jrmurray1108 Posted September 11, 2013 Share Posted September 11, 2013 (edited) Hi All, Having used the site and read hundreds of posts I thought I would do my bit and start a thread on my Visa journey. I found the posts informative and helpful and hope mine might be of use to people as we progress through the process. So after months of research we took the plunge today and started the process from scratch. We are doing this ourselves and not using an immigration agent. A little bit about me... I am 33 (I know, a year to late!) I have been a restaurant manager since 2003, before that I was a mechanic in the army. I have trade qualifications as a mechanic but none for my current role other than on-job qualifications. I am married with 2 kids and my wife is a chef, although I will be making the primary application We first tried to get job sponsorship on a 457 visa but found this time consuming, long winded and often very difficult to get anywhere. When employers did get back to us it was to tell me that yes my CV is great but couldn't offer me a position 'sight unseen' and to get in touch when I land. After a few months of this we decided to go it alone. So we are going for either a 190 or a 489 visa. Which one will be decided on our skills assessment result and IELTS score. I am doing IELTS because I want as many points as I can get, here is my estimation of points 25 - Age 20 - Language (I need to score 8+ for superior IELTS) 15 - over 8 years of skilled employment (subject to positive skills assessment) 5/10 - state nomination depending on visa As you can see we are sailing pretty close to the wind. We need a top scoring skills assessment and a top scoring IELTS to get in without state sponsorship but have a buffer with so we should be good. Today I submitted my skills assessment with VETASSESS. We also applied for the points test advisory and because I have had 5 jobs in the last 10 years we were charged an extra $350 do get the skills recognised. In total the cost for the assessment was $930 (about £550 at todays exchange rate) I will send off all the paperwork today and keep you posted. To let you know what is included in the paperwork I have sent Passport copy 2 Photo's A list of all qualifications and certificates, licenses etc CV in VETASSESS format Employment references with dates, salary, hours from all employers Copy of job descriptions Copy of payslip, P60 Anything not original needs to be certified, I had mine done from a friend who works for LLoydsTSB as a personal banking manager. Also today I paid for my IELTS test. This is booked for 12th October. Will let you know how it goes. Cost for this was £135 So in summary I spent almost £700 today and am just starting out. Will post every time something changes, in the meantime feel free to give/ask for any advice Cheers Jay & Heather Edited September 11, 2013 by jrmurray1108 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dugles Posted September 11, 2013 Share Posted September 11, 2013 Sounds great, Wish you luck dear poms in the land of kangaross.... Please , you follow some issue or forums related Vetassess processing times ...so that you may by this way become aware about the timelines of Vetassess to process the applications in your occupation. Have you gone through the state websites to check the availability of your nominated occupation ? Better you checked it regularly to keep you update regarding the current and may be future criteria for you to be eligible. Some states for 489 like NSW regional bodies , they may accept the state regional 489 application prior to your assessment. Search and contact them 190 is better , but if not qualified, 489 is the best route to land in Australia. Regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrmurray1108 Posted October 29, 2013 Author Share Posted October 29, 2013 Not updated for a while so here is the latest.... Completed IELTS on 12th October, got results on 25th October Reading 8.5 Listening 8.5 Writing 8.0 Speaking 9.0 Overall 8.5 Still no news from Vetassess and we are 7 weeks in, emailed them for an update and got the standard response 'your application is currently being processes' The bad news however is that as of yesterday the WA sponsorship list changed and my job (141111 Café/Restaurant manager) has now been removed! This means my only options now are Northern Territory or to look for an employer who will provide sponsorship on a 457 visa. Not happy.... Will update again if anything changes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul Senise Posted October 29, 2013 Share Posted October 29, 2013 Good luck with your application but just curious as to what qualifications you are using for your Vetassess skills application as a Restaurant Manager? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrmurray1108 Posted October 29, 2013 Author Share Posted October 29, 2013 (edited) Hi, Thanks.. For my Vetassess I have not submitted any 'relevant' qualifications. I was originally a vehicle technician until I changed careers. I submitted these qualifications anyway in case I can get the extra points for study but highly doubtful. I am currently studying for a BA(Hons) in Hospitality Business Management with a foundation degree in Managing in Service industries (should be handy as back up) My Vetassess however, is experience based. I have over 10 years experience in restaurant, bars, clubs and casino's. Having spoke to Vetassess prior to applying, 3 years experience is sufficient to substitute for any formal qualifications and should yield a positive outcome providing my references and evidence stack up. I have also