Just starting out - Need some advice!

[Alan Collett]

Iain,

TRA is the assessing body for those with trade skills (TRA = Trades Recognition Australia). The correct acronym for the skills assessment process is PASA (Pre Application Skills Assessment), and for those in IT the assessment is carried out by the Australian Computer Society.

Have a look here for more information about the ACS application by intending migrants:
http://www.acs.org.au/index.cfm?acti...killassessment

The skills assessment classification issued by the ACS is valid for 12 months, unlike those issued by other assessing bodies. For example skills assessments issued by TRA have an indefinite useful life (at the moment!).



Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by samluc

Hi,

Thanks for the posts!

The Ryders
I understand what you are saying about getting an agent. I may still ring them for advice though. There are quiet a few forums on emigrating to get advice (and I also know someone who went over to NSW (Manly) to work in IT) so may use these sources for now!

The references shouldn't be a problem. I have 6yrs IT experience with the same company (Local Government) and am still know some of the staff at the previous places I used to work (Leisure Centres and Gyms). I'm normaly quite thorough on things anyway (gets on my wife's nerves!!!) so will definately put the time in on al the forms.

Ali
Is there a time frame for how long it takes you finish the process once you've started? By that I mean if I was to put in the TRA now and it gets passed, will it expire after a certain time?

I understand that the skilled visa will be dated from whenever the medical or police check was done. In theory, could I put through skills assessment now & then apply for the Skilled Visa later? We really need to get some savings sorted out but have a house sell as equity when we do move out.

Thanks for the info on validating the visa though. It is an option to validate the visa whilst on holiday as it means we could stagger the move (not that my wife would let me once we got the go ahead!!).

Cheers
Iain

[samluc]

Originally Posted by Alan Collett

Iain,

TRA is the assessing body for those with trade skills (TRA = Trades Recognition Australia). The correct acronym for the skills assessment process is PASA (Pre Application Skills Assessment), and for those in IT the assessment is carried out by the Australian Computer Society.

Have a look here for more information about the ACS application by intending migrants:
http://www.acs.org.au/index.cfm?acti...killassessment

The skills assessment classification issued by the ACS is valid for 12 months, unlike those issued by other assessing bodies. For example skills assessments issued by TRA have an indefinite useful life (at the moment!).

Hope this helps.

Thanks Alan!

I'll have a looks at these when I get in tonight. Strange that the ACS Skill assessment is only valid for 12 month but I guess its because the IT industry moves so quickly sometimes.

Do you have any idea when they update the MODL list? The last update was Sept 06. Just out of interest, does it change very much in each update?

Thanks anyway
Iain

[ENJA]

Lou,

Thanks for the advice about the 136 visa. The only thing that has stopped me doing this for the last ten years is leaving my parents behind, now that I know that I will be able to sponsor them almost immediately it has cemented the decision.

Hmm, I might just need to convince the OH! He is still only 80% convinced that we should go (see our thread 'should we go or not?????') so if anybody could help with the other 20% it would be fantastic.

Enja

[calNgary]

Hiya ,im sure you have to live here for 2 years before your able to sponser your parents,even if granted a permant visa you have to wait for residency ,Gill will probably know she will be on later and has done a similar visa for her mum,alternativelt have a chat with an agent once you get the facts you can always apply alone,,
Cal x

[Alan Collett]

Yes, you need to be "settled" in Australia to be able to sponsor a parent for a visa.

Have a look at DIAC form 40, via www.immi.gov.au

Best regards.

[ENJA]

Thanks for the advice CalNGary and for confirming it Alan. I broke the news to my parents last night that they may have to wait two years before I can sponsor them and they are still quite up beat about the move, it gives them more time to save the pennies.

From reading previous threads I have the idea that they can come over on a temporary visa for a year and then when my two years are up they can apply for the visa and that if we time it right these two visa's can overlap (I hope that makes sense). Could somebody please confirm this?

Also, from looking at the immigration site I think that there are two types of parent visa's; one with a 10-12 year waiting list and one with an immediate visa. With the immediate visa you need to make a lump sum payment. I just am not sure if this lump sum is returnable after a length of time (i.e. an investment/deposit) or it is a payment. Again, can anyone confirm this?

Thanks everyone

Enja

[Gollywobbler]

Hi ENJA.

I have started a new thread over on the Migration section of the forum, headed Parent Visas. I have copied your last post on to the new thread and I will answer you there, so that we do not distract the original poster on this thread and those helping the OP with it.

Cheers

Gill

[ptlabs]

Originally Posted by samluc

I'm an IT Support Techician (6yrs exp in various aspects of IT inc Networks, Server Admin, Desktop Support & Project management) & my wife is a Travel Agent (3Yrs experience). Two children (6yr old boy & soon to 15yr old girl).

2) Has anyone gone over to work in IT on this site? If so, which skills agency did you use? For a Computer Technician the 1121i form says to apply to TRA but I feel in have a more indepth knowledge of IT. I'm leaning toward, putting a skills assessment into the ACS (Australian Computer Society). I think I can put together a good case for being an all round IT Professional. Any advice?

Iain

Your question (as quoted here) requires specific advice, which is not something readily available in an online forum like this.

I would suggest that you contact a registered agent with experience in handling IT cases, to see if you're TRA or ACS/RPL material. Such preliminary advice probably means a token fee is payable, but should not mean you are obliged to go with that agent thereafter.

I've done enough IT cases to be able to advise on such issues if you're interested. But there are other competent agents around too.

Peter

[calNgary]

Hiya
they are a couple of good experienced agents who regually help users out ,both qualified and doing a great job ,if you search for Phil Olsen or Alan collet you will be able to link up with their contact details,they have always done us proud in the past and have a good track record hope this helps and good luck with your visa process,,youll get there in the end
Cal x

[ptlabs]

Originally Posted by calNgary

both qualified and doing a great job

Are you saying I'm not qualified and not doing a good job then :)