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Sunday, October 28, 2007

A-Z Immigration guide for International Students and Professionals

Please see the post below for latest on Australian immigration.

http://immigrate-to-australia.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/expression-of-interest-eoi.html

The information below might be incorrect our outdated

_________________________________________

Since I have been receiving large volumes of email requesting me to explain in detail about how to migrate to Australia, I will try to answer this not-easy-to-answer question over here.

You can migrate to Australia by following different path ways.

One such path way is by coming to Australia as an international student and then applying for Permanent Residency, PR.

The point to note while applying for PR is that you have to gain certain number of points. If you can score the required points, you get PR. If not then you have to do some thing else to get extra points to be eligible for PR.

How much points you have to score? That depends on the type of immigration you are applying for. For a complete list of different categories of immigration, please check this post.

Once you have determined which category you have to apply through, you look up the required score for your category. For example, these days, the score required for International students is 120. For a complete list of scores for different categories, check this post.

Once you have determined what the required score is, you go about calculating whether you can score that much points or not.

So this is a brief over view of how to immigrate to Australia.

1. Chose your category.
2. Check the score for that category.
3. See if you can score that many points or not.


Now there are two ways to immigrate. On shore and offshore immigration. I have explained both of them in the post mentioned above. You can visit it here.

I will first explain the process of immigrating for those people who want to immigrate to Australia as international students.

Immigrate to Australia as an International Student

The reason most people are interested in coming to Australia as an international student is because later on they want to apply for PR and get settled down in Australia. If you are one of them then read what I have written below.

If you want to apply for PR after completing your post graduate degree, you need a great deal of planning. You need to have the precise knowledge of how many points you will get once you finish your degree and whether you can then apply for PR with that number of points or not. If not, then what is the way to make up for those points. Make sure you know ever thing before you come to Australia. It would be of no use if you complete your only to know that you are short of 5 points. You will be left high and dry in the middle of no where and your whole two years of emotional, physical, financial and academic investment would be ruined.


Ok enough of advices. Time to get down to the basics.

Step 1.

If you want to immigrate to Australia, you need to have some thing which Australia needs. A particular type of Skill which is in demand in Australia.

How can you tell if the skills you have are in demand or not?

You can check that from the Skilled Occupation List SOL, or the Most on Demand List, MODL.

There is no difference between SOL and MODL except that certain professions on SOL are in high demand and therefore placed on MODL. If you have skills of an occupation listed on MODL, you will claim bonus points for that.


What if my profession is not on SOL?

If your profession is not on SOL, you will score less points then those whose occupations are listed on SOL. So all you have to do is to get those extra points from other alternative means to cover up for your occupation not being in SOL.

Check this post to see how to get extra bonus points.

What next?

The next step is to apply for an admission in an Australian university for a post graduate degree which is closely related to the profession of your choice. I will deal with undergraduate degrees later on.

This profession of choice would be the same as the one you have chosen on SOL. Please note that the word "closely related" is very technical in nature and you should be completely sure that your degree IS actually closely related to your choice of profession.

You are also supposed to be enrolled in a course which is a valid CRICOS course. If you enrol in a course which is not a valid CRICOS course, you are not eligible for PR.

Two Years study

Also you should remember, that to be fulfil the prerequisites of PR, you should have studied in Australia for two years. What does that mean? Check this post. Understanding the two year rule is very necessary.

The bottom line is that before you apply for PR, you should have studied in degrees, diplomas or trade certificates for a total official period of 92 weeks.

If your degree was of 52 weeks but you completed it in 92 weeks, it will still be considered as 52 weeks NOT 92 weeks. Check the post for more details.

You can complete these 92 weeks by studying one degree or by studying multiple degrees, diplomas or trade certificates.

Ok I have finished my degree now what?

Congrats! Apply for PR! What else? But it would be wise to consult a lawyer before you do that just to make sure if things are in the right order or not.

This was a brief primer to immigration to Australia for International students.

I will discuss immigration for other professionals who dont want to spend money in over post graduate education and want to apply for offshore immigration. Visit this post for updated information.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

82 comments:

Nikhil said...

hi,

very inforative post again.. im sorry if i sound naive,but i have a basic doubt..

The MODL stuff stating "occupations"-how does someone like me(with no work exp) check tht????? i did my 4 year BE UG degree specialising in Computer Science and my Masters will be a Masters in CS/IT.. there are quite a few "computer engineer" occupations.. So how will i know as to which sub category i belong to or will be assessed upon?

Also, i think tht one needs 120 points for PR.. can u pls specify the splitup for those points?

Thanks,
Nikhil

Junaid Noor said...

You are a fresh graduate from a university in India/Pakistan and you want to get PR.

You have two ways to get PR.

Option 1:

I. Come to Australia as an International student by enrolling in a degree related to a profession on the skills shortages list and follow what I have explained in the post.

Option 2:

II. Get 4 years of experience in your country in a profession on the skills shortage list and then apply for PR.

Answering your exact question.

