oddball

If this is the case, then you need to contact your case officer (when you get one) and submit documentation including copies of the applications to the FBI, proof that you paid for the clearance, and any correspondence that have sent you. I know the processing time is 16+ weeks with the FBI at the moment which is ridiculous especially since they are utilising completely unreliable technology. It's entirely up to the case officer in cases like this.

wouldn't it be easier (and cheaper) to get a pre-pay visa debit card?

I had to get down to my undies. Doctor was totally considerate and professional and made me feel totally comfortable. No breast exam, but he felt for hernias.

Sorry if I'm stating the obvious, but have you looked here? http://www.qct.edu.au/registration/

Good for you guys. Providing your son is resilient, he should settle okay. It's about taking each day as it comes because no amount of preparation or research can really prepare you for the reality of moving across the world! If you drop the 'better life' line, people will undoubtedly pick at that. Life is what you make it, wherever you are. There are variables everywhere that can affect the overall quality. I think a positive attitude is crucial, and providing your family is on board with everything, then you should be sweet. It's not easy, and when the 'holiday' period ends, day-to-day life is much the same as it is anywhere. It's what you do with your extra time that could make your life better

If that is a one-year course (or part time equivalent) at university level, then yes. This being said, I just looked and you can do one in special educational needs, which may be more appropriate. This is where I would suggest the advice of an agent!

You can apply for an AFP check before you go. It's done online. She'll likely need a Working With Children check as well, which requires a photo to be taken and is done at most post offices in Australia.

Geordielass44, I am not convinced that is accurate. Perhaps you were told incorrectly or maybe AITSL has changed the guidelines since then. According to AITSL, you need either: 1) An initial teacher education qualification of at least one year full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at the higher education level that includes a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice with students in a school setting, and a formal post graduate qualification in special education of at least one year in duration at the higher education level following the completion of the initial teacher education qualification. Applicants relying on a postgraduate special education qualification to, in-part, meet the professional criterion must have completed a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice in a school setting as part of their initial teacher education qualification to meet the professional assessment criteria. OR 2) An undergraduate initial teacher education qualification with a specialisation in special education of at least one year full-time study (or part-time equivalent), at the higher education (university) level that includes a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice with students within a special education setting. The way I read it, you only need 45 days supervised teaching in a special education setting if you completed your teaching degree as an undergraduate degree. Obviously for both options, the applicant needs to have a full four years of university education, resulting in the equivalent of a bachelor degree, which conandviv obviously does. This means if you did a post-grad qualification in special education, your skills would likely be positively assessed. I know you're looking at a few different agents, which is a good idea! Best of luck

* Yes. * For the 489, you still need a job on the relevant skilled occupation list, which I don't think primary is at the moment. * I don't know enough about the 186 to comment, sorry What I do know is that you must be registered as a teacher with the TRB of the relevant state, if that helps. This can take quite awhile. * With regards to your hubby, maybe start a new thread with queries about his skills, skills assessment, and visa options. It will get more views as this thread specifically pertains to teaching. I'll be honest and say I don't know a lot about that occupation! In the short term, I think you should explore all options to see what gives you the best opportunity!

It doesn't really matter if your sister gets citizenship. In terms of sponsorship, a PR has the same rights. To be eligible for the 489 she would have to be living in what's considered to be a regional area (all of SA is). However, you would still need a positive skills assessment from AITSL. Even if you secure a post in Adelaide as a special needs educator, you still need the positive assessment from AITSL. What is your husband's career? Have you checked to see which states are sponsoring his job and under what conditions? This might be a better option!

There are minimum earning requirements for UK spousal visas (I think). Have you considered having your partner come over on a 2 year working holiday? Is he eligible? My partner is an Aussie in the UK, and he is really doing it tough at the moment. He makes less and the weather is horrible (compared to where his from from in Australia). I'm not advising against bringing him here, but it is a big adjustment, in my personal experience. I know that there are Aussies who just love it in the UK as well!

Yes, the teaching placements count. As far as I'm aware, the only state sponsoring primary school teachers (which you would likely get a positive skills assessment for) is WA, and you must have a job offer before they agree to sponsor. Considering Australia has a flood of unemployed primary teachers, the chances of this are slim. Have you considered going back to uni for one year to specialise in special needs? Does your partner have a job on the SOL or CSOL?

