New Life Down Under

Welcome Piccolo family, you must have brought the cold weather with you! Wishing you lots of happiness and excitement in your new life. I hope WA is everything you wished for. Good luck!

Hi Lawrence, to be honest I imagine that the wage offered is probably the going rate and iss more than likely to meet the award rate for this type of work http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/labourrelations/PDF/Awards/V/VehicleBuildersAward.pdf It is very unusual for a reputable employer to try and get away with paying less than the award rate and obviously thna can pay higher if they wish! I have jumped onto this thread as I am interested in the perception/expectation and the reality of wages in Perth. As a Registered Migration Agent, I obviously have access to wages and contracts of potential migrants. Perths economy has really become two tiered. WE have the professional oil/gas/mining executives and engineers many of whom are demanding huge salaries from $250-500K pa and many contractors are charging $1500-2000 pd. Then there are the unskilled/semi skilled workers who are getting huge salaries at the mines. My old hairdresser in her mid 20's gave up hairdressing where she was earning $46K to work in the mines as FIFO worker and got paid $105K where he job involved gathering up the dirty laundry adn driving it to the cleaning depot! over the last five years, there have also been the tradies who were chraging unrealisitc prices and getting away with it as it was a booming economy and people were desperate for tradesmen. Those days appear to be over. I have many friends who are in the building trades and a lot of them are struggling for work now and many dont get a full five day working week. A couple of years ago these guys were earning $150K plus but now many have come down with a bang, These are not the average wages of Australia, purely economy driven with the mining and building booms. The average Aussie is probably earning around $70k per annum http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6302.0/ So Lawrence what you need to take into consideration is the cost of living here, which is expensive and whether or not emigrating to Australia is something that you feel will benefit your family. As an agent, I can tell you living the dream in Australia isnt evryones cup of tea, I belive about one third of Brits return home to England within 5 years. The main statistical reason is they miss family, lack of culture and they are bored. I am now hearing of people returning as they a struggling financially. I know I am a strange migration agent, I should be encouraging people to come here, so I get paid to do the visas! However, I hate seeing people put their life in turmoil when they havent thought it through properly! Good luck with the decision process,ultimately itis your decision and no matter what anyone else gets paid in Perth only you know if the salary will meet your expectations.

Whats the job? It may be the going rate!

I'm with you on this one Phil. $150K is certainly not the average salary in Perth. I belive across the board the average is in fact mid 60K's, however, I am in total agreement that that wage may be a struggle as a single income earner. Having said that, is that the going rate for the profession? So may I ask what the job is? I know men in their 50's earning a lot less than mid 60's aswell. Also from a migration point of view, this job offer could be the golden offer if it offers you a pathway to PR??

Have a look here at the test centres and dates for the UK. Please note that some occupations do not accept the general test and an academic one is obligatory, so check with your assessing body prior to booking your test! http://www.ielts.org//test_centre_search/search_results.aspx?TestCentreSearchSubRegion=01502ae9-cf4b-46ba-8214-c5d4331a543d As a UK passport holder you pass the criteria for English for the current (ie prior to 1st July changes) GSM, however, if you wish to claim any points you need to produce a current IELTS. Hope this helps Cheers Camilla

HI Pompom, you wait till you pack the container, wave goodbye to family, thats when the stress starts!!! This is the easy bit!!!!! But when you arrive in WA it will all be worth it!!!

Hey Pompom, no worries, visa applications are VERY stressful, I think we all forgive you for your anxieties!!! Yep, the Skilled Migration of WA team will require your skills assessment beofer they can assess your application. Shouldnt be long now, ICAA are great, one of the fastest assessors in the country! When you signed Form 956 that would have given your agent permission to act on your behalf!

Hi Corinne I have replied to your private message answering your other question but wanted to clarify for you that the age is a time of application criteria, (not time of decision criteria) so if you lodge for an RSMS whilst your husband is 44 that is fine. As of 1st July the age is supposed to be upped to under 50, I say supposed as the changes still havent been passed in Law. (i think that should be any day now!) However, under the current criteria for RSMS over 45's can still apply under exceptional circumstances! Dnt worry some of this confuses me as much as you! With regards to processing times I believe the client charter is saying 5 months for low risk RSMS but Agent Decision Ready are coming through very quickly. I was delighted with my last one being granted in 3 weeks but a mate of mine beat me with a week and a day!!! He has challenged me to beat him but I think that would be impossible, as that was the fastest I have heard. he promises to buy the Guiness (he is Irish) if I get one through quicker, but imagine the round will be on me! As there seem to be a lot of Agent Ready applications in at the moment, the other ones may take the 5 months stated, however being Priority 1 , you still stand in a strong position. Also if possible lodge your nomination and application together with all required docs and that will certainly speed things up too. Dont forget that if licencing is mandatory for your occupation you must provide that aswell. I hope this all comes together soon for you Corinne as you seem to been having nightmare after nightmare!!! Good luck and dont foget the old saying good things come to those who wait!!!!! (Something that can be a long wait when visas are involved!!!)

