sandygirl

It's the general test paper and you have to get an 8 in each category unfortunately. There is the listening, writing, reading and speaking papers and you have to study for it, quite hard, you're against the clock. I got a book online to help you, think I got it on the IELTS website.

My partner did the test last year and he got an overall score of 7, which wasn't enough but you don't need it for the TRA. He was going to do the test again this year to get the points but he got offered sponsorship just a few weeks back (we still sent the TRA off just in case!) We were going for the state sponsorship but it's such a lengthy process that way and my partner loses points this year turning 40!

Hi there, no you don't have to do the IELTS test before the TRA. We have the TRA off just a few weeks now, it's a long enough process to get everything together but got there in the end!

Hi there! Thanks for all that advice. I would be planning to work over there so childcare has to come into it but how much would a childminder be? How long are you over there and was it all worth it?!

Hi thanks for replying! The employer is arranging accomodation and transport when he gets over on trial and we haven't thought after that. It will give my partner a chance to suss out Brisbane and to meet his employer. How are you finding it? Are you working? My partner was offered a basic enough wage and we are a bit worried that it won't pay. I'm looking at the weather over there too, does it rain a lot? What would you have to earn a week to live comfortably over there? I'm asking a lot of questions, it's just we're very apprehensive about the whole move with two kids!

Hi, my partner got offered sponsorship on the 457 visa, has to go out to Brisbane for a trial in a couple of weeks. He is a solid plasterer and has his qualification in his trade. Just wondering is Brisbane very expensive, we have 2 kids, 5 and 1 year old. We were holdin' out for the state sponsorship and TRA just sent off when we got the offer of sponsorship so we think it would be the quickest and easiest way in on the 457 visa. Anyone gone on the 457 visa? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!