Guest Willbob1987 Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 Hi guys, Just joined and looking for a little help. I'm going to be sponsored for residency by my current employer (856 visa) here in Brisbane - but I'm wondering if I have to do a skills assessment for this? For my 457 visa, I just had to show that I had more than 5 years experience in my trade as a Graphic Designer (I have around 7-8 years experience). Will proof of this be enough or do I need further documentation before I start the application process. I'm going to do the application without an agent so wish me luck! Thanks for your help! Will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 (edited) Have you looked at the immigration website - there should be plenty of information on there? It's all broken down into eligibility, what you need to do etc. The only thing is I don't know how the July 1st changes will affect all the visas. Good luck. ETA: Oh, this is ENS isn't it? Have you been there 2 years? It is all changing a bit (being streamlined) from 1 July. Edited June 7, 2012 by Alaska Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joebloggs Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 If you been working on the 457 for less than 2 years (of the last 12 being at the sponsoring for ENS company) then you will definitely need a skills assessment. If you been working on the 457 over 2 years and you been at your current employer for the last 12 months you can use this in lieu of a skills assessment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 This is what is happening to ENS after 1 July: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/permanent-employer-sponsored-visa-whats-new.htm Click on the first link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Willbob1987 Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 Wow, thanks for the lightning fast replies guys I've been on the 457 with my current employer for 14 months so it looks like I'll need that skills assessment. Am I right in assuming that I should have it done beforehand rather than apply for the visa and then wait for them to ask for it? I've read a few people saying hold off on things like police references because of validity issues with the application cutoff times. I applied for my 457 without an agent and had no troubles at all. Of course, this visa's a little more complex as it's for PR using ENS. Once again, thanks for your responses. This is a great forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 It depends on what your profession is. If you are in something that needs registration like a nurse or a midwife then this counts as your skills assessment (or has done until now). Otherwise, yes, you need to do it before the application I believe. A friend of mine (she's on here so might see that) got everything done before the application -previous skills assessment, police checks from UK, medicals and is putting it all in the application. They are using an agent so that must be a good way to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul Senise Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 As you have only been employed on your 457 for a period of 14 months you will need a skills assessment otherwise you will not qualify for ENS. A valid skills assessment is a “Time if Lodgement” criteria. The occupation of Graphic Designer is assessed by Vetassess and generally you will require a Degree and 12 months experience. After being on the 457 for more than 24 months you can apply for ENS without the need for a skills assessment. The Regulations for ENS are changing considerably from the 1st of July. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul Senise Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 (edited) If you been working on the 457 over 2 years and you been at your current employer for the last 12 months you can use this in lieu of a skills assessment. Be mindful that this will no longer apply under the new Regulations coming into effect from the 1st of July. Under the new rules you will need to have been employed by your ENS sponsor for the full 24 months. Edited June 7, 2012 by Raul Senise Grammar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Willbob1987 Posted June 8, 2012 Share Posted June 8, 2012 Okay, so as things are changing on 1st July, it certainly makes things a little more complex! As I said, I'm a Graphic Designer and as such, I understand that I will need a skills assessment. I'm pretty sure that won't be an issue. However, I'm hoping that there are other avenues other than just a degree to be 'qualified'. I have some lower level design qualifications from the UK (not a degree) and but most importantly, I have between 7-8 years experience in the industry (both in the UK and in Australia). I'm in two minds now whether to go for the ENS visa or just wait another 10 months and apply after I've been with my employer for 24 months. Ahhh, this is starting to sound like a job for an immigration agent! Any recommendations would be very well received! Again, thanks for your response everyone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Posted June 8, 2012 Share Posted June 8, 2012 You need to find out who assesses the skills for Graphic Designers and look on their website and find out. For us it's VETASSESS and there is no other option but having a degree which is why we can't do it despite DH having a University Diploma and over 10 years experience. Bizarrely enough he could have my social science degree and no relevant Diploma and could pass the skills assessment! Go Matilda give very good advice so I would send them an email to see where you stand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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