Steve1977

Don't think i'd need the points anyway, as long as Wall and Floor Tiler is still a 50 or 60 point job.

So to get my 12 months of skilled experience in after the 2 year course, i'd need the Graduate Visa then?

chelov62

Hi Steve

The Diploma of Building & Construction should be able to be 'tied' in as a relevant course for your occupation.

Nerang is currently on the 'Regional' area list, the rest of the Gold Coast is not. However, the department can change this as they feel fit. Do you need the additional 5 points for PR?

Kind regards

Cheryl

mandyp

Depends on how many points you have at the end of the course and which visa you want to go for. For an independant visa you need 120 points. . .if you are short then you have to do the graduate visa and work for a year in your industry.

You could maybe go for a sponsored visa at the end of your course if your occupation is on the states list, as you only need 100 points for a sponsored visa. A family sponsored visa is also only 100 points.

Make sure whatever course you choose is registered here

http://cricos.deewr.gov.au/?Redirect=Y

Cheers
Mandy

Steve1977

Just had another look at the points system, and if i was applying for PR straight after, i wouldnt need them as things stand now, but if Wall and Floor Tiling were to dissapear from the MODL list i would. So if they decided to take Nerang off the list as well as Tiling off the MODL then i'd have to the graduate visa i suppose?

Steve1977

Thanks Mandy, I had a look at that, and Tiling's not on the QLD list and i ain't got family there either

mandyp

Oh well. . .same boat as most of us then. . .graduates visa at the end of your course!!

It is a very expensive route to come on. . .especially if you have children of school age!!

Cheers
Mandy

Steve1977

No kids yet lol! The biggest money issue is the $22000 for the course, i'm yet to call this particular training academy but from what i've heard from other institutions you can pay in 4 instalments. Was this the case with you too?

BTW. Thanks for all the advice from all of you! I have found this forum to be fantastic so far!! Answered in 1 day things that have taken me many weeks of research to look at!

mandyp

Hubbie goes to TAFE and initially had to pay first instalment upfront before we left. . then next was pretty soon after we arrived, but yeah we paid it in the 4 instalments. If you pay the full amount upfront, you can sometimes get a wee bit of a discount.

We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now, hubbie finnishes his course in November. The last instalment left us completely skint. . .but we'r doin ok and just cant wait to stop jumping through the hoops as it were! Don't regret a minute and so glad we have done it. . .though still got the next stage to get through!! I'm just so glad that we haven't had school fees to consider as really don't think we would have made it this far paying that on top! Daughter starts school in January which is bad enough. . .though hubbie will be working full time by then!!

There are quite a few really good threads on the student visa route. . .a lot of good info.

Good luck!
Mandy

pumpkin blossom

You can also do the English test to get an extra 10 points. I will be doing mine soon.

canadiangal75

about the 900 hours for TRA... I believe the work experience can be part of your training program to count, as long as it is not required to obtain the cert3 or whatever the certificate required. For example, in my case, the Aussie students don't do work experience and still get their certificate. However, I do work experience as part of my course. Not a required part, but an optional part. Can someone confirm this?

canadiangal75

oh and another thing.. about the 20 hours a week limit.. if the work experience is part of the course, it is not subject to the 20 hours a week limit.

You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the term and unlimited hours when your course is not in session.

Notes:

•Work that is a formal registered part of your course is not included in the limit of 20 hours per week.

•If you are doing voluntary or unpaid work you must apply for Permission to Work. It is included in the limit of 20 hours per week.

sambo76

To claim the MODL points you need to have had 1 years work experience after you are qualified

balkanghost

Another issue is that any course must be CRICOS registered for international candidates, which most are not......