Perthsunshine

Yes - they will do it on the spot and you will need the label to get your Ozzi driver licence! I don't know about the rest of your questions, but just bring all the passports and see if you can sweet talk them :-)

Isn't it the same health check regardless of visa type?

I would not mind sharing it, but it's a bit to personal (company names etc) and I don't have the time now to clean it up and make it anonymous. The best advice I can give you (I know you'll hate my answer... sorry) it to read EA guidelines over and over again. You might have to change your CDR to fit your summary. Have a look at the date of this tread. My CDR & summary are done and dusted long time ago. AND I had a successful assessment from EA a few weeks ago. That is one of those letters that makes you smile :-) I do understand where he is coming from, as I had a difficult time knowing if I was on the right track with my CDR and summary. It didn't make it any easier that EA changed the requirement the 1st of July. That's when I wrote my CDR. My biggest concern when I wrote my CDR & summary, was to make any format mistake, that potentially could delay the assessment process. 15+ weeks for an outcome is a long time, and it would not be fun if I had redo and wait another ?? weeks to get my Engineering skills approved. That was the reason for my original question when starting this tread. Anyway - the best of luck to anyone who has to make the CDR & summary for EA.

@plutology - how long time did it take you to get WA SS granted?

Only immi knows the answer, but I know a lot of people who lodged their visa before May has been allocated a CO in Perth within the last few weeks. I don't want to put your hopes up, but hopefully will you hear from them by the end of the month. Depending if you are from a HR or LR country.

@blossom79 - you are just stating facts and that is not the same as looking at the glass as half empty. Officially does RSMS visa's have the highest priority, but they are being processed slower than the old 175 & 176 skilled visa's. Even the new 189 & 190 are being processed faster than old 857's at the moment. Only immigration know the answer, but my guess is that the individual skilled visa applications are easier to reference check, as they require a skilled assessment, IELTS test with a high score & prof of work experience. These criteria's does most assessing authorities check, and that minimize immigration's work with making a secondary reference check. Fact is that immigration was flooded with RSMS visa's in June, because the reference check in the past has been low and rare. You are unfortunately feeling the consequences as a "honest" applicant and so are "KK SANDHU" (he's a chef/cook). Being aware of facts makes it easier to understand that the processing time is long, hence avoiding setting up false expectations that a RSMS visa will be processed within a few weeks. I'm however surprised to read that your rcb was denied in your first attempt, as they used to approve almost everything that landed on their table. But perhaps they have been forced to tighten up their procedures.

Congrats with the good news. When did you apply for your State sponsorship?

How is it with SS for WA (190). Do you need to get SS approval from WA before making an EOI or the other way around?

Getting a visa label at a DIAC office in Australia is free.

They are both valid in relation to DIAC.

A company without a ABN number, direct phone number and email contact information on their website! I would not set my expectation to high if I was you :-)

.....

Really? Wish I knew about that back in January. I was told by a MA that I had to advertise in wajobs, seek and regular newspapers before contacting RCB in Perth. I think that you are spot on with your comment. Particular hairdressers and cooks has been raising the red flags at DIAC and for the same reason do I believe that DIAC are spending more time at the moment to verify information. Looking at the big picture do I find it great that they sort out the dishonest people, but off course it's sad for all the honest people (and business owners) who suddenly have to wait for a longer processing time. @blossom79 - thanks for taking your time to share your knowledge and experience with DIAC. It's highly appreciated :-) Hehe - great sense of humor :-)

Nope - you are able to apply for a TFN when you hold a valid work visa. You can even apply when you are outside Australia - Just make sure to use an Australian postal address as ATO will use this address in the future.

I think there is two issues: 1) Un-processed applications from 2011-12: Let's assume that there are roughly 13,000 RSMS un-processed applications and 1,000 will be refused (fictive number). DIAC has in average processed approx. 1500 RSMS visa's / month. 12.000 divided with 1500 = 8 month (if they only focus on their backlog). They have already said that the expected process time has been extended with a few month from the originally 5-8 month. Furthermore does DIAC state that only 75% of all applications are processed within the timeframe given. Personally don't I think the time frame will change that much. But the time where you could get at visa granted in a few weeks will be rare. 2) Applications lodged in 2012-13: I don't see that the total numbers granted will change and the goal will maintain the target around 16500 RSMS visa's. But they might change the requirement to control the future amount of applications. Re-introducing the job advertising requirement, raise the English requirement, require all applicants to have their skills assets etc. Remember DIAC have the power to modify the criteria to meet the demand. The 189 visa is a good example, as they can chose not to invite anyone with points less than 70 (fictive example) if they get to many applicant. Keep in mind that the overall goal for DIAC is to attract the best and most qualified people around the world. That's why English skills, Educational background and relevant job experience is essential for the point tested visa's. Please see my comment above. I think that most applications will be processed within 6-10 month. People just have to get used to the idea that visa's wont be processed overnight, as it was the case in 2011-12. Hehe - I don't think you should put much into that document. When have you seen DIAC answer the phone within 2 min or severed you within 10 min at their offices? I can't tell what's going on inside DIAC. But it seems like they are doing a good effort to clear the 175 & 176 backlog. The huge amount of RSMS applications in June has been unexpected and I reckon they are in a process of analyzing what to do with the new application under skillselect (increase the bar for new applicants etc.). They can't do much about the backlog - it's just a waiting game. But I do believe that they will use more time to control that all information are correct and this might lead to a higher rate of refused applications. I don't see the total number will be changed and nor do I see a change in the process time.