"there are quite a few "computer engineer" occupations.. So how will i know as to which sub category i belong to or will be assessed upon?"

There is also a profession listed in the SOL which says

Computing Professionals (nec) 2231-79 Y 60 ACS Y.

So if you are not sure which computing category you fall into, you can simply chose the (nec) one.

nec stands for "not elsewhere classified".

Most people with no experience chose this classification upon completing postgraduate degrees from Australian universities.

I will be providing the points break up very soon.

Keep visiting the blog.

Anonymous said...

I found your blog by accident, and your Post and comments are very very helpful for us. Could you advise me on some confused issues? We have obtained an offered from Bond University for the Master of Accounting with scholarship(1 year 4 months full time, 4 semesters, 12 units, but registered length only 78 weeks). Could we achieve PR after we graduate? If 78 weeks cann't satisfy 92 weeks requirement, what we can do to make up? Appreciate your help greatly!

Junaid Noor said...

*******

We have obtained an offered from Bond University for the Master of Accounting with scholarship(1 year 4 months full time, 4 semesters, 12 units, but registered length only 78 weeks).******

4 semester is normally 2 years. Double check if it is 4 semesters. 1.5 yrs degrees are normally of 3 semester with 12 subjects. So I think you are making a mistake. Your degree is not of 4 semesters but of three semesters.

*****Could we achieve PR after we graduate? If 78 weeks cann't satisfy 92 weeks requirement, what we can do to make up? Appreciate your help greatly!*****

No, since the duration is 78 weeks and not 92 weeks. You cannot be eligible to apply for PR.

Please read my post regarding the two year rule on my blog

http://study-n-australia.blogspot.com

*******

Junaid Noor said...

Contiued....

To make up for the remaining time, you will have to enrol in another diploma/degree/trade certificate which is closely related to your previous degree as well as the choice of your profession on the SOL /MODL.

Bob said...

Hi Junaid,

I find your blog very appropriate & hope you can provide me the answer which I am not ale to find any where in www.

Is my spouse on Dependent Visa (I studying on Student Visa)eligible to apply for PR with in Australia if she
qualifies for PR based on her previous Work exp ,age, IELTS,
Education.

Junaid Noor said...

@Bobby

********Is my spouse on Dependent Visa (I studying on Student Visa)eligible to apply for PR with in Australia if she
qualifies for PR based on her previous Work exp ,age, IELTS,
Education.********

1. You are on a student visa studying a degree which is closely related to a profession listed on the SOL/MODL.

2. Your spouse has accompanied you as a dependant while you are studying on a student visa in Australia.

3. Your spouse is skilled in a profession which is listed on the SOL/MODL.


If the above information is correct then you have the following options for applying for Permanent residency:


1. You apply as the primary applicant for an onshore skilled migration visa like 885 and include your spouse as the secondary applicant. You can claim bonus points for the skills of your spouse if you can get your spouse to be assessed by the relevant assessing body and his/her skills are given a positive skills assessment from the assessing body.


2. Your spouse applies for an offshore application for skilled migration as the primary applicant and include you as the secondary applicant. However, that requires that your spouse has been working in the profession listed on the SOL/MODL for the past 12 months in the previous 24 months immediately before the application was lodged.


Hope this helps.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Anonymous said...

hi
i found your website by accident, but i am curious if you have any advice for me. i am an indian passport holder, international student and have been studying in australia for 5 years. do years in australia count for points? my degree is only 50 points, and now i have only 110 points. i am looking for alternative ways to get more points, but cannot seem to find any answers. are you able to help?

Junaid Noor said...

@^^

hi
i found your website by accident, but i am curious if you have any advice for me. i am an indian passport holder, international student and have been studying in australia for 5 years. do years in australia count for points? my degree is only 50 points, and now i have only 110 points. i am looking for alternative ways to get more points, but cannot seem to find any answers. are you able to help?

*********************

Q1. During those 5 yrs, have you completed any degree?

Q2. What is your degree?

Q3. What is the CRICOS code of your degree?

Q4. Which uni did you do this course from and which campus?

Q3. After your degree, what profession would you chose on the SOL/MODL?

Answer the questions and I will let you know how many points you will score.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Anonymous said...

hi junaid its really a great pleasure to meet u here.its really good on ur part that u are helping people here .I have got a question for u if u can help me with that i am here in australia from last 3 years i have did my diploma in hospitality management. I have applied for permanent residency after completing my diploma but one thing i could not able to give is mine ielts its really difficult thing for me because i am unable to achieve band in writing part else everything is good . my application is under process and they have asked me to give the ielts test. requirement for ielts is 5 bands in each module i can score good bands in others module but except writing
so can u please suggest me anything what should i do to cover my points because i need 120 else everything is fine except that ielts
looking forward for ur reply
thx

Junaid Noor said...

