ACS Information

[Kimorjack]

Hi all,

 

We've gone into an agreement with an agent - so far so good. My CV and some additional information is now being assessed by their IT consultant.

 

a) I know my CV isnt/hasnt been brilliant - needs some work to show/highlight the skills that I have for the ANZSCO code - but wanted to know if the migration consultant can make such a decision of my validity for a particular code based soley on the CV (Im a bit of a "Jack of all trades" type person in the IT world) - so I know i can spend some time on the CV - but i presume this wont be required as part of the ACS process - anyone else been through something similar?

 

b) As ive been contracting for 14-15 years I have lost contact/paperwork for many of my initial assignment's (over 11 years ago) . I am slowly getting the information back from previous agency's - but some agency's have come back saying they have no records going back that far. Im still waiting for the actual business to confirm if they "remember" me or have records( but dont hold that much hope). Will I be required to prove my work experience beyond the 10/11 years - I should have excellent references from the past 10/11 years.

 

c) Ironically I can get references for a Permanent role I had before I went contracting - but didnt want to highlight the fact there was a gap (if i dont get the proof).

 

d) im booked in for the IELTS (March 31st)

 

e) Im hoping we can have everything in place so we can lodge our Visa before the middle of June - I turn 40 at this point - and therefore "points" change....we were told from the start that it would be "close to the wire" - but im now getting worried that the employers proof is going to bite us!

 

any thought of anyone who's gone thru something similar?

 

If it means knocking on people's door's to get the proof - I will!

 

thanks

[PeteD]

Hi,

 

a) I was also in the 'Jack of all trades' basket, for the assessment you will need to select just one of the ANZSCO codes, and apply under that. They will assess your previous 10 years only, and will only grant credit for experience in that code 'or a closely related one'. You can track down the ANZSCO codes (http://www.acs.org.au/public/ska/docs/ACSSkillsAssessmentOccupationCodes_2011V4_tasksGSM_RGJuly2011.pdf) and they'll tell you what's similar (eg. business analyst is similar to systems analyst but they're not close to development, etc). What route do you intend to follow with the ACS application? There are a couple depending on whether you have a degree with an IT major. I didn't, so had to go down the route of RPL (recognition of prior learning) which involved submitting project reports of 2 projects done during the past 5 years. Engineer your CV to put focus on evidencing the expected tasks and responsibilities of the ANZSCO code you're going for. Do a good job on the CV, it will help to cement everything you're claiming, but ultimately you will need to evidence it through references, etc.

 

b) They don't really consider work experience older than 10 years, I had little proof of it so they had to go on what my CV said, along with the odd training certificate and one or two old references.

 

c) All references are worth throwing in, every little helps, even if they are old. It does show character reference and helps to validate what you're saying on your CV.

 

d) If you're pushing for the June deadline, you may want to consider booking more than just one IELTS test. Sure they cost £115 or so each go, but the delay in failing and re-booking a 'tricky' test would ensure you didn't meet the deadline.

 

e) June is cutting it fine, especially if you need state sponsorship too. Although it only takes a week or two to get sponsorship (depending on the state you're going for), they can (and did, in 2011) suspend them in some states a month prior to the change in the DIAC processing methods.

 

I was pretty tight to the wire for age/points, made the DIAC application with 18 days to spare. When I applied to ACS, I sent a very nice email with it explaining my age/points issue and asked if there was any way they could process my application in a shorter time than they advise. They were very nice and very understanding, I got my response in a few weeks. I also booked 3 IELTS tests each 2-3 weeks apart, I was writing the 2nd not knowing the results of the first. I got my 8's on my second go ... If I'd not done either of these, I doubt I'd have made it in time.

 

If you're really pushed for time, be prepared to pay a bit extra to hedge your bets by booking extra tests, doing extra fast couriers, etc. And don't be shy to go cap in hand to the assessing body, state body and DIAC if necessary.

 

I did the whole process myself if that's of any relevance. It may mean that you're not allowed to approach these bodies directly if you have an agent working on your behalf.

 

Hope this helps

P

[Kimorjack]

Hi,

 

a) I was also in the 'Jack of all trades' basket, for the assessment you will need to select just one of the ANZSCO codes, and apply under that. They will assess your previous 10 years only, and will only grant credit for experience in that code 'or a closely related one'. You can track down the ANZSCO codes (http://www.acs.org.au/public/ska/docs/ACSSkillsAssessmentOccupationCodes_2011V4_tasksGSM_RGJuly2011.pdf) and they'll tell you what's similar (eg. business analyst is similar to systems analyst but they're not close to development, etc). What route do you intend to follow with the ACS application? There are a couple depending on whether you have a degree with an IT major. I didn't, so had to go down the route of RPL (recognition of prior learning) which involved submitting project reports of 2 projects done during the past 5 years. Engineer your CV to put focus on evidencing the expected tasks and responsibilities of the ANZSCO code you're going for. Do a good job on the CV, it will help to cement everything you're claiming, but ultimately you will need to evidence it through references, etc.

 

b) They don't really consider work experience older than 10 years, I had little proof of it so they had to go on what my CV said, along with the odd training certificate and one or two old references.

