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Hi, Would be grateful for any advice, getting really worried now. I thought that I would just about meet the 65 points on the new points system. I've had my skills assesed by CPA Australia before July 1st and that has come back completed. I only became a qualifed accountant at the end of May this year (last exam passed May 2010). I needed to claim 5 points for my 3 years work experience, since my role as a Finance Manager is in line with that of a qualified accountant. However, I now read that DIAC are expecting the work experience to be verified as part of the skills assessment, and looking on the CPA website this says they will only count POST qualifed work experience - which for me is 4 weeks! I've checked out IPA and theirs also says post qualified is all that counts. So, I'm now 5 points short. Any advice? I've thought about state sponsorship but that will probably change now too. Please help, think my dreams may be over right now:no:

Hi There. My name's Lisa and I am going to be arriving in Brisbane in July 2014. I have family there so will be staying with them, also in Melbourne. I will be looking for fruit picking / farm work to extend my visa to the 2nd year. I will be looking for travelling buddies, and will be prepared to travel to where the work is. So if you are around the area in July onwards, please let me know it will be great to hear from you :cute:

Hi im traveling to sydney in the first week of july 2013. im going alone and just wondering who else will be about?

Hi, just wondering if anybody knows of any changes affecting the 457 visa after the July changes? We are waiting for our prospective employer to pull his finger out and get registered. Just want to know if we have got anything to be concerned about if it goes past july before we lodge our application.:arghh:

Hi Everyone, I have been looking into things and feel that we are going round and round in circles so thought perhaps some advice/experiences and a discussion may help me and hopefully some others in a similar position in making decisions. I realise that there are many others on here that have been waiting aggeeesss for their visa's and we have only started the ball rolling a few months ago. I have so much symathy for all you guys and really hope that you all get your visa's asap. :hug: However, I feel the decisions we make now will directly impact on how long we wait in the future. I have every expectation and am happy to accept that whatever happens the whole Oz process is likely to take about 18months however, if it takes much longer I think that's when things get difficult with regards to getting on with your life and making decisions etc. eg we haven't had children yet We sent off our skills assessment last week and are now trying to decide what to do next. We can apply for state sponsorship or we can just apply for the 175 visa. Now I know that the 175 is supposed to take a fair bit longer, however,we are concerned that as we won't be able to apply for state sponsorship until probably January, if we don't get it back before 1st July 2011 then we will have to resort to applying for the 175 anyway as we do not have enough points after this date (which means we've then lost another 6 months). Also if we go for ss, what happens if the ss places run out - are those cases on the back burner until 2012 or scrapped, could it mean then the 175's overtake the newer applications? The option of the 175 would mean that we could lodge it as soon as the skills assessment comes back (hopefully positive!) and possibly get a 6 month head start on applying for the 176 which could close the gap somewhat. My main concerns with the 175 are as we do not have enouh points after July will they still process it after that as we did have enough points before? Also as the whole process takes longer is there more chance that something could go wrong ie they make more changes? So in summary, weighing up timescales and the most likely chance of getting a visa - which would be the best option for someone in our position? Both seem to have pro's and con's and neither seem that secure! Thank you so much for listening and I always really appreciate and value the time taken to give me advice. :notworthy: Cara xx :wubclub: :chatterbox:

Hi All, I just wanted to ask everyone's thoughts on the effect (if any) that the July 2012 visa application changes (EOI) will have on 175 applications that are lodged before the changes are implimented. Looking through recent posts I have seen that some 175 applications have been turned around in 8-10 months which wouldn't be a problem for us. Our only concern is that if we were to lodge a 175 application within the next month or so, and a case worker isn't assigned before the July changes, would the changes delay the processing of the application, i.e. will the new EOI system take priority as these applications could be thought of as being more attractive than an old 175 application? Any thoughts???