submitted a number of trade qualifications, certificates and licenses as well as a personal development I have done including a level 4 (equivalent) certificate from the Institute of Leadership and Management Cheers Edited October 29, 2013 by jrmurray1108 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxlornaxx Posted October 29, 2013 Share Posted October 29, 2013 Very interesting posts..not similar fo my position really as im a nurse but its nice to read about your journey step by step..we can all learn things from each other and I love hearing other ppls stories..keep us updated and good luck x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lacemail Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Hi Jay I just wanted to say that I really feel for you. My husband is also a restaurant manager and we were just waiting for his IELTS score to come through before making our application. We just cannot believe that now when we finally got so close, it was taken off the list. We actually live in Australia and have been facing these sort of disappointments time and time again for the past 6 years One of the most frustrating things, is that they used up a spot on the list for Retail Manager, when this is not even a sponsorable occupation (it is not on the CSOL). They had to take it off the list on Monday due to this error. This morning I complained to the WA Migration office, as this spot may well have taken the place of my husband's occupation. Anyway, best of luck to you and god help us all!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrmurray1108 Posted November 6, 2013 Author Share Posted November 6, 2013 Thanks Lacemail, We thought there was no way it would come off as it was still 'available' when the list changed. What are you guys going to do then if you are already there, I hope you have some other options.... The most annoying thing is the amount of money we have already spent. Perhaps they should accept applications based on the date vetassess or IELTS was applied for given how long things take. Looks like we are just gonna have to sit it out until (if) it comes back on the list Best wishes Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lacemail Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Thanks for your reply Jay. I know what you mean about the expense! We were living in Sydney, but moved to Perth a couple of months ago, so that my husband could secure the job offer that he would have needed. He found work and it looks as though his employer will probably sponsor him, but it will take time and we have had such bad luck with lists changing etc that we have become pretty disillusioned! Have you not considered coming here on another type of visa to test the water? I am not sure of your age or nationality, but maybe you could come on a working holiday or student visa and try to find a sponsor. It certainly is not easy and can be quite a gamble, but finding a sponsorship in this area from abroad would be very difficult indeed. Yes, praying that Restaurant Manager will be added to the list, but I guess that won't be a possibility for 12 months and who knows what will happen with the criteria changes before then! Like you, I also looked at the Northern Territory, but their criteria are pretty rigid Well, all the best to you. I will keep my ear to the ground and if I hear of any possible opporunities for you here, i'll be in touch. Times like this are pretty depressing, but Perth is lovely! Don't give up on the dream! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrmurray1108 Posted November 6, 2013 Author Share Posted November 6, 2013 We were going to just come over bit we have 2 kids and it would be a massive gamble. We are from the Uk but I'm 33 so no WH visa available. We looked at NT but have to have a minimum of $60k in the bank, if I had that lying around I'd be happy anywhere lol. did you guys go over on a 457 visa initially then, I have considered sponsorship but it seems just as problematic at the end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lacemail Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 We have been on every visa under the sun I came over on a WHV. Have had two student visas and am now on a graduate 485 visa that expires in June. I can imagine that it must be terribly hard if you have kids. I know what you mean about sponsorship. Some call it the 'slave' visa. Also, I guess there is always the risk that it could come off the CSOL before you can be sponsored for PR and you are very much at the mercy of your employer. Cafe/Restaurant Manager was on the State Priority Occupation List (although it was schedule 3), so at least there is still a skills shortage. At least with IELTS and skills assessments done, we will be ready to make an application right away if it ever does make it back on the list. Fingers crossed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJuk Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 I wish I'd of joined this site sooner and learnt this information, I've just signed up to an advanced diploma in hotel & hospitality management to help me with a restaurant manager job to enable me to gain sponsorship and now it's been removed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrmurray1108 Posted November 25, 2013 Author Share Posted November 25, 2013 Quick Update - Vetassess! E-mailed them last night to chase up my result. It has been 11 weeks and the website is now quoting 8-10 weeks. Had the following response this morning "In response to your query regarding the status of your application with VETASSESS, we apologise for the delay in processing your case and any inconvenience this has caused, however, your case is now being treated with priority. An assessment officer may contact you via email to notify you if further documents and/or information is required. If the documents are complete, all attempts will be made to try to complete your case within a couple of weeks. If there are any changes to your contact details (name, address or telephone number), please inform VETASSESS as soon as possible. This will prevent communication delays." It appears that my application hasn't even passed anybody's desk yet! Very frustrating considering the cost and the fact that while it is sat in somebody's in tray my chances of migration are getting slimmer by the day! Time for more waiting it seems! