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Guys I am currently a Police Officer in the UK. Myself and Family are currently in the throws of applying for a 176 Visa :wacko:. As this would be a fresh start for us I am interested in making it a clean break for myself and changing career completely. But..... as it was such a longtime since I worked outside of the public sector ( 15 Years), my skills in the outside world I would imagine are not much use.....or am I wrong on this????. My question to you Guys out there is: Does anybody have any knowledge of what Job opportunities are out there for someone like me in Canberra e.g. Security etc, goverment depts?? I am pretty much open to anything and wouldn't be averse to using my knowledge and experience.

Hi folks, I am a former PomsinOz user from 2007-2010 and this forum helped me significantly in being able to figure out how to emigrate from the UK to Australia. I am returning to the forum as I am looking for a place to move to after 11 years in Darwin, NT. I am considering Canberra as it appears that the job market might be reasonably okay. Can anyone give advice on how easy it is to find a job in Canberra at the moment? (Or PM if they prefer privacy). I think a position in the Federal Government would be good after 11 years in the NT Government. Of course, it quite often depends on the resume of the individual. So here are some basic points: I have 11 year working for the NT Government full-time (Social Housing, Remote Housing, Tenancy Management & Property Management), as well as weekend jobs at Bunnings (4 years) and the Quality Hotel (6 years). I am a former teacher and former bookkeeper. I have a strong interest in ICT. Looking ahead I am looking at getting a business broker & real estate licence in the NT, which could be transferred to other states with reasonable ease. Any advice on how to find a job in Canberra would be greatly appreciated. (On the flip side, if anybody is looking at going the other way - ie. to Darwin, NT - and wants similar advice about Darwin, feel free to PM me). Kind Regards, Gary

Hello everyone, my name is Andreas and this next november-december I am going to travel to Australia. My problem is I do not know where to go. I studied something related with construction and my experience in that area in my opinion is medium. Where I do not have experience is in english language. I have to say that will be a big problem for me at the beginning but I am sure I will solve it quickly because I love english. I am under 30 years old, I like big cities but does not necessary have to be Sydney or Melbourne, I think small city (1M people) can be better to find a room and know the differences little by little between my country and your country. I looked for information about Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. At the end, all the information I have found about them is: it is okay but they are not Sydney or Melbourne... During my Visa time I can move around the country as much as I want, so I prefer arrive in a small city, spend there (2,3,6... months) to speak and understand your language better than the first day and then if I have a good feeling move to Sydney (for example). What is your opinion about my idea? During that first stage I assume I will work in unskilled work, but it is okay for me. Now knowing my profile which of those cities I told you before would you live in? Thank you for your time, sorry for my write mistakes I thank you for your help. Andreas

Hi I got skilled assess in accounting and my wife skilled assess in hairdressing, my skill is in MLTSSL and my wife skill is in STSOL. can we share partner points ?? while we are applying for 190 or 489 strem ? we both have 6 each ielts, both 45 less, and already assess our qualifications. Thanks

Hi guys, I've moved to Canberra to try and apply for a visa 190 as a Graphic Designer. I'm looking to apply in Feb 2018. The criteria for me to be eligible is: -Working full time for an ACT employer in your nominated occupation for at least six months immediately before applying for ACT nomination. Student visa holders (with visa condition 8104) working 20 hours per week are deemed to meet the full time criterion. Since I'm currently working as a sole trader/contractor (freelance graphic designer), I was wondering if this is still ok when applying for the visa or do I have to get a full-time job? Thanks!

I see a lot on here about where to settle with kids for schools but where are the best places if schools are not an issue? My OH and I would like to be near decent restaurants etc but also not right in the city centre and we'd be happy to commute to work - any suggestions?

Hi PIO friends I have been searching Google for the past 2 hours trying to find a majorette troupe for my girls. Can't find a thing! Anyone know if they have majorettes over here? :err: Thanks Sam

hi all just wondering if any1 has moved to canbera and actually likes it? find it very hard to meet any one as the residents are very clicky!!!

Myself and partner are in our mid 30s with a, currently 5 month old baby. We've just received our 190 visa and clueless of where to move to in ACT, despite reading up on the suburbs....there are just too many! My partner is the main applicant and was sponsored as 'ICT Support Engineer'. We will have a vehicle to get around but arriving with minimal funds. We would like somewhere reasonably priced, that is safe and suitable for our age group with a young baby for at least a few months until employment is found. Any advice would be appreciated. Contacts/associates/friends to gain and meet up with also would be nice Bex

Hi All, We are a couple from Sri Lanka & we secured a class 176 VISA last year under ACT nomination. We are planning to move to Canberra by July this year & we are very excited. We need some assistance from you all getting some information regarding 2 things. First regarding temporary accommodation, any recommended places/locations & the price range to look for. Secondly, regarding the job market in the financial & banking sector since both of us are qualified management accountants with banking experience. Any recommended job agencies & most probable job hunting strategies? We already got loads of information from the internet about settling in Canberra but hands on experience from anyone who has recently migrated would be very much appreciated. Have a great day….. Cheers…….

