 2611 ICT Business and Systems Analysts, the last person offered an invitation to apply had 65 points and had their Expression of Interest lodged a month earlier on 13th August 2013 at 11:22pm. So obviously having your EOI in as soon as possible increases your chances, and remember you can add to your points total if you can gain any more, (but this resets your EOI submission date which shouldn't be a problem if you're increasing your points.)
From the Occupation Ceilings list, it seems that there are 1,380 visa invites on offer for this occupation with 998 already invited. That would leave 382 invites remaining for the rest of the year - dividing this out pro-rata (if this is what they mean) leaves 382 invites over 9 months til next July with two rounds per month - about 21 invites per round.

Can't offer any more advice really but it looks like that's a competitive occupation to be applying for. Perhaps talking to a good Migration Agent might offer some other avenues or maybe even research if your qualifications/experience would cover a visa application under a different but similar category (not sure about this one, who knows you might have to get assessed by different body etc).

Best of luck mate!

mightyabhabelle

Hi John...

That's great information altogether. Can't believe there was that many applications in 3 months but this category actually encompasses a broad range of IT skills. I have put in for the 189 and the 190 is possible if i Dont get a 189 independent miss. I have went through a migration agency who I have found to be really good and on the ball but I like to always double check myself.
Is there a big issue in getting the state sponsored visa and jumping state as I gather it had all the same entitlements as Independent one but you have to work in a specified state... So is this enforced...

Best regards Mick

john.co

Have no experience of the Subclass 190 visa (State sponsored) so anything I know has been picked up from friends or while researching when applying for my own visa.
From what I gather, you get to pick which State (or all states) you apply for when submitting your EOI - this will gain you another 5 points (increasing your chances of getting an invite to apply). A bit of research on this one might be useful - seeing what the job market is like in the particular state etc, realistically you might already have a city in mind that you want to settle in, so picking NSW or VIC would offer opportunities in Sydney or Melbourne. Two years fly over here, by the time you've settled in and got on your feet, so the visa isn't really that restrictive.
With the current government and media focus on immigration and visas, I really can't comment on how likely they are to clamp down on people 'jumping state' as you put it but I honestly don't think it's worth the risk - you'll have invested a lot of time and money in getting the visa, I wouldn't jeopardise it by breaking the restrictions on the visa. Employers could be concerned if everything isn't above board (some are really skittish about any visa issues) and you can work in any area/career once you're here.
It's worth noting that this visa is processed as (more of) a priority over the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa (see here: Allocation Dates for General Skilled Migration Applications ) meaning that once you're given an invitation to apply you'll be assigned a Case Officer quicker - within 5 weeks as opposed to 8 weeks. If your visa application is ready to go then this could result in a quick turnaround and decision.

DeclanClune

Hi guys,

Just in my experience, we lodged an application fro a software engineer applying for a 189 independent visa last week and teh time waiting for EOI was 3 days so it is hard to be definitive about how long you could be waiting for your EOI.

Regards,
Declan

mightyabhabelle

Thanks again John. Great advice on not jumping state due to the investment I will be making in moving out there. You are 100%.. Not the best way to lay down new roots lol..

@Declan ...

Had to edit this Declan as I thought it was your own applications but I see you are a specialist in this area. Can you tell me the ICT class that it was accesed for and how many points it had. I think I was in just about for the last round but didn't hear anything. I am really hoping I get a shout next week but its the 189 permanent that I am in for on 65 points. Funny enough but its software development and coding that I am doing at the moment back where I started but I have a lot of BA experience also and was accessed as that.

I take it you can't see the waiting list anywhere can you

Regards Mick

DeclanClune

Hi Mick,

On review of the specific application, the occupation is Software Engineer and he had 70 points so the high points is the reason for the application being selected so quickly.

We always push our applicants to secure as many points as possible for this very reason.

Hope that is of some help.
Declan

chappy79x

i have no info to add to the mountain of info that is here , i m just amazed at the level of info, help and kind words offered to good honest people trying to make a fresh start , from good honest people . Does the heart good to see this rather than nasty put downs that we see on a regular basis on the web.

