₦airaland Forum

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 pussy-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. 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.

Monjay: @manmeta,
Happy to hear that you made it to OZ. Congrats!

I am interested with the financial requirements that granted you and your family student visa. Pls, furnish me with the info.

Cheers!

Thanks Monjay.

Unfortunately, I may not be able to provide you with that info because I came on a skilled migrant programme as a permanent resident.

Nonetheless, at no time my financial capability was asked for.

All the best in your endeavours.

Dear all,

I arrived Oz during the weekend with my family.

Thanks Jenny about your piece wrt bringing in foodstuffs. I was not bothered an inch by border security. So smooth. Thanks.

@Ferdimako: Just give me some time to settle in. I'll get back to you on the docs.

ferdimako: Hello manmeta, I just sent you the mail.Please take all the time you require to peruse and preview the documents and procedure for me to get a desired result from ACS. Thanks!

All right ferdimako, I'll work on it and revert.

cconcept: JENNY SURVIVES AN ACCIDENT https://www.nairaland.com/1214048/beg-yous-join-me-praising

@jenny:
On your behalf, I'm most grateful for your life as preserved only by God.
May you and yours never experience untimely death, this year and
beyond.

jennykadry: You's won't understand, not everyone gets a second chance in life. I got one and I am grateful to God. I have not stopped crying and thanking him, I laid on the ground on the streets thanking him. No one would have experienced what I experienced and come out of it alive without a single scratch.

I had an accident recently whilst driving on 110k/hr. My car tumbled (according to passersby) a few times before it stopped. Al I could remember was me screaming "Jesus,Jesus Jesus" as it tumbled and for a second I thought I was dead. Cars stopped and someone called the ambulance, I was in tears and all I asked them to do for me was call my NOK. Helicopters came to airlift me from the scene of accident and fire trucks came incase the car exploded. I was able to get out of the car with the help of the people that gathered around. When I jumped out of the car I heard people say "this is a miracle".

Got to the hospital and everything was fine. Left the hospital after a few hours. Whether you believe in God or not, join me in thanking him.

@jenny:

On your behalf, I'm most grateful for your life as preserved only by God. May you and yours never experience untimely death, this year and beyond.

ferdimako: Thanks. I thought I have scared you off with my troubles. I did the first ACS assessment unaided and almost all alone. I'll get the CV in a comprehensive manner and the things ACS is looking for across to you within this week. I'll do as you said.Thanks so much.

All right. I'll be expecting it.

All the best mate.

Regards.

ferdiii: My Assessing body (ACS) doesn't require IETLS whether Academic or GT, they don't even wanna know or see it.What they want are scanned notarised Birth cert,transcript, cert and details of work experiences with countries you worked and dates.So I don't think DIAC will issue me PR if I submit IELTS Academic to them but I still have my IETLS GT valid but not with high grades.If and when am sure ACS will get me a yes I don't mind redoing IETLS GT to get higher grades, just to satisfy DIAC. I even want to look for state sponsored category since to get an employment from here is too difficult and Independent category's demand is so high.The latter demands 8.0 on all bands and overall and kinda favors Master degree holders.

I think you've got the solution to your issue:

1. Since ACS won't require IELTS, go ahead and get your qualifications assessed.

2. The only way to know if ACS will give you a 'yes' or not is when you apply. As I mentioned earlier, I'd like to help you out with your documentation. Could you forward to me a copy of your CV to manmeta1@yahoo.com. Delete your name and any private info and biodata. Perusing your CV would allow me know the necessary docs that may squeeze a positive result from ACS. Make your CV comprehensive.

3. DIAC is ok with IELTS GT. But if I'm correct, you must have a minimum of 6.0 in all bands if you must take the minimum PR points of 10. Anything less than this implies zero point.

4. Go for state-sponsored.

iry5648: Hi Manmeta,

Please any useful tips on hw to get a high score in the IELTS exam . Wow you had a really impressive score

Thanks iry.

However, I must confess aiming to score high in any English language test for first English language users like Nigerians would have been as a result of many previous years of excellent use of the language. Hope you get what I mean.

Nonetheless, I have a couple of tips:

Listening: When you sit for the exam, be quick enough to have snippets of the questions before the listening test proper. This will help in letting you know the relevant info you need to provide as answers. In any case, a warm up session would be done before commencement. It's instructive that if and when you miss out on a question, don't whine/sulk as you may miss out on more. Move on. You may come back to make reasonable guesses for such.

Reading: What is often the problem here is interpreting the info in the excerpts or comprehensions given. Don't give answers based on what YOU THINK IS CORRECT but what THE AUTHOR OF THE COMPREHENSION IS ALLUDING. Your opinion is not what is sought but what can be inferred from the passages.

