herrchook

I've been trying to pluck up the courage to post this all week, it's only tonight I feel able to. We applied for STNI from Victoria nearly 8 weeks ago, and on Tuesday, despite hubby being on their on demand list, we were rejected!!!

Apparently they rejected something like 70% of their most recent applicants and we were amongst the unlucky ones. They are prepared to look at it again for us if we get a job offer so that's where we're concentraing our efforts right now. However, we're realistic enough to know that the chances of getting something in what is apparently a saturated market without a visa are remote.

We're not giving up, but we are slowly coming to terms with the fact that moving to Oz might not happen.

So how do we feel? We feel broken hearted, like someone's died. I'm angry that we left it too late (by 2 months) to pass the point test, and I'm angry that Victoria say they want people with our skills and then say they think we're "unemployable" when we applied. Mostly, I'm just sad. I've dreamt of this for 14 years and I can't really describe how it feels to be losing it!

I've cried a lot this week, felt pretty depressed too. Had a shopping trip today which helped, but now I'm home and it's all feeling very real again.

I haven't even been able to watch anything Australian on the TV - the kids haven't even been allowed to watch the Wiggles.

I'm not leaving the forum, yet anyway!! We're going to keep trying so that even if we don't get a visa, we'll know we tried our best.

Billy, for obvious reasons, we won't be coming to the meet on the 3rd but I hope you have a great night.

Will let you all know if there's any change.

Hels

What sort of work was your Hubby looking for and what areas if Victoria did you have in mind?

Hels

DebraH

Well I feel gutted for you - all your dreams on hold, it makes you wonder what they want doesn't it. sending you ks

herrchook

He's an IT Project Manager within Financial Svs. We were looking predominantly at working in Melbourne.

eljustino

how old are you both by the way..... what area of work do you do

Justin

Ransi

I feel "gutted" for you...

After 14 years of dreaming...I can only imagine your grief...

Dont give up...

possoms

Oh Nooooo I'm so sorry to hear your news,for what reason did they give for rejecting it? Is it possible to apply to another state?

Dont give up.

Kay

MJELNC

So sorry to hear your news,sending you some k,hope it helps.

suzy

Really sorry to hear that. My first thought was like Possums - what about SA

Anne4Terry

Oh God, herrchook, don't know what to say. Don't give up, try another state, can you apply under your skills? Why were you 2 months late for the points test? Did you use an agent? If not, then why not speak to one and see if they can suggest any other way of you applying. Try and get hold of an Oz telephone directory and just keep phoning companies until one of them gives you a job.

I am truly sorry to hear your news. It was very touch and go with us whether we got it or not and we would have had no other way of applying so we have a vague inkling of how you are feeling, sort of

Keep at it and wishing you the very best of luck that I possibly can.

Anne x

herrchook

Hi, we both just turned 35 and are in IT.

herrchook

Thanks Ransi

herrchook

The case officer in Victoria wasn't on the panel that decided and therefore only has their words to offer which were that they feel it would be difficult for us to gain employment right now. The only other state offers at the moment are SIR and with our fields of employment, we feel that would not be suitable at all for us - hell, if we can't get jobs in Melbourne, then I don't think the "regional" areas would be any better!

Juliecabs

At 35 years old, you are spring chickens still
There must surely be other ways in which to get there.
Have you got an agent?
Julie.

herrchook

It was our own fault we left it too late, we only just decided to go for it after our birthdays!!! We're using a really great agent so if there's anything we can do, you can bet we'll do it.