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Grey Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 It appears that my application hasn't even passed anybody's desk yet! Very frustrating considering the cost and the fact that while it is sat in somebody's in tray my chances of migration are getting slimmer by the day! Time for more waiting it seems! This is a common story and one of the most frustrating things about the Australian immigration system. A lot of industry professionals are now complaining that there's too many changes to the law and occupation lists made without a decent notice period. As the process takes so long to complete it leaves thousands in a position where they've expended a lot of money and no longer have a viable option. Theres also no need for it to take so long as in most circumstances it's not a difficult assessment to make. For the amount that is being charged the service standard should be much, much higher. You might want to consider the Employer Nomination Scheme - Direct Entry for an employer-sponsored visa with far more stability than the 457. Hope it works out for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrmurray1108 Posted November 26, 2013 Author Share Posted November 26, 2013 Just a quick post, sent an email of complaint to Vetassess yesterday about the delays. Had an email straight back from a team leader saying that my application would be processed within 3 days. Woke up this morning and looks like the assessment has been completed "Your application for the Skills Recognition - General Occupations has been completedand the result letter has been sent out by the selected mail service. Please note that VETASSESS cannot disclose the outcome over the phone or email and therefore you are requested to wait until you receive the outcome letter" Just need to wait for the results nonow fingers crossed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrmurray1108 Posted November 28, 2013 Author Share Posted November 28, 2013 Got the results..... Negative! looks like thats the end of it, I haven't had the letter yet but will assume as my qualifications don't match that is the reason. A bit frustrating but rules are rules. Wish I'd spent the money on a holiday :-D i thought having read the DIPB website I wouldn't need to show any formal qualifications as I have over 10 years experience "Skill level This occupation has a level of skill commensurate with an AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)." Oh well, another 4 years in UK until I finish my degree. will post the outcome letter when it lands Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 Got the results..... Negative! looks like thats the end of it, I haven't had the letter yet but will assume as my qualifications don't match that is the reason. A bit frustrating but rules are rules. Wish I'd spent the money on a holiday :-D i thought having read the DIPB website I wouldn't need to show any formal qualifications as I have over 10 years experience "Skill level This occupation has a level of skill commensurate with an AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)." Oh well, another 4 years in UK until I finish my degree. will post the outcome letter when it lands If you read the vetassess website, this occupation is category C which means at least a diploma level is required for a successful skills assessment. Did you submit details of a diploma level qualification (even if not related)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrmurray1108 Posted November 28, 2013 Author Share Posted November 28, 2013 If you read the vetassess website, this occupation is category C which means at least a diploma level is required for a successful skills assessment. Did you submit details of a diploma level qualification (even if not related)? Hi Rupert, I have a level 4 certificate in management issued by ILM, same level/equivalent to a foundation degree. I also submitted my qualifications as a mechanic, no idea what either equate to Australia wise. Thought it would be enough but obviously not. I returned to uni last year anyway do complete a BA hons in hospitality management. Looks like I'll have to sit it out and re-apply then. to be fair our options were limited at best anyway with only NT having 141111 on its SMOL, I wouldn't be surprised to see it removed on the next update. Thanks Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul Senise Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 (edited) Negative! looks like thats the end of it, I haven't had the letter yet but will assume as my qualifications don't match that is the reason. A bit frustrating but rules are rules. Wish I'd spent the money on a holiday :-D i thought having read the DIPB website I wouldn't need to show any formal qualifications as I have over 10 years experience The problem is that the DIBP website