Hi,
I realize this question is a bit like "how long is a piece of string" so I'm looking for advice more than a hard and fast answer - and perhaps a little insight into the inner workings of DIAC !

We don't have sufficient points to qualify for a 175 visa, but can make the pool mark with 110 points. We applied for Victoria State Sponsorship (as a nurse) at the beginning of May and haven't yet heard back.

I'd like to know if it will be faster to apply for a 175 and get put into the pool, and then change to a 176 when we get the Vic SS -- or wait until we get the Vic SS and then apply for a 176 visa. Or is the really no difference.

I'm more inclined to apply for a 175 and then switch to 176 since I figure the application will be in the system and we might at least get notified if there are any missing docs, get assigned a CO etc...

Time is of the essence for us since we would like to emigrate early in 2011.

Thanks,
Simon