Richard Gregan

Childcare Centre Manager is an AQF Diploma level qualification at time of writing (this is directly from the TRA website). So you would be looking at HNC/HND level as equivalent to an AQF Diploma. Regards, Richard.

not off hand, but have you tried Youtube? There's lots of great IELTS advice there...

As I keep saying: 'as long as it's declared at the beginning'. Never fails to amaze me what people 'forget' to tell me. A 'forgotten' gun conviction is one example. Regards, Richard

Bank statements can be very useful and are accepted as a form of pay evidence. Highlight relevant info in the bank statements and send in a spread of banks statements to cover a given year. Regards, Richard

You might need to provide a *tad* more info ;-) Regards, Richard

Contributory parent visa application processing time: 2-3 years Non-contributory parent visa processing time: 30 years The Department is unlikely to respond to requests for updates unfortunately. Regards, Richard

I would tend to advise people only do medicals when requested to do so. Visa processing times are subject to delays and, given that medicals are only valid for 12 months, you don't want to risk them expiring. Regards, Richard

As an accountant, you really need to generate more points to stand a chance: 70 or 75 points (even 70 pointers are waiting a long time just now) One way is via English Language. You needed to take Academic IELTS 7 to meet skills requirements, so how about doing IELTS again, this time General IELTS and aim for 8s for 20 points? Regards, Richard

Contributory Parent visa processing time: 2 years. Non-Contributory Parent visa processing time: (brace yourself): 30 years. Regards, Richard

Stated processing times are 3 months, but we've had some visas coming back sooner...

No problem!

Yes, this tends to annoy them. By the way, the talk at the recent DIBP seminar in London was that the old way of having a case officer assigned to a single case for the duration of the application is something that is coming to an end. Due to the move over to a global management system, applications will be assigned and passed between case officers as required. In fact, many of us have observed this over the past few months so it's happening already. The advantages are said to be efficiency, in being able to assign and process an increasing number of applications by a reduced staff pool. The disadvantages include the possibility of confusion as one case officer's interpretation of a piece of evidence or rule may differ from another's, leading to a back and forth with the Department. Regards, Richard

If you are covering a period of self employment then you need to evidence this with a statutory declaration detailing your duties and equipment used, the range of work etc. You then need to back this up with at least three client references from customers. It's ok for there to be gaps between client refs: client references don't need to absolutely cover the entire period of self employment claimed (the declaration does that), but should be spread over the period - i.e. a client ref from earlier in your self employment period, a client reference from mid way through, and then a more recent one. Of course, if you can manage more than three client references, then all the better. You'll also need to supply some customer invoices, supplier statements and accounts/tax returns. Regarding how much experience you need to cover - this will vary depending on skills assessment requirements and visa points requirements. Regards, Richard

Yup, as long as they are registered you'll be fine.

According to ANMAC: Who can I use for my professional references? You should use the person who directly managed or supervised you. This person must be a nurse or midwife. What if my direct supervisor is not a nurse or a midwife? If your direct supervisor is not a nurse or midwife, a statement to this effect should be included in the reference. Please note, a reference from sections of an organisation, such as Human Resources or Payroll, is not suitable for this assessment. Regards, Richard

Well, hopefully you're on the right track now!

I'm afraid this is right. Extensive pay evidence is considered critical by DIBP. Also, although you say you are only claiming 5 years for points, the Department may want to verify an additional three years prior to that in order to count as an informal apprenticeship, making 8 years in total. I don't know if that is the situation in your case, but it may be so. Pay evidence can be in the form of tax returns, annual accounts & accountant letter, bank statements, breakdowns from the Inland Revenue, letters from employers, and pay slips. The case officer may well only respond once documents have been sent to them, as they may feel that the original request was clear enough. Regards, Richard

I'm afraid this is right. Extensive pay evidence is considered critical by DIBP. Also, although you say you are only claiming 5 years for points, the Department may want to verify an additional three years prior to that in order to count as an informal apprenticeship, making 8 years in total. I don't know if that is the situation in your case, but it may be so. Pay evidence can be in the form of tax returns, annual accounts & accountant letter, bank statements, breakdowns from the Inland Revenue, letters from employers, and pay slips. The case officer may well only respond once documents have been sent to them, as they may feel that the original request was clear enough. Regards, Richard

Great stuff. Always good to see WA getting a share of skilled migrants! Regards, Richard

In that case, depending on your age, eligibility etc, then you should be looking at a skilled visa, 189 or 190, or 489 if you are tight for points. Wherever possible, a permanent visa is always the preferred option. Give me a call and I'll give you some info to point you in the right direction, gratis, should you require it. Regards, Richard

You'll need to provide a bit more info before anyone can advise you!

Yes, it is now confirmed that applicants have three months to activate their AHPRA registration, once they have received their Approval In Principle letter. So you'll need to delay your AHPRA application until the end of your visa application, or apply now but be prepared to fly out to activate it in person. Regards, Richard

Yes, without language experience Primary Teacher as an eligible category doesn't have much hope. You would need to provide employment evidence showing that you are teaching one of the specified languages looked for by the state - French is one of the languages asked for by Victoria if I recall.

The visa will be activated upon arrival in the country. WA may send you an email questionnaire asking you to keep them updated on your status. Make sure your residential and work addresses are in a regional area postcode.

If you are undertaking the electrical assessment at the Down Under Centre in London, then call and ask to speak to Wes. He'll advise you on this. Regards, Richard