Andy G

I've been trying to get out to Oz since about 2018. I'm a mechanic. We're just waiting for the visas to be processed now. All trades are in demand over there. There just doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to the selection process. If you haven't already then speak to an agent asap. Some helpful registered agents on here.

I'll find out for adults next week but as far as I know it's a very basic medical check up. Whoever is in charge of our application has requested chest x rays and HIV tests (I guess that stuff depends on age, home country, etc). The paperwork for the appointment just says you'll be down to your underwear. They just want to know you aren't likely to have long term serious health issues which will put a strain on the countries health service I guess.

Some fantastic news just released... Regarding travel, not the medical. COVID vaccine requirement to be scrapped for international arrivals (smh.com.au)

Perfect! Thanks Some good responses. Thanks very much.

Hi. Does anyone know what affect your Covid vaccination status has on the medical examination for skilled visas? The paperwork says to "bring any proof of vaccination with you if you have it". In the nicest possible way... I'm not trying to start a debate here. Just looking for factual answers if anyone knows? P.S This is just regarding the medical examination. NOT travel to Australia. Thanks, Andy

My agent submitted our EOI in December 2019. Mechanic, NSW, 75 points for 189, 80 points for 190, 90 points for a 491 Nobody has an answer as to when I may get an invite

Oh it's certainly frustrating! Thanks for your update though. It's good to hear advice or opinions from as many places as possible. Maybe I could apply for other states, NSW was purely on the advice of our agent. I think Queensland will be our ultimate goal but we are planning on getting into Oz first and then making those life choices over the first few years and obviously following the visa rules. You obviously have what it takes to get top scores. Just take it if and when you're happy to again. Your score definitely has a big influence on your ranking. For me, realising that it is scored and listened to by artificial intelligence (no humans involved) was what helped me relax. I didn't have to worry about making sense or even saying the correct thing. It just has to flow right. Stay positive! I don't see much positivity on this forum but what can you expect from a forum full of Brits

I know exactly how you feel dude. I'm in the same boat. I'm a mechanic (apparently in very short supply in Oz) and after lots of hard work to prove my qualifications because my certificates are all Heavy Vehicle and last 10+ years have been working on Light Vehicle, we submitted my EOI in Dec 2019 through a registered agent. We submitted for 189 and 190 with 70 points for NSW Nominated 189. I was only a few points short of 79+ in the English test, had sat it twice. I was told to expect an invite by June. Covid hit, June came and went. I asked what I should be expecting to happen. The agent suggested scoring higher in the Pearson test to be ready for the new Budget in July. I managed that so was really pleased but told to also add the 491 to the EOI as PR visas are going to be unlikely. So I'm now just waiting..... and waiting.... and waiting. I have 90 points thanks to the extra in English and you get another 10 with the 491. I dont know if I might get invited for all 3 or none. But more delays I think. My agent said we should see things moving again this month. I just saw a new update on the NSW Gov website yesterday. If i'm understanding it right. ALL skilled visas will continue to be going to people already living in NSW. If that's right then I don't think 190's, 189's and maybe 491's will come our way until the new financial year in July. I wish someone could say to me "You WILL get an invite, it's just going to be later". With the Pearson test. I found from watching lots of videos that your structure and technique is more important than anything else. So with your writing, just stick to words you know you can spell and only use grammar you're comfortable with. Concentrate on the correct number of words and beginning, middle and end, etc. Good luck, we'll get there!

Thanks for your advice Raul.

Thanks everyone. It makes more sense to me now. Hopefully I've managed to increase my PTE score and will stand more chance in the selection process. Fingers crossed.

Mechanic (general) So are you saying the agent is bull$h!tting me about my chances and possibilities?

The EOI was submitted for a 189 and 190.

Hello, I'm interested to find out if I'm being told the correct information and doing things the right way. My agent submitted my EOI in December 2019. I sat the PTE exam just before this and was just short of 79+ across the board which meant I submitted with 70 points. My agent wanted me to try the PTE for a 3rd time to try for 79+ but I wasn't keen at the time as when I asked what this would mean for my application, I was told that this would mean I would be waiting a little longer for my invite (5-6 months). I said "As long as that is the ONLY difference, I'm happy with that because I'm self employed and have a LOT of work on my books so am in no huge rush at the minute". Anyway, that 6 months has passed now and I've asked my agent if they have any idea why I haven't received an invite (could Coronavirus be causing problems, etc). They responded saying I will struggle to get an invite now with 70 points. I understand this is probably right as I feel like it is getting harder to get into Australia, so today I sat the PTE again. The aim, as discussed with my agent, is to get that 79+ and go into the next round of new quotas with 80 points and a greater chance of an invite (new quotas released in July they say). After chatting with another guy at the test centre today, I'm starting to doubt things. Can anyone help me out a little with advice? Do you agree with this process? Is it right that I'm waiting this long for the invite, is it likely I won't get an invite? I hope this long post makes sense. Thanks.

Thanks for the replies. That's much more helpful. Are all MARA legit or should I be wary? Any recommendations? I'm hoping I can go down the 189 visa path. I'm happy I can easily achieve 70+ points but that's not my question. It's beginning to make much more sense now!

Hello. So my fiancé and I want to move to Oz permanently. I'm a qualified motor mechanic so know I can get us both there under a skilled visa application. I've spent the day going round and round on the Skills Select website and searching Google etc. Regards the EOI.... It sounds like I need skills assessment for my UK qualifications, Assessment for my level of English language, assessment for my health and a criminal record check. What do I need to do first? Start filling out the EOI or start getting these assessments in order, or complete these assessments as I fill out the EOI? Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Andy