So I logged onto Nairaland to see updates of people's experiences but did not find much. In the spirit of keeping this thread alive, I would be contributing some pictures of anything interesting I come across. These Pics were all taken in Sydney;
Pic 1 - Sydney from top of a building
Pic 2 - Typical Sydney morning traffic at 10am
Pic 3 - Bulli Beach - Towards Wollongong
Pic 4 - Bulli Beach

extraterestrial:


Thank you so much. I had Liverpool in mind after doing a search but I will check out other areas. You sound like you are currently in Sydney. Is it okay if I pm you. Ok like to ask other personal questions. Thanks again

Yes, you can PM if personal, however , for other general questions, you can post on the forum so many other people can learn from it. Cheers!

extraterestrial:

Thank you so much for responding to me. I have a job already. My office is located at Barangaroo Avenue. i think its a central business district. in terms of rent i have a budget of 350 to 400 AUD per week. I am curious, how is rent paid, can we stay short term in a place for like 3 months to be sure we like the area. My company is providing accommodation for a week to enable us get something more permanent so we are trying to search places online and book viewings so that we can use that week to do just inspections and probably move in to which ever we like. Lastly please is a car an immediate necessity in Sydney.

Hello extraterestrial,

I think I can help with your questions a bit. Your office located at Barangaroo sounds to be like you would be working for a Big 4. As regards your budget, that amount per week is fine but it depends on the kind of place you want. That amount would get you a 1 bedroom apartment in a place like Dulwich Hill/Hurlstone Park(Check www.realestate.com.au) which is about 25 mins train to the city, but with the competition for apartments in these areas, it might be difficult to convince a real estate agent to give you that place considering the fact that you don't have any rental history in Australia.

The situation relaxes a bit if you are willing to move further away from the city , possibly about 45-55 mins on the train to the city, to a place like Ingleburn, Macquarie fields, Glenfield, Liverpool and if you can go a bit further , to Campbelltown. These areas are in South western Sydney, In north western Sydney, you have Blacktown, Mount druitt, Saint Marys etc. Agents are more willing to give apartments here. and you can get 2-3 bedroom apartments for that amount.

I need to sound a note of warning though, it is almost impossible to get a permanent apartment in one week, virtually impossible. So you can look more towards getting a temporary place while you search for the permanent one. It helps a lot if you have someone that can pitch you to real estate agents , they kinda extend that person's goodwill to you. So take a look at Airbnb and flatmates for temporary apartments while you search.

To be honest, I usually suggest to anyone coming with family that if you don't have a family that can take you in for a few weeks, just come alone first well in advance, do the running around first and let your family join you at the set date. That removes a lot of worry from your head.

Anyways , you can ask me any specific questions.

Cheers!

DoDirtsLikeWorm:


Wow!! Just Wow...
That is to say; if you observe what's up wella, you might be considering inviting you Mother for holidays and put a script infront of your house that says; Child Care Home

This really cracked me up. It is not that straight-forward o . You dare not do that unless Mumsy has the required Australian qualifications and associated licences. The second day the script goes up, Authorities would be at your doorsteps. Some Nigerians still have their Mum doing this though, based on relationships with other Nigerians who go to work full time and have Children that needs care.

Baba i twalee ooo,abeg i have and Australian who leave in Victoria and what me to come and leave there,the issue now is i don't no which typed of visa ti apply, or getting a job there and apply for employers sponsor visa,if am applying foe pr i will needto be nominated by a state and furthermore need to take IELST ot toef,if you have alternative pls help[/quote]


Hello Pedi,

Aside the PR process which allows you to obtain the PR visa and lets you live and work in Australia, the only other way people go through is come in on a student visa , trying as much as possible to align their studies to occupations on the list. So after studying, they then apply for the PR visa.

Apart from these two routes, I don't think there is any other way to live and work in Australia. Except if maybe you are married to an Australian citizen , which of course would be a different situation.