@@^^

hi junaid its really a great pleasure to meet u here.its really good on ur part that u are helping people here .I have got a question for u if u can help me with that i am here in australia from last 3 years i have did my diploma in hospitality management. I have applied for permanent residency after completing my diploma but one thing i could not able to give is mine ielts its really difficult thing for me because i am unable to achieve band in writing part else everything is good . my application is under process and they have asked me to give the ielts test. requirement for ielts is 5 bands in each module i can score good bands in others module but except writing
so can u please suggest me anything what should i do to cover my points because i need 120 else everything is fine except that ielts
looking forward for ur reply
thx


*************************

What is the profession you have chosen on SOL/MODL?

Depending upon what profession you have chosen, you might need at least 6 OR 5 band in all modules.

If you have chosen a profession other then a trades profession on the SOL/MODL, then you need to have at least 6 band in all modules of IELTS.

If you have chosen a trade profession then you need to have at least 5 band in all modules of IELTS.

If you cannot achieve the above scores, then you will not be able to apply for PR and your application will be rejected.

What you should have done is that you should have applied for graduate skilled visa along with your the application for PR, . Graduate skilled visa would have allowed you to work in your profession and you could have worked in your field and gained points for that and applied for PR after 18 months of working in your profession.

If you have not done that, then you are in trouble because you cannot apply for graduate skilled visa now as the requirement for graduate skilled temporary visa is that you must have met the eligibility requirement in the six (6) months immediately before the date of making your application.

So if it is now 6 months since you have completed your degree, then I am not sure what can be done.

The only way is to get a better score in IELTS.

I would suggest contacting a reputable lawyer who can help you out.

Let me know if you want me to put you in contact with my lawyer.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Anonymous said...

hi thx alot for ur information
u can give me ur lawe deatils and iwill contact him/ her
thx

Junaid Noor said...

@^^

*************

hi thx alot for ur information
u can give me ur lawe deatils and iwill contact him/ her
thx



*****************

Send me an email at sjunaidn@gmail.com

and I will pass on his details to you.

Kind Regards

Junaid

RAMNIK said...

Hi. I am ramnik here, i have applied for SIR VISA IN APRIL. CAN I KNOW WHICH MONTH OF VISA GRANT IS CURRENTLY GOIN ON!!!

Junaid Noor said...

@Ramnik

************

I dont work at the DIAC so I am unable to answer your question.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Anonymous said...

Hello Junaid,
I read your blog and I have to say you did a good job. Your posts are very imformative.
Sorry to bother you, but I have some questions for you.
I am currently studying Associate Degree in Applied Science (Information Technology) course at RMIT, CRICOS code 055530G, with 104 weeks duration. Which I assumed, according to your posts I read, I am eligble to apply for PR. Did my assumption wrong? I hope it is not.
I plan to further my study to get a bachelor degree and I already had an offer from RMIT for that.
My question is, can I apply for PR when I graduate from my assosiate degree, while I am studying for a bachelor degree? Assuming I score 120++ for the point test.
Thank you very much for your respond.

Jack

Junaid Noor said...

@^^^

******************************

Hello Junaid,
I read your blog and I have to say you did a good job. Your posts are very imformative.
Sorry to bother you, but I have some questions for you.
I am currently studying Associate Degree in Applied Science (Information Technology) course at RMIT, CRICOS code 055530G, with 104 weeks duration. Which I assumed, according to your posts I read, I am eligble to apply for PR. Did my assumption wrong? I hope it is not.
I plan to further my study to get a bachelor degree and I already had an offer from RMIT for that.
My question is, can I apply for PR when I graduate from my assosiate degree, while I am studying for a bachelor degree? Assuming I score 120++ for the point test.
Thank you very much for your respond.


**************************

Yes, if your degree is of 104 weeks then you will have fulfilled the TWO YEAR requirement.

However, there are other things which matter while filing for PR like your selected profession being on SOL, the points which your degree can fetch you etc etc.


Kind Regards

Junaid

SpiD said...

Hi,

Thanx..your posts are really informative. Pls clarify this if possible...

The Skills assesment (ACS) application form has a Column named "MODL Nomination (Please refer to the list published by DIMIA) www.immi.gov.au"....Now under this column can we state proffession under SOL... For example lets say, I'm a computing Tester and I work under the cat 2231-79 (nec) - Computing tester. But MODL does not have this listed. Therefore can I mention a SOL cat under this column.... I'm a bit confused coz if it said "SOL/MODL" then fine...but it Only says MODL.....pls advice

Junaid Noor said...

@Dee

********************

Hi,

Thanx..your posts are really informative. Pls clarify this if possible...

The Skills assesment (ACS) application form has a Column named "MODL Nomination (Please refer to the list published by DIMIA) www.immi.gov.au"....Now under this column can we state proffession under SOL... For example lets say, I'm a computing Tester and I work under the cat 2231-79 (nec) - Computing tester. But MODL does not have this listed. Therefore can I mention a SOL cat under this column.... I'm a bit confused coz if it said "SOL/MODL" then fine...but it Only says MODL.....pls advice


********************

@Dee

No, you cannot claim points for a profession on MODL if it is only listed on the SOL.

