peterc1983

Re: your husband -- ACS will tell you how many years of experience they will recognise, and I'd wager it will be quite a lot: but you'd have to consider whether the total points he could get will be sufficient vs. applying via someone with formal qualifications before​ asking them. Since they will charge you of course for the assessment. EDIT: The other spanner in the works is that unless it has been 20yrs with the same employer, he'd have to get references from each previous employer where he was doing related work. You can use statutory declarations, I believe, but again this is something to consider.

I'm just wondering what the feeling is for the best time to open a bank account, prior to immigration? I will have savings from my UK accounts to move to Oz, but am unclear if there is any benefit in having the account open early?

No, I'll only do that if it's requested.

Looks like I have CO. Requested birth certificate and P60.

Certain solicitors are also notaries public. For example, here in Scotland a solicitor must petition the Court of Session to apply to register as a Notary Public. It's therefore important to check with them when you inquire. Saying that, I'd expect it to be explicitly stated on their website if they are. PS - You can contact your local court but I found waiting times to be in excess of 6 weeks (as it is free).

Sorry but this seems like an extremely foolish thing to have done. You have no guarantees at all that your visa will be accepted, let alone granted anytime soon. Meanwhile your child is out of school and both of his parents are unemployed.. all because you weren't patient. But yes: there is nothing to stop you going to Australia now, on a normal holiday visa since you don't have a PR visa yet. But how that will help you I don't know; because yet again you'd be hanging your hopes on nothing going wrong with your application, and even if the visa is granted without issue - you have no idea how long this will take.

I had nothing for ages other than the "organise your medical checks.." bit. Now, though, it has changed to say: "No health examinations are required for this person for this visa subclass based on the information provided to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection." In my mind this either means they've got the medical and nothing further is needed, or, I didn't need the medical in the first place .. either way, I'm just waiting too

Thanks for that; it's a relief that it's simply out-of-date. Straight to grant works for me

Sorry but I have nothing further I can add that will help as I have never had to ask for a a review/re-assessment.

I was in a similar situation whereby my current job is in a small company and I was on paper the "IT Manager", but actually I performed the task of software lead as well. Therefore for my ACS assessment, as I had opted for Developer Programmer as my skill, I had to ensure that the skills highlighted in my work reference were in keeping with the software side of things, and less focussed on the management stuff I did (which was exactly how the actual job I do works anyway). I think it must come down to the references provided and how well they highlighted the job was in fact related (or in this case, not). Not sure how you would tackle this other than getting another reference perhaps? On that note, however, you would have made sure the references all pointed towards your skill as per the SOL information, though? So I guess what I'm unclear on is how it could have been deemed unrelated, unless it truly is (or at least was, on paper via your references).

Hi all, Quick question; on the IMMI website they list the allocation dates for visas. I'm unclear about what this data is showing me: [TABLE=class: table-100, width: 794] [TR] [TH]Visa Subclass[/TH] [TH]Priority Group 3[/TH] [TH]Priority Group 4[/TH] [/TR] [TR] [TD]189 Skilled – Independent[/TD] [TD]N/A[/TD] [TD]10 March 2014[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Is this saying that at the moment, they are only processing those visa applications submitted unto and including the 10th March 2014? Therefore, those afterwards are have not yet been allocated to case officers? If so, I'm doubly confused as I'm sure I've read some people say they've had their Visas granted from May 2014 submissions. EDIT: Source - https://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/estimated-allocation-times.htm

My brother-in-law is a carpenter and he had his tools shipped separately (flown, I should say), as he could not take them with him in usual luggage. He had them flown as the containers took too long to arrive with all the other furniture and items etc. by sea (at least this is my understanding of what happened).

It's tricky I think, as if you over claim these 5 in any way (unintentionally, I mean) - then you've had it. I had the ACS assess my HNC as a diploma equivalent, so I guess I technically could have claimed extra points, additional to my degree. I'm unclear whether this would be OK or not. Certainly; http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/189.aspx seems to suggest it might be (and they state +10 points, not 5).

Ok yes, so my EOI -> Visa was 24 hrs. I'm not sure at all on the issue of it expiring during the visa application process though, sorry.

(I'm a developer/programmer).. I got my invitation to apply for the visa within 24 hours. I submitted my Visa and am currently awaiting the outcome -- I've had my medical checks done etc, now. I'm not sure if you are asking if the entire visa grant will be issued before your skills assess. expires? Or just whether your EOI will move to invitation to apply status? EDIT: I should add that I have 70 pts owing to me getting 20 in the IELTS + being able to claim for my job and degree.

I can't confirm 100% but I believe you are correct. The phrasing of the question I think on the EOI is " have you completed an English language exam in last xxx months" .. or something like that. I know the skills assessment lasts only for two years (though on this I think the rules have literally just changed this month?). EDIT: Just found the phrase: "Your IELTS or OET test results must be no older than three years immediately before the day on which you lodge your visa application." So it's 3 years not two. I think this now syncs up with the skills assessment change recently. It tells you on http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/189.aspx under the "Points Test", "English Language Ability" section.

I like this idea of 50/50 savings split. It allows them to know the value in saving, and having to appreciate that money is a finite resource that has to be managed.

I'm not debating, just offering my opinion. Each to their own.

Because you sound pretty clueless about all the important stuff related to the visa requirements. If you read that page you will be able to answer most if not all of those questions yourself.

I don't have children and never intend to .. so in my case, I don't have that to worry about. Plus I agree with an earlier poster about not handing them cash - I believe they should earn what they have.

Doesn't sound as though you've researched this. I suggest you look at http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/189.aspx

Of course; at least 8 in all sections.

You tell me. The visa fees + IELTS + skills assessment + medical checks + police checks all cost money. If you can pay then I can't see why not.

I believe in saving; but only to achieve those immediate goals that I want to achieve. Life is most certainly too short to deny yourself happiness at a time when you are fit enough to enjoy it most.

Well you'll get 10 points for the qualification, I believe, so that means you must get 20 points in the IELTS or you won't have enough.