jrm

Hi, Sorry to bring back this topic but I need clarification on this - Does my partner need to take the IELTS? Her occupation isn't on any list so we won't be getting more points here. She will simply be included as a secondary applicant. From what I understand from the immi website (http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/checklists/190.aspx, bottom of page), she would only need to undertake the exam if she was trying to prove a skilled occupation to get more points? So in our case, she doesn't need to take the exam, is this correct? Thanks and regards, J-

Hi, With regards to certified copies of documents intended for a skills assessment and/or the immigration department. Some of my originals such as degrees or employment references are still in my country of origin. To avoid the risk of loss by having the originals sent to me in the mail, I wanted to ask a relative in my country of origin to create copies for me, get them certified, and send the copies in the mail. The question is: Will the authorities such as the ACS or the immigration department accept copies that were certified overseas? Also, with regards to translations, is that alright to provide a translation of a certified copy, along with the certified copy itself? As in, the document which is certified will not be written in English. Thanks for your advice Cheers J-

Hi, Thanks heaps for all this valuable information. I'll definitely follow your advice and start with the Skills Assessment. Have a great day!

Hi, Yes, that makes sense. So if I leave Australia after, say, 1 year, and I want to come back anytime in the future (after the 5 years), would I need a "Resident return pass" and would that be granted, or could I simply not re-enter the country? Also if my partner wants to be linked to a visa 190 application does she have to undergo an IELTS and skills assessment as well? She works in marketing and her job isn't listed in any list, however, she currently live and works in Australia and has a visa 457 as my partner. Thanks and regards

Hi,Thanks a lot for your answer, it really helps.I can't have employer sponsorship because I am not a permanent employee to my employer (I work as a contractor).I currently live and work in Melbourne (and would like to stay there for now) so does it give me more chances to be nominated by VIC? What if another state nominates me first, would I need to change state and find a new job there?Also what happens if I leave Australia on a state-sponsored visa, does it cancel the visa?Thanks again, sorry for all the questions I really need to make sure where I am going...

Hi and thanks for your reply, Actually I said 190 because I may be able to obtain 5 additional points if a state sponsors me, but I am not sure whether I need this or not. I would obviously prefer the "independent" one (189). My job is listed on the CSOL as "ICT Security Specialist". Do you think working as a contractor is this job is acceptable for a 189/190 application? Thanks, J-

Hi,I've been on a visa 457 for one and a half year. I work for my employer as a contractor through a contractors agency (who are my sponsor). I always have 6 months work contracts that are renewed every time.Now, Since the 1st july 2013, to apply for permanent residency through ENS, you need to be a permanent employee: "After 1 July 2013 - Employees must now be employed by their sponsor in a direct 'employee-employer' relationship. This prohibits on-hire arrangements that fall outside approved Labour Agreements and prevents sponsors from engaging visa holders under arrangements that resemble independent contracting arrangements."So as I cannot apply for this, then I was thinking about going through the skilled migration program as my job is listed in the SOL and I could probably achieve 65 or 70 points.However, my question is, can I apply for permanent residency under the 190 visa considering I am a contractor and therefore I am not a "permanent employee" to my employer. I couldn't find this information on the immi website.Thanks for the help !Jezz