Shazbot

I've had a few interviews of varying stages, but it seems the typical "you're not here" scenario. Ive been picky, but since November and the 457 changes it's really been dead for replies. I think they are weary of hiring anyone overseas, let alone a canadian like me, or just don't even want to bother with the trouble regardless. I should have done the 189/190 a year ago, but live and learn. The GIS industry in Australia will grow considerably in the next few years, so it will definitely pay off. The North American market is booming in a way as well, but the cost of living here is roughly the same (housing is a bit more there) and the pay is 30% less. Not to mention it was -35c here the other day.... I have found that a majority of the GIS (including asset management) jobs are usually in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

Thanks for the quick responses, appreciate it. I could break 65 points with only getting 5 points off the skills assessment, but it sounds like i shouldn't go this route just incase. It's a real shame considering my work and specialty, being in large demand in australia. My other option was the state sponsored Surveying or Spatial Science Technician, which is a Group C designation. My other half falls under 'Chemist' so finding a state sponsor other than QLD at the moment is likely having to wait until the 'reset' so to speak.

Hi Geosurfer, What area is you degree in? I'm curious if you've yet to apply for jobs and what/if any replies you've gotten. I work in the remote sensing / GIS industry.

Hi there, I need some advice regarding whether to apply for a 189 or 190 based on my work experience. I'm almost 10 years into a remote sensing profession and am currently a team lead at a north american leader in the aerial mapping industry. I attended approximately two years of university studying Strategic Studies before leaving to focus on my career. I plan on applying for 'Other Spatial Scientist 232214' for the 189 if possible. How would vetassess treat this case? I know in a ANZSCO level 1 you can use 5 years of work experience in lieu of a bachelors, but would it count against the total number of years on the workforce? I'm looking to max out my points for work experience (20). The other question is if i was registered as a certified professional with the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute, would that have any impact? Looking for a little advice, as i dont want to risk anything. I'd rather not be assessed under this catagory if it might mean a low points score, when i could easily just go for a lesser category CSOL with a state sponsored 190. Another curve-ball is whether or not this would affect my application as a partner visa with my significant other (who could apply for 189 or same state nom if required). Could she apply for a 189 and me a 190 together? Thanks,

Actually, i have zero mining/geology experience. All my experience is in aerial surveying and mapping, so aside from providing those companies with imagery and LIDAR, i am not the guy keeping track of the data~ Thanks for the update though, as i just applied for a WHV (as a bonus and backup) and start applying this week to some specific jobs. Here goes!

Giving this a bump, pumping out resumes now! Would like to see what more people think, although i'd probably take the best offer in whichever city. PS - thanks calNgary...ironically where i'm from, take the N out of your name.

Which Suburb are you in if you dont mind asking? I was looking for close to the city once i can find a suitable job placement, and curious on average costs (to better help negotiate a salary, when the time comes). Right now i pay the following in Canada (use the 1:1 ratio for exchange) for a 1 bedroom 72sq meter condo in a nice neighbourhood, 15km or so from CBD. Rent : $1000 / Month ($250 week) Gas : $75 avg / Month (winter it's brutal) Water/Elec/Sewer : $150 / Month Food : $400-500 / Month Broadband : $55 / Month HD TV : $95 / Month Mobile : $90 / Month (6gig data plan, etc) Registration (yearly) : $90 Fully Comp Insurance : $1900 / year. (and that's with a GD 10 year impeccable record!) Gas / Petrol : Same. Current price is $1.19 a liter here. Then add 5% tax to everything, as our federal General Sales Tax. The only thing we do not have here is inspections, so every white trash loser can be hauling ass down the highway spewing black smoke everywhere until the thing breaks down or explodes. Partly due to the fact that you need a vehicle to survive here, without good transportation networks that Oz seems to have better of. Is your Rego and 3rd party for a newer vehicle or do the insurance companies mostly base price based on years claim-free etc?

Hey all, Since you poms tend to have a wealth of information over our quieter Canadian version, I'd love to hear some thoughts on a few question's i might have about moving my arse from the frigid great white north, to the land down under. I know the whole Perth.vs.Brisbane thing has been done to death, but i'm looking a little deeper. I'm looking for GIS / Remote Sensing work in Perth or Brisbane. I'm really banking on gaining a 457 visa with my experience in such a niche market. The problem is i'm digging myself in a financial hole in my current situation in the city i live in. It's relatively the same costs as Aus, barring a few commodities, and rents are more expensive. Everything is pretty close price wise (+/- 10-20%) with far less prospect for a good salary despite an equal footing on the exchange. Is it too far fetched to assume there would be a good market for 457's for me? I'm turning 31 soon, and getting a WHV would be a requirement regardless for me, even though i do not have the bankroll to be able to quit my current job and leave for Oz to job hunt. I'm ultimately looking for a lifestyle change, and better opportunities. I'm single and looking to command about 80k+ a year (hopefully!!). There's lots of information for families, but I'm curious how a single guy will perform with said salary in each locale. Will this provide sufficient funds for living in a nice condo preferably close to the CBD, and spending cash for weekend fun? I'm assuming you could find a good place for 400/wk, 1-2 bed. Air-con would be a MUST considering we live like popsickles 7 months of the year. Lots of nightlife and beach excursions is what i'm looking for. Winter be damned, i am tired of the snow. I'd also like to hear who wins between Perth and Brisbane in the following categories : Nightlife Beaches (and accessibility) Friendliness Cost of living (CBD area) Cafe culture / Trendiness Surfing / Diving / snorkeling Things to do Thanks again...eH!

Hey all, Has anyone had any luck with getting employer sponsored visa's in the GIS field? I'm a Remote Sensing specialist with 8+ years of experience, looking for a good job in Perth hopefully. Do any of you work in this field and have made the trip over? I'd be curious to see what practical wages are being offered for what positions. I'd also like to think there's a growing demand for such a niche job that i could get lucky with a 457 right through the gate. Any info would be greatly appreciated.