Yes - this is the total number for RSMS, ENS & LA. DIAC state that they received 29866 RSMS lodgements in 2011-12, but only granted 16471 Visa's (as planned). Numbers of un-processed applications from last year in the pipeline: 29886 - 16471 = 13415. From that number can we subtract: 1) Number of applications that wasn't granted because applicants didn't full fill DIAC's requirements 2) People who has withdrawn their application for various reasons But I doubt that it's a lot. I think that the number of RSMS lodgements and visa grants has been well balanced most of the year, but the lodgement just exploded in June, as people was unsure about what would happen under the new skillselect system. Another reason could be the change of RCB requirements. Until end of March was it a requirement to advertise for at least 3 month for the particular position, before you could get the position nominated. That would have increased the numbers of applicants in April, May & June.

It's an interesting report and the overall conclusion is that DIAC has done what they have been asked to do. They have been 100% on target. What I do find interesting is: "As at the 30 June 2012, there were around 31,306 on hand applications (RSMS, ENS, LA)" and planing level for 2012-13 is 47,250 "Demand in the RSMS category was 29,866 lodgements" but only 16,471 visa's was granted (as planned). This means that they must have around 13,395 un-processed RSMS visa applications in their system, leaving only space for another 3000 RSMS applications for 2012-13 (and that number should have been reached during July).

Did you take the General IELTS test the second time? If yes - did you find the reading/writing part easier than the Academic IELTS test?

That's a pretty good score as well for a non-native speaker :-) But it does confirm what @dredg97 says "its hard to get four 8s" and get 20 point from your English skills. It's unfortunately not enough to have an average above 8, but you need 8 in all four sub tests. My experience with IELTS are: 50% is about English skills, 25% is about knowing the test format and 25% is luck. @beach blonde - no. The test is the same.

Labourvellec is correct. DIAC does only require the General test, but it means that they accept both. The way that DIAC has formulated does leave a bit confusion and I had a chat with them regarding this topic and got it confirmed.

Congratulation with your invite. Must have been a big surprise taken your EOI date and limited invite into consideration. Please keep us updates upon the process. I'm sure there are a lot of people who are curious to know about the actual process. Btw - what occupation is QS?

The best source is the official site for Australian Business Register: https://abr.gov.au/ They have a pretty good "help" section that gives you a lot better understanding of the Australian system. Let me put it in this way - if you qualify for "permanent residency for tax purposes" then would you be able to have your own business in Australia (if it doesn't conflict with your visa obligations). As you know, then is it not a requirement to have PR to obtain PR for tax purposes. If you are serious - then spend some time on that site and look into ato.gov.au as well. Finally - don't be afraid to give DIAC a call. They are usually very helpful.

You need to look into the conditions for your visa and find out if you are allowed to work for another company on your current visa. If not - then would I not suggest that you start your own business. You would be able to obtain a abn etc, but you might be in trouble if DIAC knew about it. My personal opinion is - don't mock around with DIAC. The consequence of not applying to their rules are to high (lose your visa and maybe be banned from applying the next 3 years). But if you are working in regional Australia, then try to look into the 187 rsms visa. That would grant you PR and you would not have any problems with having your own business. You don't. But lets say that you where on a 457 sponsorship visa. The obligations are clear: "you are not allowed to work for other employers than your sponsoring company". So it really comes down to the specific visa and the obligation attached to your visa.

Yes - anyone in Australia who holds a residence visa (Permanent or temporary) can get a ABN, become Sole trader, Start at pty ltd company, own a trust and/or become partner. You just need to be aware of your obligation towards DIAC in relation to your specific visa. Eg if you are on a WHV then are you only allowed to work for the same company in 6 month or if you are a student would you only be allowed to work 40 hours per fortnight. DIAC also request that you inform them, if you become partner and/or make investments in Australia. Bottom line is that it is possible and legal. But you need to consider your situation according to your visa situation and you also need to spend a lot of time to understand your obligations in relation to DIAC but also ATO. If you miss the deadline for payroll tax, become to late with your BAS, don't renew your company in time each year etc, then might it affect a potential PR visa application in the future! DIAC clearly state that they don't grant visa to anyone who owes money to a Australia government institution.

187 direct entry stream - Only ANZSCO skill level 3 trade occupations will need to have their skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority. The RSMS Temporary Residence Transition stream does not require any skills assessment after 2 years employment on a 457 visa.