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I'm really sorry to hear that you have lost your job. As others have said, the result of your mistake could have been far worse and you're fortunate that it wasn't. What I would say however is that it sounds like you had a lucky escape with this employer. Granted you made a mistake and it could have been far worse, but mistakes do happen and if your employer isn't willing to give you even the opportunity to explain the situation (irrespective of whether that would change their decision or not), then it doesn't sound like they're a good employer to work for. Ask for a written reference, check that it's an accurate account of the events and then look for another sponsor. If or when you're granted an interview, explain the situation as a mistake you've made and that you will learn from and say you're looking for an employer to give you a second chance. If they then check your references it won't come as a surprise. Good luck and chin up.

I expect the 12 week processing time is because they receive tens of thousands of applications every month. If everything needs to be checked and cross referenced, it's not going to be a 5 minute job.

D'oh! That's not going to work then. Thanks any way and good luck finding a buyer.

I'm not from the Sydney area, so wouldn't be interested in purchasing your bed, sorry. I would however be interest to know whether the shop you bought it from has a Brisbane outlet. Can you provide a link to their website at all, please?

If you're on the skills list and have the necessary points, IELTS (if applicable) and a positive skills assessment, you can register an EOI for a 189 whenever you want - onshore or offshore. With regard to the two years, I think you're getting confused. On a 457, an employer can sponsor you for permanent residency after two years of work. Whereas a 189 visa is a permanent residency visa, so you would have that status as soon as it is granted. After living in Australia as a permanent resident for four years, you can apply for citizenship. That might be what you're thinking about.

There are the occupation ceiling reports on the Skills Select website which detail the quantity of visas available for each ANZSCO code and then how many of those visas have already been allocated. These are updated after each round I believe. http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/ > Reports Tab > Occupation Ceilings Section If I'm reading it correctly, for example Plumbers (3341XX), there are 5400 visas for 2013 - 2014 and 69 have been allocated thus far.

If you have a British passport, you're automatically awarded an IELTS score of 6 for each part. When calculating migration points you get 0 for a band 6 result. You would therefore only need to take the IELTS if your skills assessment (or sponsor) explicitly asks you to do so, or if you want to increase your migration points.

I wouldn't see that as being an issue. The example employer reference on their website doesn't ask how much or how you were paid. It merely asks for employer details, when you worked for them (including end date or to date), whether it was full or part time (20 hours and over is considered full-time) and your duties.

I'm afraid that there is no other advice to be given. Sadly you've just gambled A$000's on the basis that you'd be allowed a free pass or to resist the IELTs. It's not any use to you now, but for anyone else, a quick call or email to the Immigration department would have answered that for you. I think you're going to have to forfeit the money paid or possibly try to request a refund, but that's unlikely and probably at the CO's discretion.

Have you read the application guidance booklet on the ACS website?

I just submitted my skills assessment to ACS yesterday. From everything I have read, I believe their decision is based solely on the education and work experience that you submit. They then compare your degree transcripts and employer references to the ANZSCO code you've selected for suitability.

Look at the SOL and CSOL for both your and your wife's jobs. I believe they're updated every July 1st. If either of you are on the SOL list, then you can apply for a 189 visa, subject to a successful skills assessment, IELT results and EOI. If either of you are on the CSOL list, then you will need to check whether the state(s) you want to live in need that skill (each has it's own list) and then apply much the same as the above, but indicating state sponsorship.

Are you on the SOL or CSOL? If so, you could try for a points based skilled migration visa. CSOL I believe requires state or employer sponsorship. Someone else may be able to confirm that. Good luck.

I've really enjoyed reading these. Does anyone else have a story they'd be willing to share, please?