oddball

If this is the case, then you need to contact your case officer (when you get one) and submit documentation including copies of the applications to the FBI, proof that you paid for the clearance, and any correspondence that have sent you. I know the processing time is 16+ weeks with the FBI at the moment which is ridiculous especially since they are utilising completely unreliable technology. It's entirely up to the case officer in cases like this.

wouldn't it be easier (and cheaper) to get a pre-pay visa debit card?

I had to get down to my undies. Doctor was totally considerate and professional and made me feel totally comfortable. No breast exam, but he felt for hernias.

Sorry if I'm stating the obvious, but have you looked here? http://www.qct.edu.au/registration/

Good for you guys. Providing your son is resilient, he should settle okay. It's about taking each day as it comes because no amount of preparation or research can really prepare you for the reality of moving across the world! If you drop the 'better life' line, people will undoubtedly pick at that. Life is what you make it, wherever you are. There are variables everywhere that can affect the overall quality. I think a positive attitude is crucial, and providing your family is on board with everything, then you should be sweet. It's not easy, and when the 'holiday' period ends, day-to-day life is much the same as it is anywhere. It's what you do with your extra time that could make your life better

If that is a one-year course (or part time equivalent) at university level, then yes. This being said, I just looked and you can do one in special educational needs, which may be more appropriate. This is where I would suggest the advice of an agent!

You can apply for an AFP check before you go. It's done online. She'll likely need a Working With Children check as well, which requires a photo to be taken and is done at most post offices in Australia.

Geordielass44, I am not convinced that is accurate. Perhaps you were told incorrectly or maybe AITSL has changed the guidelines since then. According to AITSL, you need either: 1) An initial teacher education qualification of at least one year full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at the higher education level that includes a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice with students in a school setting, and a formal post graduate qualification in special education of at least one year in duration at the higher education level following the completion of the initial teacher education qualification. Applicants relying on a postgraduate special education qualification to, in-part, meet the professional criterion must have completed a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice in a school setting as part of their initial teacher education qualification to meet the professional assessment criteria. OR 2) An undergraduate initial teacher education qualification with a specialisation in special education of at least one year full-time study (or part-time equivalent), at the higher education (university) level that includes a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice with students within a special education setting. The way I read it, you only need 45 days supervised teaching in a special education setting if you completed your teaching degree as an undergraduate degree. Obviously for both options, the applicant needs to have a full four years of university education, resulting in the equivalent of a bachelor degree, which conandviv obviously does. This means if you did a post-grad qualification in special education, your skills would likely be positively assessed. I know you're looking at a few different agents, which is a good idea! Best of luck

* Yes. * For the 489, you still need a job on the relevant skilled occupation list, which I don't think primary is at the moment. * I don't know enough about the 186 to comment, sorry What I do know is that you must be registered as a teacher with the TRB of the relevant state, if that helps. This can take quite awhile. * With regards to your hubby, maybe start a new thread with queries about his skills, skills assessment, and visa options. It will get more views as this thread specifically pertains to teaching. I'll be honest and say I don't know a lot about that occupation! In the short term, I think you should explore all options to see what gives you the best opportunity!

It doesn't really matter if your sister gets citizenship. In terms of sponsorship, a PR has the same rights. To be eligible for the 489 she would have to be living in what's considered to be a regional area (all of SA is). However, you would still need a positive skills assessment from AITSL. Even if you secure a post in Adelaide as a special needs educator, you still need the positive assessment from AITSL. What is your husband's career? Have you checked to see which states are sponsoring his job and under what conditions? This might be a better option!

There are minimum earning requirements for UK spousal visas (I think). Have you considered having your partner come over on a 2 year working holiday? Is he eligible? My partner is an Aussie in the UK, and he is really doing it tough at the moment. He makes less and the weather is horrible (compared to where his from from in Australia). I'm not advising against bringing him here, but it is a big adjustment, in my personal experience. I know that there are Aussies who just love it in the UK as well!

Yes, the teaching placements count. As far as I'm aware, the only state sponsoring primary school teachers (which you would likely get a positive skills assessment for) is WA, and you must have a job offer before they agree to sponsor. Considering Australia has a flood of unemployed primary teachers, the chances of this are slim. Have you considered going back to uni for one year to specialise in special needs? Does your partner have a job on the SOL or CSOL?

It sounds like this is the criteria from AITSL that could possible trip you up... "An initial teacher education qualification of at least one year full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at the higher education (university) level that includes a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice with students in a school setting, and a formal post graduate qualification in special education of at least one year in duration (full-time or part-time equivalent) at the higher education (university) level following the completion of the initial teacher education qualification. NOTE - Applicants relying on a postgraduate special education qualification to, in-part, meet the professional criterion must have completed a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice in a school setting as part of their initial teacher education qualification to meet the professional assessment criteria." It's the 'AND' in the above statement that is tricky. You need a one-year initial teaching training (including 45 days supervised teaching), AND a further one year at univeristy to specialise in special needs education. Unfortunately any qualifications earned outside/after university won't help you. AITSL are definitely in the business to make money, so they won't be dishing out any free advice. They'll just tell you to apply (which I realise is very unhelpful). When you say your PGCE included special needs training... was this a focus of your PGCE? Or did you just do a few units on it? For example, my undergraduate secondary teaching degree included special needs training, but by no means was this the focus of my degree. Also, during your PGCE, did you have 45 days supervised teaching? I know that primary teacher is on the CSOL at the moment, but I'm sure sure what states are sponsoring for that or under what conditions. Also- advice on a particular career from the DIBP should be taken with a pinch of salt, as AITSL are the ones who have the authority to grant the skills assessment which is required to apply, so their say is final.

Will you need a new passport soon anyway? I'm pretty sure that it's acceptable if they don't match up as long as you include your marriage certificate/deed poll. This could save you some time.

Also, I would look at getting your skills assessment through AITSL as soon as you can. It can take around ten weeks, and often takes longer if they request further documentation.