Oz: Employer Sponsored Migration
 

We have this week started off on the process of migration to Australia. The specialist we are using (a lawyer) says we stand an excellent chance of being accepted, as long as we pursue "employer sponsored migration". Unfortunately, our lawyer cannot help in the job search, so that's all going to be down to us.

We are looking to settle in the Adelaide area. Does anyone have any experience of: 1. dealing with employement agencies who are well versed in employer sponsored migration, and if so, are there any recommendations?, 2. Can anyone who got in one employer sponsored migration tell me of their experiences?

Any tips and opinions would be very gratefully received.

Cheers!
Jeremy

Re: Oz: Employer Sponsored Migration
 

Hubby got employer sponsored migration, but I think our situation is slightly different than yours. We came to Melbourne for his job, rather than getting the job as a way of getting to Australia.

Once he was offered the job, the visa process was very strightforward. The employer starts the process off and then it is a case of sending their documentation off with your visa application. For us the whole process took about 6 months from job offer to being here.

Not sure whether this helps, but good luck

Re: Oz: Employer Sponsored Migration
 

I presume you have checked yourself against the points test and found you don't have enough points.

My thoughts are:

- It's often difficult to find an Australian employer prepared to sponsor a non citizen/PR. Generally, the employer needs to be unable to recruit locally - depends on your occupation and required location.

- Some employers prefer to sponsor for work visas (457). If going to Australia with one of these, you should be fully aware of the risks and disadvantages (eg you can't work for anyone else, and if laid off you need to leave Australia or find another employer in 28 days). My feeling is that if an employer is desperate enough to sponsor, he's desperate enough to sponsor for a PR visa.

- Make yourself thoroughly familiar with the mainstream ENS and RSMS visas. ENS is available anywhere in Australia, RSMS has different (usually easier) requirements but is not available in the four largest metropolitan areas and a few others.
If appyling for PR, make sure you apply for the right one.

- RSMS visas can be cancelled if you do not take up employment with the sponsoring employer, or stay with the employer for 2 years. You are supposed to make a 'genuine effort' to do this.

- Depending on your job and intended state of residence, maybe see if you are eligible for an STNI or Skill Matching visa sponsored by a state government. If you can show interest from employers, this may help your application if you have the right occupation.

- If you can get to 110 points, the new SIR visa *might* be an option. We still need to see what criteria the states will come up with for sponsorship, for both the temporary SIR visa itself and the later move to PR.
If applying for a SIR visa, be aware of the risks.

- Keep an eye on the DIMIA website to see if they increase points for things like job offers, spouse skills, or Australian work experience, in the next year or so.

Your lawyer/agent should be able to advise you further on all these visa options.

Jeremy

Adelaide work
 

There is one vital piece of info you haven't told us yet!
What work would you intend doing in Adelaide, so we can advise further on the demand for it?
Bob and Ginnie
long term Adelaide resident dwellers.

Employer Sponsored Nom
 

Jeremy
I was in the same position as you and had many unsuccesful attempts at securing employment in Australia. Esp. as my career is not unique or in demand. Fortunatley, my job involves lost of contact with Australian companies and 3 trips a year so with perseverance, I finally found a employer to sponsor and now a very good friend! Agencies turned up zero for me but were helpful and nice and free!

Andrew

Re: Adelaide work
 

Hi Bob / Ginnie

I currently work as a key account manager for a telemarketing company, so lots of client relationship management involvement. I did see a position only this week which matches almost exactly what I do right now, but this was via seek.com (so going through a recruitment agency).

My longer term background lies in the airline and corporate travel industry (again, lots of customer service involvement in a supervisory capacity).

All this means, as far as I have been advised, that I do not have anything which could be classified as "in demand skills", which is why I was recommended to pursue "employer sponsored migration".

thanks
Jeremy