CiderDrinkingCoder

Only the ACS assessment will be able to confirm your qualifications' AQF equivalence.

If you want the 20 points for language, I'd recommend PTE-A over IELTS.

Bungo, I believe quite a few engineering professions got stricken from the SOL for July 1 onwards :-\ Mad, but that's the way things are all over the globe right now. CDC

Many Poms on here will have wildly violent and differing views on many things (most recently, the EU referendum). However, most of us (I am HAPPY to stand corrected, if I'm wrong) would always caution very strongly against the 457. If you search through the old threads on here, there are some (very recent) examples of heartbreak with 457ers having to return back to Blighty when made unemployed. I would echo VeryStormy's words of cautions very strongly and very keenly. It can be a great way in for many people; however, it can also be fraught with (for want of a better word) danger and risk.

I really do hope the vote comes out as Remain. That said, I don't think I'll exactly lose out if Brexit goes through; I didn't get the outcome I was hoping for at the Indy referendum in 2014... 2017's would very likely go the right way...

Here you go, matey: https://www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details I think they work based on your NI number - but don't quote me on that.

Did one in Bristol a couple of years back. Awesome fun.

That does look particularly odd. However, I just wanted to challenge a notion made by another contributor here that they will 'try anything to fail you'. If that's the case, it certainly hasn't been my experience. I wonder if this might be a software glitch. PTE's systems don't always necessarily time out 100% unless you give a 3 second gap after finishing your answer before hitting next during speaking sessions; I've got a sneaky suspicion that this might cause a null value to be returned to the server in place of a recording, but couldn't prove it. OP - when you gave your oral responses, did you wait until the timer ran out, or did you click the next button to move on? Regardless, I do hope you get this sorted out. I could understand a drop to 80, but 60 seems somewhat bizarre when you're polling 90 on the other 3 sections. How did you do for the discrete components underneath the main four?

Hi Londongal, Relieved to hear it was sarcasm. If you're up on CyberSec, I would really encourage you to think about potentially taking a 1 year MSc (if you can afford it and can find a university that would accept you based on experience learned so far). If you can pick up an MSc with some CyberSec and Crypto, coupled with professional relevant experience, you'd pick up the 15 points for the qualification (pending it being assessed as AQF equivalent by the ACS), which would get you in line for a 189. (ETA: Have added in Crypto just from the point of view of maximising employment opportunities off the back of having to take the year out) Yes, it's another year - and potentially a very expensive one; however, I would reiterate the concerns others have raised about IT work in regional areas. More so if you're working in CyberSec / Crypto.

To be perfectly honest, whilst there are always the 'I am awesome and well ahead of you' stuck up brigade in IT, the vast majority of IT professionals I've encountered on four continents work by one simple mantra: always be open minded to learn from your peers and don't be a stuck up prick. In that respect, the Aussie approach isn't unique. Humility, modesty, and a little self-deprecation go such a long way in making an individual far more attractive as a colleague, both peer-wise and leader-wise. Curiously, I've also been surprised at just how receptive of decent British degrees Australian employers are (even if they don't always necessarily regard work experience in the same way).* Just a bugger that I've had to put my plans on hold for the moment. Oh, and I would just point out that I'm a just-about-reasonable developer, a muddling-by manager, and an eccentric old twit. Yet, strangely, by knowing I'm not God's gift, I've always done alright. Guess it's kept the mind fresh. That and knowing how to mix the cocktails on a Friday night after 5pm. ;-) * I'll probably get flamed for this, but I'm only referring to personal experience of having read at a few top 10 institutions: not commenting on anyone else's experience.

What one infers and what (if anything) is implied are entirely different things.

Not entirely sure what your specialism is, but I've just been thinking back over it and in ten years of hiring people, I've only ever recruited one person who wasn't a graduate. That was solely down to them having a phenomenal Github portfolio. Now, before anyone shouts back, of course a degree isn't the be all and end all; however, most people - in my limited experience - don't tend to have the fortitude to teach themselves complex theory for the sheer fun of it, and the structured environment of a university does seem to help with that. ETA: Stormy, only just saw your comment re: 457. Is that REALLY something we want to dredge up!?

In that case, is it worth you investigating if an Australian employer will sponsor you directly for a permanent residency visa? They'd be silly not to, if you're that able.

Just a thought, and it wouldn't be cheap, but hey ho. If you've been working in IT for a while and can demonstrate sound experience and knowledge, would it perhaps be worth investigating if there are any universities running MSc courses in Computer Science that you might be able to wangle your way into? Some of the old Polytechnic universities will probably have a more open approach to admissions than the more established universities? Like I say, just a thought, but it would help you on the points front.

This is one of those things where, too often, I think people go without voicing support for common sense. That's all Bungo's been trying to offer you. I concur with Bungo - and this isn't being judgemental. It's great if you've found a partner that you want to be with; however, when it comes to immigration and visa applications, you need to be whiter than white. Entering Australia on a visitor visa, when there are other motives that would - to a reasonable, objective eye - seem to take priority, wouldn't be looked on too favourably.

I'm being delayed for reasons I might not be able to get over mate. Simmer it down, as Bungo rightly says. When it's simmered, just ask yourself a question: Do you want to call Australia "home"? Remember. You can always come back to Blighty.

And ignorance of the law is no excuse. She chose not to take citizenship.

Tomorrow, I think.

Congratulations and welcome to the site. I'm sure some of the guys will be along to give their tuppenceworth on banks and transfer services. Personally, as long as a bank does as it says and holds my money, I look at them all pretty much the same. In terms of transfers, I've used Transferwise very successfully and love their low charges. Might want to check them out. Best of luck.

To whom?

Best pay and get the assessment done, then.

The requirements are clearly posted: https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/485-# [h=4]The Australian study requirement[/h]In the six months before you apply, you must meet the Australian study requirement. You meet this requirement if you can satisfy us that you have completed one or more degrees, diplomas or trade qualifications for award by an Australian educational institution as a result of a course(s): that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). for which all instruction was conducted in English that were completed as a result of total of at least two academic years (92 weeks) study that were completed in a total of at least 16 calendar months that have been undertaken while you were in Australia as the holder of a visa authorising you to study. On that basis, it would seem very clear that you are not eligible. It is now over six months since you completed your course, regardless of any other points.

I would be surprised if they did: how the heck would they even go about checking it on arrival? If it was something like the 600 visa being issued to someone from a high risk country, I could understand DIBP / High Commission running checks on employment before issuing the visa. Only dodgy thing about Poland was that Eurovision entry the other night... Have fun in Australia. Just be sure to play things by the book and not "forget" to nip back home at the end of the trip ;-) Toodlepip.

Well, brief list: - Are you sure your profession is on the SOL? - Are you comfortable with how to go about getting your skills assessment done? - Do you have any medical conditions? - Do you have any previous criminal history? If the answers are "Yes", "Yes", "No", "No", then you might have a straightfoward case. Just caveated because I'm sure I've missed some potential issues out.

Congratulations!