[LizOHagan]

Originally Posted by hussey

Yeah, on my letter it was a year since it was granted, this could well be the medical date, as that was the last thing I submitted, but definetely had the date on letter.
It wasn't the Garda date as I submitted that before my medical
I.e. submitted my Garda clearance June, medical August 2010 my letter said August 2011 to activate

Medicals and Police Clearances are only valid for 12 months hence how they choose the initial entry date however in some cases they can extend the date or indeed choose the latter date.

[zweton]

hmmm, was told by a garda the other day the garda cert was only valid for 6 months! Will have to double check this with them.

[LizOHagan]

Originally Posted by F00t13f4n

Hi everyone

This is a great thread! I'm starting on the process of applying for a Skilled Migration Visa, and am pulling together information to get my skills assessed.

I need to provide a certified copy of my passport bio-data page. According to Engineers Australia:
The following classes of persons are authorized to certify copies of documents:
• An authorised Notary Public
• An authorised Commissioner for Oaths (Declarations)
• An authorised Solicitor, Barrister or Judge
• An authorised Justice of the Peace
• An officer of an Australian Diplomatic Post
• A current financial member of the Engineers Australia other than at the grade of student (membership number must be shown)
• A staff member of Engineers Australia

I assume getting a copy of my passport stamped at the Garda station isn't sufficient? Sorry if this is a stupid question - I thought you might be able to answer me quickly and save me getting it wrong. I'll be back with better ones as my application proceeds, I promise!

Thanks in advance.

Hello,

Engineers Australia are very strict so you must follow the instructions carefully. Try a Solicitor or Commissioner of Oaths.

[emfitz]

Hi all,

Just looking into what the next step is in regards to getting residency. I've been a year on 457 and looking at options. I'm defacto on my OH visa. We'd really like to get residency without haveing to involve an employer.

Can anyone tell me how to go about this or what visas would be best.

OH came home yesterday telling me a workmate of his on 457 applied for residency after 18months or so and got it without paying anything, is this possible.

Have read through the old threads but can't work out which visa is best..

[hussey]

Originally Posted by emfitz

Hi all,

Just looking into what the next step is in regards to getting residency. I've been a year on 457 and looking at options. I'm defacto on my OH visa. We'd really like to get residency without haveing to involve an employer.

Can anyone tell me how to go about this or what visas would be best.

Read up on state sponsored or independent, you can find them on immi.gov.au, they are pretty much the two available.

OH came home yesterday telling me a workmate of his on 457 applied for residency after 18months or so and got it without paying anything, is this possible.

Yep, if work pays for it, legally if someone wants employer sponsored, then employer should pay

[mandrake04]

Originally Posted by emfitz

Hi all,

Just looking into what the next step is in regards to getting residency. I've been a year on 457 and looking at options. I'm defacto on my OH visa. We'd really like to get residency without haveing to involve an employer.

Like Hussey says if you don't want to involve an Employer it's going be either 175 or 176.

You are going need a skills assessment and at least $3000-$4000, plus you need to make a decision to use a MARA agent (prob another $3000)

If its a 176 you are going need State sponsored.

Also have a look at Liz & Declan's comments on the new rules 1st July.

Originally Posted by emfitz

OH came home yesterday telling me a workmate of his on 457 applied for residency after 18months or so and got it without paying anything, is this possible.

Have read through the old threads but can't work out which visa is best..

Probably ENS 856 Sponsored PR, employer paid for mine as well. But since you don't want to involve Employer you are going have to pay it yourself.

[E86]

Hi,

There seems to be good feedback and responses to questions raised on this thread. I'm wondering if you can help me figure out what is the best visa for me to apply for, out of what's available to me.

Some details:

I'm currently on a 417 working holiday visa and have been in the country for 3 months in Melbourne.

I'm 25 and a civil engineer with over 3 years work experience, so I currently get 50 points on the points test.

I would need to do an english language test to get it over the required 65 points.
Although I came across a line on the Victoria state website that stated if you are an Irish citizen you do not have to provide an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment. Does this apply to the DIAC points requirement system...would I still need to do the test to get the required points? see the link below..

www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/visas-and-immigrating/skilled-visas/skilled-sponsored-visa-subclass-886

I'm currently doing some temporary work with the department of transport. Is there any way that getting them to do something like nominate me, that could help, since they are a state agency?


These are the visa options that I could find that might be available to me:

1. Second working holiday visa- after 3 months regional work

2. 457- try and get company that will sponsor me

3. Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 487)- need state nomination, and allows you to remain in Australia for up to three years and requires you to live(2years) and work(12months) in a Specified Regional Area in Australia. If you don't meet the 2 year and 12 month regional work requirements, does it just mean you can't apply for permanent residency yet?

4. Skilled – Independent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 175)- Do I have to be outside Australia to apply for this?

5. Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 176)- Do I have to be outside Australia to apply for this? Required to remain in the sponsoring state for 2 years.

Am I missing any other visa options?


Ideally I'd like to go for the visa with the least no. of restraints which seems to be the 175 visa.

but also I have to take into account the likelihood of getting the visas and the costs.

What do you think is the best visa option is for me?

[Pope John 11]

Guys, I am looking to apply for a VISA. I am not too sure if I should be applying for the 457 or 176 VISA.

I too am a Civil/Structural Engineer. My understanding is that I need to fill out the documentation via the Washington Accord, as attached

http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au...ion%20Form.pdf

1. Degree manuscript & any other college manuscripts
2. College results
3. CV
4. Passport copy
5. Get all documentation stamped by a solicitor
6. IELTS as I am over the required working holiday Visa

What other documentation do I require?
Previous work pay slips, are these required?
Previous work contract?
Medicals?
Can someone add to the list and put them in an order of when they are required. Thanks

[hussey]

Originally Posted by E86

I'm 25 and a civil engineer with over 3 years work experience, so I currently get 50 points on the points test.

I would need to do an english language test to get it over the required 65 points.
Although I came across a line on the Victoria state website that stated if you are an Irish citizen you do not have to provide an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment. Does this apply to the DIAC points requirement system...would I still need to do the test to get the required points? see the link below..

To get the extra points you must sit the exam

I'm currently doing some temporary work with the department of transport. Is there any way that getting them to do something like nominate me, that could help, since they are a state agency?

Ask them!!!!

4. Skilled – Independent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 175)- Do I have to be outside Australia to apply for this?

5. Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 176)- Do I have to be outside Australia to apply for this? Required to remain in the sponsoring state for 2 years.

175/176 - You can apply whilst in Australia but when granted you have to leave and 'arrive' again.

[LizOHagan]

More details on the skilled program from July 1st 2012 are now available at http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/ - please note that further amendments to the program could be released so act with caution.

[Mellor]

Was thinkign about my PR options dowm the line.
I think the skills assessment will eventually screw me over.

[Zambia]

Originally Posted by Mellor

Was thinkign about my PR options dowm the line.
I think the skills assessment will eventually screw me over.

Could your firm not sponsor you for PR at present.

[Mellor]

Yeah they could. But they don't be able yo justify that kinda of expense. Quite a small company.

So if I was paying for it myself, I'd be hoping to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Are these costs accurate?
ENS = $520 Nomination , $3105 (1st installment in Australia) plus Garda checks, medical etc
175 and 176 = $2970 (1st installment), plus Garda checks, medical etc, plus skills assessment

[jank]

Your best bet Mellor is the ENS 856 option.
Yes costs are there or there abouts for the 856 not too sure on the 175.

[jank]

Found this. Might be posted already but gives a very very brief over view for skilled visas.
All this though may change come July.

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/_pdf/...ed-options.pdf