golden girl

I am keen to get out to Australia ASAP after reading all the good points on why to go, however after going through the endless stream of immigration documents I am still confused on how the designated area system works, criteria etc
Can someone who has gone through the process give me some pointers

fishyben

My wife and i have applied as 'Skilled–Designated Area Sponsored' You need a relative living in Aus to be able to apply.

Below is a brief list of what you need and links to the Immigration website.



This visa class seeks skilled migrants to settle in a designated area of Australia. You must:

1. satisfy the basic requirements, with certain exceptions;

2. nominate a skilled occupation from the skilled occupations list;

3. have a sponsor who lives in one of the designated areas (you or your spouse must be related to the sponsor);

4. and have an assurer.

There is no points test for this visa category



http://www.immi.gov.au

http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/skill_general.htm



If you hav'nt already I suggest you may what to go out there before applying for a nice long holiday and travel round a bit, and as much as it pains me to say this you should also try and read some of the negative posts on living out there, although for me the good far outweighs the bad.
I have been there 5 times since 1998 and im going out again on the 6th march (more research *cough* (from the beach ))

...,Ben,...

Alan Collett

Also, note that you don't have to settle in a Designated Area when you are granted a Skilled-Designated Area Sponsored visa.

Information as to the income requirement for the Assurance of Support is here:
http://www.gomatilda.com/news/article.cfm?articleid=214

Note that the assurer doesn't have to be a relative (though usually is).

Best regards.