Cheers.

chidike:
Hey guys! So I'm moving to Melbourne at the end of the month after spending a year in NZ, and I'm thinking of a nice sub to live. I've been to Melbourne before but that was more of a tourist visit, so if you guys can let me know suburbs to avoid, I'd appreciate. I'm looking for somewhere close to the CBD, which is where my office is located; I have a few in mind; Fitzroy, St. Kilda, Brunswick west, South Melbourne, and Yarraville or South Yarra. My budget is to not exceed $400/week. What are your thoughts on the subs I listed, I'm also trying to avoid places with a huge[b] South Sudanese community. [/b]Thanks.

@ Chidike , the bolded caught my eye. That seem to be some unconscious bias right there. Seems you have been reading lots of the news on this community, but to be honest I think not all in the news are as reported. This community accounts for less than 1% of the Melbourne community, however, due to negative reporting, people are really avoiding them and that is what Politicizing of these kind of things can do. I sometimes shudder to think if these kind of reporting was ascribed to the Nigerian community. Won't be pretty being a Nigerian in such places.

Just my thoughts anyways. Hope you get a nice cool place though, so we can come say hello sometimes.

Cheers!

koleefem05:
Mr Morrison is removing immigration and citizenship from the Home Affairs portfolio, giving those responsibilities to new minister David Coleman.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/pm-scott-morrison-announces-his-new-ministry

This move is definitely more positive than not. Irrespective of the stance of the new minister on immigration matters ( which is very moderate by the way, compared to our familiar person 'PD'), stripping immigration and citizenship from Home affairs portfolio allows for more efficiency in the department. Putting the two under one minister was just too much power.

Anyways, we hope for better news for hopeful immigrants especially from this forum. Last financial year, there were only about 600 Nigerians that got permanent residence, which included those onshore already (Apologies , can't find and post the source link at the moment). This does not favorably compare with those from India which was about 30,000. This is why we need to continue to help each other with information in any little way we can. Lets keep the zeal burning guys!

[quote author=happy4lucy post=67976161]@tyosho

@ happy4lucy, like someone has mentioned, you are just passing through a phase all new immigrants pass through. Just be calm about things, everything will start falling in place. To be honest, even if you have been in Oz for a while , there are still some challenges you will face that takes up your whole time. Sometimes responding to emails would just be the least of your worries.

That being said , could you let us know one by one the challenges you are facing , guys have been very very helpful on this forum. I would try to help you address each of them. I have a few people in Canberra who I can chat with to get you answers if need be. Also others here can also contribute to those answers as things get along.

Don't worry too much , things would take shape very soon. Cheers.

@ Bellong , I live a bit far from Randwick. The place is closer to the city. However , I am very familiar with the place as I have a naija family friend staying around that axis. Are you popping into the area anytime soon?

@ Nickycool, I was forced to laugh when I read your comment. This is same notion believed by so many people. Except you are living in some major countryside location or newly developed areas, you definitely wont be seeing snakes in a long time to come. However , there is always that warning that people should clear their lawns and bushes around the house especially after spring at the onset of summer to avoid any creeping creatures hiding there.

Hello all,

Nice to be here to talk about experiences of living in Oz. Tyosho has done some real justice to much of the areas. I will just chip in some bits from a NSW (Sydney)perspective .

Housing: Rent in Sydney is quite expensive, though depending on where you stay, you might get some cheaper deals. In a month , it could be as high as half of your monthly wages excluding other small bills. The only good news is that the further you are from the city, the cheaper it is for you. Talking about my experience, I decided to come in first on my own before bringing in family and I think it worked fine for me. I got a shared apartment close to the city and paid about 250 per week for a small room. It was just me so I didnt mind. Used the opportunity to research the different areas. I finally settled for one in the MacArthur region , about 54km from the city...about 1hr train ride from the city. I didnt mind the commute , as I use the time to do other things. In this area , houses , apartment are cheaper and you have more open spaces and parks for children to play. Applying for a house through an agent is another story altogether which I know would be dealt with in this thread.

