Tasha

30 minutes ago, Sammy1 said:

Thanks for clarifying, in your comment you said she would be over the age limit.

yeah there isn't much room for error. Everything would have to align. I think it's almost doable!

4 hours ago, Marisawright said:

First things first - your son can certainly apply for a Working Holiday Visa when he's finished his course, which would give him a year (or possibly two) in Australia.  However, he shouldn't assume that he'll be able to get a visa to move permanently.

It sounds like you understand that the only way to migrate is to have an occupation that's on the official list.  Be aware that  on top of that, there are requirements for qualifications AND post-qualification experience for most occupations, so your son may not be able to apply straight after qualifying.   

The other bad news is that even if you're both on the list now, the whole visa system is undergoing a major review right now, so it's going to look very different by 2020.   

Which occupations need experience then? My son would have 65 points I think when he graduates. Would that not be enough for an independent skilled visa? 

11 minutes ago, ali said:

Are they on the birth certificate?  Even if absent you may need to prove that you have tried to contact them to seek permission.

To teach - you will need a 4 year degree and some post qualification teaching experience to pass the skills assessment.

No he is not on birth certificate. He is not contactable either. I could do teaching 1 year course next year and then you are guaranteed a year teaching experience.

Fortunately that isn't an issue :). Her father has never been a part of her life.

Oh forgot to mention my sister and her husband might move in the next 18 months to Australia so there could be the potential for them sponsor me.

Hi everyone,

I live in Scotland and my son age 22 wants to move to Australia after studying his Open Uni degree (will finish 2020 I think) in Computing. He wants myself and my daughter (age 7) to all go. The idea has really grown on me, but I wonder about best options to have best chances of getting a visa. I am 41 years old so time is important here.

 I have a degree in Fine Art and work in an Arts Organisation as a gallery assistant. I am skilled in oil painting and drawing, but have been focusing on my young daughter recently so not done a lot of painting. I would say I have talent in that area though. I looked at the skill shortages and note that illustrators and secondary school teachers are needed. I could do illustration I feel, but think a Masters in Illustration might be a good option to hone these skills or I could do a year teacher training to become an art teacher. I don't know what would be easier to get in with. At the moment I seem to have 50 points on the independent visa skilled points system so not enough. I think I might have to be sponsored by a region maybe?

So I am just considering what my best course of action in these next couple of years. Does Illustration look the better option or teaching? How do they assess me to see if I can do illustration? Would having an art degree be acceptable or would they want me to prove my skills some other way?

Many thanks for any contribution