The amount of info has fried my brain trying to take it all in , but its with a heavy heart that that i have to admit that my dream of heading over to work in and see oz has started and ended here. Gutted as this was something i would have loved to have done.

I tip my hat in respect to all the people with your endless well of info and willingness to help those starting out on your adventure, and to those starting out on that adventure i wish all the luck in the world and hope its eveything ye hope it is.

I hope this post is not out of place here, and of course if needs be please feel free to move or be removed if needs be .

mightyabhabelle

Nice post Chappy. Just wondering why your dream has ended.. Did you get shot down or what happened.. If I'm not being to nosey that is.. Regards M

chappy79x

Not being nosey at all belle, no harm in asking a question, a quiet child never got any sweets lol. ok break out the violins i ll keep this brief, don t want to take from this thread.
Wanted to head over to work on the gas lines with a friends that are over there already but was offered a job that was "safe" and i loved doing. Was left go from "safe" job 6 months ago and am now too old for work hol visa, don t have enough if any of the needed qualifications , and with sponsorship like hens teeth , walking to the north pole with a picnic basket in shorts and a t-shirt would have a better outcome lol such is life sometimes, ya live and learn.

mightyabhabelle

Anyone any luck on the latest round of offers assuming they are out. I heard nothing so I guess I need to light bigger candles :-(.. Rgds M

paulshan

got offered last tuesday so ive lodge my residency application. booked in to do the medical tomorrow, all i have to do is wait for my application to be processed, hopefully it wont take to long. I know its different for every one but how long do you usually be waiting??

Slideways

I've been told 6-8 weeks before a case officer is assigned

mightyabhabelle

paulshan wrote: »

got offered last tuesday so ive lodge my residency application. booked in to do the medical tomorrow, all i have to do is wait for my application to be processed, hopefully it wont take to long. I know its different for every one but how long do you usually be waiting??

Hi Paul.. Just wondering that was the skillset you applied under.. The visa type and points you had. Also where you waiting long.

All the best M

birthmother

Hi M, We started this process in Jan and as i said before got stung by a so called visa expert, so decided to do it ourselves and because we are near the upper age bracket we had to get ss with southern inland NSW. The time period was as follows ACS system admin sent in March got positive result end of may, sat the ielts on 22 june and got overall 8, then all states were closed for system admin except NT but you needed aus 65,000 in your bank acc (which we didnt have) so just waited to see what would happen. Southern inland NSW opened their new system on the 26th july(applied straight away) and were taking applications for system admin (they closed it on the 3rd october) you have to apply online and wait for an invitation to apply, we waited 6 weeks and thought we were not going to get it but we got the invite and all your documents have to be sent by post to them. Posted them 21st september and on friday morning with got ss and and invite from DIAC to apply for visa so happy days for us i hope, we will lodge our application in the next few days and we havent told anyone yet that we are doing as we want to wait to see if we would get the visa first not even our children. If you need any help PM me and i will try my best to answer any questions you have.
Regards M

mightyabhabelle

Hi Birthmother,

delighted for you... talk about a close shave. Yes the age is hitting me to and its a killer... sitting on 65 points and no offers... but I am hoping for a bit of Irish luck to get me to Australia so I wont give up yet.

All the best M

paulshan

Mighty,

I done my english test and skills assesment, think i have 70 points, i lodged it in 5 days before the first round of selection and got selected first time. i now have lodged my application for PR so im just playing the waiting game, which is easyer said than done.!!

cman101

Bit of help/ advice please

Im a quantity surveyor 27 years old , my occupation is on skills list. Im looking into migration to oz with my girlfriend (childcare worker 29 old) and my 1 year old son.

Question is i see visas 189 and 190 seems to be my only option , which ones is easier to get??

Also am i right in saying the following points are correct

Age 25-32 is 30 points
English say 10 points (need to sit test) how long are the results valid after you do test?
work outside oz should have 5 years so 10 points (does pre graduation work qualify for this??
education. I have a bachelors degree in Quantity surveying (does a irish degree allow me the 15 points ??
partner ; 5 points just need to check if here degree covers the points.