 

c) All references are worth throwing in, every little helps, even if they are old. It does show character reference and helps to validate what you're saying on your CV.

 

d) If you're pushing for the June deadline, you may want to consider booking more than just one IELTS test. Sure they cost £115 or so each go, but the delay in failing and re-booking a 'tricky' test would ensure you didn't meet the deadline.

 

e) June is cutting it fine, especially if you need state sponsorship too. Although it only takes a week or two to get sponsorship (depending on the state you're going for), they can (and did, in 2011) suspend them in some states a month prior to the change in the DIAC processing methods.

 

I was pretty tight to the wire for age/points, made the DIAC application with 18 days to spare. When I applied to ACS, I sent a very nice email with it explaining my age/points issue and asked if there was any way they could process my application in a shorter time than they advise. They were very nice and very understanding, I got my response in a few weeks. I also booked 3 IELTS tests each 2-3 weeks apart, I was writing the 2nd not knowing the results of the first. I got my 8's on my second go ... If I'd not done either of these, I doubt I'd have made it in time.

 

If you're really pushed for time, be prepared to pay a bit extra to hedge your bets by booking extra tests, doing extra fast couriers, etc. And don't be shy to go cap in hand to the assessing body, state body and DIAC if necessary.

 

I did the whole process myself if that's of any relevance. It may mean that you're not allowed to approach these bodies directly if you have an agent working on your behalf.

 

Hope this helps

P

 

Hi Pete

 

thanks for the Quick Reply!

 

a) Im going for the 261111 aswell which is on the SOL1 list - so we don't need State Sponsorship - but as I said a lot of my role would say Technical Lead/Technical Project Manager etc - but as you know the skills of a SA are very transferable - and I can prove (and get references) to show this - so that should be fine.

 

b) That's good - because the last 10 days have been difficult to get all the information I have - so thats made me feel a lot better! (thanks!)

 

c) Im lucky that I have good relationships with the companies Ive worked with - so can get as many references that I need. (Im hoping the Migration agent will advice me on the types of reference materials they would want)

 

d) Good point - although Im an English speaker - Im also Welsh with a scouse accent :-) - some people have said the IELTS is easy whilst others have found it difficult..so once I've had the work/references sorted (and the dates from and to - these are the hard bits) I will be studying for the IELTS

 

e) Im not looking for state sponsorship because the 261111 is on SOL1 :-)

 

Just had a look at the IELTS - and may have to travel to other sites for the exam (if i were to book another) - but think it's a valid point.

 

Your timeline is pretty fast! the (261111 6 yrs) - does this mean you have 6 years experience as a SA/BA?

 

thanks

[PeteD]

Although you may not need state sponsorship, it knocks quite a bit off the application time, as much as a year in some cases. Your call on that front. I'd be inclined to say if it's available in the area you're looking at, and you have the time available prior to submission deadline, then go for it. One thing though, if you apply for either 175 or 176, you can't change your application between the two with DIAC once submitted.

 

Yep, I'd consider my skillset quite transferrable too, been in IT for 30 years and done everything from designing/building network infrastructures to software design/development through to business and systems analysis. They granted me 6 years experience in BA, but denied me the other 4 years as it was more of a analysis/software development role I had at the time, so not sufficiently closely related to BA for their liking even though I'd leaned the job description and stuff towards the SA side. They wouldn't grant me any credit for my business analysis work in the 90's Hence my remark about looking up the role as they define it in their ANZSCO codes and building your CV and experience around that as much as you can. Put everything your role encompassed in, but try to play up the specifics they mention, down to design and delivery of training, etc. Be weary of placing too much emphasis on specific technical specialisms if you're going for BA, my understanding of the BA role outlined in ANZSCO isn't specifically technical in nature according to their specifications of it, rather it's about the management of the system build according to business requirement and its integration into business, etc. If your role is more of a technical inclination you might want to consider SA. Again, your call, but I have heard of them turning down applications but telling the applicants they should apply under a different code. Hence the fitting the application to the role applied for.

 

References, again, look up the role you intend to say you fulfilled, and get the people writing them to lean towards those key points in their narrative. I also got my current job description, which is effectively BA, and even then looked for bits to add to the list of duties to ensure it ticked all the boxes as many times as it could.

 

I travelled to Edinburgh for my first IELTS, but considering the cost of everything else, a night away and a train trip are peanuts in the grand scheme of things. Manchester do them, as do Liverpool Uni, not hard to find - just hard to find ones you don't have to wait 6 weeks to sit. You might click with the test first time, you might not. I'm English speaking, would argue I have a better than average grasp of the language, with a masters completed using English, and I still plugged it first time (reading 7.5). Just saying, again, your call.

 

English, Welsh, with a bit of scouse in there! ... Haha, I've been in the pool 12 years and I haven't picked up the accent yet laaaaaa ...

 

Cheers

P

[mwgster]

Hi Pete,

 

I am a software engineer based in Wrexham. I applied for my 175 in October of 2011 so have been through the same process.