It sounds like this is the criteria from AITSL that could possible trip you up... "An initial teacher education qualification of at least one year full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at the higher education (university) level that includes a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice with students in a school setting, and a formal post graduate qualification in special education of at least one year in duration (full-time or part-time equivalent) at the higher education (university) level following the completion of the initial teacher education qualification. NOTE - Applicants relying on a postgraduate special education qualification to, in-part, meet the professional criterion must have completed a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice in a school setting as part of their initial teacher education qualification to meet the professional assessment criteria." It's the 'AND' in the above statement that is tricky. You need a one-year initial teaching training (including 45 days supervised teaching), AND a further one year at univeristy to specialise in special needs education. Unfortunately any qualifications earned outside/after university won't help you. AITSL are definitely in the business to make money, so they won't be dishing out any free advice. They'll just tell you to apply (which I realise is very unhelpful). When you say your PGCE included special needs training... was this a focus of your PGCE? Or did you just do a few units on it? For example, my undergraduate secondary teaching degree included special needs training, but by no means was this the focus of my degree. Also, during your PGCE, did you have 45 days supervised teaching? I know that primary teacher is on the CSOL at the moment, but I'm sure sure what states are sponsoring for that or under what conditions. Also- advice on a particular career from the DIBP should be taken with a pinch of salt, as AITSL are the ones who have the authority to grant the skills assessment which is required to apply, so their say is final.

Will you need a new passport soon anyway? I'm pretty sure that it's acceptable if they don't match up as long as you include your marriage certificate/deed poll. This could save you some time.

Also, I would look at getting your skills assessment through AITSL as soon as you can. It can take around ten weeks, and often takes longer if they request further documentation.

There is nowhere near enough time to write a draft and rewrite it again. I am a reasonably strong writer and struggled with the time restrictions. It's okay to take a couple minutes to jot down a few ideas on the side as to what your piece will be about (like the main points). The trick is to leave a line blank here and there and make sure the words are spaced out so that you can fit extra bits in later on if need be. Also, it is essential to keep track of the word count. Each time I counted, I put a little star next to each 50th word to save me recounting. Practice doing this is crucial because you can start to recognise what a couple hundred words looks like in your own handwriting.

With a prescription from an Aussie doctor, absolutely. Bring your medical records and pharmacy records if you can, so that you don't have to start from square one with a diagnosis.

You can keep an eye on people's timelines from around the world on this link. It isn't gospel, but it's encouraging! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkrdCphtU8u-dGJQSWROUlZ0bThIaUF2VW9zdUZmMlE&usp=sharing#gid=277

Awe, best of luck! I'm sure someone in this lovely community will be able to help you

I think you should be looking at the 189, which would give you and your family permanent residency without any state or employer sponsorships. Providing you are a UK citizen, there is no need to sit the IELTS unless you require extra points. Have you calculated the number of points you would have when you would like to move? This includes age, years of experience, etc. The first step for you would be to apply to AITSL to have your skills assessed. This requires transcripts and other documents, and you can find the comprehensive list of what is required on their website.

Check your preferred location and occupation on seek.com.au.

I think you should be able to include the transcripts from your incomplete masters. There are quite a few special education jobs here and there as well. I saw that on another thread as well. You'll be fine! Let me know if I can help with anything else.

I can't speak for all states, but there are quite a few jobs going in WA. Each state government has their own respective jobs website. Private schools will often advertise on Seek.com.au.

That's good then that you've got at least 4 years of university education. I think it would be fine to include your transcript so far from your masters. I included time spent in university education, even though some of what I included did not contribute to my Bachelor of Education (Secondary) degree. Your biggest issue is whether your 3 year undergraduate degree is relevant enough to the early childhood occupation to satisfy AITSL. I'd be doing as much research as possible and asking as many people as possible When do you finish your masters? Have you considered applying as a special education teacher? I'm fairly sure this occupation is also on the SOL. Remember, once you get to Australia, you don't necessarily have to work in your nominated occupation.

Hi daffodilly, You must have at least four years of university education in total. How long is your masters? I don't believe the diploma is considered 'higher education', aka at university level. Your 5 years experience will likely come in handy for points during your EOI and visa app, but is irrelevant to AITSL (as far as I know). Your one year initial teaching training qualification may well be covered by your Children and Family Education major. This depends on how relevant the degree is to relevant to the early childhood (pre-primary school) teacher occupation. Also you must have had at least 45 days of supervised teaching practice with students across the ages of 3 - 8 in education programs prior to and in to the early years of primary school. You don't need to teach ALL of these ages, but your students must have been WITHIN these ages. I'll direct you to http://www.aitsl.edu.au/assessment-for-migration where they have more information, plus a document checklist which is really useful. This thread (http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/jobs-careers/204248-teachers-oz.html) is full of all kinds of teachers who have done/are doing the same process as you. Check it out. Have you considered consulting a migration agent before you apply for your skills assessment? They aren't cheap! Good luck!