GKJ

Great stuff guys, Will definitely be speaking to an reg'd agent. Thanks for all the help and good information. I will pop back in a few days with a few more questions, in the mean time I'll continue to stalk the site for answers. Cheers again, Gill :hug:

jac.....AHHH ok got ya......and so the rabbit hole goes deeper and deeper. I'll definitely look further into the IELTS and points test. The basic on on the immi site gives him 60+. I thought thats all he needs....but the more points the better. So maybe its wise to do the test. Does anyone have an idea if this is solely for UK residents or is there a place in Ire that you can take the test.? Gill

Thanks a million guys, You've really helped me a lot. We're thinking 189. Your right jac, I don't want to settle then uproot or indeed find myself in a position that the children are unhappy. The choices are difficult enough without having the added worry of unhappy family.......which is still possible, who knows when we get there. Lebour, Can I ask what an IELTS is... we are under the impression (which has been wrong all along ) That he would require to get his skill asses with TRA. Has anyone got some insight on this aspect. Does it take place where he works or another place..... maybe I'm getting ahead of myself here. Also do we need to pass an English proficiency test, being from English speaking countries (BTW my hubby is British if that makes a diffrence) Do we need to get tested? I'm really sorry guys if this is all basic, run of the mill stuff but to me its all so...confusing, which really gets me to thinking a migration agent would be better, No? Gill

Thanks so much Lorna & Lebour, I obviously had my wires crossed or visas crossed as the case may be The immi sight, is giving me the options for The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186, The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) subclass 187, The skilled independant subclass 189, We would prefer the most secure route, which that is yet im not sure. skilled ind would be the easiest at this stage I think. Here's another question though... Is there a cap on the amount of migrants Au let in each year. I ask because the skills select ask you to submit an expression of interest for the visa, have you guys got any idea how long this takes? Again I'm not sure which is the best route for us to take yet, but I'm glad for the careful and helpful info form you guys Gill

Thanks a million Nicky great info there.....looking into every possibility. Might change our minds yet. Cheers Gill

Thanks guys, The more info the better. I was under the impression that we couldn't get a skilled migration visa due to being parents. I know the Immi change their policies every so often so maybe that has changed also. + factoring into the equation that we would need in excess of say 50K for that visa, to prove we have the funds to stay. While this is not a problem, per sey, we would rather a direct route via an employer. Also on the 457 I would be entitled to take up work or study, which is a bonus. Im not sure if I can on the SM. Please correct me if I'm wrong, thats why I'm here after all. On the + side, there are a few employers seeking tradies on a 457, in fact he applied for his first post last night the first step into the unknown. On a second note........I'm positive that the immi website is specially designed to be confusing. I'm trawling through it slowly but surley. Thanks again for all your help guys, keep it up Gill.

Thanks for an inspiring post. You've lifted my hopes and spirits, all the best for your future Gill

Lucky you Northenbird, and thanks for a quick reply! So it's just a matter of finding the right employer who would sponsor him. Great. Seems easy enough. Do they carry out the paper work or do we?

Hey Angie, I'm at the very beginning of the process myself, I'm sure we can help each other, as we head straight along into the unknown Gill.

Hey PomzinOz people, Gill here, first (introductory) post....of many I hope. Getting straight into it we've decided to do it, that is emigrate to Australia It took a few years to decide but given the current economic circumstances we feel now is the right time. So hubby is a welder 31 and I'm in media 33, two children 9&2, one cat (neutered), no debts and lots of optimism Given the fact that carting my family around the world is a huge fete in itself, we have given ourselves a year or so to get there....reading post on here, tell's me it can be a long and arduous process. So here's the thing......where to start with the 457 visa? Do we go directly to employer (not as yet) Do we need to go through an Australian based agency? Do we need a migration agent? Do we ourselves apply for the visa or does the employer? Please excuse my ignorance, everyone has to start at the beginning So just looking for general information right now, putting the puzzle pieces together so to speak. We know its going to be a long ride, but good things come to those who wait. :biggrin: