₦airaland Forum

A12345: aunty Jenny manmeta et al pls i will want you to enlighten me. Is skill assesment more about about academic/prof.qualification or d job itself. Reason being that i have a UK adv. diploma in procurement & supply since 2008 (also recognise in Aussie)

It's point-based assessment assessing essentially your AGE, ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS and WORK EXPERIENCE, among other things.

It's not only about academics. but also about your work experience. That's why is 'skilled'.

Fredington: If i can pass their board exam,i don't think i will go through skillselect.I will get Automatic employment and be sponsored immediately but the exam is the main thing which i can never write at this moment.Just want to know if i can use another occupational area to enter then take the exam inside Australia.

You may exploit another discipline to get in as a PR if you think that discipline will get you here. You may thereafter sit for the exam and practise your Optometry. As Jenny said, for health practitioners, this is more or less like a licence to work.

jennykadry: Skilled select (I stand to be corrected by @manmeta) is about what you've studied and if you notice, everyone going for it is going with their degrees. You have to meet their requirements, there is no short cut. I'm sorry

Yes. It is actually an assessment of your claimed work experience and qualifications (not necessarily a degree) as a skilled migrant.

Fredington: I just jam this thread at the appointed time just that my case may be a great one and i am commending ll the contributors and educators here present.I have been trying to apply for PR to migrate to Australia for some years now but my professional body is the bone of contention.I am an Optometrist with 5 years working experience and wish to migrate to Australia,my assessment body which is my professional body in Australia mandated that you must pass their licencing exam before you will be allow to apply for PR.@jennny,all the indications shows that you will be in a better position to advice me on the best way to pursue this PR course.

Unfortunately, you have to fulfill the requirements of your assessing body to proceed for a GSM/PR application. I know your case is the same for most medical practitioners (if I'm right). For us engineers, we write "Career Episodes" which are summaries of our work experience backed with other documentation. Our assessment is based on these and a positive response allows us to apply for the GSM/PR visa. You may even apply for Engineers Australia membership based on this assessment. When you get here you can now decide and commence the process of being a REGISTERED ENGINEER.

talk2salt: Thank you Aunty Jenny and Manmeta...
Please bring it on, dont think i can feel any worse. The MSC is a Master of Science and Management (geology). I will be doing a lot of GIS/Geoinformatics. Geoinformatics isnt doing so well in Nigeria and most people dont even know what it is. Surveyors here arent doing too good either. Its like the only think one can do is be a property surveyor. I feel, givien the short time and the schools policy, it would be impossible to get my money back. i honestly dont want to spend this much, and i only have half as yet. Anyways, is there a way forward. can i be on a student visa and start applying for a PR, while in Australia? Or any other suggestions.
Please advise.
Thank you

Of course you can.

1. At the end of your 2-year study.

2. I'm not sure about the details of applying immediately you land as a student but I know there is/was such a possibility. Look through the available visa types.

The MSc is a good one. But it won't really give you an edge. Many Australian employers are least bothered about anything above a first degree or less. A friend lost out on a job opening because he was "overqualified". He has a PhD. Unless you wanna stay in the academics.

You're right about the bit that surveyors are not appreciated in Nigeria. In any case, welcome to the land of promise, where your dreams will be fulfilled.

NNBB2012: Hi,

I have been following this thread for a while now but have not been able to contribute due to issue I had with my login details. Thanks alot to Jenny, Manmeta etc.,who have been contributing greatly on this thread.

I feel this detail below will also help those that might be interested in PR path. I followed through the process without using any agent and I got my PR 189 subclass this year. I'm a Telecomm Engineer by profession. So, I can give any advice on Engineering path.


