Hiya,
Been lurking about in the forum for a few weeks, and finally taken the plunge and decided to register!
I have alot to say/ask- you have been warned haha!
Some of my post is student-related, but I thought I'd post it here because I also have quite a few general questions!
Regarding the visa, I'm going to apply for a student one (VET- 572). I don't know where to start! I know it's all on
Department of Immigration and Citizenship but I need help deciphering it... I want to apply ASAP. Obviously I need my certificates etc, but do I need to have a medical/proof of medical history? And what do the 'assessment levels' mean? Is that just an indication of how long the application could take to process or does this indicate certain things you do/don't need? I'd love to hear of some people's experience with visas, specifically this one! Also, once I get this visa, does it last the whole duration of the course (2 years)? Or do I need to reapply each year? The course starts in January, so would the visa allow me to arrive in say November/December? After my course has finished, is it easy enough to switch to a working visa or do I need to leave the country for a certain period and re-enter later?
I've applied and been accepted for an advanced diploma in business management (so basically TAFE), but not at TAFE, but at a college which targets mainly international students. I'm pretty sure it's best to go there, because it's cheaper than the TAFE in my family's town (that and their TAFE doesn't offer exactly the same course), but what do you guys think? I mean, it's the same wherever you go, just from an independent college as opposed to TAFE?
At the end of the 2 years, I can transfer into 2nd year of university. However, is it possible after those 2 years to find a job with just that advanced diploma under my belt? I know it's not the same as going out for a job after graduating uni, but could I still find a half-decent job? I'm still in two minds about whether to even go to university, since it's a fair bit of money, or settle down into a job and work my way up. Bear in mind I'm not somebody who's into making lots of money, and as long as I am content with life, I don't need a high-power/stressful job- or the debt that uni will probably bring me.
Is it difficult to find a part-time job? Obviously I can only work a max of 20 hours a week term-time, so do employers find that offputting? Is it difficult to get any other job besides retail/food industry with those type of hours? And I realise I have to wait until I start the course before I can apply for permission to work, so how long does that take?
This next section applies to those residing in Sydney- or those who know the place well! Accommodation won't be that much of a problem for me, because as I already mentioned, I have family there. However, I think I might just crash at theirs for a few months while I find my feet and maybe find a place of my own, since they live in the western suburbs and my college is central sydney (though I don't mind commuting). What kind of price (min to max) can I expect to pay on rent per week/per month in a shared house? I know it will vary between suburbs... but I'm thinking more western suburbs and inner west.
Sorry, wrote quite alot... and to be honest, I have more questions, but they've slipped my mind for the moment. Thanks for reading and hope to hear from y'all soon
to pio
