student visa worries

[lisa32]

Hi

We have spoken to an agent and have been advised to go for a student visa. My oh has a trade on the MODL but doesn't have 6 years work experience which the agent said he requires to gain a skilled visa. Is this correct?? Surely if his trade is in such high demand then companys would gladly employ him regardless? We were also told that if we go on a student visa both of us are only allowed to work 20 hours per week. Is there any way around this to at least let my oh work full time and me work 20 hours plus go to college?

thanks

lisa x

[PeakHillPossy]

We too have the same worries Lisa, in a similar position. My OH has 14 years experience in a mangerial role but does not have a degree so cannot get there on that. We have been advised to go the student route but are worried that with 2 children to support (teenagers) we may run out of money. Although it has been suggested that if he does a degree course I can work full time (whoopee doo!) no seriously I would work 2 jobs if it meant we could go! We are looking into it at the moment.
Jane xx

Hi Lisa

What does OH do & how many years experience does he have? Is a 457 sponsorship visa not a option for him.

Janette

[ali]

I'm afraid that's true of the student visa - during term time only 20 hours per week each, but also if you've got children you'll have to pay school fees. I'm sure I saw a post that Pathway D may reopen but I haven't followed that closely I'm afraid and don't know how soon that could be. A colleague of mine has a friend on a student visa and they're finding it a bit of a struggle financially.

Ali

[PeakHillPossy]

I think the last I saw was that they are going to make a decision on pathway D before July 1st 2008, but don't hold me to that, I think I saw it on the DIAC website?
Jane

Hi Jane

There was a member on here whos husband was a supermarket manager & managed to secure sponsorship with a supermarket over here. Just a thot for OH to contact companies in his field of work.

Janette

[Gollywobbler]

Hello Lisa 32

Welcome to Poms in Oz.

What exactly does OH do, please? Also, how old is he, please? And does he have any formal qualifications in his field, please?

If he is well under 45 then one option would be to stay in the UK until he has enough years of post qualification experience behind him. THis would be vastly cheaper than a Student Visa.

As Janette has said, another option may be an employer-sponsored work visa.

Whereabouts in Oz would you like to settle, please?

If you can answer my question, please, then between us we can give you more help.

Best wishes

Gill

[ally/nigel]

Hi Gill,
Thanks for your reply. You've given me alot to think about there.. Will get stuck in to some of those links immediately.. We're looking ideally for the Brisbane area as we have family and friends there but, it's not essential. I (would've) come under the Electronic Equipment Tradesperson on SOL & MODL and have been working as a Security Systems Technician for the last 6 yrs. OH needs approx another years formal training for Child care Co-ordinator, but is currently training as a Hollistic therapist in UK. I'm 36 and OH is 41 so looking to get something sorted soonish.. It's good to get some feedback on some of these issues as there are so many options and routes to look down that it can get a bit mind numbing sometimes..(Especially when the goalposts keep moving).. Thanks again..

[Gollywobbler]

Hi Nigel

Thanks for this.

I've moved my original reply to the thread that you have begun of your own so that we do not hijack Lisa's thread.

Best wishes

Gill