Hi just taking a shot in the dark. Need five more points to be sure cross 65. I got 8, 7.5.7,7 and overall 7.5. Can this score give me 15 points on better english levels. The requirement on new points system is 20 points for a score of 8 in each and 10 points for score of 7 in each. Does anyone know if this exists or is on the discretion of the case officer. Or is it a straight NO. Thanks,

Does anyone know if the proposed visa changes next year will effect employer sponsored permanent visas? We are heading over in the next few months on a 457 visa and my employer has said they will permanently sponsor me if evrything is going well after 1 year...just worried now in case these changes come in in the mean time? Thinking should we go ahead with application for 176 now as well as 457 just to be on the safe side? Any advice really appreciated!:wubclub:

Hello all It's my dream to move to Australia one day.... though the sooner the better! I'm currently training as a secondary school teacher (PGCE in ICT) and will finish training in June 2012. I have heard that the rules are changing in July 2012 to make it that you can't apply yourself? You have to be invited? Should I apply before July 2012, even though I don't have any experience as a qualified teacher, or should I wait until I have experience and apply another way? And can I apply again if the first application fails due to lack of experience? Advice please!!

Hey All Prospective Migrants Check it out...Some useful stuff... http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/immigration-update/nom-july11.pdf Source: http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/ thanks and regards Big Bob

Annual update of Skilled Occupation List effective 1 July 2011 – 2 June 2011 The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) will change from 1 July 2011. There will be 13 occupations added and four occupations removed. See: Annual Update of Skilled Occupation List – 1 July 2011 (111KB PDF file) :biggrin::notworthy:

People who have applied for their visas after 1st July 2011 can join here... You can share your timelines from start till the end.... So who is the first one?????????????

Am in a panic. Have heard from a reliable source that after 1st July, because of all the changes, they will make people go through their skills assessment again (including payment of 800 dollars for anmac) can any one shed any light on it? I have 12 hours to submit the 176 (and I hesitiate as my partner has an ielts to sit and a french birth cert to translate)

Hello! Just wondering if there are many people who have lodged an application AFTER 1 July who have been assigned a CO yet? The new guidelines for processing times say 12-24 months but I read about someone who had a CO two weeks after submitting so wondering if it's just a way to ensure they meet their targets. Can't face another winter in the UK but don't want to go to NZ if there is a chance that it could be only a few months till we get our visa. I know that no-one can answer this for me but am just looking for examples Thanks!:biggrin:

I had to send in my completed application for 176 SS after the 1st July as I didn't have a credit card to pay the fee, I have now realised that due to the changes on 1st July I am 5 points short does anyone know, what I can do to save the situation!! I am sponsored by Queensland as a nurse.:arghh:

Hello, A few of us are planning a little get-together this coming Saturday if anyone's interested. I've arranged meet-ups on here previously and they're usually aimed at younger people who may have arrived here alone but all are welcome. Regards, John

Under the proposed changes to the points system due to be introduced on the 1st July 2011, if someone can reach the 65 points required but have done so without awarding any points for the qualifications categories, will that be allowed or will you have to be able to award yourself points in the qualification categories to be eligible to apply?

Hi everyone, I am organising a meet up at King o'Malley's in civic for a number of reasons, I need a beer, We appear not to have done one for ages There have been a few people who are new to the group so i thought i would welcome them King o'Malley's is in civic so it is central to everyone so there shouldn't be any problems plus I think they serve pints etc. I have put this in the events but has to be given the OK by a MOD 12.00 noon and it doesn't clash with a home raiders games however it should be on TV as the green machine are playing in NZ Any questions or problems then give me a shout Nik

Come and celebrate with us this Sunday (31st) at Erlestoke Park, Castle Hill, Sydney. Bring yourself, partner, friend or rest of family to meet up with the friendliest (mostly expat) crowd in the Hills District...if not the world! BYO meat for the BBQ, drinks, chairs, utensils and a plate of salad, nibbles or dessert to share. We'll have a load of fun games for the kids and a Christmas dip. Come along for a great get-together. All welcome! PM me to RSVP & for more info. Date: Sun 31 July Time: 12 noon Venue: Erlestoke Park, Erlestoke Place, Castle Hill.