Writing: I must confess, it's only how good your writing skills that are acquired over the years that will save you here. Howbeit, try to understand the topic/discourse first, have an idea of the points you want to elaborate and write in a simple, easy-to-understand language. Keep it simple. Just like writing WAEC English exam.

Speaking: Relax, take the first few seconds to arrange your thoughts and go ahead as if you're gisting with a pal. Avoid slangs.

Most importantly, practise and practise more. Do many mocks on your own. A couple of individuals on this thread have indicated where you may get practice materials. But I still maintain the British Council practice materials are the most effective. Get a pack.

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ferdimako: @Detoun, manmeta & Others
I was just playing with the EOI today,English Language always not in their standard (Listening 5.0, Speaking 6.0, Reading 6.0 and Writing 6.0,GT done in 2010).The English demand is too much! Well if I put 6.5 all through..no complaint.The problem now will be to do IETLS but will Academic version function for PR, but my interest is on getting student visa now.If IELTS academic can be used then, I submit for assessment again with ACS-Australian Computer Society.The ACS doesn't even want or use IELTS to access.I would love to exploit this route again, since I won't be thinking about tuition and begging my brothers.I'm almost done with my B.Sc and I have diploma-all in Computer Science and I have worked for 10 yrs, no kids and wanted Systems Analyst. Everything returned no no!

Ferdimako,

I'm very much interested in your case. I'm rather surprised with your qualifications and work experience that you'd be denied PR.

I'd want to postulate that maybe something went wrong with your documentation. We may have to look into that privately.

I'd advise or better still suggest (since the final decision is yours) that you choose the PR route instead of student visa option since as you rightly pointed out that funding may be a great challenge.

If the PR route is your final decision, I'd strongly advise you try to score high in your IELTS because anything less than 8.0 will only fetch you 10 PR points (out of 60) and 8.0 IELTS points and above, 20 PR points. See the difference which just 2 additional IELTS points can make.

Academic (which is tougher than GT) is not compulsory for PR application. So go for GT. I did GT and had a total of 8.5 in IELTS.

We can look through your other documentation and see how you can package your application to receive maximum points.

We'll take it up from there.

sisifunmi: Please are u starting a thread or we are using this page? I'm actually thinking of moving towards the PR direction.

Please where do I start from especially the skillselect things. I have Bsc, MBA and I'm a chartered Accountant. Heard accountants no longer hot cake in aussie. Is there any hope for me?

Thank you

Sisi funmi,

This link www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/#tab-4
gives you an idea of the no. of professionals in demand in Australia for 2012-2013. As a chartered accountant, you have more than 'hope'.

Accountants are the 3rd highest in demand with 10,440 slots for this year and only 3,200 invitations received so far.

Now I want to be an accountant. lol

Americanvisa: lagos

Since you're in Lagos, I presuppose you registered at the British Council office in Lagos. You should have got the practice pack there. I'd advise if you can, go get a pack there. It'd really aid your prep. Simple, easy to use and there are many practice examples there.

I gave mine to someone too who'd be sitting soon for his.

All the best.

Americanvisa: any one with IELTS test materials should kindly forward it to me pls,i have exam on the 9th and that is exactly what is delaying my visa application now

You'd also have picked up a practice bundle (booklet and CD) at any British Council office. I think it's like 3k or 4k.

All the best

sisifunmi: I actually wrote ACademics thinking I would enter aussie thru student visa. Will I have to write another Ielts for the immigration?
Please let me know so I know what to do.

No you don't need to write another for Visa Application. As a matter if fact, Academic is considered to be tougher than General Training.

My assessing body was ok with GT and the visa application also accepted GT.

But know that your IELTS scores will determine what points you may claim.

sisifunmi: Oh tnx. My occupation is listed and I know the assement body. I will give you more info after the release of my IELTS.

Sisi funmi: You've sorted yourself sorted out very well, I must confess. And you said you need help? No Ma!

If you're awaiting your IELTS result then, I'll suggest you begin to get all other docs your assessing body will require so it'll just be your IELTS that'd be outstanding. Mine was intense. I wrote a comprehensive report on my work experience among other things. Begin to notarise docs you may need for assessment.

I'll advise you scan your notarized docs before you send them off to your assessing body as you may need them for the application proper which would be online. So you won't have to pay for nolarisation twice unless you'd get someone who'd do it for you pro bono........

ferdimako: You guys should create the thread or should I?

Because it may be difficult to get veterans like Jenny, zioni, Dr. juli and others to juggle between threads, I think we should maintain this thread and make it a cocktail of Australia migration issues.