is a guide only and unfortunately the information cannot always be relied on. Also the requirements will vary between Assessing Authorities and may bear no relation to Immigration requirements. This occupation has a level of skill commensurate with an AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)." Again this is the requirements under ANZSCO which depending on the situation and visa many not be relevant to either the Assessing Authority requirements of even Immigration requirements. It looks like you were given bad advice by Vetassess as per your earlier post. Hi, Having spoke to Vetassess prior to applying, 3 years experience is sufficient to substitute for any formal qualifications and should yield a positive outcome providing my references and evidence stack up. Vetassess do not accept experience as a substitute for formal qualifications. Edited November 28, 2013 by Raul Senise Grammar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrmurray1108 Posted November 28, 2013 Author Share Posted November 28, 2013 Wouldn't it be great to have all the relevant/correct information in one place I will be back in 2016.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Grey Posted November 29, 2013 Share Posted November 29, 2013 I have a level 4 certificate in management issued by ILM, same level/equivalent to a foundation degree. I also submitted my qualifications as a mechanic, no idea what either equate to Australia wise. Thought it would be enough but obviously not. What was the length of study for your Level 4 Certificate? An Australia Diploma level qualification is roughly considered as needing 1 to 2 years tertiary study. Perhaps you could explore the possibility of undertaking a diploma level course that would give you some module exemptions through Recognition of Prior Learning? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheva Posted December 9, 2013 Share Posted December 9, 2013 Sorry to hear that jrmurray, we are in a similar boat. My wife was about to apply under Restaurant manager, was just about to transfer the first payment to our MA then we heard that it had got taken off the list. We have a similar number of years experience as you, (I was a bar manager but now a photographer, not on the list also) and we both have tourism management degrees. I presumed this would count but maybe VETASSESS is harsher than I thought. So its just waiting until it comes back on then I suppose. Fingers crossed, good luck with your studies and lets hope it comes through for all of us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrmurray1108 Posted December 9, 2013 Author Share Posted December 9, 2013 Hi Cheva, thanks. Adam- Sound and relevant advice, thanks Have had the result back since I last posted. My experience was fine, but my qualifications weren't at a high enough level. Had I had an actual degree then I would have passed regardless of the subject. The outcome letter stated if the degree is not relevant then 3 years experience would substitute providing the degree is at the appropriate level. From what my results read you should be Ok with a tourism management degree providing your experience is sound I am awaiting for some documents from ILM as my certificate from them is equivalent to a 'level 4 foundation degree' which is supposedly enough. Vetassess didn't recognise this though. Either way I am part way through another degree anyway so will see where the land lies when I finish. Who know, the list may change many times by then. I hope you get a positive result and wish you both all the best... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dten133 Posted December 10, 2013 Share Posted December 10, 2013 hey all just had a read through this post and it seems we're all in the same boat - god damn immigration! im on a 457 in the NT at the moment as a cafe/restaurant manager - as i saw in a post earlier - the slave visa - TRUE! trying to get PR is just not easy! I have over 5 years experience and like others, read certain info that suggested this could be sufficient as I don't have the relevant qualification. I used the VetAssess 'advisory service' - which they have now stopped doing! - and was told i still needed a relevant qualification at Aus diploma level! I actually was going to try for WA to get a visa but seeing now they have removed the occupation from the list it looks like that's no longer an option! I have a friend who has jsut received PR visa in QLD - I didn't think she had qualifications so if I can find out any info off her I will repost! Good luck to you all, I know exactly how frustrating this whole business is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrmurray1108 Posted December 13, 2013 Author Share Posted December 13, 2013 What was the length of study for your Level 4 Certificate? An Australia Diploma level qualification is roughly considered as needing 1 to 2 years tertiary study. Perhaps you could explore the possibility of undertaking a diploma level course that would give you some module exemptions through Recognition of Prior Learning? Hi Adam, (or anyone) Checked with ILM and got the following regarding the level of my certificate Qualification Middle manager Level 4/5Award Certificate and Diploma in Leadership and Management Equivalent Level The first year of an under-graduate degree Certificate of Higher Education HNCs BTEC Professional Diplomas Certificates and Awards NVQs at level 4 Do you think this is a high enough level and worth appealing with support/documents from ILM? thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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