The profession 2231-79 Not Else Where Classified (nec), is not listed on the MODL.

The computing professions listed on MODL are

Computing Professional - specialising in CISSP * 2231-79

Computing Professional - specialising in C++/C#/C * 2231-79

Computing Professional - specialising in Data Warehousing 2231-79

Computing Professional - specialising in Java * 2231-79

Computing Professional - specialising in J2EE * 2231-79

Computing Professional - Linux 2231-79

Computing Professional - .Net technologies 2231-79

Computing Professional - specialising in Network Security/Firewall/Internet Security * 2231-79


To be able to claim points for MODL you need to show work experience in the specialized fields mentioned in the MODL.

However, you can only claim points for SOL.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Kashikar said...

is there any way to get the visa process fast. i am a 475 subclass SIR VISA applicant. one of my freing got his co allocated when he complained abt the delay to immigration minister. do u have any email adress where we can complain

Junaid Noor said...

@Kashikar

*******************

is there any way to get the visa process fast. i am a 475 subclass SIR VISA applicant. one of my freing got his co allocated when he complained abt the delay to immigration minister. do u have any email adress where we can complain


*********************

You can write to the Immigration department's ombudsman and the parliamentary secretary for Immigration.

You can get their details and contacts from the Australian gov's website.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Kashikar said...

THANKYOU FOR UR PROMPT RESPONSE... CAN U GIVE ME THE HYPERLINK TO Immigration department's ombudsman and the parliamentary secretary for Immigration.
1.IF POSSIBLE, PLS GIVE ME BRIEF IDEA OF WHAT TO WRITE TO THEM.... IT WOULD BE VERY KIND OF U.
2.I have used an agent to process my visa... so would all correspondence be done with him?? if that is the case then should i tell my agent to write to them on my behalf?
THANK YOU SIR

Kashikar said...

WOULD A FEEDBACK ON THIS LINK "http://feedback.immi.gov.au/prod/feedback.htm" HELP TO MAKE MY VISA PROCESS FAST. BECAUSE THE FRIEND OF MINE USED THE SAME TO WRITE TO THEM AND THEY IMMIDEATELY ALLOCATED CO TO HIM AND HE GOT HIS VISA WITHING TWO DAYS OF CO ALLOCATION... PLS REPLY...

Junaid Noor said...

@Kashikar

Please do not write in capital letters as it is considered rude and ill mannered.

You should provide the following information

1. The date you lodged the application

2. Time since the application has been lodged.

3. That you have not received any response from the department.

Write in proper English and not use write in caps lock unless language grammar requires you to do so.

If you used an agent to whom you paid lots of money, then you should ask your agent to follow it up for you.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Junaid Noor said...

Yes, use the link you have mentioned.

Kind Regards

Maa S said...

Hi,

Could you please clarify the doubt I m having regarding the points for ASCO 2231-79.
I was categorized under ASCO 2231-79 by ACS after the assessment for skill migration.

According to 1121i.pdf it’s a 60 mark category.
Computing Professionals – (nec) 2231-79 Y 60 ACS Y


According to 1119.pdf in the Points for Skill section there are marks ranging from 40-60.
Am I eligible to get 60 marks from the above mentioned skill?

Thanks,
Maa

Junaid Noor said...

@Maa

If you have selected 2231-79 as the profession of your choice on SOL, and you have been able to obtain a positive skills assessment for the profession, then you can claim 60 points for the profession as mentioned on the SOL form 1121i.

I was unable to find the form 1119.pdf

Can you please point me to the URL of the pdf form?

Kind Regards

Junaid

Maa S said...

Thanks a lot for the information. You can find the pdf in the following link.

http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/1119.pdf

Junaid Noor said...

@Maniesha

Yes you can claim 60 points for the profession 2231-79 (provided you have worked in the profession for at least one yr and you have a positive skills assessment from ACS.)

Kind Regards

Junaid

Unknown said...

Great Job ..
I have few queries ..

1.How long it takes to process?
2.Will i have to give a test in my occupation which is found in both SOL and MODL?
3.Is General IELTS acceptable?
4.Should i submit application online or through any consultant..which one u would recommend..
5. And what is the estimated take home salary of a software engineer in a year and monthly expense...

Thanx in advance..

Junaid Noor said...

@Moj

1.How long it takes to process?

Process what?

2.Will i have to give a test in my occupation which is found in both SOL and MODL?

Normally you would need to obtain a positive skills assessment from the respective assessing body. Tests are not involved.

3.Is General IELTS acceptable?

Yes General IELTS is acceptable to the immigration department.

4.Should i submit application online or through any consultant..which one u would recommend..


Check my post related to hiring migration agents and its benefits.


5. And what is the estimated take home salary of a software engineer in a year and monthly expense...

That depends upon skills and abilities however, you can check seek.com.au to see how much software engineers earn.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Ram S said...