Really appreciate if someone could give me some clear/correct answers to the above.as im desperate to get the process started .

paulshan

Cman

i to am a Quantity surveyor, with 2 years experience out here.Im going for the 189 visa. for the skills assesment i sent my degree from back home (which should give you 15 points) and two references from wrk to prove that i have being working as a qs for the last two years. once sent to the AIQS in canberra my skills were approved in about a week. I also done the english test, got 10 points from it, dont take it for granted, i done a small bit of study for it but should of done more. its a bit tricky. i think the results are valid for 2 years but i could be wrong. Not to sure if pre graduation work will qualify for this, im nearly certain its post qualification. to check your points check out the Australian immigration website.

I started my PR on the 1/8/2013. got the birth cert, college results/degress and gara clearence from back home, booked the english test, got the skills assesment, police clearence and have done the medical yesterday. i got through the first round of skills selection last week and my PR application has been lodged since last thursday. I put my mind to it and its only taken me 2.5 months to lodge it, all i have to do now is wait for the important email or phone call to say im a resident , but i dunno how long that will take.!!

cman101

paulshan wrote: »

Cman

i to am a Quantity surveyor, with 2 years experience out here.Im going for the 189 visa. for the skills assesment i sent my degree from back home (which should give you 15 points) and two references from wrk to prove that i have being working as a qs for the last two years. once sent to the AIQS in canberra my skills were approved in about a week. I also done the english test, got 10 points from it, dont take it for granted, i done a small bit of study for it but should of done more. its a bit tricky. i think the results are valid for 2 years but i could be wrong. Not to sure if pre graduation work will qualify for this, im nearly certain its post qualification. to check your points check out the Australian immigration website.

I started my PR on the 1/8/2013. got the birth cert, college results/degress and gara clearence from back home, booked the english test, got the skills assesment, police clearence and have done the medical yesterday. i got through the first round of skills selection last week and my PR application has been lodged since last thursday. I put my mind to it and its only taken me 2.5 months to lodge it, all i have to do now is wait for the important email or phone call to say im a resident , but i dunno how long that will take.!!

great info there, thanks. im applying from ireland, 2.5 months is good turn around. how much has it cost you to this point if ya dont mind me asking pm if ya want. did you do it yourself or are you getting an agent to do it?

i dont plan on going for a year or so. Also how is the QS work going out there what part you in ?

decoder

Hi folks,

I am fully qualified, primary teacher who trained in Ireland with a 2.1 3yr B.Ed degree from St. Pats. I am currently working in Sydney as a casual relief teacher for one school.

My enquiry basically is:

Has anybody managed to attain a state sponsored skilled visa from the Consolidated skills occupation list (with the same 3 year qualification as myself) ? There is literally no evidence anywhere and I am starting to wonder is it a myth. Primary school teacher is now on CSOL since July 1st making it available in WA and Vic.

If anyone knows of any concrete avenues I could explore I would appreciate any help. I have just begun my second WHV and am applying to catholic schools in the hope of getting sponsorship. However, I have never heard of this happening for anyone.

mandrake04

decoder wrote: »

Hi folks,

I am fully qualified, primary teacher who trained in Ireland with a 2.1 3yr B.Ed degree from St. Pats. I am currently working in Sydney as a casual relief teacher for one school.

My enquiry basically is:

Has anybody managed to attain a state sponsored skilled visa from the Consolidated skills occupation list (with the same 3 year qualification as myself) ? There is literally no evidence anywhere and I am starting to wonder is it a myth. Primary school teacher is now on CSOL since July 1st making it available in WA and Vic.

If anyone knows of any concrete avenues I could explore I would appreciate any help. I have just begun my second WHV and am applying to catholic schools in the hope of getting sponsorship. However, I have never heard of this happening for anyone.

I have heard of 2 teachers in Sydney being 457 sponsored in Sydney in Catholic schools one primary and one secondary.

If it's on Vic and WA CSOL then apply for State Sponsorship and maybe get a 190. There's an obligation to live in those states but it's only a moral one you could really work in any state if push came to shove.