Read the whole process here: http://britishexpats.com/wiki/A_Rough_Guide_to_Australian_General_Skilled_Migration

Welcome bro.

jennykadry: @manmeta

I had an argument sometime ago with someone who said getting a student job in OZ is difficult. I know you haven't been in OZ for long but I eed you to say something about this. I know a large number of Nigerian students who go jobs after a few weeks they got to OZ. I have "family" members as well as reference. I see many Nigerian students working at woolworths, Coles, IGA etc, some do NIGHT FILL jobs. The problem I think with those that cannot get a job is, they are looking at bigger places for jobs, maybe office work, or one comfortable work environment. Hey have refused to get their hands dirty

You can say that again. How do you initially survive without such jobs?

ferdimako: Both will be guilty of murder,hahaha. My man, once your suggestions come in, I get my ACS evaluation rolling. I love that apiam way-PR.@ Jenny, thanks!

No worries mate. I'll try to look through the docs this weekend.

jennykadry: If @ferdimako hAd insisted on pursuing his studies instead of PR, I would have strangled him on this thread

I'll help you in holding his hands behind him while you do the strangling. lol

jennykadry: I swear when I saw his discipline I almost fainted, and I was mobile. I immediately imagined a miner earning not less than 120-150k per annum start of. That is one piece of hawt cake there.

@talk2salt
Is it too late to withdraw? Will they refund your fees? Follow the PR route ASAP

I trust Jenny. She won't mince her words/opinion. I didn't want to make him feel bad. But on 2nd thot, all the guy wants is a PR and a good job. His BSc will do the job. Why go for a MSc? In any case, if he's gone far with that, you're welcome anyway. Many people will give their toes to be where you're now with a study visa already.

evantical: plz house,can someone who runs his own business apply for this PR and what documents will he provide? I have a trade test certificate as an electrician and I do practice it sometimes to meet up ..my problem is that I read political science and using school will cost more.tnks

www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/skilled-occupation-list.htm

Check the Skilled Occupation List link above. I think you nay fit into an Electrician (General) 341111. Then search for the Australian body responsible for assessing you.

talk2salt: Wow, if only i was fortunate to learn this sooner. I have a BSc in Surveying and Geoinformatics (Engineering) and have worked since graduating in 2008. I am to commence a Masters of Science and management program at the University of Wollongong for 2years 0n the 22nd! It is very expensive and as of yet i only have enough for one year. I think its a little too late for me to switch to the PR option. Please, Aunt Jenny, Manmeta and anyone,any suggestions on what i can do?
Thank you

A BSc in Surveying and Geoinformatics! Boy your discipline is hot cake here for Urban and Land Development. I'm a Civil Engineer and I know what I'm talking about.

I don't intend to make you feel bad, what are you doing with a MSc in Management? Your first degree will land you great opportunities here. Pls pursue your PR ASAP. Guess you've gone far on your study runs. Do that quick and get on board bro!

[quote author=A12345][/quote]Check this out. It all begins from there:

www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/

UBKtech: PLZ House your assistance is needed!!

The MOC has advised that a dependant on my 189 visa application need to sign 'Form 815 - Health Undertaking' to meet the health requirement.

Here is a copy of the form: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/815.pdf

My problem is with Question 4 on the form, it requires that we put down our residential address in Australia, the problem is that I do not know yet where to stay, neither do I know anyone, hence my decision to post it here.

I just need an address to use to get the grant, I will change that address to mine, as soon as I cross over to Australia.

I got this on another thread. TMoni and Nwokenna may be of help:

jennykadry: As per Accomodation you re right @manmeta. Be you dangote, you can't get In easily, you need some ids , references and all what not to get a place here. There is a Reason why some of these countries are called developed countries, you cannot easily buy your way here.

He needs an address I guess, @manmeta whose address did you use for yours?

Incidentally, I wasn't told to fill such a form. That's why I'm at sea!

evantical: plz Manmeta , how about someone with a Bsc in Political science who is self employed in cyber cafe business? how does he go about the PR route? I also have a trade test as an electrician way back.which route will be my best option?

