LKC Posted January 21, 2008 Posted January 21, 2008 Hi, My husband and I have had dreams of emigrating to Australia for years. We feel that the time is right now in that financially we are very secure and we have one young child and another on the way (due in two weeks - I feel fit to burst!) so we could give Australia a fair go before we needed to consider schooling etc. Although my profession is on the SOL and MODL list I have been out of work for two years on maternity leave and then bringing up our child, so I don't qualify, and as we have decided that I am to remain off work for the time being this is going to be the case for a fair while. My husbands profession is listed as a specialisation of a trade on the SOL and MODL lists. We originally thought that as it was listed as a specialisation, he wouldn't qualify and that we would have to possibly find an alternative route. However we have been in touch with an agent to see whether they think that he might be successful in being granted a visa. The company that we have been in touch with come very highly recommended on both this site and others. They have been in touch with their Australian offices and the TRA people, and seem to think that my husband will be successful and have now said that we need to take things to the next step. I am worried that we may be being given false hope of a visa where there isn't any because his occupation is only listed as a specialisation. Firstly because I know that these things are costly, and secondly because this means so much to both of us and I don't want to be disappointed. A decent agent (which I'm sure these guys are) wouldn't give false hope would they?
Guest wardy Posted January 21, 2008 Posted January 21, 2008 Hi Congratulations on the baby and good luck. I say go for it the agents that are usually reccommended on here usually have their heads srewed on and are trusted. Give us a clue who they are and we may be able to convince you one way or another :wubclub:
LKC Posted January 21, 2008 Author Posted January 21, 2008 It's Go Matilda. We chose to make contact with them because they come so highly recommended. Obviously there is only so much free advice that we can expect so we know that the next step is going to involve a cost, both financially and emotionally (I get butterflies in my tummy every time I think that things might be going ahead - or maybe it's just wind!). I'm just worried that we'll invest time, effort, money and emotion into something that was never going to happen. I'm sure that they would only advise us that we need to take the next step if they were pretty sure of success wouldn't they?
Guest wardy Posted January 21, 2008 Posted January 21, 2008 Its probably just wind or the baby kicking. If I was you I would have no hesitation in going ahead they know their stuff. You have to be sure its what you want as its an expensive business. If you look up member Alan Collett he is the managing director of the company who contributes to this forum if you are in doubt make contact with him. I dont think he would be very happy if you were being messed around he has an excellent reputation and I dont think he would want it ruined by agents given out false hope.
Guest Australia Posted January 21, 2008 Posted January 21, 2008 Hi there I recommend doin the application yourself check out immi.gov.au and make sure your hubbies job is on the MODL. We are just about to send ours off my hubbie is an engineer-fitter and we got the full points back from TRA.(were applying subclass 175) The form is quite lengthy but is worth doing, just be patient and do as much research as poss! And you will save lots of money, make sure hubbie has all certificates certified and gather, invites and photos etc.... Treat the whole application and research as a project. I have started making up files with lists of contacts for banks, tax, removal, flights etc..... Think I am quite addicted and just cant wait to get some aussie sun!!
LKC Posted January 21, 2008 Author Posted January 21, 2008 We're happy to use an agent because to be honest neither of us have the time, energy or organisational skills to do it all ourselves at the moment with the child(ren). I'm just worried that we (actually I) am going to get my hopes up and start planning ahead for our future in Australia for all of our hopes to be dashed. I think I just want someone to tell me that if the agent has advised us to proceed, then they must think that my hubby has a real chance of being successful with his application. I'm sure that as we have chosen a reputable company that that is the case.
Guest Australia Posted January 21, 2008 Posted January 21, 2008 If you take a look carefully its does not take you too long, at the end of the day you still need to gather the evidence even if you are with an agent, maybe just have a look at the form and print it off, and see what you think, honestly you will save lots of money!! There isnt really too much to do just get your police checks and they will advise you once your application is sent off when you need medicals. Its up to you if you want to get an agent but that money could go on your flights?
gilliantay Posted January 21, 2008 Posted January 21, 2008 In a sense, I agree with Australia - we have completed our application on our own. If you feel strongly about having an agent - go ahead - you have chosen wisely. Good luck with whatever you decide to do and best wishes for the new arrival. Gill
ali Posted January 22, 2008 Posted January 22, 2008 Go matilda has a very good reputation, we didn't use an agent, but I know Cal did for all the reasons you've suggested and also to give her peace of mind. You've enough on your plate with a baby on the way. Ali
Guest OldiesRUs Posted January 22, 2008 Posted January 22, 2008 Hi I think that if you have made the decision to go with an agent, then you are wise to check them out thoroughly beforehand. At the beginning of last year, when we made the decision, we actually got in touch with a complete and utter waste of space who called himself a Migration Agent (yes his company was certified) who messed us around and gave us comletely false information. By the time we had woken up to him, we had wasted 6 months, which is why we are in the awful position that we are in at the moment with out Parent Visa. Then I discovered PIO and Go Matilda as you have - and in my opinion you can't go wrong with these two supporting you all the way. I do admire those who successfully do it all themselves. We tried to go out there 20 odd years ago, did it all ourselves and got rejected which is why we decided to use an agent this time. Good luck with whatever you decide. Jean:wubclub:
Guest Gollywobbler Posted January 22, 2008 Posted January 22, 2008 Hi LKC For what it is worth, my view is this: where the skill involved is very clear-cut and there is no doubt whatsoever that the person ticks all the boxes - as with Ali and her nursing qualifications and experience - then the skills assessment is probably laborlously bureaucratic and tedious rather than difficult. Where there has been doubt and debate, as there seems to have been about which classification to use for your OH then my own preference would be to get an agent to help me with this part. In circs other than yours, having secured the skills-assessment with the help of the Agent, I might then look at doing the visa application myself because that bit is easy compared to the skills-assessment for some. However, in your own situation - with one youngster and another due imminently my own - personal - choice would be to Instruct Go Matilda, "I'll look after the human baby. Please may I leave the visa baby with you lock, stock & barrel?" To which I am sure they would say, "Yes" and I am equally sure that they would not let you down. In your shoes, I wouldn't dream of trying to tackle both at the same time myself. Best wishes Gill
ali Posted January 22, 2008 Posted January 22, 2008 Gill, you took the words right out of my mouth. My application was very straight forward (did take me ages to fill out all the form out though), had there been the remotest chance of it being difficult or we had been going on my hubby's skills which were less straight forward then I would have had no hesitation with going with an agent. Ali
Alan Collett Posted January 25, 2008 Posted January 25, 2008 Apologies for the delay in picking up this thread - I'm just back from a week away on holiday with family and friends. While we can't guarantee a positive outcome, we are realistic and prudent in our approach to taking on clients - I (and our consultants) really don't want to give clients false hopes, while we also don't want to dash the hopes of those who some to us seeking a full assessment of their Australian visa options. It is a fine line on some occasions, but I think we get it right most times. I hope others agree. To the original poster - I am here if you need any additional comfort. Best wishes to all for an enjoyable Australia Day weekend.
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