I understand you are going for the 261111 ICT Business Analyst where as I applied under 261313 Software Engineer. KimorJack has hit the nail on the head pretty much with some excellent advice. What I would also add is as follows:

 

1. With regards to the ACS, I would give them as much information as possible, including your CV. I know it is a bit of a bind, but you will probably have to update your CV at some point and you would probably kick yourself if the ACS turned around and gave you a negative response (but based on what you say I think you would fly through).

 

2. With regards to my CV, I closely matched all of the key words in my CV with those in the detailed description for the ANZCO code. Don't assume anything, very easy in IT to print page after page of buzz words and acronyms.. haha My agent didn't have a very high opinion of some of these assessment bods and basically said treat them like novices, do not assume anything. My experience is that the ACS were very professional but they do stick to the letter of the law as it were! Getting letters from previous employers was a bit of a nightmare but I got there in the end! It is great that you have a good relationship with previous employers.. Make sure that any reference they give you is carefully structured in the format the ACS require. Make sure the reference includes dates employed, final salary, include all key skills, training. Try and include all the buzz words in the reference that are included in the ANZCO description etc. The skills in your reference need to closely match the sills as listed in your CV. The letter also needs to be signed by a HR Manager or your boss etc..

 

3. I am Welsh too although my first language is English.. This often means my spelling is not the best as I put ll's & dd's where they shouldn't be! haha The IELTS therefore was a bit of a worry for me.. I got the CD you can purchase from Cambridge University and I did all of the examples in the book.. It is all about understanding the structure of these tests and once you understand this, you will not have a problem.. I did the test twice.. I needed 8 in all 4 categories and although my average was 8.5 I got 7.5 in the listening test the first time around... So annoying as the listening test is really the easiest in some ways.. The second time around I got 9.0, 9.0, 8.5 & 9.0 so I am sure you will be fine. Again, just practice and during the test, be quite regimented. If you have 2 questions, 20 marks for the first and 40 for the second. Split your time accordingly.. During the listening test, if you miss a section of speech, then dont panic... Just carry on.. This is what cost me the first time and I just lost the complete thread of the dialogue. As KimorJack stated, if timing is tight, book 2 or 3 tests just to be safe.. I did the General test @ Bangor Uni.. They dont come around as often as the Academic test so plan ahead..

 

4. Get all certified documents done asap. This would typically include:

Birth Certificates (for all members emigrating), Marriage Certificates, Passports (for all members emigrating), References with covering letters, Training Certificates.. If you have a degree you will need a certified copy of it including a transcript detailing exam results.. Also make copies of all these documents as you will need them for 175/176 application.

 

It can be a bit of a trauma but the thought of 9 months of sun rather than 9 months of rain & cold keeps me going!! lol

 

Martin

[Kimorjack]

Hi mwgster - thanks for the additional information - it was acutally PeteD that gave all the excellent info!

 

My Anzsco code is 261112 (Systems Analyst) - but been doing a lot of Technical Project Management lately - which also covered the SA role - so need to make sure I get myself working on the CV - otherwise it WILL confuse everyone!

 

Need to get all these ducks lined up!

:-)

[lebourvellec]

4. Get all certified documents done asap. This would typically include:

Birth Certificates (for all members emigrating), Marriage Certificates, Passports (for all members emigrating), References with covering letters, Training Certificates.. If you have a degree you will need a certified copy of it including a transcript detailing exam results.. Also make copies of all these documents as you will need them for 175/176 application.

 

 

You do not need to get all birth certificates/marriage certificates and passports foll all members emigrating etc certified if you are applying for the visa online. As long as you colour scan the original documents and attach to your 175 application.

 

"GSM Adelaide accepts scanned copies. If possible, please provide colour scanned copies of

original documents. If you are unable to colour scan documents, please ensure that the documents

you scan are certified copies. If you send us a scan of the original document, we can accept PDF,

JPEG, TIFF or BMP file formats, although we prefer that it be in PDF format."

 

(You will likely need some documents certified for your skills assessment as these are posted.)

[mwgster]

Yes indeed, you can colour scan your documents! Saves a bit of hassle.. But easy enough to order Birth Certificates etc on-line.. How did I ever cope without the internet!

[Talieandtribe]

Thanks for this information. Just what I was looking for.

Does anyone have recent time lines for ACS processing including RPL.

We're hoping it doesn't take the whole 12 weeks they say it will take.

Mikes sitting his IELTS on 31st March too. He's getting some tutoring from Andrea Milne, she is on tutorhunt.com

She is an IELTS examiner. Or that's what she says... He hasn't started yet. I'm a little apprehensive, should an examiner be tutoring?

Anyway hopefully that will help. Booking another exam just in case sounds like a good idea, thanks.

[Kimorjack]

..just an update.

 

My migration agent came back to me this morning saying that they agree with my Assessment (of my skills) and now would like to proceed to the next stage (and an additional sum of cash) to help with the ACS application...not sure of the value i'm getting for this initial assessment - as its been to confirm what my role is (the one I told them I was doing!)...I don't need to do a RPL....so it's just references etc...so Im a bit of a loss as to what I've paid for!

 

Anyone else had this scenario?