Hey!! i am moving from Karachi, Pakistan to Canberra by end -October and was wondering of anyone else from the region is in the same boat....if so then lets use this forum to connect!! Tc

hi there, I finally got subclass 190 nomination and I am collecting documents to submit to DIAC... I am wondering if - after getting the visa- I am supposed to land at canberra within a certain period or if I have the choice to postpone the landing for a few monthes or even a year ??? And BTW, is there any multimedia or graphic designers in this forum ?? I would love to help anyone with similar conditions to mine out of experience... thanks guys

Hi All. Till recently my husband and I had an extremely comfortable and well settled life in Pakistan and had no intention of moving anywhere. I work for a multinational Beverage company as an Advertising Manager and my husband owns a farm. Last year we had our baby and it made us rethink our life here. Our friends' children were being sent back home from school owing to 'security threats' and we decided that we didn't want to bring our baby up in such an environment. After a lot of due diligence and reading we thought of the Australian Skilled Immigration program. I have recently started my application process and my credentials are currently with VETASSESS for verification. Given my skill set, I had to apply for the Regional Sponsored Skilled Immigration (190) and the only state requiring my profession (advertising specialist) was Canberra. Honestly, having read up on Canberra, it's very exciting as given the basic premise of our move is to give our baby a secure environment to grow up in and a good education, Canberra seems just the right place. We look forward to building a good life for our small family there. The only problem is that Advertising Specialist nominations for immigration are limited in Canberra and I have to lodge an application with MIS before requesting a regional sponsorship. In my application, among other things, I have to send proof that there are opportunities available for Advertising Specialists. Now unlike New York, where I have lived before, I cannot come across any good Marketing/ Advertising recruitment portals. All opportunities seem to be in states other than Canberra. If anyone can guide me, I will be very thankful. Just need to know if there are any portals or newspaper classified links which may point me towards Communications, Advertising or Marketing jobs failing which I fear my application will not be strong enough. I've tried the popular ones, Seek, Michael Page, Hays and a few others but it seems as if Canberra (or ACT) has no such opportunities. Looking forward for some positive support Thank you Allie

Hi Girls Can anyone recommend a good hairdresser for cuts and colours in Canberra? I used to travel 20 miles for my last hairdersser who included mini head massages with washes and treatments and free cups of tea :yes: so I don't mind whether any recommendations are north side or south side! Thanks in advance

Hi guys My wife and I are moving to Canberra in June and are getting very excited. Can anyone recommend good temporary accomodation, which we would need for about 4 weeks. There are websites around, but a personal opinion is always handy. Thanks in advance.

We're not surprised: http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/541603/20140304/act-canberra-australia-livable-city-adelaide.htm

Hi, I currently have a number of roles for Accounting Professionals with CIMA/CPA/CA qualifications and experience in either management accounting or financial/commercial analysis. Ideally you will have experience within a large and complex commercial entities. Please PM me if you are interested. Jenny

Hello, Our family is coming to Canberra for a few months for work (next week!) and we're looking at renting an apartment in Lyneham. It would be great to get your opinion on what the area is like, and what to look out for - both good and bad. The Lyneham wetland looks great, with walking paths and stuff. If anyone knows anything about schools, that would be good to know too - our children are primary school age. Thanks in advance for your help.