Hi, Junaid.
I got your blog from one of my freind. I need your help. I have applied my visa in march 2008 for subclass 475. when i am currently checking my progress it has an additional line saying "application being processed further". can you tell me what does this mean. does this mean that a case officer is alloted to my case? how much time does it generally takes to visa being grated after a case officer is alloted. I have also front loaded all the documents and also given my pcc and medicals. awaiting for your positive reply

Junaid Noor said...

@Ram S

There is no fix time for a case officer being allocated. It all depends upon the work load and number of visa applications in the queue.

The status of your application as reported by you doesn't mean that a case officer has been allocated. When a case officer is allocated, you will be contacted by him through email most probably.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Anonymous said...

dear junaid,
thanks for your kind advice.
well i just left a message to the immig dept through the feed back form and stated my query to look into my application as it is almost 6 months now...

just hopin a reply soon now

thanks again
do u think i shud wait for thier reply regarding my feed back???
becoz i havent written to ombudsman as yet!!!


let me know alrite!!

regards
aakash

Junaid Noor said...

@Akash

Wait for the reply.

RAMNIK said...

Hello Junaid. Its quite a time had a chat with you. I had applied my visa application in march 2008. I am an Internal auditor. I receive state sponsorship from south australia for the same.I have applied for 475 subclass visa now as my case is in priority processing due to recent changes i want to ask you the following:
1)One of my friend who is an april applicant already got his visa.he too was a 475 subclass visa apllicant. why is such a case tht i being a march applicant have not yet being assigned a case officer yet?
2) My SA State sponsorship was rejeted first and they advised me to reapply, i reapplied and they gave me the state sponsoship. will the initial rejection of my state sponsorship affect my visa grant?
3)After a case officer is alloted how much time does he normally take if all my documents are perfect( i have already submitted my medicals and pcc to them)

Junaid Noor said...

@Ramnik

1)One of my friend who is an april applicant already got his visa.he too was a 475 subclass visa apllicant. why is such a case tht i being a march applicant have not yet being assigned a case officer yet?

The decision to grant visas is dependent upon case to case.

Just because your application was lodged earlier doesn't mean you will also get the visa earlier.


2) My SA State sponsorship was rejeted first and they advised me to reapply, i reapplied and they gave me the state sponsoship. will the initial rejection of my state sponsorship affect my visa grant?


I am unable to comment on why your visa is taking longer to be granted.

There can be many reasons.

That is why I recommend hiring lawyers so that if such problems arise, a lawyer can handle it.


3)After a case officer is alloted how much time does he normally take if all my documents are perfect( i have already submitted my medicals and pcc to them)

As I said, there is no time frame.


Kind Regards

Junaid

RAMNIK said...

If unfortunately my visa gets rejected, they can i request for a review of my visa application? If yes,
then:
1) Do I have to pay the Visa fees once again?
2) Do I have to gain State Sponsorship once again?
3) How much time a visa review takes?
4) What if my occupation in which i had applied the earlier visa(which got rejected) gets delisted from the SOL list, can i still apply on the occupation.

Junaid Noor said...

@Ramnik

If unfortunately my visa gets rejected, they can i request for a review of my visa application? If yes,

Check this

http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/review.htm

Not all applications are eligible for review. I am not hundred percent sure but offshore applications are not reviewable. If the case officer rejects then its rejected. But I am not sure.

From the web site, it says that the case officer will inform you if the decision he made can be challenged in Migration Review Tribunal, MRT or not.


1) Do I have to pay the Visa fees once again?

If the decision is reviewable, then yes you have to pay the fee for MRT court which is refunded in case you win the case.

2) Do I have to gain State Sponsorship once again?

Even if your application is rejected, you do not have to gain STNI again.

3) How much time a visa review takes?

Check the website of MRT

www.mrt-rrt.gov.au/


4) What if my occupation in which i had applied the earlier visa(which got rejected) gets delisted from the SOL list, can i still apply on the occupation.

Bad Luck.

If your visa application gets rejected, and you apply again but the profession gets removed from the list, then you have to find another profession, obtain positive skills assessment for it and do the whole process again.

Kind Regards

Junaid

RAMNIK said...

Hello Junaid,
Thanks for the quick reply boss.
1)If i call aspc every now and then to ask my visa status can it affect my visa application? I have called them only once till now?
2) Is it necessary that the online application status changes once a case officer is appointed. I mean does in doc checklist all the doc which are highnlighted as required changes to met if co is satified by all doc.
3) Is there any sign of "case officer assigned" on the online visa application checking.

Thanks,

Junaid Noor said...

@Ramnik

1)If i call aspc every now and then to ask my visa status can it affect my visa application? I have called them only once till now?

You can certainly call them ever now and then but

1. It is not going to make a difference and things will take their own time.

2. Sending online inquiries is much better then hassling on the phone.

No it doesn't affect the outcome of your visa application but sure does annoy the department.