Transportation : Everyone in OZ would always tell you to get a car as a necessity. Everywhere is far from each other. You can manage with bus waiting times and walking to train stations for a while but as time goes on, you would definitely need to get one. Depending on what you want , car prices are not bad . I know someone that got a Camry pencil light for just $600 with little or no issue. Just some paintwork needed but that's based on preference. If working in the city, the train is your best bet, however if working in the suburbs...a car is needed. In NSW, you can use your naija licence for only 3 months, after that , you become a learner. Dont know about Victoria , but NSW test is usually difficult , its a rule that they don't pass you the first time and one little wrong move , its failure. I got it at my third attempt .

Other experiences still to come depending on what people want to know.

@ Bellong, I have always wanted to say thank you to you for your help during my application journey, sometimes in 2015. Greatly appreciated.

@tyosho

The journey so far indeed.So many would be motivated by your story. Didnt know it was that long. Congratulations to you and bros once again!

Hello there, was drawn to comment on this one. With ACCA Uk , you will most definitely get a positive assessment with ICAA or other acting bodies. Also if your experience in accting n auditing was post qualification, it can even give you additional 10points.

We have had guys on this forum that got a positive assessment with just their ICAN results.
But dude , you need to read extensively, requirements on the Australian immigration website and also in relation to the assessing body. That would do you a lot of good.
Cheers

MASMEK2016:
I need your direction as regards my situation
Qualifications:HND BUS ADMIN AND ACCA (UK)
Experience :6 years accounting and Auditing experience
Age:29 years
I currently study at the University of Newcastle,Australia.
I want the gurus in the house to advice me on route to PR.
I intend to send my credentials to VATESSESS for assessment.
Please house kindly advice.

@tyosho

To try to keep it simple,I would put it like this;

If he has been invited to apply and a CO allocated, his EOI would have been suspended and he would not be able update it.

However if he has not been invited, he can update his years of experience and then indicate that the older one is not relevant. I see a bit of an issue with this though, because his assessing body would have indicated his relevant years of experience and the organisation. If he wants to increase the years for Coy B, he might have to update the experience assessment with the body which might cost a bit more.
Hope this helps.

tyosho,

I replied your PM. I don't think its a problem with your EOI, because I pretty much did the same thing. I think its just that there are more 70 pointers and its taking time to get to the 65 pointers, but I can say with some confidence that they would get to the 65s , after which they move to the 60s. Even pingu2k5 got invited in a little time with 60 points. Its just a matter of time .....

tyosho:
pingu2k5:
Congrats! God bless her.
Hello debsty,

Pls I need you to confirm that my EOI application is fine.I applied for 190 with NSW since Oct 2015 but nothing yet. However I noticed you were asked to apply in less than a month after EOI submission.

In my case It was the same EOI I used for both 189 and 190 application,selected NSW SS on the EOI and that's all.
Pls is that correct?I don sit down for expat forum and different people have been talking about how they have been invited even though they applied after us.occupation is external auditor and we have 65points(with SS).

Big Big apologies, there is an error with the number. Please see below:

07025624637[size=8pt][/size]

More Pics

Hello All,

This car needs no introduction as it is quite popular. It is available for inspection.

Engine, Transmission, Shocks , AC etc are all alright. I am only selling because I am interested in another.

Issues with the car basically hovers around aesthetics; There is a small plastic over the driver's side that pops out once in a while , I believe clips would be able to hold it in place.
The engine of the car seat that makes it go forward and backwards is bad. I didn't fix it because it doesn't affect me while driving.

Please note that this car is being sold by the owner and not a middleman. I still drive it to work and back during the week and do not drive it on weekends.

It is available in VI Lagos during the week , and Isolo Lagos during weekends. Anyone interested should please call 07025624637

Thanks

Hello All, am always happy when I visit this thread to see guys moving. Alright , please I need some help with my application, I just got Visa 190 nomination approval and need to proceed with my application. My main concern is as regards medicals....

Is there a particular form I need to fill for the medicals?
Do I have to upload all other documents before I have access to this medical form?
Which hospital in Lagos does the medicals for this purpose?
How will the results be communicated to DIBP and how long does it take.

