Hello, New to the site and after a little advice about the skilled migrant visa

Hello

Just found this forum and am liking the amount of knowledge people are sharing about moving to Aus, and was hoping for some advice from you guys.

I'm a sheet metal working with my own business (I took over a business just over 3 years with no experience or training) which is doing ok. As this trade is on the skilled migrant list I'm hoping to move to Australia, I've investigated and can get through on points if I get the 20point on the english test. I would need the Vetassess or TRA to get the Australian qualification as I hold no uk qualifications. I was wondering what evidence I needed to support the claim to 3 years experience all I have is my business tax returns for the 3 years as I'm a sole trader. I'm fairly certain I'd be able to pass a skills test or tech interview but can't find much info on the docs I'd need to support it. Also one of the years I earned less then 10k because of the recession and losing work due to international takeovers of my main clients, would this effect what is seen as a years experience? I've contacted a few immigration specialists half of which said they'd be able to help me get the visa, the others said I'd need a few more year experience.

If any of you guys have been though the system or know about it I'd be really grateful for some advice.

Cheers John

Well load of people have been through the process, but your situation does sound a little bit unique to me. The absence of qualifications and an employer to independently verify your work experience would probably make skills assessment much harder for you than for most. For visa purposes, work experience should be full time and paid, so I would think the year business was slow would not count to be honest.

Were the agents that suggested they could help you MARA registered? There are a lot of unregistered agents that would prey on people like yourself (i.e. less straightforward cases) and whilst I would never recommend anyone uses an unregistered agent, I would particularly say this in your case.

Sorry that I haven't actually offered much practical advice, but honestly, I think this is well beyond the scope of a free forum.

Hi Bungo

Thanks for the reply, I've had a look into the agents and they don't appear to have the MARA registration, Thankyou for the warning on them its good to know what to look for, I was a bit concerned about them using my difficult situation for a quick buck to be honest. I'll start looking into proper agents and see how I get on.

Cheers John

Have a look at Go Matilda. They are one of the most highly regarded agents and are regular members on here.