2) Is it necessary that the online application status changes once a case officer is appointed. I mean does in doc checklist all the doc which are highnlighted as required changes to met if co is satified by all doc.

Normally the case officer contacts you when he opens the case.

When all requirements are met, the status changes to some thing like "Requirements MET" OR "Fulfilled".


3) Is there any sign of "case officer assigned" on the online visa application checking.

I am not sure but I think the case officer contacts you when he opens the case.

Kind Regards

Junaid

RAMNIK said...

Boss,
1)There is a line added in my online application status updated on 22/12/2008 saying that application being processed further. What does it mean? does it mean tht a co has opened my file or else?
2) Looking at the dept decision to allot co's by 13th feb, is it possible? If unfortunately i dont have a co till then, so wht should I do in this regards?

Junaid Noor said...

@Ramnik

1. Well that may mean many things. Application has moved in queue. The documents have started being processed etc.

Looking at the dept decision to allot co's by 13th feb, is it possible?

Well sure it is. Whether the happens or not has to be seen.

As I said there is no time frame for when an application will be processed.

You have lodged application in last 6 months so you are still fairly new applicant.

The average processing time is any where between 10 to 16 months.


If unfortunately i dont have a co till then, so wht should I do in this regards?

Well there is nothing that can be done. If you dont have a CO assigned even after 10 months then it would be advisable to hire the services of a MARA qualified agent.

This is some thing I tell every one that even if every thing is straight forward, pay extra and seek services of an agent as an agent can take the department to court over negligence and failing to process application on time.

But people save money and ultimately they end up in trouble.

If you dont have a CO assigned even after 10 months then contact a MARA agent.

Let me know if you want out services.


Kind Regards

Junaid

RAMNIK said...

My friend,
I have lodged my application in march 2008 and its already 11 months. You are mistaken tht i have applied in last 6 months.
1) If a case officer is alloted, is there any time frame defined tht the co must finalise the case within that time frame

Junaid Noor said...

@Ramnik

My friend,
I have lodged my application in march 2008 and its already 11 months. You are mistaken tht i have applied in last 6 months.
1) If a case officer is alloted, is there any time frame defined tht the co must finalise the case within that time frame



If it has been 11 months then contact the department and ask if a case officer has been allocated to you or not and ask what is the status of your application.

No there are no time frames for any thing.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Maa S said...

Hi

I was assessed by ACS and they have categorized me under Computing Professionals (nec) 2231-79 Y 60 ACS Y.

How ever My IELTS average band score is 6.5 and I haven’t got above 6 for all the band bands.

Speaking 7.5
Writing 7
Reading 5
Listening 6.5

I don’t have anyone to sponsor. Therefore Will I be able to apply for Skill Migration?
What’s the process to follow in order to apply for Regional Employment without a sponsor? Will I be able to apply with that IELTS score?

My educational qualifications are

B.Sc (Hons) in Information System degree form Manchester Metropolitan University UK. It’s a four year degree.


Appreciate if u could answer my questions.

Thanks a lot,
Nim

Junaid Noor said...

@Nim

Unfortunately, you need to score at least 6 in all modules of IELTS to be eligible for applying for immigration as a professional.

The IELTS requirement is lower for trade professions like plumber, cook etc.

Kind Regards

Junaid

RAMNIK said...

Hi, Junaid
1)I have got my case officer on 4th feb. he asked for a copy of my passport. It was immediately sent. He hasnt still taken decision oln my case why is that so? Can i do anything to faster the process because my medicals will be expiring on 23rd march and pcc on 4th april.
2)My online application status document checklist still shows required in all feilds and the date is the date when i had applied. It has still not updated even after co is alloted and he has asked only for passport copy. does it means that he is satified with other documents?

Junaid Noor said...

@Ramnik

He hasnt still taken decision oln my case why is that so?

I dont know.

Its his prerogative to give you a visa or reject it. Simply wait.

Can i do anything to faster the process because my medicals will be expiring on 23rd march and pcc on 4th april.


You wont be asked to send PCC or medicals if you have already submitted them.

My online application status document checklist still shows required in all feilds and the date is the date when i had applied. It has still not updated even after co is alloted and he has asked only for passport copy. does it means that he is satified with other documents?


Check with him.

Best thing is to be patient and listen to what he says. He has to do lots of checks before he grants you a visa. So dont be impatient.

Kind Regards

Junaid

RAMNIK said...

Hello Junaid,
Thanks for your help
I need to ask you the following:
1)The Case Officer has asked only one document to submit, does that mean he is satified with the other documents?
2) Can i know who is my case officer by calling at aspc. because my agent has the email of the co and i cant get the info abt my co.
3)Would it be right to email the co to know what is the status of my application because i have already submitted the required documents to him/her 10 days back
4)Is there anything I can do to make my application decision move fast?
Thanks for your support as ever

Regards,

Junaid Noor said...