As much as possible, I want to upload ALL documents once, not in bits , thus I want to first gather all of them . Am asking the house if this is practicable and achievable.

I know NNB2012 , Pingu2k5 , Bellong have advised in this aspect before but can't just find the page. Will greatly appreciate your help on this guys.

Thanks

Hello All,

Please has anyone done his/her education assessment with CPAA , using ICAN, + BSc certificates? Was a positive assessment given? I have been reading in other forums, that with ACCA , CPAA would definitely give a positive assessment. I am trying to take a poll if its same for ICAN certificates.

Cheers

I sincerely think the computer struggles with some accents. I say that cos in my own case, I was convinced I was fluent all through, of course with little hiccups here and there but I was about OK in the whole speaking section and I still had 76, which is less than I expected. Under the enabling skills it scored me quite low in pronunciation and I was like....what exactly did I not pronounce properly.
That being said, I am aware they have hundreds of English accents stored on the computer ,such that it pick whichever comes thru. I think the important things is not to go there and form one kind of accent you are not used to, just be yourself and speak clearly.

Cheers

@jayooh, to be honest ,my practice wasnt really organized, am usually busy at work and I try to go through some materials I found online in the evenings. In actual fact I had just four days to practice and I did that for just one evening.
In all I would advice you spend more time practicing and be relaxed on test day.
Just get on the PTE website , every info u need to register and centres are there for u.
Cheers.

@ jayooh , the exam costs 36800 , and it is fully computer based. Got my result in 2 days.

Cheers

Thanks Kubbiebrownie,

Thanks for the direction. Had no idea at all. I have done it now and it indicated that the scores would reach the destination on a day or two.

Just to mention to everyone, I think the PTE Academic is not bad at all. Anyone intending to write an English test should go for it , though quite pressured, you need to concentrate fully for the 3hrs you have to complete it. But its quite rewarding in the end.

Cheers

Hello All,

Good to be here again. Please has anyone completed the PTE Academic before? I just got my results and want to send to ICAA to complete my assessment, however on the ICAA website , they have the following " For PTE Academic we require authorization to access the results online" . My question is, how do I give them the authorization or in what form would I be giving the authorization for them to access the results.

I would appreciate if anyone that has done this before, share his/her experience.

NB: I initially sent IELTS General to ICAA for my assessment but I can confirm now to everyone that they would insist on getting the Academic test before proceeding with any assessment.

Thanks

@Pingu2k5, Thanks for the response. I have sent the documents to them(Including the IELTS General test) since last week and they have not said anything yet, fingers crossed they would be fine with it till the end. I wanted to get the assessment first before dropping the info on this forum that they actually accept IELTS General for PR. Next is to fast and pray that NSW make their nominations once I put in my EOI. Its quite surprising though that most of all the other states do not have External auditor on their list, does it mean that there are lots of them over there. Anyways , taking this journey one step at a time. I am optimistic that I would also come on the forum sometime soon to post my timelines for people to see and also help others on their journey to PR.

pingu2k5:
You are right. External Auditor is on SA's Supplementary Skilled List and to qualify one has to meet one of the following:
Be an international graduate of South Australia.
Have worked in a skilled occupation in South Australia for the last 12 months.
Have an immediate family member permanently residing in South Australia for 12 months or more.
Have high points (85 points, including nomination points).

Your only option may be NSW if you cannot meet the requirements. ACT, Tasmania require employment offers.

Did you find out from ICAA if you could use IELTS General for assessment?

