Confused Of The Uk!!!!!

[erica]

I am downhearted and very confused.
Having been told my one immigration company that we aren't eligible for a skilled visa because neither of us a have 2 year diploma in anything, we were told our only option was a long stay sponsored visa, but we were offered no help and finding a company willing to sponsor you when you are still in the UK seems impossible.
Another company told us our only option was a study visa, but again the only options they offered were to train as a bricklayer or plasterer - I'm a girl for god sake - and whilst I believe in equality but I have no desire to be up to my ears in plaster or bricks. What can be offered to me.
ANY HELP OR ADVICE TO STOP ME GOING INSANE WOULD BE GRATEFULLY APPRECIATED.
Erica

[cantwait]

Hi Erica

Not sure what you or OH do, but if you wanted to go down the student visa route, maybe you could do hairdressing or childcare? Sorry I cant be much help, but at lease my reply will bump you up to the top so hopefully someone might see it who can help you more. You could try getting in touch with our agent. We are using Thinking Australia (Darrell Todd). He is really good.

Also, there are a few expos coming up - why don't you go to one and see if anyone can help.

Good luck

[erica]

I Just Don't Seem To Be Able To Get A Straight Answer From Anybody About What We Can And Can't Do And What We Are And Aren't Eligible For. Am I Thick!

[Team 'W']

Hi Erica,

Don't know whether I can help but I do know how you feel! I think your probable route is the same as ours, we have no formal qualifications despite our experience and track record and so means our only probable route is a 457 Visa. As I understand it you need to get sponsorship from a company. Not many recruitment agencies will assist you unless you have a visa so it's a bit of a catch 22 situation.

I found that by emailng companies in my industry was far more positive and I was lucky enough to get an offer of sponsorship. Our agents are now looking into how to take this route forwards, but the 457 seems to be a complex and lengthy process. I think you'll find that on this type of visa there aren't too many people falling over to help you, it needs work, luck and patience to move forwards.

I'll try and keep you posted on how we get on with ours.

Good luck and keep the faith

[Gollywobbler]

Hi Erica

No, you are not thick! The visa game seems like a complete maze to begin with.

However, if you can spare the time to get some hours in scouring the DIAC website, you will probably be able to discover what your options really are.

Please see the following links:


Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Information Booklets - Applications & Forms - Visas & Immigration

A-Z Occupations List - Australian Skills Recognition Information

Best wishes

Gill

[adey]

[quote=Team 'W';194871]Hi Erica,

Don't know whether I can help but I do know how you feel! I think your probable route is the same as ours, we have no formal qualifications despite our experience and track record and so means our only probable route is a 457 Visa. As I understand it you need to get sponsorship from a company. Not many recruitment agencies will assist you unless you have a visa so it's a bit of a catch 22 situation.

I found that by emailng companies in my industry was far more positive and I was lucky enough to get an offer of sponsorship. Our agents are now looking into how to take this route forwards, but the 457 seems to be a complex and lengthy process. I think you'll find that on this type of visa there aren't too many people falling over to help you, it needs work, luck and patience to move forwards.

I'll try and keep you posted on how we get on with ours.

Team W we went the 457 route and applied on line ourselves. OH had to get references from old employers so he typed up what projects he had worked on and matched them to the skills listed against his job. He's a Draughtsman in the Civil Engineering Trade and his sponsor did their paperwork from their side. It took about five months straight through but we were told it is usually quicker we got caught up in new changes. If your sponsor is already registered with Immigration then I'd recommend that you save yourself some money by applying on line yourself (the agency will only complete the same paperwork that you have to) and yes he did get frustrated but it would've cost us a fortune if we'd got an agent to do it for us. What type of work are you in as OH's works are looking for people with engineering backgrounds.