jojo1310 Posted August 22, 2013 Report Share Posted August 22, 2013 Hey everyone! I have been browsing these forums for a few weeks now, it's really great to see everyone's experiences and to see people's progress as they apply for visas. I have a 2 questions though... 1. What are the big differences between the 189 and the 190 visa. What are the advantages/disadvantages for choosing one over the other? I am confused as I have been researching the 190 and now realise that my OH (who is an electrician) has been told by a migration agent that he could apply for 189? 2. Second question....I realise that everyone's application process is different but what is the time frame I am looking at if I were to do the 190/189 visa myself? Would it take a shorter amount of time if I were to do it instead of through a migration agent? I guess this depends on whether we pass certain stages of the application process or not. Sorry for the ramblings, but I feel like this is the place to ask those kind of questions! Thanks Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil bedford Posted August 22, 2013 Report Share Posted August 22, 2013 Hi me and the mrs are in exactly the same boat as you! We are just deciding to either go with an agent or by ourselves, some people have said get an agent as if you do it wrong it's non refundable. I'm a joiner for the pastm13 years on the 189 I get 55 points which would mean I need to do the English test, or I can do the 190 and get the state sponsor for the extra 5 points. It's a minefield in it. Which agent are you thinking of going with? I would say the 190 state sponsor as it can take a while on the 189 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou8670 Posted August 22, 2013 Report Share Posted August 22, 2013 The difference between a 189 and 190 is that with a 189 visa you are not restricted on which State you live and work in but your occupation has to be on the SOL. A 190 visa is State sponsored by a State or Territory government agency under a State Migration Plan or sponsored under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), you must have been nominated by an Australian employer to fill a position in an occupation that appears in the CSOL. Some occupations are not on the SOL but they are on the CSOL so you may not have a choice. Also, if you are short on points you can gain additional points by being sponsored. A 190 is slightly more costly and takes a little longer as you have to jump through the hoops to be sponsored by State, Territory or Employer. Re. iELTS - if you need more points its a great way of gaining extra points. A British passport alone is enough to fulfill the English requirement but you can't claim any additional points unless you've gained a relevant IELTS score in all 4 areas. Also, some occupations require you to have gained the IELTS exam (either General or Academic) for your skills assessment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkiwd Posted August 22, 2013 Report Share Posted August 22, 2013 (edited) We are going through the process of doing the 190 visa ourselves without an agent, so far we seem to be getting through all the stages and we will be lodging our visa application in the next couple of days. I did lots of research on this site and poms in oz as well as immi.gov.au and migration.wa.gov.au. I think some people use agents for parts of the process and some use them for the whole lot but there seem to be plenty going if alone too. Our occupation is not on the sol so we had to go for the 190 state sponsored but we wanted to go to WA anyway, the 190 visas get processed quicker than the 189 as SS gets priority. We failed first skills assessment (which set us back a bit) but from lodging second TRA through to passing it, ielts, EOI, Ss application and now a visa invite its been just under 2 months. For the 189 visa the people with higher points get invites first, so people with only 60 sometimes have to wait a bit longer depending on how many people in the same occupation have higher points score. Invites for 189 are given out twice a month but WA give out invites to apply for state nomination weekly. Both visas have their benefits, it all depends on your circumstances as to which you choose to go for:cute: Edited August 22, 2013 by nikkiwd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojo1310 Posted August 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2013 Hi me and the mrs are in exactly the same boat as you! We are just deciding to either go with an agent or by ourselves, some people have said get an agent as if you do it wrong it's non refundable. I'm a joiner for the pastm13 years on the 189 I get 55 points which would mean I need to do the English test, or I can do the 190 and get the state sponsor for the extra 5 points. It's a minefield in it. Which agent are you thinking of going with? I would say the 190 state sponsor as it can take a while on the 189 Thats exciting Phil! My boyfriend is an electrician and I think we get about 60 points....it's very stressful and I am not sure I'd be able to cope doing it alone without a migration agent but the money you save is definitely a bonus of doing it yourself! We've looked at a few but I was reccommended someone at GetGoing UK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojo1310 Posted August 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2013 Thanks Lou for your reply. Thanks everyone for your replies! I am having a bit of a stress this morning as I received an email from nationalvisas.com mentioning the rise in the visa fees...did you know they're going up in between 5-10%! That's a lot more money to pay out...my bf and I were thinking of starting the application after our holiday at the end if September, but now I am panicking. Maybe we should do it before? from what you guys have said and I've read the 190 seems to be the way to go... Nikki, you've been super speedy! How are you finding it so far? Are you stressed out?? x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkiwd Posted August 23, 2013 Report Share Posted August 23, 2013 the skills assessment has been the most stressfull part so far and the fact we failed the first one meant we missed the july 1st visa price increase which basically doubled our familys cost from $3060 to $6120 ouch!! now they are increasing again on 1st September so I hope to lodge the visa in the next couple of days to avoid that one at least...You wont be able to avoid that unfortunately but it is probably better to start the process sooner rather than later as things seem to change with immigration all the time. WA is implementing a new skill list and new state sponsorship criteria in October so if you are thinking 190 then that may affect you. Depending on who assesses your skill some people have to wait 12+ weeks for the skills assessment, TRA