jimtimber2014

I feel it is going to take some time to fulfil this dream of ours but we are both ready to spend time and money making this happen. We are looking into masters degrees at present also so it might be a case of looking into a new career move if necessary. I am a qualified psychotherapist also so that could be a possibility too in the long term (although I'd need to get my work experience sorted).

Bermudashorts

I don't think a masters degree will help you, by all means do one if you wanted to anyway of course. Your current occupations require a degree for skills assessment, which you have and topping that would not make any difference.

For psychotherapist you would need to have a degree in that discipline according to vetasses - I am assuming that you do not because earlier you said your degree was related to your current occupation?

Personally, I would never advice anyone to change career in the hope of getting a visa, rules change all the time and the new career you decide to pursue might fall out of favour by the time you are ready.

As I say, my action in your shoes would be to take a shot at ACT sponsorship. I don't know why you wouldn't do that before contemplating career changes and masters etc.

jimtimber2014

I actually completed a professional qualification in psychotherapy first (approx. post-grad qualification), then changed my mind and went down the business analyst/consulting route which I've worked in for most of my career and completed a BSc in. I could pick up the psychotherapy route again but I think you hit the nail on the head, its not worth it just for a visa application and I enjoy my job in analysis. I think I will do as you suggest and look into the ACT sponsorship.

Is thiswhat I should be looking at by the way? http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/occupati...alyst.htm#elig It covers what my job does.

Thanks again for your help!!

Bermudashorts

No it was the other occupation code you mentioned that I saw on ACT sponsorship list. As I mentioned it has limited availability so there is a risk you could miss out by the time you get the skills assessment lined up.

http://canberrayourfuture.com.au/wor...ecember-13.pdf

It is worth re-checking all the other sponsorship lists too, I did take a quick look yesterday but I might have missed something..

A moot point, but re the psychotherapist route, the skills assessment requirement is clear on wanting a degree, I would not expect a post graduate qualification would substitute for this.

jimtimber2014

I will be doing my research for sure! I am going to have a word with my HR department as I know some of my colleagues moved to South Africa with the company last year. I think my company group has about 5 different businesses in Australia so I will see if I can get in through them. Fingers crossed, and thank you all for your help!!

verystormy

No you don't need to be married but will have to show evidence of the relationship. Things like joint banks accounts, evidence that you both live at the same address and what ever else you have.