PomCop

Are you doing a Recognition of Prior Learning or are you qualified ie NVQ L2 in Joinery

It doesn't help that you've haven't told us: A - what your nominated occupation is and; B - who is the assessing authority (TRA etc) Then we can start helping :-)

My qualification is Cert III Roof Plumber however, that comes with conditions such as I cannot do gas fittings and this will reflect that on my licence. My, mate who is in the same trade as me, has just made the move over to Melbourne as a Roof Plumber (we are both industrial roof shelters and cladders) and we both have NVQ L2 in the trade. You need to see if your 'statement of attainment' in Drainage is on the Skilled Occupations List before you proceed any further. Once you've achieved the RPL you also have to gain a positive Skills Assessment from which I believe will be Trades Recognition Australia Hope this helps & good luck!

Errr Ground Control to Major Tom...

@Skyba - nice seeing you got your IELTS results all above 8 on your first attempt!

Really is down to what your trade is and the relevant assessing authority for that skilled occupation. Mine, for example, compare to the above Captains, is very simple! As a Roof Plumber I just had to gather evidence for the past 3 years of the nominated occupation I wanted assessing. This consisted of; Bank statements SA302's from HMRC Tax Returns Taxation books/summaries Employer references Syllabuses for my qualifications Copies of my certificates and work cards Description of what I actually do Once you know which authority is assessing you, there will be a set guideline that tells you exactly what evidence they want you to provide and if there will be any exams/interviews. Thankfully, mine doesn't have any exams/interviews. I'm useless at them! Best of luck

Took my nephews a week in total for his passport to come through. The 6 weeks is the maximum time you ought to allow.

I do all my practice through PTE themselves. Their website is second-to-none. I'd recommend taking out the Gold Package as you get two scored tests which give you an accurate idea of what level you are working at and where to improve. https://ptepractice.com

Just go for it mate. You'll be homesick for god knows how long. You'll have urges to move back at times. But just stick to it I went out to Aus earlier this year for a couple of weeks. The second week I was there I went to go get my hair cut and the hair dresser made a right shambles of it. I ALMOST booked a flight back home there and then just because of how much of a mess my hair was! It's little comforts like that which you will miss, well.. It is for me anyway! If I could take my hair dresser over with me - I would!

Found it. It's called the Down Under Centre http://m.downundercentre.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.downundercentre.com%2Faustralian-skill-assessments

PS - RPL generally apply for those who have 5 or 8 years experience in the trade but don't have the qualifications to back it up.

You can actually get a positive skills assessment through a RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) which doesn't then apply to the 3 year rule. There's a few companies that do it. I believe John from Moneycorp knows a company that does it. I'll try and dig out the link. Best of luck!

In regard to Trades Recognition Australia, they only (generally) recognise any qualifications 3 years from the date you was awarded it. Hope that helps

I think your autocorrect got the better of you!

Absolutely heartwarming to read this! Best of luck to you all. It was your determination that got you this far!

It might be cold but it's such a beautiful country. I say DO IT!

Go for the 189 Skilled Independent Visa. Where in the UK are you?

So when exactly are you planning on moving to Australia? Assuming that your daughter is about to go to university (3 years minimum). As for the son - he's not really dependent. He's had a career, been independent. The other daughter has a part time job. She's most likely seen as independent. The way I see it - if you're not under 18 and not in full time education - you're not a dependent. I'm sorry but it's most likely that they will have to find their own visas There will be someone that will come along with a lot more experience than myself who will more than likely have a better insight into your situation. It may be worth consulting with a migration agent to explore all options

Not strictly true... Let's not be so harsh now, Bungo You could retrain in your career path. It has been known to many users of this forum before where ones occupation was not on either of the list, they chose an occupation from the list and gained the relevant qualifications/years experience in the nominated occupation. Please note that if you choose this route that the occupation that you select from either of the lists could be removed at any point. Nor is there any guarantee that it'll get you into Australia. Most nominated occupations also require at least 3 years post qualification experience in order to get a skills assessment - which is also part of the visa process in most cases. Good luck.

I believe the visa processing times are anything up to 12 months. That said, my mates sister just had their 309 Visa approved (her boyfriend is Aussie and they've just had a baby today) after around 6 months I believe. It really depends on how much work you create for the Case Officer, how many visa applications they have on their work load and what your circumstances are etc etc... If it's straight forward ie you don't have any criminal convictions, you'll pass your medicals no problems and there's no other issues, you could have it approved a lot quicker than the advertised times. That said, don't expect it to happen quicker than what you wanted. Good luck!

My thoughts exactly.

Tricky one but I would think that because they are over 18 and not dependents (ie they can get jobs etc etc) then they have to meet the requirements for the said visa. I am sure someone who is more experienced in this field will come along shortly and give you some better advice! Good luck!

In order to be sponsored, your occupation still has to be on 'a' list. Such as a Skilled Occupations List for a 189 Skilled Independent Visa or the Consolidated List for State and Employer sponsorships. Correct me if I am wrong...

I've always had this at the back of my mind when the time comes for me - to renew my UK Passport. I think I will be renewing my passport - just so I can get those extra years on it. I am hoping to be on an Australian Passport from 4 years of when I touch down in Aus though!

Is there any chance you could stay another 2 years and secure your citizenship? 2 years will fly by!