Lagan22

Hi Raul, Thanks for your reply. Yes, I was originally going to apply for 186 Direct entry - the thing is, I already have a positive skills assessment from the ACS under the Analyst Programmer role. I was originally defined as a Systems Administrator and that's what i'm currently sponsored under, but Analyst Programmer more closely aligns to what I actually do. My agent suggested that this would most likely run into issues with direct entry, hence the 189 route I was going to take. I would have thought a positive skills assessment is evidence enough of relevant work and skills? Cheers, - Stephen

Thanks for the advice all! - I think I will appeal the test and also re-sit another to maximise my chances. I've had a chance to read through the forum and I can see a few other people in the same situation. A bit ridiculous seeing as i'm from the UK, but oh well - I guess they are happy for people like me to keep shelling out! Thanks, - Stephen

Hi All, Don't post very often, but I have a couple of questions and would be really appreciative if someone could help. Some background: I've been here in Melbourne - for the past 5 years on a 457, I've moved around a few companies in that time but essentially I'm looking at a few options: - Applying via the 189 Independent Visa scheme. - Applying via 186 Direct Entry. The 189 Visa has been proposed as an option because: - I have a positive skills assessment (Analyst Programmer), but when i went to apply for my 186 visa I was told that was not possible, as i've been sponsored on a 457 Under "Systems Administrator" for the entirety of this visa. I applied for a skills assessment under Analyst Programmer as i believed this most closely matched what I actually do, but was told by my agent that would not go through. I was then told i could go the 189 route. I have 55 Points at the minute. The only other option i have is taking the IELTS to get extra points. I took the test and got: 9: Speaking, 9:listening, 8:Reading, 6.5 Writing. This gave me an 8 overall, but it seems that you need at least a 7 for the extra points. to give me an overall score of 8. In short, I have a 2 questions: - Can I apply for a 186 Direct Entry visa, even though I've been sponsored as a systems administrator and had my skills assessed as an analyst programmer? - Is there anything I can do for points, given that i have an overall IELTS of 8, but 9: Speaking, 9:listening, 8:Reading, 6.5 Writing. ? Many thanks, - Steve

Hi Guys, Thanks for the feedback Yeah, that's the option I was leaning towards. After waiting 4 years for PR I guess I can wait a little longer and apply through the Direct Entry stream. When its literally 2 weeks before my 2 year anniversary in this role, its tempting to just hang in a little longer, but its too good an opportunity to pass up! Thanks guys

Hi All, Regular lurker / infrequent poster here - I'd just like to grab some opinions on the situation I'm in! I'm currently employed with a company that I've been working for on my 457 Visa for the better part of 4 years. I had attempted to apply for PR under the 186 Visa TRTS after 2 years, but my position changed because my team was made redundant, I was moved into another role and that made me ineligible (Even though I'm working for the same company! :\ ). I've been in my new role, another 2 years later, and my company is willing to sponsor me for PR this time, however I've been offered another role with a different company (same role, much better paying, almost 2x the salary), who are willing to accept my 457 / apply for another. My question is....Is it worth sticking out with my current role, apply for PR, or accept the new role and apply a little later on for PR under the 186 Visa Direct Entry stream? Its a tough call..Any thoughts are appreciated!

Hi Guys, Hmm, I thought that was the case! Ah well, my visa is good until at least 2016, so i will keep my options open. Thanks for the info.

Hi All, Long time lurker, first time poster to the PIO forums! My situation - I've been on a 457 Visa as an: ICT Customer Support Officer - ANSCO Code - 313112. For almost the previous 2 years, i had been working towards applying for permanent residency under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream. The position unfortunately was made redundant, but my company had offered to promote me to a new position in charge of one of their systems. I subsequently worked with my Migration Agent, and my role was changed with Immigration, and I'm now still on the 457 under ANZSCO Code - 262113 - Systems Administrator I'm still with the same company, and they fully intend on keeping me around. My 457 doesn't expire until 2016. My question is: Is there anything I can do with regards to applying for Permanant Residency? Do the 2 years I spent in the previous role amount to nothing? A bit frustrating - I was 6 weeks away from the 2 year mark! Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!