Ouch. I mean, congratulations on the first step.

Thanks but the 'ouch' has got me worried, want to elaborate please?

no no it's alright, just a first step of many yet to be taken, prob had to put some sort of a crosseyed smiley on it or something

and seriously, it is a very stressful process, lots of people stress over nothing, waiting is the most difficult part, so try to have some fun along the way.

phew!

The alternative to the rigmerole of skills assessments and things is to try the sponsership route. Basicaly, you find a job and the company sponsors you. Its a lot quicker, the full PR route can take a VERY long time. The sponsored route known as a 457 visa normally takes a month from when you get the offer. It is technically a temporary visa. However, what you can ask for is an agreement that the company subsequantly also sponsor for permanent residence. A lot of companies if the skills you have are in high demand will be happy to do this. They normally put something in the contract to the effect that they will do it once your probation period is finished.

In terms of sponsorship do you mean State Sponsorship?

No company. A company can sponsor someone if they employ them.

Its a fast route. It does have some drawbacks such as if you want to leave the company then the future company have to sponsor. Though the trnasfer process has recently been changed to make it easier. The main down side is that if you lose your job then you can lose your visa and if you cant find another, then you may be required to leave Oz.

But, it is a fairly common method of comming here and the one that i did.

Thanks for clearing that up, we have sent out over 200 CVs and not one is currently offering sponsorship, hence going down the route of applying as a Skilled Migrant.

The other option which I am told worth considering is State Sponsorship.

Ah. My advice would be not to even consider company sponsorship even if it is offered as sending out that many CV's may indicate the market for your skills is tight. Australia is suffering a significant down turn in lots of the construction sectors so i would guess thats why you havent had a lot of luck

Update - I took the IELTS 18/02 in Rugby, score L 9 R 8 W 7.5 S 9 Overall 8.5.

I checked and AACA require minimum 6.5 however hoping to get state sponsorship so not to sure if W 7.5 will effect things too much?

Waiting for my skills assessment (applied first week in Jan 12) to come through soon and then will look for an agent to help with the rest of the process. Good luck to everyone yet to take the IELTS