this is probably something i should actually know but i dont and was just wondering how many points are actually needed?

the reason being should we wait to apply and lose 5 points or go ahead ASAP.

jayne.

Depends entirely on what class of visa you are applying for. Also try the immigration forum, there are knowledgeable agents that frequent that forum.

120 Points are needed if you are struggling for points I would not risk waiting and lose 5 points I would apply asap.

oops, sorry. skilled independent visa.

as you can see we are totally green to all this.

jayne.

Skilled – Independent (subclass 136) visa 120

For different types see here :-

http://www.immi.gov.au/migration/ski...tstest.htm#cpm

according to the on line forms we have 135 now but fingers crossed when we do get round to applying hubbys job (electrical engineer) will still be on the list.
and we will lose 5 points in the not to distant future when we both turn 30.

Hate to sound negative but if your hubbys job gets dropped from the MODL you will lose 15 points and if you are to lose 5 for your age you wont have enough for a 136 - If I was you I wouldn't hang around.
Katie

whats the delay in applying? Once accepted you dont have to drop everything and move straight away. You have up to 5 years to make the big move. If I was you I would apply asap so you dont miss out if criteria changes.

Yes do it now, we ummmed and ahhhhhed for too long and fell short by five points

you are both right, but the reason behind us delaying applying is hubby has just taken a new job (last sept) down in london and we are saving hard to pay off the mortgage before we go.

we are going to start applying next year so hopefully things wont change too much but i do know nothing is a certainty.

am i right in thinking that if and when we do get a visa we have 12 mths from issue to visit the country and then 5 years before we do the big move?
we were wanting to just apply and then go without having the validation trip.

if i had my way we would be doing it all now but he wants a good few years of savings behind us to hopefully have no mortgage when we go over.
he is the more rational one of us two in this house.

jayne.

You get twelve months from the date of your Visa or Police Clearance, whichever is the earliest.

Unless there is medical probs in which case you will only get 6 months from the dates these are done.

You dont need ANY points for visa subclass 134.

Other general skilled migration requirements do apply though.

You will be sponsored by the state or employer (easy if profession in high demand e.g. nurse) and need to work in same state for 2 years. You only need 6 mnths work experience AND it is permanent res.!

http://www.immi.gov.au/migration/ski.../valid_134.htm

No need to rush honestly Once you get there with a nice sum to cover you for the first few months and to help you set up your new home you'll be glad you waited. Think it's a secret around these parts but Australia isn't actually going anywhere (well not in my or your lifetime). Your other half's job will most likely always be on the skills list! Take your time and do it right It will be worth the wait.

Get moving with the visa. Do a validation trip.

Paul.

thank you for that reply but are you my other half in disguise? thoses ore his sentiments exactly.
i think it will be wise to wait as all of the re-training he has to do to actually get a job in his trade will mean either taking another job or having a good few months off work while he does this training.
it would be nice for him to enjoy the 1st year there aswell as me and the boys and not have the worry of making sure we have enough money to live.
now i am trying not to wish our lives away by focusing on the "big move" and just enjoying every minute of the life we have in this country 1st.