stokesy43

Hi,

I'm considering emigrating to Australia but I'm unsure as to whether I would pass the points score or not.

Even though my current occupation (IT) is on the SOL list and a 60 pointer at that I'm worried that because I don't have a university degree they won't consider it valid.

Am I wasting my time? Also on average how long is the current visa application taking?

Just noticed that this is in the wrong forum. Any chance of someone moving it to the correct one

GinaUK

Have a look at the back of the SOL. There is a list (with websites) of the various skills assessment bodies. You need to check out the websites for the assessing bodies relevant for IT and see what their exact requirements are for assessing your skill (i.e. whether they all expect applicants to have a degree).

You need to get a positive skills assessment first before you can apply for a visa. If you're applying for a 136 (skilled independent) visa, these currently take about 5-6 months to come through.

Good luck

Gina

The Johnstons

My hubby is in the same position but we're going out on a 457 as his company is sponsoring him. Any chance you could go down that route?
TJ

stokesy43

I was hoping it would be possible but unfortunately it falls into a catch 22 situation. They won't hire anyone until the contracts are signed and when they are signed they need people quickly. It's a bit shortsighted but that's what I'm up against.

Pomster

I have a degree but nothing to do with IT, which is my skill. Therefore in DIMIA terms I do not have a degree....

I filled in a long form from the Oz Computer Assoc (as on skills assessment list) and they recognise that my experience is equiv to a degree...was a long process and I had to get every cert which SAP offered me, but we got there in the end.

Good luck!

NickyP

We came over on a 457 with hubby's company sponsoring for PR. It was very quick with the application all done electronically now and we are doing all of the long winded stuff while here.
It might be worth looking into.
Good luck.
Nicky

ossigeno

Can't you go the Recognition of Prior Learning route?

Our visa took about 10 months including the skills assessment. You can see how long people are taking by the http://www.austimeline.com/ site.

spottydog

As ossiegeno said ACS will give a positive assessment via the RPL route and 8 years professional experience for people who don't have degree's.