EOI & Visa Points

[Nige106]

Good Morning,

We're in touch with an agent recommended through here, however responses have been painfully slow, despite paying an initial consultation fee.

In the mean time my main concern is mine and my Wifes age. We're both just over 40 and looking at a 190 Visa. We both have jobs on the WA skills list. Bare minimum we get to 65 points. If we can claim superior English, get a skill assessment for myself and then get nominated we would reach 80.

Is it worth getting the extra points? I have been told for the Visa part you just need the 65, is the EOI the same or do they cherry pick the highest scoring applicants?

We have friends from the UK who are south of Perth in WA. If that makes any difference regarding the state.

Many Thanks

[Marisawright]

9 minutes ago, Nige106 said:

I have been told for the Visa part you just need the 65

Not true.  You can't even apply if you have less than 65 points.  It is a highly competitive process.  For a 190, they look at the skills they need first, but if there are two applicants with similar skillsets, they'll pick the one with the highest score. 

[Nige106]

Thank You for the quick response.

We definitely get to 65 points. Without a crystal ball, do you think it's worth applying at 65 points? Or is it just a case of having to be more patient awaiting nomination?

I don't mind the extra leg work to gain additional points, however I don't want to commit to expenses unnecessarily.

[Marisawright]

2 hours ago, Nige106 said:

Thank You for the quick response.

We definitely get to 65 points. Without a crystal ball, do you think it's worth applying at 65 points? Or is it just a case of having to be more patient awaiting nomination?

Are you aware that a great many applicants never, ever get invited?   It's not like they pick the high points first and eventually get to the bottom of the barrel.  New applications are coming in every day and they're all going to get picked ahead of you, if all you've got is the very minimum.

Edited June 20, 2023 by Marisawright

[Nige106]

22 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

Are you aware that a great many applicants never, ever get invited?   It's not like they pick the high points first and eventually get to the bottom of the barrel.  New applications are coming in every day and they're all going to get picked ahead of you, if all you've got is the very minimum.

Thank You for the honest answer and taking the time to respond. I didn't expect by just applying to be guaranteed a nomination. I was unsure of how they select at EOI stage and as you put if they ever get to the bottom of the barrel. From you comments its best for us to jump through the additional hoops.

Once you have your nomination with as many points as you can muster, I presume the Visa application is not a similar vetting process?

 

[rammygirl]

It can depend on your occupation too state nomination is less focused on point scores. If you are paying a registered migration agent then ask them about this. 

[Nige106]

1 hour ago, rammygirl said:

It can depend on your occupation too state nomination is less focused on point scores. If you are paying a registered migration agent then ask them about this. 

I have asked the question with the agent engaged. Communication was great upfront, but sadly lacking since. Hence starting to ask questions as we're keen to move forwards if it's feasible. I really appreciate the feedback being given.

[Marisawright]

1 hour ago, Nige106 said:

Thank You for the honest answer and taking the time to respond. I didn't expect by just applying to be guaranteed a nomination. I was unsure of how they select at EOI stage and as you put if they ever get to the bottom of the barrel.

It's a pity your agent isn't being more responsive to your questions, as they're the experts.

I think it's important to remember that you're up against people applying in their 30's who easily score more points than you (due to age), and they're also old enough to score full marks for skills and experience just like you.  Most will also do the English test even though it's not compulsory, because it's so widely recommended as a way to increase points even further.  There's no point applying with one hand tied behind your back IMO

Once invited, you are still not guaranteed the visa, but they will scrutinise your application to make sure your qualifications and experience are genuine and of course, you'll have to pass a medical etc.

Edited June 20, 2023 by Marisawright

[Nige106]

We returned home from our fifth visit to our friends in Freo just over a month ago. We really caught the bug and could visualize ourselves actually living there, not just holidaying. We realized both our roles were on the skills list. We've both been in long term roles, but my wife has a bachelors degree, so would be the better a main applicant. Speaking with our friends they painted quite a different picture of the difficulties of getting in. Maybe it's changed over the last 8 years?

I wasn't pinning all my hopes on this as we still have a lovely family home with 2 great children, however it really is something we wanted to explore and don't want to regret not attempting in later life.

 

 

[Marisawright]

9 hours ago, Nige106 said:

 Speaking with our friends they painted quite a different picture of the difficulties of getting in. Maybe it's changed over the last 8 years?

For a start, how old were they when they applied?  If they were young, then they'd have had more points due to their age.   Things do change, too.  