[h=6]Hello Claire Sorry just noticed a typo, thats my fault for typing after a very late night! IELTS are usually valid for 1 year which means you must lodge your visa within 12 months of your result. (see policy below which also explains a bit more about the testing.) Usually a general IELTS is exceptional but some occupations require an academic one and it is always worht clarifying with your assessing authority whether an academic one is required. With regards to July 1st the IELTS and skills assessments must be lodged with the EOI. I think you said you may be looking at moving in 5 years or so, please be mindful that many occupations drop on and off lists so I always advise clients that if they are on a list and eligible, LODGE as who knows what will happen with the next Govt, budget , policy etc,... A couple of years ago we were swamped with hairdressers and chefs, both of which have since been dropped from SOL1. I believe that there will be a new SOL in July, which will combine GSM, 457's and ENSOL visas, however, this is yet to be passed as Law, so it may be interesting to see which occupations have been dropped and added. 66 ENGLISH TESTING[/h] 66.1 Overview For GSM and other Skilled Stream visas, the applicant who needs to satisfy primary criteria must have their English assessed. For Schedule 6A cases and cases to which a Schedule 2 criterion relating to vocational English (or other English proficiency level) applies, all applicants must sit an English test. The exception to this is where an officer decides to exercise their discretion under regulation 2.26A(5) (or, if applicable, an equivalent provision eg regulation 1.15B(3)(b)). For those cases that require testing, the Regulations prescribe 2 tests acceptable for visa purposes: • the International English Language Testing System IELTStest • for Schedule 6A (only), the Occupational English Test (OET). Decision makers must inform applicants in writing that their English language ability needs to be tested and that the applicant needs to contact the testing centre to schedule a date and time to sit for a test. 66.2 The IELTS test The regulatory requirement to demonstrate English language ability in the GSM visa categories generally relies on an applicant’sIELTStest results. For this reason, if English is not an applicant’s native language, they will need to sit anIELTS test to evidence their English ability. Applicant’s are encouraged to sit an IELTS examination before applying for their visa, as their application will be refused if they fail to demonstrate that they have the required level of English language ability. IELTS modules The IELTS test comprises an Academic and a General Training Module. Candidates sitting the IELTS test for visa purposes need only sit the General Training Module. This is regardless of whether the test is being sat, to demonstrate functional, vocational or competent English. In the case of Schedule 6A applicants for whom English ability is linked to the employment factor - for example, various health professions which require a higher level of English proficiency, the General Training Module of the IELTS test is not suitable. These applicants should instead sit an OET examination, see instead section 67 The Occupational English Test (OET). The test IELTS is central to determining whether an applicant has met the relevant English language requirement.IELTS comprises a single test with 4 separate components. The 4 components are not independent tests and results from each component cannot be combined. Applicants must attain the prescribed score for each of the 4 components tested in one examination. Testing follows a set procedure and the 4 IELTSmodules, listening, speaking, writing and reading are compulsory and cannot be taken separately. A single test is essential to the coherency or reliability of the testing score under an IELTS test. To ensure that an applicant’s English language ability is current, under Schedule 6A an applicant must have undertaken an IELTSexamination in no more than 12 months before the date of lodging their visa application. Decision makers need only give applicants one opportunity (one examination) to demonstrate that they meet the required level of English language ability. Whilst IELTScandidates are given a score for overall English language ability and a profile indicating the candidate’s particular strengths or weaknesses, for visa purposes, the applicant must attain the required score for each of the 4 components of the examination.

Hi Ali No probs, DIAC are supposedly going to be running Migration Agent roadshows throughout the country in June to launch the new changes, so I should be able to post some more info once I have attended one! I am currently busy getting last minute applications for those who the changes may affect the most, eg over 50's and so havent really stressed about the new proposals yet until I know they are Law. I will as always try to keep perth poms up to date with the legislative changes, I must point out that now it willbe very unlikely that any GSM applications will reach the 30 June deadline unless thye are skills assessed, IELTS ready etc as the assessing bodies seem to be pretty much inundated! Unless you have a body which does a 5 day turnaround eg ICA it will be very tough to ge lodged prior to the deadline, so new potential migrants may need to wait to see the new policies. BTWthe IELTS test last 1 year, but Clair and Russ that is for lodgement of visa, so if you want to apply for a visa you need a valid IELTS.

Hi guys Yes there are big changes on the horizon for 1st July, I believe there is going to be a new SOL aswell. This si all to do with the new EOI system, but even us agents and most of DIAC are still not sure of the changes as the Law hasnt been passed yet, I believe it is scheduled for next week, so keep an eye on DIA site

It may depend on whether you are on SOL 1 or 2, you may not have a choice! Remember all changes on 1st July will then be subclass 189 or 190! Most assessing bodies will not be able to assess prior to 1st July from now onwards but check each individual ones websote for details

Congratulations!!! Yee of little faith!!! Well done!

I am still hopeful for you, an RMA mate of mine got acknowledgement and grant on the same DAy!

Hi PomPOm The five day is only available to migration agents if you pay the higher fee, so I hope you did!