@Ramnik

1)The Case Officer has asked only one document to submit, does that mean he is satified with the other documents?

That is some thing only he can tell. Ask your case officer.


2) Can i know who is my case officer by calling at aspc. because my agent has the email of the co and i cant get the info abt my co.

If you have hired an agent, then ask all these questions from him. He knows the answers to all your questions.


3)Would it be right to email the co to know what is the status of my application because i have already submitted the required documents to him/her 10 days back

If you have hired an agent, go through your agent.

Your agent should have given you the name of your CO.

4)Is there anything I can do to make my application decision move fast?

Just follow the process.

Kind Regards

Junaid

The Wanderer™ said...

Hi Junaid..I kindly request you to help me out with the dilemma I am in at the moment! :)

In January 2006, I joined the Dubai campus of University of Wollongong as a part time student while working there. I finished 3 subjects (18 credit points) of the Masters in International Business (MIB) course from the Dubai campus and then transferred the course to the University of Wollongong in Australia as a full time student in February 2007. In Wollongong, I went on to complete 5 more subjects of the same MIB program. CRICOS duration for this course is 52 weeks. When this course was completed, I articulated the MIB course into an MBA and was asked to do 6 more subjects (or 36 more credit points). CRICOS duration for this course is 78 weeks. To summarize, I have done a total of 11 subjects (66 credit points) in Australia.

Due to the nature of my study, I am not sure if I meet the 92 weeks requirement or not though I have been studying for 4 sessions over 2years now. Can you please clarify this?

Secondly, I am willing to do a 6 month diploma to make up for it..and I have found a 6 month diploma..problem is that on the institute website, they have said 20 weeks is the duration whereas on CRICOS website the duration for same course is 26 weeks! I think I will need somewhere around 22 more weeks of study to satisfy the requirement. In such a case, what do I do? If I do the course how can I guarantee that the CRICOS code wont change later on?!

Thanks a ton!!

Junaid Noor said...

@The Wanderer

I finished 3 subjects (18 credit points) of the Masters in International Business (MIB) course from the Dubai campus and then transferred the course to the University of Wollongong in Australia as a full time student in February 2007

Any study that was done outside Australia will not be counted towards the 2 yrs rule.


In Wollongong, I went on to complete 5 more subjects of the same MIB program. CRICOS duration for this course is 52 weeks.

So out of the 8 subjects you were supposed to study, you only studied 5 in Australia.

So the total time you studied in Australia for the MIB is 32.5 weeks. (52 X 5) / 8

Which means that you need to study another (92 - 32.5 weeks) 59.5 weeks to fulfill the two yr requirement.



Now you moved on to another course of MBA which is 78 weeks. You got exemptions on the basis of your previous MIB.

So instead of doing 14 subjects, you had to only do 6 subjects as you had already studied 8 subjects. 3 in Dubai and 5 in Wollongong. Right?

So you studied a total of 5 + 6 subjects in Australia out of 14 subjects.

So the total time you studied in Australia is

(78 X 11)/ 14 = 61.28 weeks.

So you have only studied for 61.28 weeks in Australia.

You need to study another 30.72 weeks in Australia to fulfill the two yr study requirement.


So right now you are not fulfilling the two yr requirement.


Check my post related to two yr rule over here

http://study-n-australia.blogspot.com/search/label/Two%20year%20Rule


Also I wondering if you are aware what profession you will select on the SOL after completing your MBA?

Are you aware that you can only nominate a profession on the SOL in which you have studied for two yrs?

There are certain management professions on the SOL but they require assessment from Australian Institute of Management, AIM.

I think you will find it difficult to nominate a profession on the SOL after doing an MBA.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Unknown said...

Hi junaid,

I have just launched my application offshore 176 eligible relative sponsor.I have accumulated the required points with Skill assessment, age, ielts and work experience.The problem is i have left the job and now intend to go to australia for furthur studies.Does filing offshore and being in australia while processing affect my case.I havent been allocated a CO till now.

Junaid Noor said...

@Ali

Does filing offshore and being in australia while processing affect my case.I havent been allocated a CO till now.

No, it will not.

You will be judged by the conditions as they were on the date you lodged your application.

Any thing that happens after that doesnt matter.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Anonymous said...

hi junaid,

a bit about myself. i actually got my master degree in australia in july 2008, but since the study is less than two years study so i cannot apply onshore.

now i'm outside australia, and aware that i can only apply offshore thru Subclass 175 (Skilled – Independent (Migrant) Visa).

i have more than 10 years experience in IT but the problem is, for the 12 months in last 24 months, i was studying full time and after that i don't have a permanent job (as in this economic condition it's very tough to get a permanent one).

so what do you think? am i still eligible to apply considering my experience in IT is not "recent"?

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/175/eligibility-work-experience-study.htm
"Recent work experience requirement.
To meet the recent work experience requirement, you must demonstrate that you have been employed:
- for at least 12 of the 24 months immediately before lodging your visa application."

any opinion or suggestion is appreciated.

thanks,
hidayat

Junaid Noor said...