As for getting a permanent job I hear there isn't really a huge shortage of primary teachers except in rural areas, I suppose being actually a catholic and concentrating on Catholic schools is an advantage.

Tandey

Hey guys, can someone tell me about this skilled sponsored or nominated(subclass 489) visa http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/index/visas/subclass-489/
Im an electrician..can get sponsored by a family member over here..im on the 417 visa atm...is their any problems applying for EOI while on this whv? I'm a little confused because it says on there under features This visa allows holders of provisional visa subclasses 495, 496, 475 and 487 to stay in Australia for up to 48 months from the date their current visa was granted, but doesn't mention the 417.

Would be grateful if someone could clear that up for me, thanks.

mandrake04

Tandey wrote: »

Hey guys, can someone tell me about this skilled sponsored or nominated(subclass 489) visa http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/index/visas/subclass-489/
Im an electrician..can get sponsored by a family member over here..im on the 417 visa atm...is their any problems applying for EOI while on this whv? I'm a little confused because it says on there under features This visa allows holders of provisional visa subclasses 495, 496, 475 and 487 to stay in Australia for up to 48 months from the date their current visa was granted, but doesn't mention the 417.

Would be grateful if someone could clear that up for me, thanks.

That's because 417 is a WHV and not a Provisional type visa.

You can definitely lodge an EOI for the 489 but you won't be given a bridging visa until you have been formally invited to apply and actually lodged/paid for an application.

Tandey

mandrake04 wrote: »

That's because 417 is a WHV and not a Provisional type visa.

You can definitely lodge an EOI for the 489 but you won't be given a bridging visa until you have been formally invited to apply and actually lodged/paid for an application.

Yes that is fine as long as i can apply for that visa...i think i might miss out on recieving a bridging visa, have about 3 and a half months left on current one(i know doing it all in a bit of a rush)..thinking about applying for a holiday visa for when the time comes to give me time to do the trade assessment if necessary. In the meantime ill be doing the medical check..ilets, police checks incase ive to return home.

mandrake04

Tandey wrote: »

Yes that is fine as long as i can apply for that visa...i think i might miss out on recieving a bridging visa, have about 3 and a half months left on current one(i know doing it all in a bit of a rush)..thinking about applying for a holiday visa for when the time comes to give me time to do the trade assessment if necessary. In the meantime ill be doing the medical check..ilets, police checks incase ive to return home.

Well once you have a skills assessment and IELTS you can register an EOI, but you would have to wait until you are invited to actually apply.

How long you wait for an invite could be weeks/months/years all depends on your points and whats happening with your occupation, Police Certs and medicals usually only last for a year and could be out of date before you get a chance to use them.

gareth33333

paulshan wrote: »

Cman

i to am a Quantity surveyor, with 2 years experience out here.Im going for the 189 visa. for the skills assesment i sent my degree from back home (which should give you 15 points) and two references from wrk to prove that i have being working as a qs for the last two years. once sent to the AIQS in canberra my skills were approved in about a week. I also done the english test, got 10 points from it, dont take it for granted, i done a small bit of study for it but should of done more. its a bit tricky. i think the results are valid for 2 years but i could be wrong. Not to sure if pre graduation work will qualify for this, im nearly certain its post qualification. to check your points check out the Australian immigration website.

I started my PR on the 1/8/2013. got the birth cert, college results/degress and gara clearence from back home, booked the english test, got the skills assesment, police clearence and have done the medical yesterday. i got through the first round of skills selection last week and my PR application has been lodged since last thursday. I put my mind to it and its only taken me 2.5 months to lodge it, all i have to do now is wait for the important email or phone call to say im a resident , but i dunno how long that will take.!!

hey man , fair play on getin the application lodged so quick, esp an you over there already. I have gone through the process for a189 visa , got an agent to do it for me up to now!.i got invited to apply last week , the agent wants another 700 euro to lodge the application !I think all the hard work is done , id like to get your opinion on whether I should lodge it myself.is it difficult to get it right?i have all the documents together now. cheers paul