[Nige106]

8 hours ago, Marisawright said:

For a start, how old were they when they applied?  If they were young, then they'd have had more points due to their age.   Things do change, too.  

They were under 40 when they moved over. They just weren't aware of the EOI being cherry picked.

I guess we need to aim for as many points available to us, which equates to 80. For this our first task is to complete the English test as not receiving superior would limit our potential. If we can, then the 2nd step is to apply for our skills assessments. Finally submitting an EOI. At that point our exposure would only be around the £1300 mark and we could just wait and see if its meant to be or not.

[Nige106]

The skills I believe we are aligned to are:

My Wife = Contracts Administrator (511111). Her current role is more senior with the NHS as a Contracts Manager.

Myself = Industrial Designer (232312). I'm the Technical Director of a Manufacturing Company overseeing design.

[Cheery Thistle]

Hi Nige 

I would actually recommend you speak to an agent about the likelihood of getting a visa. This would cost you about £2-300 probably. Once you have had that consultation then you can decide the way forward. People in education and health seem to be getting accepted really quickly just now on minimal points, your skills are more specialist so may take longer to go through the process if you get invited. Your skills assessments will likely be quite time consuming and require a lot of hoop jumping and providing evidence. 
Regarding the English test, I did the PTE Academic and got full marks in all sections. You need at least 79/90 in each skill to get the 20 points for superior English. I am a linguist and I would say it’s not ‘hard’ exactly but you do need to study the technique and know what they are looking for in each task. I used the E2 videos on YouTube. All the best. 

[Cheery Thistle]

Another thing to bear in mind is any medical issues you may have. You will have to pass a medical if invited. 

[Nige106]

43 minutes ago, Cheery Thistle said:

Another thing to bear in mind is any medical issues you may have. You will have to pass a medical if invited. 

Luckily touch wood, neither my wife or I and our 2 boys have any medical issues currently. We don't smoke and lead active life styles.

43 minutes ago, Cheery Thistle said:

Hi Nige 

I would actually recommend you speak to an agent about the likelihood of getting a visa. This would cost you about £2-300 probably. Once you have had that consultation then you can decide the way forward. People in education and health seem to be getting accepted really quickly just now on minimal points, your skills are more specialist so may take longer to go through the process if you get invited. Your skills assessments will likely be quite time consuming and require a lot of hoop jumping and providing evidence. 
Regarding the English test, I did the PTE Academic and got full marks in all sections. You need at least 79/90 in each skill to get the 20 points for superior English. I am a linguist and I would say it’s not ‘hard’ exactly but you do need to study the technique and know what they are looking for in each task. I used the E2 videos on YouTube. All the best. 

This is all great advice. Thank You. As mentioned we've engaged one agent who is currently AWOL and another initially responded but has since stopped communicating. Both were recommended from on here.

PTE is the service we looked at. Our friends mentioned IELTS as not being harder, but the questions were ambiguous. PTE do offer practice exams for a small cost.

[Marisawright]

37 minutes ago, Nige106 said:

This is all great advice. Thank You. As mentioned we've engaged one agent who is currently AWOL and another initially responded but has since stopped communicating. Both were recommended from on here.

If you've actually "engaged" the agent (i.e. paid good money) then I'd be writing a strongly worded complaint as well as phoning them.  

[Cheery Thistle]

42 minutes ago, Nige106 said:

Luckily touch wood, neither my wife or I and our 2 boys have any medical issues currently. We don't smoke and lead active life styles.

This is all great advice. Thank You. As mentioned we've engaged one agent who is currently AWOL and another initially responded but has since stopped communicating. Both were recommended from on here.

PTE is the service we looked at. Our friends mentioned IELTS as not being harder, but the questions were ambiguous. PTE do offer practice exams for a small cost.

That’s a nightmare re: agent, but I hate to say this, it’s not usually a good sign if they disappear. It can (but does not always) mean that they don’t think yours is a straightforward case. As Marisa says, if money has changed hands it’s time to start making a bit of noise. Even if I am right, it’s not acceptable not to communicate that to you. 

IELTS is marked by a human, whereas PTE is marked by an algorithm. This means the marking of IELTS is more subjective. Could be a good or a bad thing. Definitely a good idea to do some mock tests, I did 3 or 4 before the actual exam. 

[Raul Senise]

On 20/06/2023 at 16:55, Nige106 said:

Good Morning,

We're in touch with an agent recommended through here, however responses have been painfully slow, despite paying an initial consultation fee.

