Ms Taurus

But it's rather annoying, if you don't get the visa, you are unlikely to land a job... But to DIBP, if you don't show your employment letter, they don't give you your visa... It's such chicken and egg...

with that said, does that mean if MA decided to go ahead with your application, that kind of represents a good chance of getting the visa, sort of?

thanks wrussell. that's very helpful

Hi kermitfrog, Matilda, i saw their name on other forums too... what is the name of the agent you worked with? thanks!

Depends where you are located! I'm from Canada but did my initial visa through a migration agent here in Sydney - but primarily trusted them because I had quite a few friends who also went through them.

 

For starters, make sure they are MARA registered: http://www.mara.gov.au

 

Then really it's time to see whether you 'gel' with your agent. You need to get along, so book a consult or send a few emails to see if you've found a migration agent you can trust.

 

Also, really important (:wink:) you need to ask how much they charge. Fees vary a bit, depends on how experienced that MA is I guess, but most MA's will give you an estimate/range upfront. Don't forget to add on Health Check Fees/Police Reports/DIBP Fees etc... Guess it goes without saying but pick a MA within your budget.

Hi lightunderscore, im currently in HK, considering an agent in Oz coz i believe they know the process best. do you mind telling me the name of your agent? you can PM me if you don't want to advertise it here.

thank you.,

Hi guys, can anyone share with me their experiences with migration agents? I am looking for one to handle my state nomination (190 visa) and do not know where to start.

Thanks a lot!!

Well that's good! For the 190 skilled sponsored visa your occupation needs to be on the csol(in which you say it is).

Next step is to look into it and see if you are eligible for this visa. I.e . Google the anzsco code to see what the minimum occupation requirements are, to ensure you can obtain a positive skills assessment, checking you have enough points, seeing what states are currently sponsoring etc.

 

If you determine that you are eligible then I would certainly apply for this over a 457 any day. With the 190 visa, it is a permanent one and you won't have those risks and uncertainties unlike a 457.

oh thanks for the information, actually, i have experience in 2 of the occupations on the csol list. i will definitely look into that as well. thanks very much!!

Well then I assume you have checked to make sure it's on the csol if a potential employer is willing to sponsor? Have you made sure that you aren't eligible for a 190 state sponsored skilled visa?

Yes, i double checked, its on csol

i havent looked at state sponsored visa tho.

Hi Guys,

 

I've sent my CV into a few companies, and in the last few days had some really good replies.

 

One company's reply was " give us a few days to work out the process and we will be in touch to let you know a way forward"

 

Hopefully this is a sponsorship offer. It a very large company too with their own in house recruitment department.

 

Although i'm not getting over excited , its great to get some positive feed back !

well done!! you mind telling me what industry are you in?

I was in the same position at one stage. I declined it because of the potential risks involved. Decided to apply for a skilled visa to eliminate those risks coming out on a whv in the hope of securing a 457.

i looked into skilled visa too, but my profession is not on the SOL list

wow... sounds like you are having a great time in australia!! I thought DIBP only grant 457 visa to those who have experience in field of the sponsored position...

I came on a WHV and got sponsored (457) it is a big thing for some employers to do so if you've been offered it take it! You can work for the same employer for a 6 month period on a WHV so if its doesn't work out with this job you still have time to go through probation and find another sponsor. Some people would kill for an offer of sponsorship. Sponsoring straight off the batt is rare tbh because of the costs involved to the employer, plus since the days I came its so much harder to get sponsored now. Ive been here 4 years now, came travelling and never left, its amazing but for me my time is coming to and end soon I think ( too homesick! ) but take the chance of a new adventure, you wont regret it. best of luck

thank you for sharing your story with me. I think i will love Australia too. When you first came on WHV, did you find a job in the same industry as you were in back at home or did you start a completely new career?

some people say the most difficult part is finding an employer who is willing to sponsor a work visa, once you have a sponsor, the rest is pretty much straight forward. but still, i think DIBP has the final say... right?

yes, they are using it as a probation. my only concern is if DIBP does not grant me the 457. then i will be stuck.

Hi guys, i have a been offered a 457 sponsorship. but the employer is suggesting that i start on a WHV for the first 3 months and transferred to 457. I have reservations, as I am giving up a full time job for this and am concerned if i dont get 457 approved. Anyone has been through similar situations?

thanks!!

thanks everyone.

good luck with that and keep us posted on your status!!

this is tricky. i don't know what is the best thing to do, but i would say honesty is the best practice. have you ever thought of getting advice from migration agent?

Btw, what industry are you in?

did you not declare your conviction this time?

I am a seasoned conference and events specialist with strong HR/L&D background, hoping to relocate to Australia. Any one here know of any agencies that specialise in 457 visa jobs? I am also a professionally trained bilingual counsellor. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

i think my employer will be handling the nomination and I am inclined to do the application myself. or would it be easier to hire an agent to act on my behalf?

thanks. i'll definitely be open this time. hope it won't be an issue

Hmmm... that's my worry, i went to Aust a few times after my conviction without declaring it. Although i am definitely goinbg to declare this time, do you think its going to be an issue?

before you arrive on 457, have you visitied Australia? did you declare your convistions on landing card at that time?

oh btw, are you on 457 now or other type of visa?