You will have to determine that yourself. Ask yourself these questions:

1. In what discipline do you have considerable experience?

2. Do you have any form of qualification (no matter how lowly) in this discipline?

3. Is the discipline listed on the SOL?

If your answers to the foregoing are affirmative, you may be eligible to proceed for a GSM/skilled visa application. Otherwise, you may have to consider other route.

UBKtech: PLZ House your assistance is needed!!

The MOC has advised that a dependant on my 189 visa application need to sign 'Form 815 - Health Undertaking' to meet the health requirement.

Here is a copy of the form: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/815.pdf

My problem is with Question 4 on the form, it requires that we put down our residential address in Australia, the problem is that I do not know yet where to stay, neither do I know anyone, hence my decision to post it here.

I just need an address to use to get the grant, I will change that address to mine, as soon as I cross over to Australia.

I was about saying you may ignore that part since they know you're just newly migrating. And if I'm correct, somewhere on this thread someone raised a similar issue which I think someone else said it should be ignored (I hope I'm correct).

However, it was said "If you do not know what your address in Australia will be, you must give the name and address of a person in Australia who will know how to contact you (for example, a relative, a friend, your employer or a staff member at your proposed study institution)"

UBKtech, let me ask you, where do you intend to stay or with whom are you intending to lodge on arrival? You MUST sort this out in any case, even if you get someone here to give you their contact details for the purpose of filling the form. You MUST know someone here to give a soft landing on arrival. I was surprised this is not a place you just arrive and walk up to an estate agent for accommodation, even if you have all the money in the world. No one will give you, 'cause of issues like "100% ID", no previous ledger/rental history, etc, unless you're on a student visa.

@Jenny et al, please say something.

SURGEE: my bros, thank God am meeting an engineer. Pls do u think i can put in for Assessment on completn of my B.TECH in Civil Engr dis year or after Nysc nxt year prior to EA's assesment, seriouly am nt thinking of doing the nysc gan self and can i put in as a professional engineer considering the years of experience? As at nw, i just have a year experience in my field. Thanks

You may need to assess yourself if a year experience will contribute in fetching you the minimum 60 points. Pls check. Otherwise, if you're bent on migrating, you may have to consider the student visa route.

ferdimako: Please help me in checking on ACS Employment experience presentation. I just sent you an e-mail with attached file to guide you. I have a diploma in computer science and a Bsc in computer Science with lots of skills and years of work. I have written a fresh page and there is another my boss wrote in 2010 on my job history and timeline. Please look at the wordings and compare with what ACS is expecting.Thanks.

No worries. But if you want me to do a good job, you have to wait till tomorrow. I'm about going to bed now.

I'll check it up tomorrow and probably give you an initial heads-up.

jt2010: Madam Jenny and Manmeta,

Many thanks. Am reading up on the PR route right now, but I already have a little concern about the assessment of qualifications. I do have more than 10 years working experiences in IT but my Bsc is in History and Strategic Studies while my MSc in IT... I have some other IT professional certificates like MCITP and Cisco etc. How can I get access base as an IT Professional if my Bsc degree is in another field. Also what about my previous working experience before my Bsc Degree.

Please give me an hints on how to go about this..

Philosophically speaking, life only mirrors what you present to it.

If you're trying to claim experience in IT, I believe ACS will be the relevant assessing body. To be sincere, (if I'm correct) most assessors will first reckon with your first degree rather than your subsequent ones.

My example: I'm an Engineer with a BSc in my field and a MSc in a sector of that field. Engineers Australia PRIMARILY assessed me on my BSc and an appendage assessment was also given to my MSc even though I studied it abroad. There are three levels you may claim from Engineers Australia: 1. Engineering Manager. 2. Professional Engineer 3. Engineering Technician. I knew my qualifications and years off experience suit a Professional Engineer. I applied for that and I got it. As I continue to practise here, in 10 to 15 years from now, I qualify to be a Engineering Manager (the highest level). See.