GENERAL SKILLED MIGRATION PROCESSING INFORMATION This is an automated e-mail response which provides updated information on processing of applications for General Skilled Migration (GSM). Updated 18 July 2011. Please do not send enquiries or reply to this email address as this mailbox is not monitored. Important - GSM processing priorities have changed in line with Ministerial Direction No. 50. For details please see here - http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/24apriority_skilled.htm Processing Dates Applicants who lodged a GSM application before the following dates have been contacted by a case officer: Priority Group 1 Skilled – Regional subclass 887 VB 887 (e-lodged) 20 June 2011 VB 887 (paper): 20 June 2011 Priority Group 2 There are no GSM visa classes in priority group 2 Priority Group 3 *Priority 3 applications are currently being allocated within two weeks of DIAC receiving confirmation of a valid nomination from the relevant State/ Territory Government. Applicants in priority group 3 are therefore encouraged, where possible, to provide decision ready applications to enable efficient processing and finalisation of their applications. Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) subclass 176 VE 176 (e-lodged): 10 July 2011 VE 176 (paper): 10 July 2011 Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) subclass 886: VB 886 (e-lodged) 10 July 2011 VB 886 (paper): 10 July 2011 Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) subclass 475 VF 475 (e-lodged): 10 July 2011 VF 475 (paper): 10 July 2011 Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) subclass 487 VC 487 (e-lodged) 10 July 2011 VC 487 (paper): 10 July 2011 Priority Group 4 Skilled – Independent (Migrant) subclass 175 VE 175 (e-lodged):10 August 2010 VE 175 (paper): 10 August 2010 Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) subclass 176 VE 176 (e-lodged): 10 August 2010 VE 176 (paper): 10 August 2010 Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) subclass 475 VF 475 (e-lodged): 10 August 2010 VF 475 (paper): 10 August 2010 Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional) subclass 495 and Skilled – Designated Area Sponsored subclass 496 UX 495 and UZ 496 (e-lodged and paper): All applicants who have an occupation on the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) – Schedule 3 have been allocated. Skilled – Independent (Residence) subclass 885 VB 885 (e-lodged) 1 May 2011 VB 885 (paper): 20 April 2011 Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) subclass 886: VB 886 (e-lodged) 1 May 2011 VB 886 (paper): 20 April 2011 Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) subclass 487 VC 487 (e-lodged) 1 May 2011 VC 487 (paper): 20 April 2011 Priority Group 5 (See attached file: Important information for applicants in priority group 5.pdf) Processing of priority group 5 applications can only commence once all applications from higher priority groups have been allocated for assessment. Priority Exempt Applications Visa Subclasses 476, 485 and 887 are exempt from the current priority processing direction. Applications under these subclasses will be processed in the order in which they were received by the department. Skilled - Graduate subclass 485 VC 485 (e-lodged) - 22 December 2009 VC 485 (paper) - 22 December 2009 Skilled – Recognised Graduate subclass 476 VF 476 (e-lodged): 28 February 2011 VF 476 (paper): 28 February 2011 Subsequent Entrant Applications All subsequent entrant applications for subclasses 485, 487 and 475: 2 April 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Important Notice: If you have received this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and attachments immediately. This email, including attachments, may contain confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. DIAC respects your privacy and has obligations under the Privacy Act 1988. The official departmental privacy policy can be viewed on the department's website at http://www.immi.gov.au. See: http://www.immi.gov.au/functional/privacy.htm

Hi poms, Our Medicals shipped to Sydney on 1st of July. But still Medicals status is shown as Required. My agent said that HOC is still processing medical received in early June. Any one knows an update on this? OR Did any one called HOC recently? :wub: Many Thanks, Horizone

Hi, we're new to this forum and are planning moving to Melbourne by the end of 2011. Hubby is in medical profession so he's looking to get sponsored fairly quickly. We're going to visit in July for a recce - both in terms of work locations and possible places to live. We've got several job opportunities in south east Melbourne - around Frankston and Mornington Peninsula. We've got a six month old son and we'd be grateful for any advice on areas that are particularly good for young families e.g. baby clubs, future schools! Also, we're looking for good places for outdoor activities as we're keen to take up sailing again and play tennis etc. We'd really like to live near the beach. If anyone living in south east Melbourne would like to meet up in July and tell us all about how wonderful your new life is, we'd be all ears! Thanks :biggrin:

All welcome starting in the Establishment on George Street afterwork this Thursday.

Hi Anyone interested in a final meet up before we fly out. We would like to meet up in Long Eaton or Derby if possible. So don't be shy come along and hopefully we can make some friends. P.s we are going to Perth!