Hello guys, your reactions to my comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

debsty:
aolatunde00, I seem to be in the same position as yours even though my assessment is not yet completed at ICAA,I am positive the result would be positive .
I have also put in for External Auditor , a pity that the ceiling was quickly reached . I am hoping NSW would make their selections quickly.
I observed you mentioned nomination from south Australia, however, I checked it but their requirements for nomination of external auditor is kinda extra. They have this main list , and an extra list (which includes external auditors) which can only be assessed if you are a graduate from the region, or you have very high points , up to 85 including their nomination points. They have about 2 others I can't remember, seems like a big hill to climb.
I am thinking I missed something on the site, which you might knw about because you mentioned that you(ur hubby) can meet SA's requirements easily. Pray, do tell.
Thanks

Cc NNBB2012, Pingu2k5 , Bellong ..kindly help out.

aolatunde00, I seem to be in the same position as yours even though my assessment is not yet completed at ICAA,I am positive the result would be positive .
I have also put in for External Auditor , a pity that the ceiling was quickly reached . I am hoping NSW would make their selections quickly.
I observed you mentioned nomination from south Australia, however, I checked it but their requirements for nomination of external auditor is kinda extra. They have this main list , and an extra list (which includes external auditors) which can only be assessed if you are a graduate from the region, or you have very high points , up to 85 including their nomination points. They have about 2 others I can't remember, seems like a big hill to climb.
I am thinking I missed something on the site, which you might knw about because you mentioned that you(ur hubby) can meet SA's requirements easily. Pray, do tell.
Thanks

Cc NNBB2012, Pingu2k5 , Bellong ..kindly help out.

Hi all, thanks for responses, greatly invaluable. Ping2uk, thanks for your response.
Two things I worry about from your comments relates to the ones on experience and ielts. On experience , I am going for the external auditor , and I have actually done that since I had my Bsc in business admin, I have got a reference letter to support this, hopefully the whole 8 years would be considered. Also I have put together all docs from ICAN and BSc as I had some 4 papers exemption, and I have also included the handbook for the bsc courses, however I don't have the one for ICAN, do you reckon ICAA would ask for that?

For the IELTS, I did the general , did they specifically ask for the academic module during ur application? Nothing on their website says this. I have a friend who also sent the general but it was returned on the basis that he did not have 7 in each section and nothing was said about whether it was academic or general. Hopefully they would not mind either as am about to complete my docs to send to them. I will let the house knw if it is accepted.

Thanks again Ping2uk, will expect your response.

Hello All,

I have a question for the house in addition to the one I had before . I read the below on the Australia website;

How many Expressions of Interest can I submit?

There is no limitation on how many Expressions of Interest you can submit in SkillSelect. However, you must be able to provide evidence on all the claims you have made to achieve your points score. If you do not accept your invitation we cannot guarantee that you will receive another invitation.
http://www.border.gov.au/Lega/Lega/Form/Immi-FAQs/how-many-eois-can-i-submit

Has anyone tried to put in two EOIs before, i.e submit for 189 and 190 at the same time? Kindly share

Hello,

Thanks Bellong for your response. Actually for the IELTS, I had 7.5 in each section except writing where I had 8 , Also I intend to still be 32 by the time I put in my application (Fingers crossed).

For the qualification, My 8 years is post BSc , 5 years of which is post ICAN. I am seriously hoping they will consider the whole 8 years , as I have been working in the same Company since I graduated and very much relevant to my chosen profession since day 1.

Thanks.

Hello House,

Even though I have not posted on this topic before , I have been reading silently, I might have read the whole 132 pages of this topic!

I now want to commence my own application for the Skilled Independent Visa 189 stream, however I observed not so many people have posted success stories on this Visa. I have only seen one person gogochocolate who has been successful. I noticed many actually go through the 190 route.

My question now is that are there any issues with process of obtaining the 189 visa i.e Response time , Response Rate etc What advice will the experienced guys in the house ( bossladymo1 ,gogochocolate, NNBB2012 , pingu2k5 et al) give to me as I commence the process.

Please note that I intend to go through the 189 route because , based on my own initial assessment, I believe I would have 65 points. However I have an open mind on this and also very much open to change.

Please see my basis for 65 (Though 70 , but I a pegged it at 65 as the worse that can happen)

Age 32 - 30 points
IELTS(General) Overall 7.5 -- 10
Work experiance 8 years -- 15(Though not assessed yet but very positive I would get it)
Qualification -- Bsc and ICAN qualified --15


Thanks