CURRENT ACT STATE SPONSORSHIP PROCESSING DATES: As at 25 July 2011: Subclass 176 / 886 visas: 3 Aug2011 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme: 26 Aug 2011 The SMP Occupations List July 2011 will remain in effect until the new 2011/12 SMP Occupations List is published. The 2011/12 SMP Occupations List is expected to be published in September 2011. ICT OCCUPATIONS ARE CLOSED AS PER NEW LIST Please check the following links for ACT sponsorship. ACT Skilled Migration Program State Migration Plan (SMP) Occupations List July 2011 ACT State Migration Plan Nomination Guidelines July 2011 Hey POMS I am starting a new thread for new ACT, Canberra State Sponsorship program (Just like my pal Uli started for Victoria). Guys any of you in ACT thread could updated their sponsorship status as : Name: Date of SMP application: Trade/profession: Visa type: Delays/further docs requested: SS received: Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: Comments: While your application is being processed by ACT this would be our color code: ACT Sponsorship Applied : Green ACT Sponsorship Approved : Purple ACT Sponsorship Rejected : Red Visa Filed :Orange Visa Granted :Blue Comments :Black Total Applied : 19 Visa Granted : 5 Visa Filed : 7 Sponsorship Granted : 11 Sponsorship Awaited : 4 Sponsorship Refused : 4 ******************************* February 2011 Applicants ******************************* Name: Orion25 (#1 Grant) Date of SMP application: 25 Feb 2011 Trade/profession: Property Valuer Visa type: 176 State Sponsored Delays/further docs requested: Not Yet SS received: 26 May 2011 Comments: CO - 15 June 2011 Medicals done - 11 July 2011 Medicals delivered to and signed for by DIAC - 18 July 2011 Visa Granted: 10 August 2011 ******************************* March 2011 Applicants ******************************* Name: rhump3 (#3) Date of SMP application: March 1st 2011 Trade/profession: Policy Analyst Visa type: 176 Delays/further docs requested: SS received: 28 May 2011 comments: The suspense is killing me! Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: Visa Granted: 22 August 2011 Name: Breezer (#2 Grant) Date of SMP application: 1st March 2011 Trade/profession: Office Manager Visa type: 176 - ACT Delays/further docs requested: Initial SS refusal however being recommended for review due to submission errors by immigration agent. SS received:16 June 2011 Form 1100 Uploaded:28 June 2011 Visa Filed:28 June 2011 Medicals done - 29th July 2011 Medicals delivered to and signed for by DIAC - 5 August 2011 Visa Granted: Yes Name: MRG (#4) Date of SMP application: March 7th 2011 Trade/profession: Housing Officer Visa type: 176 Delays/further docs requested: SS received: June 7 2011 comments: Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: Visa Granted: No Name: pntaylor ( Pete & Cat) (#3 Grant) Date of SMP application: 7th March 2011 (iirc but will check) Trade/profession: Business Professional (NEC) Visa type: 176 Family Sponsored (originally applied in May '09) Delays/further docs requested: SS received: 07/06/2011 Form 1100 Uploaded: Advised it was sent today CO: 20 June 2011 Comments: Visa Granted:9 September 2011 No Name: Foha2012 Date of SMP application: March 13 2011 Trade/profession: 2231-79 linux. now 261399 (ACS applied Apr 20th) Visa type: 176 Delays/further docs requested: SS Refused:June 22,2011 comments: Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: Name:Boodzz Date of SMP application: March 15th 2011 Trade/profession: System Administrator Visa type: 176 Delays/further docs requested: SS Rejected:June 7 2011 comments: Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: Name: Aussie2B Date of SMP application: around mid March Trade/profession: Advertising Specialist Visa type: 176 Delays/further docs requested: Submission errors by my agent caused the decision to be delayed SS received: July 8th 2011 Form 1100 Uploaded: Sent to DIAC on July 8th 2011 Visa Filed: September 6th 2008 (originally lodged a 176 Family Sponsorship visa) Comments: Visa Granted: No ******************************* April 2011 Applicants *******************************' Name: journeydownunder (Emma & Alan) (#1) Date of SMP application:14th April Trade/profession: Advertising specialist Visa type: 176 ss Delays/further docs requested: 15th April asked me to shorten our commitment statement!! SS received: 18th May 2011 comments: Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: Visa Granted: No Name: conor222 (H Logan) Date of SMP application: 14 Apr 11 Trade/profession: General Manager Visa type: skilled sponsorship Delays/further docs requested: none as yet SS received: Not yet Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: Comments: Visa Granted: No Name: qsar1 Date of SMP application: 14 April 2011 Trade/ Profession: Developer Programmer Visa type: 176 Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: comments: IELTS 8, L:8.5, R:8.5, W:7, S:8 Visa Granted: No Name:sohc (Ronald Kalaquian) Date of SMP application: April 29, 2011 (received) Trade/profession: Systems Administrator Visa type: 176 Delays/further docs requested: Not Yet SS received: Rejected but got SA State Sponsorship:jiggy: Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: Comments: Visa Granted: No ******************************* May 2011 Applicants ******************************* Name: Big Bob(#5) Date of SMP application: 8 May 2011 Trade/profession: ICT Security Specialist 262111 Visa type: 176 State Sponsored Delays/further docs requested: Job Searches in skilled nominated occupation SS received: 23 August 2011 Form 1100 Uploaded:5 Sep 2011 Visa Filed:1 Sep 2011 CO Allocated: 13 Sep 2011 Medicals/PCC:12 September 2011 Visa Granted:21 September 2011 No Comments : Name: Rachel 80(#4) Date of SMP application: 11 May 2011 Trade/profession: Project Administrator Visa type: 176 State Sponsored Delays/further docs requested: Not Yet SS received: 19 July 2011 comments: Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed:1st Aug 2011 Visa Granted:15 Sep 2011 Name: Muditha Heenkenda Date of SMP application: 11 May 2011 Trade/profession: Surveyor Visa type: 176 State Sponsored Delays/further docs requested: Not Yet SS received: Not Yet comments: Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: Visa Granted: No Name: Canberra 2011 Date of SMP application: 20/05/2011 Trade/profession: Real Estate Agent Principal Visa type: 176 Delays/further docs requested: SS received:25 July 2011 Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed:31 July 2011 Comments: Visa Granted: No Name: KarenHen Date of SMP application: 27 May 2011 Trade/profession: Systems Administrator Visa type: 176 State Sponsored Delays/further docs requested: Not Yet SS Rejected: 7 July 2011 comments:Not enough cash in bank Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: ******************************* July 2011 Applicants ******************************* Name: Desire Date of SMP application: 15/07/2011 Trade/profession: Systems Administrator Visa type: 175 Delays/further docs requested: Not Yet SS received: Not Yet Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: Comments: Visa Granted: No Name: Nazmul Date of SMP Verification for Limited Occupation: 19 July 2011 Date of SMP application: 19 August 2011 Trade/profession: HR Advisor Visa type: 176 Delays/further docs requested: Not yet SS received: 21 Sep 2011 Form 1100 Uploaded: Visa Filed: Comments: verification will be denied if skill matching with recently advertised positions is not provided.

