Which Visa?

[Mogwai]

Hi all,

 

I've been browsing this site for a while but we have just arrived back from a fortnight in WA viiting family and have decided that we definitely want to emigrate. I just now have no idea where to start, any advice would be gratefully received

 

I am a registered Occupational Therapist (on the skills list), hubby has been working in finance but wants to retrain as a primary school teacher. We're both 38 and have a 14, and 11 year old, as well as a 7 month old. Hubby has applied for teaching at Uni over here, but would be willing to retrain in Aus if necessary.

 

It may be best if I bullet point my questions as I have so many. Sorry if they come across as being a bit daft but hey, someone has to ask them and the answers may help others too!

 

• I had been thinking about doing all of the forms myself but now feel that we would be better off using an agency. Does anyone have any recommendations?
  
• How long are the Visa applications currently taking to process?
  
• Do I have to have a job offer before I apply?
  
• Should I go for a State Sponsored visa? Which visa type would be best?
  
• Will the whole family need to complete the medicals/English exams even if they come through on my visa?
  
• Which is the best place to look for employment - I have a few websites and have been looking on hospital websites too, can you recommend any jobsites
  

 

Thanks so much in advance. I'm sure I'll think of more questions in time but my head is all over the place at the moment!

 

Cheers

Gem

[lebourvellec]

Speaking to an agent to get some advice would be a good place to start, we spoke to an agent but we decided apply alone as our case stright forward.

 

As the Occupational Therapist is on SOL 1 http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/_pdf/sol-schedule1.pdf and on the WA State Migration plan http://www.migration.wa.gov.au/skilledmigration/Pages/Occupationsindemand.aspx, the 176 State Sponsored Visa would be best http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/176/, You being the main applicant, it wouldnt matter what the secondary applicants job is.

 

You would need to pass the points test http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/points-fact.pdf and only the main applicant would need to get the IELTS done, as a OT you will require to do the Academic test and score 7's in each of the 4 components before you can apply for your skills test.

You will require a Possitive skills assessment from the OTC http://www.cotrb.com.au/criteria.htm. You will also need to have recent skilled employment experience for a period totaling at least 12 months in the last 24 months before applying.

 

Skills assessments from OTC say they take 12 weeks.

 

WA are quite quick to get State Sponsorship from. Once you lodge application for 176SS you should receive CO within 4 weeks with the current time scales http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/estimated-allocation-times.htm (we applied in Sept go CO after 2 weeks and after submitting medicals and police checks we received visa 6 weeks after applying).

 

All family members require to have medicals done, this is usually requested by your CO, younger children dont need to have a Chest Xray. Secondary applicants (ie spouse) need to show english ability a UK passport evidence of english ability.

 

You do not need a job offer before you apply for GSM visa.

 

Once visa is granted you have 1 year to get to Australia to validate your visa from date of medicals or Police Checks which ever date is earliest, this can be done by holiday or moving to Oz, as visa is for 5 years - this can be extended once living on Australia by a RRV or by gaining citizenship.

 

If your husband decides to retrain in AUstralia, once you are PR with the 176 visa he would get domestic student rate of fees.

 

Also be aware of the changes that are coming on 1 Jul 2012 http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/skillselect.htm , expression of interest and invitation to apply.

[Mogwai]

Thanks so much for all of the info, I really appreciate it. I'd started a list of stuff I needed to do but needed to confirm I was doing the right things, you've clarified a lot of it and given me extra's too so thanks again. This forum is fast going to become my best friend I think!

Cheers again,

Gem