Chelle_Lou

My husband is a plumber and just completed the 1 day St John ambulance first aid course. Was told could have done the Red cross one as well. Was accepted by VETASSES no problem. We also going through the DUC. Has his skills test in Feb

We are beginning our journey in moving to Oz and looking for some answers that I haven't been able to find on the internet and the agent I spoke with was rather unhelpful. Plan is to apply for the skilled 190 visa for Victoria under the 'Roof Plumber' category. (we are looking at 'roof plumber' option as we have our heart set on Melbourne due to family connections and Victoria does not have a General Plumber skills shortage) My husband is a industrial/ commercial plumber with 10+ years experience. He has his NVQ 3 in plumbing, has completed a 3 year apprenticeship course with one of the largest M&A firms in London, has numerous years experience working in London having worked on the Shard, Wembley stadium and numerous hotels, flats and commercial units. He has numerous extra skills cards including a supervisor card. points wise he gets: Age - 25, English 10-20, Employment - 20, Qualification - 10, State nomination - 5 so depending on his English test either 70 or 80 points. I have researched the Vetassess and whilst he is in essence a general plumber he has the technical ability for the required skills to meet the roof plumber remit. (and can back up with recent evidence for the majority of it) my questions are: - Is there any one that has completed the skills assessment for a roof plumber recently that can provide advice? - My husband is registered Dyslexic. I understand you can apply for extra assistance on the language test. However my understanding is this just simply provides more time - is this correct? Also do you know if it will go against him if he applies for the extra assistance? - If he for what reason is unable to obtain the Roof Plumber status and only the General Plumber (upon which we would have to apply for NSW) are you limited on this visa to only live in that state. Any chance there is a time period? - Does having a job in place before we arrive assist in the application? (We have lots of family in the trade industry that are Oz residents and live in Victoria and they have said they can get him work even if just as a apprentice/labourer in that field. - Assuming all goes well and we are granted a visa what is the process for obtaining a licence when in Oz? I understand he needs to apply for a white card (similar to our CSCS) to allow him on site. I also have read he would then need to retrain for up to 1 year to convert his qualifications to the auzzie equivalent level 3. Does any one have any experience of this and know the cost/time frame/ or been able to obtain work without it? - We have also been looking at the new TSS visa but there seems to be such limited information. I note as his dependant I am free to obtain work but i couldn't establish if my children would be entitled to free education (i assume i could pay international or private fees), also i assume we would not be entitled to any medicare? Also assuming we find a sponsor (there are a few adverts around) would they then assist him in converting his qualifications or would they just employ him as essentially unqualified? (appreciate probably something i need to ask them) Finally after your 3 years what would happen if the skill that he applied under is no longer on the skills shortage list ? -Final one - does any one have visa agent that specialises in tradesmen they could recommend? I have been speaking with Visa Bureau and so far I am not impressed. Sorry lots of questions but if anyone has any experience or insight i would be really grateful. TIA