I've read several articles/threads relating to expats having to "recertify" their qualifications when they emigrate. This is beginning to worry me. Were about to apply for the 136 visa. My wife has a degree in commerce and a postgraduate higher diploma in Computing. She works as a software developer. I work as a Technical Training Specialist. I originally studied for 3 years in Marine Electronics but have moved into training for the past 5 years. I'm just finishing my Diploma in Training and Education and hope to go on to do my degree which will finish, I hope, just before we emigrate to Oz.

My question is will we have to recertify/retrain our qualifications when we emigrate.

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I think that this "recertify their qualifications" generally relates to tradesmen etc, who want to work as self employed, as opposed to working for an employee.

I think it is mainly for Builders, Electricians, Plumbers etc.

May i say your situation may pose a question regarding your qualifications, only in respect you may have to do whats called a top up course to australian standards and i say that tongue in cheek you may not even have to do that. The electronics industry especially marine is somewhat different a specialised area, and decent people who are good at it may just be exempt.

Now regards to your wife she will have no problems at all the area she is in there is a definate need for her talents and she wont have to do any training at all.

so mate all the best to you both

art

ABCDiamond & The_Pom_From_Aus thanks for your reply's. To be honest I have never worked in the Marine industry as there was no work here in Ireland when I finished college (one of the resons we want to move to Oz - more job opertunities). I've worked in manufacturing since I've left college in different technician/Engineering roles until I "fell" into training.

It's a releif to hear that we won't have to resit exams etc.

Another question I have is that I'm finishing my Diploma in T&E at the moment. Should I carry on to finish my BA before we go to Oz? Is there a large difference between a Diploma and Degree in Oz in the work market?

You will most likely need to have you and your wife's qualifications verified. This is done at a fee and happens to those moving to most countries I imagine.

Further training usually depends on whether your training/qualifications can be determined to meet domestic standards of the country you emigrate to. For instance some doctors from eastern european, asian, the americas, africa or the subcontinent may need to undertake some additional units before being able to practice here.

Just bring all documentation you can with you including copies of course outlines (if able) from training providers, along with relevant and contactable references of employment in that field.

You should be able to find out more from DIMIA

www.dimia.gov.au

This depends on the type of diploma. If it is a graduate diploma (a postgraduate qualification that is added on by further study at auniversity after you ahve completed a degree) then thats fine.

A stand alone diploma will probably also be recognised here.

If you hold a stand alone diploma and can articulate it to a degree by an further year or so at university, then it is probably easier to do this in your country of residence as the diploma may not carry any weight when it comes to securing 'advanced standing' towards a degree here.

Those holding the higher qualification (in this case a degree) can generally be assumed to be preferred applicants and earn higher remuneration.

Have you got the necessary skill assessment to apply for the 136 visa? If so, which assessing authority has issued it?

We've had a pre-assessment done and have been told my wife should qualify for the 60 points needed under skilled assessment. My wife is a software developer and would be assessed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). We will be starting the application this week.

Best of luck with it all I'm sure you will both be fine.

From my own experience it depends on what degree your wife holds. If it is recognised under either the Washington Accord or the Sydney Accord then all she will have to do is fill in the forms and pay a couple of hundred dollars. If it is not recognised under either accord then she will need to produce a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) which involves copying all her qualifications, CV, references from employers, Career history and write up three career episodes - oh and pay $495

If you do it from the UK it is cheaper as you don't have to pay tax.

I hope that helps.

Her primary degree is in commerce with very little computing. However she has a postgraduate higher diploma in computing (1 year intensive course). Go Matilda did a pre assessment and checked out her post grad course. They came back to say they had touched base with the office in Oz and that her post grad and work experience (6 years fulltime) would be sufficent for her to achieve the 60 points needed.

Fingers crossed this is all ok.

This refers to IEAUST assessments, not ACS (which is what's being asked about).

Different skill assessing authorities have different rules.

May i suggest you finish your Degree before you migrate to Australia. you mention you never worked in marine, OK, then you may have to do a course to bring you in line with Australian standards its not the end of the world mate especially at Diploma level.

I can assure you of this a degree is far better on your CV than a Diploma and I'm saying that only because i also have a British HNC, but as i say you would have to check for yourself.
There is work for people with your skills when you have your degree especially if you have experience in training. You may just find here in Australia if your willing to try to advance your self there are company's that will give you a go.

How would i know, you may ask well I'm a Technical Electrician by trade then when i came to Australia i was interested in computer networking and i applied for a position for the education dept i got the job and the training i have received has been 1st class.

I'm also in a position where and when required i assist in a teaching roll, teaching systems & networking using Novell & Cisco systems.

if you need more info can you post your email add and we may be able to communicate better.

i wish you & your family all the very best on your arrival in Australia.

art