You are welcome Pom Pom, the mre organised you are the quicker you should be able to lodge! I hassle my guys for all their docs as soon as they sign up with me as I hate leaving things to the last minute! Have you checked that the assessing body is guaranteeing your assessment back before 1st July as now many of the bodies are saying they wont be able to complete them before July??? ICA is a great one as they do a 5 day skills assessment so if you are an accountant you are fine!!! Hope you score well on your IELTS!! Let us all know, hopefully 8.5's all over!

Hi PomPom, Your Migration Agent should be able to send you a check list of all the documents they require for your application as sometimes we require more than the standard checklist to be able to present a solid case, depending on your circumstances. This will be a starting point for you though http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/176_checklist.pdf Remember you are paying your agent to guide you though, so dont be afraid to ask for their assistance, that is what they are there for! Good luck

Thats fair enough, we all have to stick to our own budgets etc, but I really belive in the old addage you get what you pay for!! I do not know this firm, so honestly can not comment, and being a MARA agent having to get a Migration Law Degree before I could register, I am certianly biased towards MARA agents! However, that is not to say that firm are not fantastic, but they would not be allowed to practice in Australia without a licence and incidentally a Perth woman has just been fined $12000 for providing immigration assistance and being unregistered!!! It is illegal in Australia to provide immigration advice or assistance without being a registered agent or legal practioner. Ring around and get a few quotes and also check what you get for your money, It amazes me how many people on this forum are asking questions which should be answered by their appointed agent! They are paying for that service and should not have to ask lay people for answers to immigration matters which their agents should provide. This agent is potentially dealing with your future life, make sure you feel comfortable with the person you deal with and are happy with the service they are offering you. Good luck with you application, and remember the July 1st deadlines of EOI!!!!! Cheers camilla

Migration Agents outside of Australia do not need to be registered with OMARA under Australian Law. There registration procedures are also very stringent. There are some great agents in the UK registered with MARA, I suggest you use one of them!

Hello If your partner advises DIAC that you have parted company your visa may be cancelled and you may be asked to leave. If your partner doesnt advise DIAC and you have separated your visa could then be cancelled for providing bogus information. BE CAREFUL!!! From the brief info you have provided there appears to be no grounds to appeal

I am not sure where you are getting your information from but work experience in Australia gives more points than overseas work experience. The UK and anywhere else in the world classes as overseas. To clarify for anyone confused Australian and overseas employment over the past 10 years can be combined, howver the maximum number of points that can be awarded for Australian or oversea employment experience or a combination of both is 20 points. For the purpose of awarding points the department considers skilled employment in the nominated occupation or a closely related occupation will compromise at least 20 hours employment per week, In determining whether an applicants skilled employment is closely related to their nominated application, the department will take into account the occupations wihtin one unit group classified under ANZSCO.

Hi Nicola Just got one granted today, lodged it decision ready on 3rd April and granted today 24th April. Have you sent it in ready to go, ie police clearance,, medicals, etc? The quick ones seem t be coming through around 3 weeks, my one may have been quicker but out Case Officer required further financial viability evidence from employer. You may be lucky, good luck with it Whilst on 857's the Reginal Certifying Bodies are gradually one by one not guaranteeing certification before the 30 June deadline. [TABLE=class: MsoNormalTable, width: 100] [TR] [TD] Update on RCB Cut Off Dates for RCB Nomination Certification [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] NSW Regional Development Australia Southern Inland (RDASI) Tomorrow Tuesday 24 April Due to the impending changes to the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) as of 1 July, please note RDASI can only guarantee assessment of RSMS applications before 30 June if received by our office on or before 5:00pm Tuesday 24 April. Applications are required to be in "decision ready" form, including Form 1054, all supporting documentation and application fee payment included. If an application is received after 5:00pm Tuesday 24 April, RDASI will use best efforts to assess and certify applications by 30 June, however, no guarantees can be given. NSW RDA Riverina Applications received after the 18th June 2012 will not be processed until 16 July 2012. This is due to changes to the migration program starting from the 1 July 2012. Applications must be received before the 18 June if they are required to be processed before the 1 July 2012. WA Perth RCB WA Perth RCB has advised that it will process applications for as long as possible up to 1 June, although, with the changes to the RSMS certification process, Skilled Migration WA is expecting an increase in the number of applications for processing which may affect processing times. The processing time for RSMS certification is anticipated to be six to eight weeks. WA RDA Goldfields Esperance Processing of applications can take up to four weeks; employers need to consider this when submitting their applications. WA South West Development Commission (SWDC) The processing time for regional certification is approximately two weeks after all documentation has been received.[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

Hi Gill I thoroughly agree with you, call me an old cynic but I think that that many people just wont want the uncertainty of being left in limbo whilst their fate is determined! I think the next month is going to be pretty hectic for all of us! Cheers Camilla

Yes, if your case officer requires any further information, you usually have 28 days to provide it. Make sure you can check your emails whilst you are away! If the information is not provided within the specified time limit (usually 28 days) or you havent provided proof to DIAC that you have booked your medical, applied for your AFP for example, or whatever information they have reuqested, your visa application can be processed without his informaiton, therefore potentially making your application invalid...