Which visa?

[Russ and claire :)]

We husband and I feel the permanent visa 175 would be good but friends want want to go on a sponsored work visa 176.

 

Pros and cons if you don't mind

[JAK]

Hi Russ and Claire

 

Start here and find out which one you qualify for http://www.immi.gov.au/visawizard/ and you can find out all about each visa. Good luck.

Edited May 8, 2012 by JAK

[New Life Down Under]

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

[phil]

I'm trying to remember how we decided 176 rather than anything else. At that time, state sponsorship was a lengthy, but free, process. I think it came down to two things - the fact that it gave us the necessary points (based on unofficial points calculators on the internet (as I understand it, the official points system is "secret")) and that at that time non-state-sponsored visas weren't being processed very quickly (years rather than weeks).

Also, although WA would very much like you to stay in the state, I was told there's no legal obligation to do so. Not that we want to live anywhere else though!

[Russ and claire :)]

Thank yo for your replies. I didn't realise that they were changing the visas again, cause they have done that last July, is it updated yearly? My husband is on the SOL list 1 at the moment on the visa wizard. It gets so confusing!

[linda@no9]

My hubs applied for a 176 and has found that applying for things now in Perth is easier having permanent residency x

[Gaz H]

Hi,

 

It really all boils down to how many points you can claim for, the state sponsor gives you a further 5 points towards your visa, but dependent on age, the ielts (English) test, work experience etc you may not require the extra 5 points and can go for the skilled independent 175. I think the 176 ties you into the state which sponsors you and you require a certain amount of cash in the bank before you go (which you must declare in the visa application. Your best bet is to get a free no obligation assesment from one of the migration agents like visa bureau, visa go etc,

hope this helps and I haven't just added to the confusion.

[phil]

I didn't realise that they were changing the visas again, cause they have done that last July, is it updated yearly?

They change it whenever they like.

[Russ and claire :)]

Having done the visa wizard, it still coming up that we can apply for a 175 but will contact a visa agent to discuss it but thanks again for the replies, this forum is very good with information

[Gaz H]

Hi,

Also if you are going for a skilled visa, the main visa applicant will most definitely have to sit the IELTS engish test to get the extra points required, so it would be a go idea to look into this.

[Russ and claire :)]

Yep looked into the IELT and my husband will have to take the academic one, as we are still unsure when we will be going he hasn't done it yet as it only lasts for 2yrs which is a bit frustrating as I want to start ticking things of on the list. The plan is to go within 5yrs

[Guest Claire and Brian]

I hope russ's gosportonian language barrier doesn't let him down Claire. I'm actually thinking that selling up our house might be the way to go. We're looking at being debt free in 5 years. Gotta start looking into the different visas.

[ali]

It's great having a long term plan, but remember that immigration change things/amend lists all the time, in addition to states taking occupations off their lists. When we applied an independent PR visa was the best and quickest, then state sponsorships became the priority, now in July the visa process will change again.

 

Ali

[Russ and claire :)]

Fingers crossed his Gosportonion will be ok I won't let him near Claire (Claire and Brian) nearer the time just incase

Thanks Ali, looking at maybe applying in the next year depending on the changes in July cause some give you 5yrs to activate it.

[ali]

You'll find that the 175 you will have to activate within 12 months of your medical or police check whichever has the longest date, you will then have the remaining years (up to 5) to make your permanent move. This may mean you have to have a holiday in Aus to activate (validate) your visa

[New Life Down Under]

Thank yo for your replies. I didn't realise that they were changing the visas again, cause they have done that last July, is it updated yearly? My husband is on the SOL list 1 at the moment on the visa wizard. It gets so confusing!

 

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

[Russ and claire :)]

Thank you New Life Down Under, I'm dreading the new system, it seems more confusing then the current system but hopefully things will become clearer soon.

Thanks Ali, thats why I find this website so useful, people give you such good information.

[ali]

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

 

Hi Camilla,

 

I wonder if when the changes are made you'd mind posting us an 'idiots guide to the changes' ... it'd be really helpful.

[Russ and claire :)]

I think that would be a great idea Ali.

[New Life Down Under]

Hi Camilla,

 

I wonder if when the changes are made you'd mind posting us an 'idiots guide to the changes' ... it'd be really helpful.

 

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.

Edited May 14, 2012 by New Life Down Under
typos !

[Russ and claire :)]

So if my husband did the IELT in July once we find out about the new visas, then we have 2yrs to apply for a visa?

[New Life Down Under]

So if my husband did the IELT in July once we find out about the new visas, then we have 2yrs to apply for a visa?

 

[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.

[Guest imigrate Australia]

Hey Russ and Claire

 

I may have missed it in the thread but what do you do (trade, occupation etc). When the new laws come into effect, an applicant will submit an EOI (Expression Of Interest) and then be invited to apply for a visa. The Government's view is that they are being more targeted on the people that can fill jobs gaps here. The Employer Sponsored and Independent Visa's are becoming more aligned.

 

I'm a Registered Agent (if there are any long standing members they may remember me - I'm back on the scene Gollywobbler! - took a bit of a sabbatical)

 

Please post if you have any questions, I will be delighted to guide you.

 

Regards

Edited May 14, 2012 by imigrate Australia
Signature is on system

[Guest imigrate Australia]

Ooops missed page 2.

[Russ and claire :)]

Thank you New Life Down Under

 

Hello imigrate Australia- Russ is a Registered Mental Health Nurse working in Elderly care with experience in Dementia and Functional Illness eg: bi-polar, depression etc..., I'm an Occupational Therapy Technician in elderly care and functional illness so will be traveling on Russ's visa if his job is still required (I'm so hoping it is!). I'm dreading July just encase he cannot apply