hopelong7

My MARA agent has just told me that after having my skills accessed etc,and paying over a lot of money,that i should have about $25,000 in funds to be accepted in the ACT state migration programme. Is this correct,because i think i should have been told or asked this before the agent accepted me as a customer? Any comments,please.

old.sparkles

I don't know if the figure is correct because it changes with how many people are migrating, but if you want state sposorship, they want to know that you can support yourself whilst you settle in the state and find employment. You obviously have access to the internet, so did you not do any research of your own before employing an agent? Of course, you do not have to have state sponsorship to make the move, a lot of people have independant visas, but regardless, you do need enough money to afford the move, relocation costs, etc,

Pollyana

Some States require proof of funds, some don't. I don't think ACT require proof normally, but they may still ask. And as old.sparkles says, you do need money behind you to make a start over here. Its not a cheap place to either set up from scratch, or live day to day.

http://www.business.act.gov.au/skill...lled_migration has the ACT information. Even with an agent you really should read it yourself

hopelong7

Im afraid i could only go on the state sponsership programme as my skillset was on their list, and used a MARA agent to guide me through the process.

old.sparkles

And i think that is what she/he is doing. If you tell your agent that you don't have that money, they will advise you of alternative options such as employer sponsored. State sponsorship only gets you 5 points - do you need the points to meet the minimum level? If so, could you get them another way - IELTS score for example. We can give you ideas, but you are best discussing this with your agent.

hopelong7

Unfortunately employer sponsorship will only happen if i was working in ACT, and as an Irish citizen / passport holder, would not be required to provide an IELTS test. p.s ACT is the only state where my skill is on the skills required list.and i have the neccessary experience and qualifications.

mrsgreenstar76

You might not be required to provide IELTS, but many people find they need the extra points - including exempt passport holders. If you're short of points, it could be a relatively easy way of getting a few.

old.sparkles

as an irish passport holder, you may not be required but it doesn't stop yiu taking the test for the points.

I have 9 in all areas = 20 points, and cost £115. if you get 7 or better thats worth 10 points.

hopelong7

Thank you for the info regarding getting more points,and on the finance front if i could beg or borrow what i needed to bring me up to $20,000,does the money have to be in my bank account before i lodge an application to ACT for a state nomination(i am at the EOI stage).

moneypenny20

On the IELTS topic, you do have to have the results before you put in the EoI.