are quick at the moment with only a 4-6 week wait. Good luck with it all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojo1310 Posted September 12, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2013 the skills assessment has been the most stressfull part so far and the fact we failed the first one meant we missed the july 1st visa price increase which basically doubled our familys cost from $3060 to $6120 ouch!! now they are increasing again on 1st September so I hope to lodge the visa in the next couple of days to avoid that one at least...You wont be able to avoid that unfortunately but it is probably better to start the process sooner rather than later as things seem to change with immigration all the time. WA is implementing a new skill list and new state sponsorship criteria in October so if you are thinking 190 then that may affect you. Depending on who assesses your skill some people have to wait 12+ weeks for the skills assessment, TRA are quick at the moment with only a 4-6 week wait. Good luck with it all Hows the visa application going Nikki? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikkis2000 Posted September 12, 2013 Report Share Posted September 12, 2013 Thats exciting Phil! My boyfriend is an electrician and I think we get about 60 points....it's very stressful and I am not sure I'd be able to cope doing it alone without a migration agent but the money you save is definitely a bonus of doing it yourself! We've looked at a few but I was reccommended someone at GetGoing UK. Hi Jo, Having used an agent I can definitely vouch for the benefit of having someone there when you're panicking. In hindsight we probably could have done it ourselves but I would be more of a jibbering wreck than I am! Visa Bureau were great with us and Go Matilda always get a good write up on here. Whoever you go with just make sure that they are MARA registered (the individual not the company) as you can get right royally shafted if they're not! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkiwd Posted September 12, 2013 Report Share Posted September 12, 2013 Hi Jo, we lodged the 190 visa app. on the 28th August. We have been so busy the last couple of weeks so haven't managed to start uploading the documents yet but better start doing it soon. It was pretty straightforward and there is a list on our application of docs to attach so doesnt should be simple enough, just waiting on a case officer and getting medicals done. How about you, have you decided what you are going to do yet and whether using an agent? Nikki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojo1310 Posted October 17, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2013 It's been a while since I posted on here. Last night we had our first proper research session! We have found out we have enough points and wont have to do the IELTS (i am hoping that this is definitely the case!) We are now just researching the skills assessment. I'm starting to understand the process a little more, it is so bewildering and overwhelming as you think 'where do I start' but it's a case of just knuckling down and getting on with it! Now to start up the fund for the skills assessment! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7cdb Posted October 17, 2013 Report Share Posted October 17, 2013 Whats the difference between a 189,190,475 and 490 visa ??? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkiwd Posted October 17, 2013 Report Share Posted October 17, 2013 7cdb, the 189 is skilled independant, your skill has to be on the SOL to apply and you dont need a state or employer to sponsor you. You are free to move to different states if on this one. 190 is state sponsorship skilled visa, your occupation has to be on your chosen state's skills list, you get 5 points for choosing this route but you are tied to the state who sponsors you for 2 years. this route is slightly quicker than 189. cant help with the other 2 visa types.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojo1310 Posted January 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 Hows the planning going Nikkiwd? x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkiwd Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 Ok thanks, we are flying out 25th May so trying to clear house of all the junk, researching schools and areas to live and to be honest my mind is boggling! There was me thinking that once the visa was sorted the stress would ease...well it doesn't:wacko: I am just looking forward to getting there and enjoying all this hard work. How about your planning, are you working on your skills assessment yet? Are you going to use an agent? nikki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojo1310 Posted January 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 Ok thanks, we are flying out 25th May so trying to clear house of all the junk, researching schools and areas to live and to be honest my mind is boggling! There was me thinking that once the visa was sorted the stress would ease...well it doesn't:wacko: I am just looking forward to getting there and enjoying all this hard work. How about your planning, are you working on your skills assessment yet? Are you going to use an agent?nikki But it all sounds SO exciting! haha! You're off to Perth! (exciting minus the sorting bits part!) I guess you forget about the 'aftermath' of the visa process where you actually have to move to Australia! We're thinking of booking skills assessment in March but it's all about saving money at the moment. We've decided to go for the 189 visa (we got some advice from an agent) but we're doing it all by ourselves. We think this is the msot sensible move as it saves money and you can get advice if needs be! Can't believe how quickly your visa went through! Quite a whirlwind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkiwd Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 it is exciting and scary at the same time. when I feel stressed I google images of perth and WA and it makes me excited again:cute: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlene Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 Hi, Just read that you are deciding to do the visa process yourself, how are you finding it? We are in 2 minds about whether to use an agent or not. Not wanting to make the process anymore difficult than it already seems to be. