pazza

Hi All,
Over 2 years ago i was going to start the process of applying for a skilled visa for a bricky.
That was suddenly halted when i had a serious accident at work, i'm self-employed. For the last 2 years i've been in and out of hospital having operations on my hand/wrist, six in total, as i serverely crushed it on the hydrolics of a skip wagon.
So what i'd like to know is, with me not being able to work for the last 2 years, i can't prove any work i've done in the last 2 years, for the application. Obviously i've got all hospital/doctors documents stating i was unable to work.
It's not that i've got time on my side, as i'm 43 and if i was needed to start from now to get the 2 years experience for the application it would take me over the 45 year old limit.
I'd really appreciate it if someone let me know how i stand on this please.

Alfresco

Sorry to hear that. The age limit is now 50 yo, but you won't get any (extra) points.

You would stll need to qualify for a visa in the normal way.

Hope that helps.

Pollyana

A lot of rules and guidelines have changed in the last couple of years, you'd need to check www.immi.gov.au and see what the current requirements are.

Bermudashorts

Unfortunately I am almost certain that there are no exemptions to the rule about having to work for 12 of the last 24 months in the nominated or closely related occupation, which would proclude you at the moment.

Are you able to work now? Perhaps you can apply in 12 months time if you can meet the points test. Most people cannot pass the points test once they are over 45.

pazza

Thanks a lot for your replies, i'll read up on the gov site to see what has changed in the last couple of years. I'm still having physio at the moment but hopefully with the new age limit being raised to 50 years old, i'll hopefully get back on track with my business and get the required 12 to 24 month work.
Thanks again, and no doubt i'll be picking your brains once i get sorted.

Tramps_mate

If you are self employed how would they know you weren't working? Do they want pay slips or bank statements?

Bermudashorts

Those type of things, tax returns etc. They don't just take people' word for it.

Tramps_mate

Haha! Always worth checking!!

pazza

Yes mate, they'd need to see my accountants info on me. Wouldn't life be so easy if you could just take someone at face value.
That's something else i've just thought about, do you need to show your earnings on your application or would a letter from my accountant stating i worked from so so year to present.

Bermudashorts

You should expect that they would be very dilligent in checking the records of a self employed applicant.

pazza

Yes, very true. To be quite honest i wouldn't mind just working for an employer and seeing if i could get a sponsor from a building firm. Maybe's something i could look into.

louie

That's highly unlikely to benefit Pazza unfortunately. See this thread about the difficulties the vast majority of over 45s will still face.