Paul Grant

Hi

I am wanting to migrate to Australia with my wife and daughter (+ aother
on the way) and wonder if smeone could offer advice on the best way to
proceed.

We really want to locate to Sydney, but have been advised that this will
be very difficult. Rather than me waste my time, could someone offer me
a second opinion. My details are

Age - 39
English Speaker (UK resident)
Software Engineer with 18 years commercial experience
MCSE .NET Certified
BSc in Cmputer Science
Wife doesn't work (housewife) but does hold a degree.
I have fairly good equity in my house that I could release if necessary.
IT contractor for 8 years - so have my own company.

I'm unsure the best way to proceed. I have carried out some online
assessments which give me 110 points (or 115 if I use my equity). Can
someone give me advice on whether on there is any way to get a visa that
would help me relocate to Sydney? Also, is it worth using an agency?

debbiemc

hi paul,

cant really tell you yes or no but by the looks of it you look as if you'll be in a good position, personally, i would definately contact an agent, there are some good and bad ones but a very reputable one that i know lots have used on here is go matilda also ian harrop is highly regarded. you can contact any of them and i'm sure they'll advice you well.

if you do a search on here for recommendations, there have been many posts on the subject.

good luck

debbie

Juliecabs

Hi, Try going on to www.immi.gov.au to look at all the different types of visas available. If you want to go to Sydney you must have a job that's on the Sydney and Selected Areas Skilled Shortage List.
As for using an agent, well if you feel confident that it's a straightforward application, then go ahead and DIY. But if not, then an agent is worth spending out on. You could always phone one and ask their advice first.
Good Luck.
Julie

George Lombard

Hi Paul,

Yes, you're in a difficult situation. The reference to the SSASSL by Julie probably isn't helpful since IT occupations are on the SSASSL but the SSASSL only applies to sponsored skilled visas and from your general description it doesn't seem that you've a relative here who would sponsor you.

There are two suggestions I'd make - first, see if your skills are on the Victorian skills in demand list - see www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au - and second, as a business owner, if you're spending less than half your time on programming and more than half on running the business, you might be in the zone for a business migration visa. To research the business migration option I'd definitely be talking to a migration agent such as Ian Harrop.

Cheers,

George Lombard

www.austimmigration.com.au

Juliecabs

Thanks for correcting me. That's why you're in this business and I'm not!!!