spangley

Kellie thanks for the update. I've been checking back as you'd been fairly quiet around here....I hope all is working out for your family.

Computer Network and Systems engineer is on the SOL. Don't be put off as an ICT Technician can very easily fit this skill title. I did it and achieved my 189 Visa. Do your research and adapt your CV accordingly. Of course your work history will need to prove you had Network and Systems responsibility too.

Why are so many people leaving Melbourne? Is it the economic climate or home sickness?

Good luck Kellie. To think all your anxiety not that long ago was whether you'd get your visas. Now it really is happening. I hope everything goes smoothly.

I got my 189 Visa in March, and we activated the visa on a visit in June. We've now postponed our planned move as the IT jobs market seems quite scary. Recruiters I've encountered are contemptuous and unhelpful, emails and calls aren't returned. Many job adverts seem to prefer local experience or Australians....which in IT makes zero sense. And I don't believe half the advertised jobs actually exist. So we're holding out in Switzerland for now...in another tough market, although for me going to Oz now would be jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. Hopefully things will pick up in a couple of years as we don't want to let go of our chance to live in such an amazing country full of amazing people. It's just IT recruiters I hate

I was never asked for my 189 if this helps.

Thanks for your advice, particularly your suggestion about leaving the city till later. Makes a lot of sense given our time constraints. I note you're in Somerville, an area I'm also curious about. Is it practical to live where you live and work in Melbourne? Many thanks

So my wife and 3 yr old daughter will be arriving on Thursday in "Melbs" to activate our 189 visa and to enjoy a 6 day reccie. We're keen to get a flavour for South Frankston as it seems to tick a lot of boxes including affordability. The only downer is we're arriving when the weather isn't going to be so pleasant. Any advice what clothes we should bring at this time of year? Also, what outdoor activities can we get away with this time of year in Melbourne? Excited and nervous, as this will likely determine whether we really make the move from Switzerland.

I'm glad I'm not the only person who's had that thought.

Is anyone aware of scandals in Australia of the same magnitude of Stafford NHS hospital scandal? Hundreds of needless deaths due to maltreatment of patients. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stafford_Hospital_scandal

UKIP are offering something incredible. The opportunity to stick two fingers up at the 3 parties who've served only their own interests for the past generation.

Do the practice papers and listening tests on the IELTS website. That set me up to breeze through. Good luck.

Once the Case officer picks up your case then the status changes for documents that are "required". You only need to upload required documents.Then lower down the page a link will appear for creating your Medical reference letter. This letter will be taken with you to an Aussie govt nominated health practice for your medical assessment. In Switzerland we have only two approved medical assessment centres. Your GP is unlikely to be suitable. The immigration site also provides a link to approved med centres in your country. Good luck.

My ACS assessment took around 12 weeks too.

Can't your OH get another qualification that's recognised by ACS? Perhaps CISSP is recognised? I know it's a slog, but it could be worth the final hurdle.