Hi there
I too was a bit worried when I looked into going to Oz.
I was 43 just before Christmas, leaving me not much time when it comes to
PR. I chose to go down the Student visa route. The course I'm doing is in Melbourne - Patisserie cook - but although it's over two years, I intend to complete in just 16months. My agent advised me that this would give me enough time to apply for
PR before becoming too old.
There are only a few courses that have the option of acceleration, not sure which.
I started enquiries in Jan 07 and sit here waiting for my passport to come back stamped. I sent it off once the meds had been completed last Thurs ( as requested by High Commission in London) I have gathered together as much info as would be necessary for
PR - this I'll do once I've completed my course - so that I have everything ready when I need it.
Yes, it's cost alot of money, but like others have said, I want to live the dream and to that means making a few sacrifices. I don't consider them to be sacrifices... My children are grown up, I've done what I can do in this country and want to change my horizons.
I am at present a Human Resources Manager, but have only a couple of years exp. I have a degree, but still don't have enough points for Skilled Visa. Thankfully my brother and his family live in Melbourne so I will have accommodation when I get there. (He emigrated 20yrs ago and has never looked back)
Having a very helpful agent behind me has helped enormously, can't say I would have attempted the paperwork with the professionals. Was shocked to know that the course I wanted to do starts in May, and hearing that in January made me ask questions; can this really be possible?? Well, here I am, house sold, bags packed, working my notice, waiting for the all important passport to come back so's I can book the tickets!
Ooh, it's so exciting, must admit though, I really feel for the guys who have to wait months for decisions to be made. Good luck guys!
Bizzilizzi