Hi, I was lucky enough to have made the move to Canberra just over 2 years ago and haven't looked back. I know things have been a bit tough in the job market recently, and wanted to share a couple of opportunities for Professional Accountants with CA/CPA/CIMA qualifications. Ideally you will have experience within a large and complex commercial entity. Please PM me if you are interested.

Hello guys, this is my first post here so I have to thank all of you guys for your contribution it helped me a lot so far. there is a special place in heaven for you :notworthy: so, anyway I just finished lodging my application for nomination and successfully uploaded all the right documents including a copy of the verification email (of my limited occupation) and I will pay the fees in about two hours. My question is : what is the possibility of refusal of my application and why the reason might be ? obviously that question is out of worrying but you can think of it in a statistical form ... what is the success percentage of nominating a limited occupation after successfully being verified ??? BTW I know this forum is mainly for brits so I can`t miss the chance to greet u guys from the land of the pharaohs itself "great old Egypt" :hug: I wish I can meet some of you when (and if) I become canberran (is this even a word ?!!)

OK so I plan to move to Canberra in the next 12 months or so under a 176 Visa along with my wife and two daughters (11 and 8) and we are scanning the map of canberra and school websites to find the bext areas to live in. So we need good schools for the girls, plus residential districts with a bit of space and good sized house plots. So all those of you already in ACT - can you recommend where we should be looking for rented houses? Thanks The Cook's

Hi all, I'm desperately trying to talk to someone at the British High Commission (Canberra, Melbourne, anywhere really!) but all I get when I call the number is a hugely irritating voice message that just directs me to the website. Does anyone know how I can actually talk to someone? Thank you so much for your help, Rachel

This is a fantastic car, still under Honda's new car warranty, and just had it's 30k service. We've owned it from new, and it is in excellent condition, on the road since November 2011 only. Over 3 1/2 years of the full Honda warranty & roadside assistance remaining (through to November 2016). It has a full service history with fixed price schedule of service costs. Includes Honda Civic official accessories including: Alloy wheels, Bluetooth, Floor mats, and Tinted windows. We've bought a second car and hence no longer require this one. Location: Canberra Price: $17,000 Please PM/Email if you are interested. Serious offers only.

Hi all, To cut a long story short, My wife and I are interested in a move to Perth, but I'm looking at other options in case WA decline my SS application. Is there much work for Business Analysts in Canberra? I notice the position is still open on the ACT SMP. Also, what kind of wages should I be looking at, and what would I need to support a family of 3 (my son is 3 years old) - we'd be renting, and needing at least one second hand car (assuming I can bike or get public transport to work. Finally, what's the turnaround time fro applying for SS and it being processed? Thanks for any help!