In the mean time my main concern is mine and my Wifes age. We're both just over 40 and looking at a 190 Visa. We both have jobs on the WA skills list. Bare minimum we get to 65 points. If we can claim superior English, get a skill assessment for myself and then get nominated we would reach 80.

Is it worth getting the extra points? I have been told for the Visa part you just need the 65, is the EOI the same or do they cherry pick the highest scoring applicants?

We have friends from the UK who are south of Perth in WA. If that makes any difference regarding the state.

Many Thanks

With the Migration program year ending in a week, it is likely that we will see changes to the program, including from the States, once they are allocated their numbers by the Federal Government. 

Best to re assess your situation once any new visa and State sponsorship criteria are known. 

[Loopyxx]

I am born and bred UK, but I’ll be doing the English test on Saturday in Manchester, I’m aiming for Superior English to maximize my points.

 

 It’s a competition for the visa against thousands of others.  Why waste all that time, effort and money if you don’t get your visa when an English test may have helped you achieve it.  Put your best foot forward and do your test

[Nige106]

On 24/06/2023 at 13:57, Loopyxx said:

I am born and bred UK, but I’ll be doing the English test on Saturday in Manchester, I’m aiming for Superior English to maximize my points.

 

 It’s a competition for the visa against thousands of others.  Why waste all that time, effort and money if you don’t get your visa when an English test may have helped you achieve it.  Put your best foot forward and do your test

Hopefully it went well? How did you find it?

 

On 22/06/2023 at 22:36, Raul Senise said:

With the Migration program year ending in a week, it is likely that we will see changes to the program, including from the States, once they are allocated their numbers by the Federal Government. 

Best to re assess your situation once any new visa and State sponsorship criteria are known. 

Do you have a date for the next program release? Is there legacy info for past years? If so does it breakdown how many of each skill and Visa type are issued?

I did find WA state nominated Migration, this is different I believe? We both have roles on there but the Visa type is 491 so not PR?

 

Once an EOI is logged do you have to resubmit with each program year?

[Nige106]

Through the WA state nominated Migration site, I've just noticed that Industrial Design is an option on a 190 Visa. I could just get to the 65 points myself, which i believe is the minimum. Would this be the better avenue for us even though my wife has BA Hons and I don't?

Applying this way I presume I'd be eligible for the state nominated 5 points?

[Marisawright]

15 minutes ago, Nige106 said:

Do you have a date for the next program release? Is there legacy info for past years?

There is, but it won't tell  you much.  Virtually everything (except medical staff) stopped completely during the pandemic and when it resumed, everything had changed, so the only legacy information that really counts is 2022 and this year.  

Do remember that if you only have 65 points, you're going to be at the very, very bottom of the pile.  I think most agents would advise you not to waste your money at that level. 

Edited June 26, 2023 by Marisawright

[Raul Senise]

9 hours ago, Nige106 said:

Do you have a date for the next program release? Is there legacy info for past years? If so does it breakdown how many of each skill and Visa type are issued?

I did

find WA state nominated Migration, this is different I believe? We both have roles on there but the Visa type is 491 so not PR?

 

Once an EOI is logged do you have to resubmit with each program year?

We are likely to see changes to the program, so legacy information would not be relevant. 

Under the current system, EOIs remain in the system for two years. 

 

[Cheery Thistle]

On 26/06/2023 at 12:42, Marisawright said:

There is, but it won't tell  you much.  Virtually everything (except medical staff) stopped completely during the pandemic and when it resumed, everything had changed, so the only legacy information that really counts is 2022 and this year.  

Do remember that if you only have 65 points, you're going to be at the very, very bottom of the pile.  I think most agents would advise you not to waste your money at that level. 

I do wish you would stop saying that to people. I may be an exception, but everything has happened super quickly for me on 65 points. First enquired with agent in March 2023 and about to lodge full visa application (with medicals and English test) on Thursday this week. It may be rare but it does happen. This bottom-of-the-piler succeeded, and quickly! 

[Raul Senise]

On 26/06/2023 at 21:42, Marisawright said:

Do remember that if you only have 65 points, you're going to be at the very, very bottom of the pile.  I think most agents would advise you not to waste your money at that level. 

It really depends on the specific circumstances and the situation is changing all the time.

For the last few invitation rounds, many non medical occupations with 65 points were invited.