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojo1310 Posted January 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 Hi, Just read that you are deciding to do the visa process yourself, how are you finding it? We are in 2 minds about whether to use an agent or not. Not wanting to make the process anymore difficult than it already seems to be. thanks Hi Charlene! Well, so far we have just been doing research and actually making the decision whether to take the plunge. But we've looked at when my bf can get his skills assessed (we're looking to do the 189 visa) I have heard many good things about using an agent; obviously it's still an incredibly stressful process but I imagine they take most of the hard work out of it for you! the main reaosn we chose to go at it alone is because of the cost; I think it nears nearly £3000 to use agents. I am aware that you can use agents for certain parts of the visa process, which we might consider doing. What visa are you looking at applying for? Jo x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlene Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 (edited) Hey Jo, thanks for replying so quickly. We are still in the research stage as well tbh, we were meant to apply for our visa this month but we are expecting our first baby in April which has delayed the process. Need to wait until I am back at work and get our savings back on track. We have been advised to go for a 457 but I've been reading on here that a lot of changes have happened with that visa concerning education. Also advised to use an agent but the money side of things is a bit off putting as we want as much for over there as we can have rather than spending on agent fees. The agents we have spoken to already have said its nearer £5000, just don't know what would be best. Feel stressed thinking of all our options and this is just he beginning stages. Eeeeekk. It's such a long process, I'm a registered nurse so been advised to apply for my Australia registration before my visa which means I can apply for jobs and possibly get a sponsored visa. So many options. We are heading to the emigration show in Glasgow next month to hopefully find out more info. Cxx Edited January 22, 2014 by Charlene Forgot to put in name of person replaying to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojo1310 Posted January 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 Hey Jo, thanks for replying so quickly. We are still in the research stage as well tbh, we were meant to apply for our visa this month but we are expecting our first baby in April which has delayed the process. Need to wait until I am back at work and get our savings back on track. We have been advised to go for a 457 but I've been reading on here that a lot of changes have happened with that visa concerning education. Also advised to use an agent but the money side of things is a bit off putting as we want as much for over there as we can have rather than spending on agent fees. The agents we have spoken to already have said its nearer £5000, just don't know what would be best. Feel stressed thinking of all our options and this is just he beginning stages. Eeeeekk. It's such a long process, I'm a registered nurse so been advised to apply for my Australia registration before my visa which means I can apply for jobs and possibly get a sponsored visa. So many options. We are heading to the emigration show in Glasgow next month to hopefully find out more info. Cxx Congratulations Charlene! How exciting for you Try not to get too stressed out about it all....that's pretty rich coming from me who is super stresshead at the moment (crying at every given opportunity also!) I don't know much about the 457 visa I'm afraid but this forum is just excelletn with plenty of people with visa know how! It really is helping me with the research stages; its great to see what stages everyones at, how fats it all happened, peoples expereinces of when they arrive in Perth! So, what's made you decide to move to Perth?? xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlene Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 Congratulations Charlene! How exciting for you Try not to get too stressed out about it all....that's pretty rich coming from me who is super stresshead at the moment (crying at every given opportunity also!) I don't know much about the 457 visa I'm afraid but this forum is just excelletn with plenty of people with visa know how! It really is helping me with the research stages; its great to see what stages everyones at, how fats it all happened, peoples expereinces of when they arrive in Perth! So, what's made you decide to move to Perth?? xx Thanks. I'm a stress head as we'll so wouldn't worry about it. We decided to move to Perth as we feel that it offers everything we are looking for, for ourselves and for bringing up a family. We also know a few folk who have been out to Oz and Perth seems to get the best reviews. I also watch wanted down under, sad I know, and have liked most of the areas they have shown in Perth compared to other areas. Plus the weather is also very appealing. Thought about Brisbane but they get hit with floods a lot which out us off. What at about you? Are you thinking of settling in Perth or travelling? Cx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 I would avoid the 457 as although it is cheaper and quicker it is only a temp visa. It also comes with restrictions such as you are tied to your employer so if you lose your job, you only have 90 days to find another willing to sponsor or leave the country. It also means you would be liable for school fees for children Partners of 457 holders can also find it difficult to get work. I don't know what agent you have spoken to, but there are a number of highly recommended ones on here if you decide to use one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlene Posted January 23, 2014 Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 Hi very stormy, thanks for the info about the 457, it was actually the emigration group that I was speaking to. We had already decided not to use them, which I am glad about now. Just trying to find the best visa for us as don't want restrictions and we both need to work, I'm a nurse and OH is a police officer so would be both wanting to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojo1310 Posted January 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 Hi very stormy, thanks for the info about the 457, it was actually the emigration group that I was speaking to. We had already decided not to use them, which I am glad about now. Just trying to find the best visa for us as don't want restrictions and we both need to work, I'm a nurse and OH is a police officer so would be both wanting to work. Could you not go on a skilled visa like the 189/190? As you're a nurse and your OH is a police officer I think they both qualify (maybe just nurses actually?) Have a look! My bf and I are trying out for the 189 as he is an electrician! We came over to Perth in 2011 on a WHV; it was great. I think we both feel that we didn't get the most out of the year and feel like we should go back to satisfy the need to try again! xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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