Info on where to start

[Butter77!]

Hi everyone, we would like to make the move over to Oz but both mu partner and I do not fall under the skilled worker groups. I'm an office manager and he is ex forces. Please can we get advice on the best way to relocate over.

[Quoll]

You may not be able to if you lack  the skills that Australia requires. Sadly, not everyone who wants to come is able to come. 

[Butter77!]

I have loads of experience but no diploma in that field. Would completing a diploma help?

[Toots]

Unfortunately Office Manager is NOT currently on the Medium and Long term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

It is not possible to apply for an Australian visa under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program.

What is your partner's current occupation?

[Marisawright]

1 hour ago, Butter77! said:

Hi everyone, we would like to make the move over to Oz but both mu partner and I do not fall under the skilled worker groups. I'm an office manager and he is ex forces. Please can we get advice on the best way to relocate over.

Sadly, you probably don't have any options.   Twenty or thirty years ago, Australia was crying out for migrants because it was a growing country and couldn't train enough of its own people to keep up with demand.  Nowadays, Australia is the same as every other Western country - the unemployment rate is about the same as the UK, so the government is fussy about accepting foreigners, because they don't want to be accused of letting migrants take local jobs. 

To stand a chance of migrating, one of you must have an occupation that's on the lists of eligible occupations. On top of that, you must have exactly the qualifications and experience specified for that occupation. On top of that, you must score enough points on a scale that includes things like English language competence and age (the older you are, the lower your points).  

If you're under 30 and don't have children, you could come over for a year or two on a Working Holiday Visa - but unless you're eligible under the above criteria, that won't help you stay long-term.  There are short-term employer-sponsored visas but you still need to have an occupation that's on the lists.  

Your only hope would be for one of you to retrain in an occupation that's on the lists, then get the required years of experience, then apply.   The trouble is that by the time you've qualified, you might find the occupation has been taken off the list.  The lists get shorter every single year.