gorgym

Me: British citizen, degree in economics from a UK university, 24 years old and teaching English in China (no work experience except for this). Fluent in Mandarin and not bad in Cantonese.

My wife: China PRC citizen, degree in mathematics from a Chinese university and a master's degree in TEFL from a UK university. 3 years experience in teaching English. Native speaker of both Mandarin and Cantonese and totally fluent in English.



I lived with a friend in Australia for a couple of months and fell in love with the country and it's our dream to move to Australia. Please tell us the cold hard truth - do we qualify?

old.sparkles

Hi gorgym - Have a look at the BE guide to skilled migration - http://britishexpats.com/wiki/A_Roug...lled_Migration.

gorgym

Thanks! I got confused by the very first sentence.. there's probably no hope for me

It says "you need to make sure that your occupation is on either the SOL or CSOL" - what exactly is "your occupation"? Does it mean an occupation that you have had experience in? Or can you choose an occupation that interests you?

Personally, my intended career path is to be an accountant (wherever I eventually end up, be it back in the UK or abroad). Does that mean I should choose accountant from the SOL.. even though I have no experience or qualifications (except for my degree which is relevant)?

I see that on the CSOL, there is this little glimmer of hope:

"Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages"

Now.. this is exactly what me and my wife do, and have done for the past few years. Although I do not have any teaching qualifications, she has a TESOL masters degree and a Chinese teaching qualification. Maybe there is hope?

Am I right in assuming that if my wife is allowed in, I can follow her?

old.sparkles

If your wife qualifies for a skilled visa then you can be included in the same application. You would need to see who the assessing body is for the TESOL occupation, and whether she can pass the skills assessment.

Bermudashorts

It means an occupation you are in, not what you want to be in. Obviously Australia does not hand out visas to people because tey say they want to follow a particular occupation on the list..

So from your post, the only avenue you appear to have is the TEFL one, see if either of you can pass skills assessment and then see if you can find a state or employer sponsor.

gorgym

Ok, thanks to you two. So, basically, to get a visa, either I or my wife need to go down the TEFL route and see if we pass/can get sponsorship (etc).

Failing that, the only other option (the long term one) is for us to return home to the UK and follow my career path and train to become an accountant there, and see if Aus will have us then. Does that sound right?

verystormy

It appears your wife may be eligible for a role on the CSOL. So the next step is to see if any of the states are sponsoring. So you need to check out the list for each state to see if it is on any of them.

RURUS

From what you have posted, you should be OK. Consult an experienced RMA (Registered Migration Agent).

gorgym

I might be wrong, but I don't think you actually have to be in that occupation. You just choose the occupation that you have experience in and wish to nominate as your occupation of choice.


I wonder if I could apply as a cook? Worked in a restaurant as a part time cook for 3 years

spouse of scouse

Hahaa - no!

Whichever occupation you choose on the SOL or CSOL list, you have to be able to pass the skills assessment for that occupation. A skills assessment isn't just a quick look at how you work, it's an in-depth written process that has a minimum standard of particular qualifications and work experience - all of which has to be backed up. I think your best chance, if you want to come over quickly, is through your wife's quals and experience as others have said.

Like your style though - part time cook Good luck!

RURUS

Check NAATI

old.sparkles

why?