Newbie Questions

[Guest SimonCoope]

Hello all!

 

I'm hoping someone can help me as I'm looking to decide what first steps to take towards eventually moving to Sydney. I'm currently a freelance .Net Developer with 10 years experience and some Microsoft certified qualifications (oh and I'm 33 :-).

 

Firstly, I've been interested in moving to Sydney for a good few years now and despite going to a few expos and trying to get my head around the visa requirements I've done precious little else.

 

I also realise that since the changes in the summer of this year, the priorities have changed and my original plan of a 175 skilled migrant visa will now take around 18 months to process (if I'm lucky).

 

So I'm wondering if there are any other options I could consider, such as:

 

1. Apply for the 175, pre-load my medical/police checks and wait it out.

 

2. Apply for a state sponsored visa, as I believe these are higher priority but I guess will be in higher demand?

 

3. A friend mentioned a trip over to assess the job situation and get some contacts, then hopefully interview and see what's available down the employer sponsored route.

 

Finally, if I attempt the 175 route I'm considering using an agent and would appreciate any advice you guys have concerning costs and services they provide.

 

Any help anyone can give will be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks

 

Simon

[Guest destinationoz]

We went down State Sponsership route which was good for us but I guess it depends if your job is on any of the state skill lists . We didn't use an agent - they.are very expensive and as long as you are methodical and organised, it is possible to do it yourself especially having links and help from people on here. Good luck whatever you choose to do!!

[cornish78]

If I were you I'd apply to ACS and get your skills assessed and take it from there - if your skill is on a State Migration Plan (SMP) then it's definitely worth looking at a 176...

 

We did it all ourselves, took 9/10 months, but would have been quicker if it wasn't for changes to the SMPs/general elections!

 

Happy to offer any advice if needed...

[Jobo]

Simon - I will PM you the name of a good agent for IT, if you make contact with him he will be able to give you sound advice. from your post it sounds like you don't have an IT degree so you will need to go the RPL route for ACS assessment - lots of work and i would definitly advise you use this agent if you find the paperwork hard work and stressful.

 

Jo

[Guest SimonCoope]

Thanks all for the advice.

 

I do have an IT degree (should have mentioned this previously - sorry), so I guess that will make it easier with the ACS skills assessment?

 

Also, is there any time limit on the skills assessment? Like is it only valid for a year or something like that?

 

I'll take a look at the next steps with the ACS and check out the state migration plan for NSW (if it's been released yet).

 

Thanks again, I really appreciate your help.

 

Simon

[Guest VickyMel]

Many of the agents seen on here would be able to assist advise and many give a free initial talk to assess you.

PTlabs are often recommended relating to IT.

 

VickyMel