Any contrary opinion is welcome.

manmeta: Sisi Funmi,

If you desire to go thro the Skilled Migration Route, the first step to take to know if you have hope (or not) as an accountant is to check SOL (Skilled Occupation List). Once your discipline is listed you're eligible. If I may, I doubt if there is any developed society where accountants are not needed. True, they may not be 'hot' as other professionals but who needs to be 'hot' when you can be 'cool'. lol.

I can assure you that with your mentioned qualifications, you're good to go.

First step before applying, go do IELTS. You'll need it for your qualification assessment and the migration application proper.

Second: Get your transcripts for both 1st and 2nd degrees. Collate whatever docs and credentials you have garnered in your training including birth certs and what not.

Third: Find out the body necessary to assess your qualifications and work experience in Australia and the docs they need from you. I'm an Engineer. Hence, my assessing body is Engineers Australia.

To be contd....

My assessment is based on the fact that you're an independent skilled migrant. that is, you're sponsoring yourself. No state/region or family member is nominating you.

You'll also have to check your eligibility scores first.

Details when I'm less busy. it's tiresome typing all these on a mobile phone.

sisifunmi: Please are u starting a thread or we are using this page? I'm actually thinking of moving towards the PR direction.

Please where do I start from especially the skillselect things. I have Bsc, MBA and I'm a chartered Accountant. Heard accountants no longer hot cake in aussie. Is there any hope for me?

Thank you

Sisi Funmi,

If you desire to go thro the Skilled Migration Route, the first step to take to know if you have hope (or not) as an accountant is to check SOL (Skilled Occupation List). Once your discipline is listed you're eligible. If I may, I doubt if there is any developed society where accountants are not needed. True, they may not be 'hot' as other professionals but who needs to be 'hot' when you can be 'cool'. lol.

I can assure you that with your mentioned qualifications, you're good to go.

First step before applying, go do IELTS. You'll need it for your qualification assessment and the migration application proper.

Second: Get your transcripts for both 1st and 2nd degrees. Collate whatever docs and credentials you have garnered in your training including birth certs and what not.

Third: Find out the body necessary to assess your qualifications and work experience in Australia and the docs they need from you. I'm an Engineer. Hence, my assessing body is Engineers Australia.

To be contd....

detoun82: I agree with Manmeta about assisting those who are thinking of sending in an SMP application - the process could be lengthy, rigorous and anxiety ridden. I think every little information counts and shared knowledge is what could make the difference between a grant or a rejected application, especially in light of the introduction of SkillSelect where over claiming on points could easily jeopardize your application ($3060 is not easy o)!!!! Having said that, these things are also on a case by case basis and could sometimes depend on the case officer or on an applicant's history and ability to provide the right info/documents. For me, it took less than three weeks after case officer allocation for the CO to grant me my PR and he didn't even ask for medicals but that could be because i had medicals done last year for 485 visa. Any which ways, i was over the roof and ecstatic when it came through and give God all the praise

Regarding the student visa application, I'd be happy to chip in my two cents when i can even though i applied for that 6 years back but still have an idea of the process involved. Jenny and some forum members seem to have that neatly covered though - You should seriously consider setting up an agency!!

Thanks Detoun. Mine was also came through quicker than I expected. As a matter of fact, because I wasn't expecting it come through so quickly I had set some projects rolling in Nigeria. When I got the PR, it happily 'disrupted' my ongoing schedules. I have to abort some and readjust. That's why since Sept. 2012 I was granted PR, I would not be leaving with my family until March next month to allow time to 'tidy' things up since I wasn't expecting a quick successful grant.

The point I'd like to underscore which I think Detoun would also agree with is the fact if you get your background sorted out first, the wait for your PR would not be longer than how a sweet candy disappears in the mouth. Don't jump into the process until you FULLY understand all requirements. Get your paperwork ready and you simply dispatch when requested. I could give a flowchart of the process.

However, I must say that irrespective of the info you'd be given here, the responsibility is still all yours, as I've been contacted by individuals who wanted me to do all the search, inquiries and browsing for them. I even did private mails with one who after all my efforts asked if the airfare was part of the application fee. Hence, I'll support no personal email things. Whatever should be discussed must done here except there's a need for private emails.

Nonetheless, I believe any serious-minded migrant would find help here. Reading this thread and similar ones may be a good way to start after perusing the immigration website ni o!

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Dear all,

It's quite impressive how individuals are helping with sorting out issues for prospective students going to Australia.

