Just starting out - Need some advice!

[samluc]

Hi,

My wife & I have decided we want to Emirgrate to Austrailia and need some advice on how to approach it. We are looking to move over in the next 2-3yrs (To give us time to save up!!).

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).

This seems like a great site so I'm posting to ask a few queries I have (any responses most grateful!!).

1) We plan on trying to do the process ourselves to save money. In which order is it best to apply for things? I've been trying a free online tests but seem to fail because I don't seem to meet the Professional skills on the MODL list (and my our half's occupation isn't listed!!). Do you need to the Skills assessment first and them once this is passed go on with the other medical tests and Visa application?

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?

3) Location - I have been looking around and we are thinking of the Perth area (possibly Adelaide). Any advice on an area that is reasonable for real estate (looking in the region of $300,000), good for young children (ie good schools & Colleges for my daughter, ex-PAT families) and also not run down (not that I'm a snob tho!!!).

4) Company sponsorship - Has anyone managed to get a IT company to sponsor them to move over there? I'm just trying to look at different options at the moment!

Sorry if I've rambled on!!! Any pointers would be great!

Iain

[The Ryders]

You really are better off going through an agent. The Visa Bureau are excellent. Plus they wont take any money off you if they think you wont be able to you get a visa.

Obviously a Permanent Residency Visa is the best. But I would have a quick chat to an agent first.

TRA is the first step and often the hardest part. My husband had to get INDEPTH - and I mean indepth references from every employer listing every tool he has ever used. If you can find someone (your trade) that has been through the TRA get a copy of there references so you can see what is expected.

Doing the preparation on the references for the TRA will pay dividends.

Hope this helps.

[ali]

Hi,

Sorry can't help with the question on IT, but generally if you're applying for a skilled visa then the skills assessment/tra is first, when you've passed this they give you a code which then goes onto your application. Medicals and Police checks are next, if you're not thinking of going in the next 12 months then you don't need to front load these, wait until they're requested. When you get your visa, it is granted from the date of your medical or police check, whichever was the earliest and you have 12 months to validate your visa (either by migrating or for a holiday), if you validate the visa by having a holiday, then you'd have another 4 years to make the move for good. Alan Corlett may be able to help you with regard to the right visa.

Hope this helps
Ali

[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

[steve/helen]

Hi i dont know where u live but there is an emigrate show on at sandown this weekend ,we found it really useful and got lots of info when we went last year and we r going again this year .Helen

[samluc]

Hi i dont know where u live but there is an emigrate show on at sandown this weekend ,we found it really useful and got lots of info when we went last year and we r going again this year .Helen

Unfortunately, I live in the North East so a bit to far to travel! Will see if I can find a event in my area though! I didn't thik of this as I though the shows might be full of companies trying to sell you villas in spain!!

Info may be useful for others nearer though!

Thanks anyway!
Iain

[ali]

Hi

Don't know about all trades, but mine for nursing was valid for 2 years

Ali

[ENJA]

Hi,

As we are discussing visa's can I ask if a Skilled Worker visa is a Permanent Residence visa? I will be able to get a visa as a Skilled Worker, but then my parents want to come out with us (both of them are 60). I think that if they buy their way in they will need to be sponsored by somebody who has a Permant Residence. Could somebody tell me there experiences of this so I know I have got it right?

Thanks

[ali]

Gill (gollywobbler) is the person to ask about parent visa's - you can search for threads re: this

Ali

[Ian&Lou]

Hi ENJA,

If you are applying for the skilled workers visa 136, then it will be a perminent residence visa.

Lou