If I were you, I will still present my BSc in History & Strategic studies but when I'm writing the report for my application, I'll base my application PRIMARILY on my CISCO, MITP, etc certificates and MSc and seek to be assessed for relevant level. In my own case, say I have an HND, I'd have gone for Engineering Technician. Once I arrive here, I'd work it up from there to the highest level I desire.

Did you get the drift?

ferdimako: Thanks.The rush comes in because of my age-not getting any younger and the job am doing is going downhill.So the need to get out. I understood all you've said and I'll give it the whole of next year.Thank you!

Not taking anything away from your previous decisions/actions, I think this is a better decision. If you land with a PR, you hit the ground running. WRT the age issue, the more reason a GSM/PR makes more sense.

Waiting a little more for a 'ripe' GSM/PR application here will save you a very expensive 2 year study, when thereafter you'll just be 'starting' life.

Going forward, list or draw a flow chart of what to do and when to do it wrt your GSM/PR application.

We'd try and work together as much as we can here.

manmeta: @Jenny: I didn't get that: Are the people you're referring to just arrived or making plans to migrate?

I think dejumo summarised the process succinctly.

For offshore prospective migrants, you'd either apply on the strength of your own qualifications (skilled independent), be sponsored (by family or employer) or nominated by a region.

My family and I came here on our own. It was called visa 175 then (before SkillSelect came on board) but now termed 189.

The procedure is pretty much the same.

1. Know if your discipline is listed on the SOL.

2. Know if you can meet the points required. I think it's 60 points now.

3. Know the assessing body responsible for assessing your qualifications in Australia.

4. Do IELTS. You'll need for your qualifications to be assessed and for visa application too. Find out which one your assessing body in Australia will require (Academic or GT). Mine was Engineers Australia and they required GT. GT is easier and it's also fine for visa application.

5. Gather all necessary docs and get them ready.

6. Do EoI and await response.

7. If given go ahead, apply. If you're prompted to apply, it's almost a done deal.

8. You'd thereafter be told to do medicals and security checks.

9. Start organising your departure. Say farewell to friends and families and make sure your enemies remain unaware.

10. Do a financial plan for your departure and stay here.

11. Make inquiries about where you'd choose to settle, flights, etc.

I believe, you'd agree you don't need an agent to do all these just like Jenny mentioned. Using an agent does not guarantee success as they will do EXACTLY the same, i.e., if you get an agent who knows their onions and not out to swindle you.

^^^Between 4 and 5, get your qualifications assessed.

cconcept: I think of one the many reasons why those who already have a degree are thinking of going through the study route is because they have work experience in a different field from what they study in school. I have once raised it before here-how can someone who studied Yoruba/IT etc in school and working as a farmer/bank/ etc apply for the gsm route for PR? We all know this is the situation in many sectors of the Nigerian economy .
I am not so sure but I think the qualification/work experience someone is claiming must be relevant to any of the occupation on the list.
It will be nice if Jenny and co can give further clarification

See, I'm not asking you to be dishonest or unethical. But, I believe as long as you have the requisite experience and maybe a least similar qualification, there is a way you may do your paperwork to suit your application.

Think about it!

jennykadry: @Manmeta and co can help you out here, they came into OZ same way. I will post you a link of the site and requirements and like @manmeta once said, you don't need a bloody agent to do this, it's not rocket science.

http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/

^^^^ has it all

@Jenny: I didn't get that: Are the people you're referring to just arrived or making plans to migrate?

I think dejumo summarised the process succinctly.

For offshore prospective migrants, you'd either apply on the strength of your own qualifications (skilled independent), be sponsored (by family or employer) or nominated by a region.

My family and I came here on our own. It was called visa 175 then (before SkillSelect came on board) but now termed 189.

The procedure is pretty much the same.

1. Know if your discipline is listed on the SOL.

2. Know if you can meet the points required. I think it's 60 points now.

3. Know the assessing body responsible for assessing your qualifications in Australia.

4. Do IELTS. You'll need for your qualifications to be assessed and for visa application too. Find out which one your assessing body in Australia will require (Academic or GT). Mine was Engineers Australia and they required GT. GT is easier and it's also fine for visa application.

