The Smith Clan

If you are looking at sponsorship and a 457 visa then I would not appoint your own agent - we were sponsored and the employer appointed the agent and paid all the costs - agent and visa.

 

As a social worker though I would have thought you would be better with an independent visa - 457 visas are fraught with problems. Of course this is where a migration agent can help too! It may be worth having an initial assessment - some even do this free, we used Overseas Emigration and they did.

Thank you

Have a read on the immi website about the different visas. There are significant advantages to the 189. Plus it would be better to apply for 189 while the skill is in demand.

 

In relation to jobs, my oh did a huge amount of research while waiting for the visa (you need to tailor your letter and cv to show that you understand the Australian system and how your skills are applicable ). My OH got a good job sorted before we came over.

 

Good luck.

Thank you for your advice, did oh use any particular sites for research?

Looking at areas best for a young family. We are currently living in a semi rural area in UK and local for work, school and activities. just at the start of process of moving and need to start considering areas. My pet hate is a long commute, would be working as a social worker. Would want an area that is low on crime, but also not crazy on the rent. Ideally local to parks and in reach of leisure activities. Looking for advice and especially if you have moved already and your experience of areas?

thanks in advance.

We are just at the start of it all but found your post inspiring. Let us know how you get on with the company bringing your dog over as we have 2 dogs that will be moving with us.

Also good luck in your new job

We are just at the start of it all but found your post inspiring. Let us know how you get on with the company bringing your dog over as we have 2 dogs that will be moving with us.

Hi just wondering why you want sponsorship rather than pr under 189?

This was the route we looked at but thought if sponsored via job could work out cheaper.

Hi The Smith Clan

i am a social worker ( child protection) I am looking to apply for the 190 this year. That option means you apply for state sponsorship. I am not sure about employer sponsorship for SW but i hope you get some good advice here..

Is there a reason why you don't want to try any of the PR visas types as they appear to have long term benefits.

I understood this may reduce visa and moving costs? this is all new to me. Are you getting work before you move?

I've changed my mind about this. We didn't use an agent, but that was 30 years ago and the whole process was far simpler. Having seen how complicated it is now, and knowing that one little mistake could mean getting rejected and losing your whole application fee, I think a migration agent is worth using.

 

Just check to make absolutely certain they're MARA registered, never use one that isn't.

Yes one would think paying all that money would be an option to resend without cost. I am going to get myself up to speed with it all and what we need to do and make a decision.

Thank you

We used Visa Bureau many years ago when we applied and they were fantastic. There is a lot more information about now a days so lots of people do successfully apply on their own .

For us, it was more for the peace of mind of knowing we had someone double checking everything and filling in the gaps if we got stuck,hence we dont regret spending that extra money on agent fee's.

 

Lots of luck with your application.

 

Cal x

Thank you

Difficult decision, but remember, if your visa application is refused because of an error you make when applying you'll lose the fee.

Yes we are just finding this out from posts and its one of our many worries.

Has anyone moved from UK to Oz and managed to get sponsorship. I am a qualified social worker expertise older adults/ vulnerable adults and LD's. Registered with a few agencies, but they don't offer sponsorship.

Thanks in advance.

Maria

Visa costs are only just the start!

 

To to answer your question, if you have time and the inclination to research, and IF you feel it's straightforward in your case then go ahead without an agent. However, if you have any doubts whatsoever, or the time to research visa options and the process, get an agent. Make sure the agent is MARA registered.

Many thanks, do you have any recommendations ?

Looked at emigrate to Australia and visa bureau.

At the very start of our journey to move to Oz. I am a social worker and hoping I can get sponsorship there. We are a family and looking at visa costs alone looks expensive before we consider agent fees. Is an agency worth it? .

Any information on any sw job sites, contacts much appreciated.

Kind regards

Maria