Is an Australian Visa app worth it

Zambia

Hi

I need some help I am currently thinking about applying for a Skilled migration Visa to Australia. however its something like Aus$1295 to apply. Now if i get in all well and good but has anyone ever gone through this process or can anyone tellme strauight can you get in easier if you opt to live in a remoter area.

Badly in need of a simple explanation to this process and how long it can take?

Our man in Havana

If you don't meet the points don't bother applying. They would love you if you told them you will live out in the arsehole of the Northern Terrority.

I was going to apply a few years back but I didn't have the points. Even then it took quite a while to get thru it all. AFAIK there is a medical and an indepth interview and criminal records check.

Good luck it it.

nodrog

Why not just apply for a working holiday visa(simple enough to do), then whilst working in Australia try and get sponsored, and take it from there

Our man in Havana

nodrog wrote:

Why not just apply for a working holiday visa(simple enough to do), then whilst working in Australia try and get sponsored, and take it from there

Theres an idea!

Zambia

Ah that would be all well an good , but I used that up, I was sponsored to Stay but told by my brief not to bother as my Qualifications where not up to much and my job was easily done by an aussie. However I have since got a Degree and the required time in Industry for certain areas. I not to fussy about where I stay as long as 50% of the Population can spell

daveg

I maybe able to help as we are currently going through the 136 skilled migration visa process. From advice given we are applying through an agency, at least to get our skills assessed, as I hear the application can be quite tricky. We are applying through as agency in the UK called GoMatilda. Agency's have to be approved and vetted by the OZ immigration department. Some good info here (http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/books6.htm)

You can break up the application into 2 stages.

Stage 1 is your skills assessment. Most agencies will do a free pre-skills assessment on you as (afaik) the OZ immigration department are very strict on agencies not taking on clients who will not make the criteria (and in the process take a lump of cash off you for the skills assessment). Get your pre-assessment done to see if your skills will give you enough points. Check also if your skills are on the high in demand list (http://www.immi.gov.au/migration/skilled/advice_doc/gn_modl.htm) as you will qualify for more points.

Stage 2 is your actual visa application. You can only apply once you have been through the skills assessment stage. Your visa application will also require you undergo health checks and police record checks.

Application, I hear, can take between 12 to 18 months, but don't hold me to this as we were quoted this going through agencies. Also your cost figures seem a bit out (I hate to tell you!!). Budget as follows:

Skills assessment fee $400 approx (depends on your skills assessor body - were going through the ACS = Oz computer society).
Visa application $2000 approx
Police & health checks $400 approx

If you go through an agency you can nearly double the figures above.

Finally you need 120 points to get the visa. Do a self assessment to see if you'll get the 120 points (http://www.immi.gov.au/migration/skilled/offshore_visa/eligibility_136.htm)

Zambia

It will take me a while to get though all this mate but while I am cheers for the input. I dont suppose you are heading with your girlfriend as I know mine wont make the pionts but does she get to tag along so to speak ?

Zambia

Well I scored 135 approxiamatly , But I am still up in the air as too wether I can get the girlfriend in. If :rolleyes: I am able to

daveg

Zambia232 wrote:

It will take me a while to get though all this mate but while I am cheers for the input. I dont suppose you are heading with your girlfriend as I know mine wont make the pionts but does she get to tag along so to speak ?

I'm applying with my wife. Not sure if applying through your GF will work tbh.

ashie

Hi ,

Reading this with interest. How has everyone got on with the visa process? Our main application went off last week so the wait begins - next medicals and police clearances and then hopefully we are good to go.

BryanD

Hey

My Girlfriend and I are applying at the moment. If you qualify then your girlfriend gets her Visa Defacto. You have to be able to prove you have been together for more than 12 months - as far as I know.

I had all the same questions so I decided to use an agency - www.australianvisaspecialists.com

Have a look at the website , do the assessment and give Liz O' HAgan a ring. I found her very helpful with all my questions.

Good Luck

ashie

Hi,

Im using Liz too - shes great isn't she? What visa are you applying for?

daveg

Were applying for the 136 skilled visa application. We had sent in for our skills assessment about 3 weeks ago but they have come back looking for more certified photocopies of our other qualifications (back to the solicitor). It's a very slow process but we are getting there.

We are using GoMatilda.com in the UK.

ashie

Hi DaveG,

Interesting that you are certifying copies with a solicitor, we only used a peace commisioner which is free, you may want to check that out as it will save you a bundle. We got the Stat. Dec certified with a solicitor but that was about it. Are you appling to the TRA!! Good luck with it, its a tough old process but stick with it and you will get there. We got our TRA (passed)back in 5 weeks but I know people who got theirs back in 2 weeks, mine was sent over Easter so with the holidays etc they were delayed a bit. If you need any help or have any questions pm me , only too happy to oblige as I know how stressful it can be!

empirix

I thought there was a 4 year visa - how much does that cost

ashie

Hi Empirix,

Dont know anything about that visa. You could call an agent and they could tell you. Sent you a pm

pucan

The 4 year visa costs $1,864.50 which is about 1,119 Euro. You need a degree and 2/3 years work experince plus you need an employer willing to sponsor you.