Some of us would like to help others who are considering/applying for the skilled migration programme. It'd be a jumble-mumble maze applying for the migration programme but it's easy and some of us who have been successful would like to help prospective migrants. However, it seems the crux here has to do with student visa applications only.

Maybe Justwise could look into this.

Just willing to lend a helping hand in our diminutive capacity.

My 2 cents.

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detoun82: Thanks manmeta !! So I'm all clear and won't need to stress about sending my passport to SA? Wonderful! Where in Oz will u be going and when are u going? I'm really thinking of going with south african airways cos it's much closer and only 8hrs away from SA (to land in Perth). Anyways, all the best and I'm certain you'll love Australia!

Yeah you're right. No need to send passport to S.A.. I'm going to Sydney, however through the middle east route. Enjoy!

detoun82: Also, with this new visa label thing, do i need to request for a visa label as i only have an electronic grant. Dunno if Naija immigration will give me issues with it when going out of the country.

Hi Detoun,

I'm just coming from the immigration office at Muritala Mohamed International Airport in Lagos. They said it's ok to exit Nigeria with the electronic visa. So good to go.

detoun82: Also, with this new visa label thing, do i need to request for a visa label as i only have an electronic grant. Dunno if Naija immigration will give me issues with it when going out of the country.

I don't think you need it. I'd be traveling to Australia in a couple of weeks. I've written the consular office in Abuja and visa office in Pretoria and I was replied I don't need visa label.

jennykadry: Good you are coming in as a PR. Yes please grind the fish to powder form.

What kind of advise are you looking for? Please make sure when you arrive you apply for Medicare card. Your own case is easy, you are a PR already.

Please watch your friends and choose them wisely. This country has so many opportunities, please grab the, when you arrive.

Thanks Ma. About the advice, none for now. Just thinking you'd have
some from your experience. 'Think I've done enough background work for
now. If I really need help, I'll get in touch.

Thanks so much.

PS: Without any intention to flatter, I must confess you are doing a
great job here with the way you're helping individuals demystify fuzzy
migration palava, pro bono. This is what some migration agents collect
'heavy' money for without even solving their clients' problems. Well done
Ma.

jennykadry: Good you are coming in as a PR. Yes please grind the fish to powder form.

What kind of advise are you looking for? Please make sure when you arrive you apply for Medicare card. Your own case is easy, you are a PR already.

Please watch your friends and choose them wisely. This country has so many opportunities, please grab the, when you arrive.

Thanks Ma. About the advice, none for now. Just thinking you'd have some from your experience. 'Think I've done enough background work for now. If I really need help, I'll get in touch.

Thanks so much.

PS: Without any intention to flatter, I must confess you are doing a great job here with the way you're helping individuals demystify fuzzy migration palava, pro bono. This is what some migration agents collect 'heavy' money for without even solving their clients' problems. Well done Ma.

@jennykadry:

Hi Jenny. I'm the guy that inquired about the kind of foodstuffs to bring into Australia on the other thread. You said I'd catch up with you here.

Thanks for your usual elaborate response. I've forwarded same to my wife. To be clear, should we grind the fish as well or they could be brought in dried pieces (I mean hell-dried. lol)?

My PR visa is 175 (Independent Migrant Visa) which is also 189 under SkillSelect. I'll be coming over with my family next month. We'll be arriving and staying in Sydney until there is a need to change.

I've tried as much as possible to perfect my migration plans without having to be a bother to other people - but you never know. A word of advice wouldn't be out of place particularly from grandmasters like you.

Hence, I'd appreciate if you'd drop me a line or two at manmeta1@yahoo.com

Thanks and God bless you really good.

jennykadry: Come with the following and make sure you grind them to powder form: egusi, Ogbono, dried fish , cray fish, pepper soup ingredients, poundo, infact everything's you can get as long as they are declared and grinded.

Please do not forget to chatter knorr. Last November We bought a carton of knorr

Where in Australia are you coming to? Are you on 189 visa? also if you need me urgently, you will find me on this thread https://www.nairaland.com/1032530/general-australian-student-visa-enquiries/18

I am always there, I hardly visit this thread.

Ps please darling, make sure you declare all your food stuff, they have never ceased any of my food stuff here cos we all declare everything.

At last you replied. Pheeew! lol. I'll catch up with you on the thread abovementioned. Thanks, Auntie Jenny.

fendorf: @manmeta...thanks for the quick response.my wife is the primary applicant,please like how much did you spend on the process and how much do we need to have in our account?fendorf2003@yahoo.com

I have sent you an email.

However, I'd stress the need again to first of all read through the
immigration web pages. That'd help a lot and make you streamline and
ask the most pertinent questions.

All the best.