5. Gather all necessary docs and get them ready.

6. Do EoI and await response.

7. If given go ahead, apply. If you're prompted to apply, it's almost a done deal.

8. You'd thereafter be told to do medicals and security checks.

9. Start organising your departure. Say farewell to friends and families and make sure your enemies remain unaware.

10. Do a financial plan for your departure and stay here.

11. Make inquiries about where you'd choose to settle, flights, etc.

I believe, you'd agree you don't need an agent to do all these just like Jenny mentioned. Using an agent does not guarantee success as they will do EXACTLY the same, i.e., if you get an agent who knows their onions and not out to swindle you.

ferdimako: Yeah, PR is better to go in with and it gives you every right towards job hours and with 189-Independent you can work anyway in Australia. If you can wait for the time needed, do IELTS GT and pull 6.0 all-bands or above.No bands less than 6.0. If you can't wait, do IELTS Academic and follow student visa route but it is expensive and restrictive. The beauty with PR is you can enrol for your MSc,pay like locals and work as your studies and strength can allow.

I will advise you to go with PR if cash will be an issue or make people shout. That means you register for IELTS GT (N35,000)and do ACS evaluation (450AUD). For ACS Evaluation,certify your BSc Award Certificate and Transcript, Birth Certificate but they need your job experience from your workplace and upload all online. As of now there are 6 job titles under 189 and Systems Analyst is one of them and there are so many others under nominated list that will required you to work and live for some years in a region.You're restricted with location here.

Again, here goes the debate between applying for a PR via Skilled Migration or Studying.

For individuals who have some considerable work experience and listed on the SOL, I'd always recommend the GSM route instead of studying abroad. I'm pretty sure, not less than 90% applying for student visas do not really want to study but just to use the route to get a PR. In any case, it may surprise you to know that Australian employers are least bothered by your plethora of qualifications or where you graduated from once you have a requisite qualification. Acquiring more qualifications does not put you in a more competitive stead. Your Nigerian qualification (or from wherever) will do here, as long as it is assessed as comparable by relevant authorities here.

Moreover, the student visa route is long and winding, during which period the government may throw up unfavourable policies which may throw spanner in the works. In addition, it is VERY EXPENSIVE. On the other hand, you only pay a fraction of these expenses for a skilled migrant PR.

For not-so-experienced individuals, the student visa route may be the way to go. However, know it's gonna be tough.

Hence, as Jenny advised, may be you should reconsider the GSM option, since you've already been prompted to apply. Get to do IELTS GT. It's easier. I got 8.5. Have a rethink. You may need to slow down and have little patience now than to go through an expensive and long route. The money you'd save may be used to aid your settling in.

In any case, it's your call - your decision to make. Whatever you decide, I believe you'd get support and advice from the house. All the best bro.

Nwokenna: Oh †нªηк's that was a fast reply. Yes I applied for 189(Independent) according to the website I'll be contacted within8 weeks of lodgement that should be 2months approx. I dnt have a contact person in Oz so you will be my special adviser now. Am actually looking @ some homes around QLD do u advise renting for like 6mnths b4 opting for a rent/buy option @ d end of d 6mnth stay. Cos i see Real Estate as my retirement route in d next 5yrs. So hows Settling down so far? Any challenge i should be aware of?

Owing a property is often the best way to go, as your rents may go into funding the mortgage. However, you can't just buy/own a property as a recently arrived migrant (even with all the money in the world) as you have no credit record/history. You will need to build this over a period of time. Hence, make sure you don't enter contracts/repayment schedules that may soil your credit history.

I don't line in QLD. I'm in NSW. But I'm pretty sure the hassles of renting a place to stay will be the same for newly arrived migrants. The major problem I faced was the fact that no agent was willing to let you a property as I had no rental/ledger history, no "100% ID" on arrival (you'll battle with this a lot) and no employment records/centrelink payments. I overcame that by first initially staying with a family friend who got a place for me in his name. 6 months thereafter, we'd change the contract to bear my records.

I'd advise that you get Medicare immediately you arrive. You or your wife should also get on Centrelink payments you're eligible for. Get your DRIVING LICENCE ASAP!!!! It's like a VISA here!!! All these would give you some credibility to start with and for any one to do business with you.

kellyemms: where in Aussie r u?

Sydney. And you?

Nwokenna: Happy you saw it at all well i finally lodged my families Applicationon on the 15th of this month am happy i did because from the 1st of July class 189 PR fee for intending migrants has been reviewed upwards. Am yet to get an E-mail statinmg who my Case officer is but am still keeping my fingers crossed. Sorry forgot to tell you my profession am a Medical Radiographer same as my spouse. Am looking @ QLD as my final destination maybe based on the fact that I'll like to run some courses in QUT which according to them its for strictly PR A̶̲̥̅̊ñ̷̊D̶̲̥̅̊ Citizens hoping to Benefit. I have not yet done Medicals and Police clearance I believe I'll be told when to do that right? Any suggestion or sdvise will be highly appreciated.

By eventually submitting your application subsequent to their invitation I'd as well say it's a done deal. The hard part is to wait. Use that time to organise your departure. I guess you applied for a 189 (independent). I did mine before SkillSelect came on board. 189 was 175 then. I submitted in February and Case Officer contacted me 3 months later to do medicals and police clearance. Just wait to be prompted to do so. You've scaled through the most rigourous part.

Keep fingers crossed and start organising yourselves.

Nwokenna: Tnx for your advise I think my application will look somewhat like yours. I did my IELTS Dec 2012 had my credentials certified march 2013 and was invited to apply on the 6th of may 2013, tho am yet to lodge my application because am waiting for my dependents to wrap up there IELTS exam by the end of the month, please can you brief me on some other things that will help me get through the process. thanks

I'm sorry I'm just seeing this. What's the status now?

sammer406: @Manmeta, i am in Sydney too, i am in Emu plains have you checked for food stuffs in Lucky 7, it is a multicultural shop run by indians. it is located in Blacktown close to the train station. wish you luck

Apologies for just replying to this. I'm in Rooty Hill. What do you do?

Top of the day to all Nairalanders.

First, my apologies for the seemingly long silence since I announced my arrival here in Oz with my family, about 3 months ago as a PR. My utmost apology goes to Ferdimako who I couldn't help with advising wrt GSM PR route. I must confess I was overwhelmed with the challenges of settling in.

@Ferdimako: I'd see you're taking the studying route now. Good. I'm surprised at your IELTS scores knowing your capabilities. Nonetheless, I'm glad you quickly shrugged that disappointment off by opting for TOEFL. That attitude will take you to places bro. Let me know how I may still be of help.

@Intending Migrants/Students:

My two cents please:

1. Whatever you have to do in realising your dreams to migrate here, please do it quick. Immigration laws/policies are changing fast worldwide. Hitherto migration hotspot destinations like the UK and Canada have shut their borders. And countries like Australia are following suite. It's either going to be cut-throat expensive or almost impossible to migrate pretty soon. July 1st is here again. Hence, no more Kitty-Cat-footing, procrastination or waiting for the perfect conditions. There ain't such thing like that. Tick says the clock, tick tick. What you have to do, do quick.

2. Information is vital to your plans as you depart from your destinations and more importantly as you arrive here. I can't overemphasise that. Know what you are getting into. Don't migrate on half-baked plans "faithing and claiming" all will be well. It may be disastrous. Whilst God is the All-knowing, make your plans water-tight. It's good a lot of information is being shared in the house. Kudos to the likes of Jenny and T-Moni. Don't take any piece of info for granted. It may be your saving grace. Ask questions. Don't assume. And when in doubt, ask more questions.

I wish you all the best in your endeavours.