@Hidayat

Well you could have applied for offshore visa right when you landed in Australia as you already had 4 plus yrs of experience required by ACS.

Any way, can you tell me what you have been doing in the past 24 months.

So starting from 3rd of March 2007, please tell what you have been doing?

The requirements clearly say



o meet the recent work experience requirement, you must demonstrate that you have been employed:

* in an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
* for at least 20 hours a week
* in a paid position
* for at least 12 of the 24 months immediately before lodging your visa application.


Can you at least find a part time job which is 20 hours per week?



Kind Regards

Junaid

Anonymous said...

hi junaid,
thx for your reply.

> So starting from 3rd of March 2007, please tell what you have been doing?

my master course started on mid of Feb 2007 and supposed to be finished by end of 2007 (1 year course). but i have one subject (internship) that is postponed to the next semester, in 2008. so i completed the course in july 2008.

few months before finishing my study i worked part time in a US IT MNC as an engineer from April to August. but in September 2008 I had to go back to my country due to both my parent were sick. I'm the only son so I have to look after them (closely) until they both recovered (i've been there in my country looking after them for about four months). during that time i was also trying to find a job in IT but couldn't find the suitable one.

after making sure that i can leave my parents and find someone that i can trust to look after them, i moved back to singapore in january. just fyi, i lived in singapore since 2000, only break for a while for my full time study in australia (ie Feb 2007-Jul 2008).

in this economic condition with so many retrenchment, so far i still have no permanent job yet. i do have part time job now but less than 4 hours per week (on call basis, as a technical support).



> Can you at least find a part time job which is 20 hours per week?

say i can get a part time job which has minimum 20 hrs/week by end of this month (march), so how soon can I eligibly apply the Australia PR? do I need to wait for another 12 months?

kindly please advise which/what are my good options/ways in applying/getting the Australia PR.

thanks in advance,

Junaid Noor said...

@^^

You can apply for PR as soon as

1. On the date of lodging the application, you have been employed in your nominated profession for 20 hours per week in the past 12 months out of the last 24 months.

Depending upon when you can achieve this pre-requisite, you can then apply for PR.

You will also need to apply for skills assessment before you can lodge your application.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Anonymous said...

hi junaid,

it's me again:)

first, say i want to continue my study (to fulfill the 2 years study requirement), do i have to take the similar or related subject? I took Master in IT. so, do i have to take IT related subject? Can I take other subject that is not related to IT (ie. business, automotive, hospitality, etc)?

secondly, since my previous course is master degree, for the second course, can I take diploma, TAFE or anything below master degree level?

thank you.

Junaid Noor said...

@Hidayat

Can I take other subject that is not related to IT (ie. business, automotive, hospitality, etc)?

If you are going to nominate a profession on the SOL which is IT related, then you MUST study in a course which is closely related to your master's degree and closely related to the nominated IT profession on the SOL as well.

secondly, since my previous course is master degree, for the second course, can I take diploma, TAFE or anything below master degree level?

No, your previous degree was a masters degree, so your next diploma should also be at a post graduate level.

TAFE diplomas or under graduate diplomas will create trouble for you.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Anonymous said...

Hi Junaid,

I have applied for Subclass 475 through a regional sponsor. Once I am granted visa, will my daughter's be considered as international students and pay international student fee or as locals ? Also if they are to be considered as international student, is there any way or route I can adapt to enroll them as local ? They would be going for their post 10+ 2 education there.

Appreciate your advise.

Regards,

Sush

Junaid Noor said...

@^^

Yes they will be considered international students but they have the flexibility to study part time.

Most international students on 573 visas must study full time which makes paying tuition fees very difficult.

So your kids can study part time, work and contribute towards paying tuition fees.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Anonymous said...

Hi Junaid,

i want to know what is the ielts score required for migration under 2231-79(ICT Lecturer) of the ASCO Code.

Junaid Noor said...

@^^

I am unable to find the profession 2231-79(ICT Lecturer).

However I do find 2231-79 as a Computing Professional NEC.

Which profession are you talking about?

Any way, the IELTS requirement set by the immigration department for 2231-79 is at least 6 in each module of IELTS in an academic or general IELTS test.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Maa S said...

I m a computing tester and got the skill assessment under 2231-79 (nec) - Computing tester Please let me know the IELTS score I need for skill migration without a sponsor?

Junaid Noor said...

@Maa S

You need a minimum of 6 in all modules of IELTS exam to be considered eligible for migration.


You may need to score more to get bonus points.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Maa S said...

My skills have been assessed by ACS and the assessment is valid only for a period of one year. Further they have sent me a request to get ACS membership by paying some dollars.

Currently I m not in a position to process PR due to unavoidable circumstances. If I m a member of ACS, in order to go for general skill migration after 1 year, do I have to resend my documents to ACS to get it assessed for the 2nd time, as the ACS assessment would be expired by then.

Junaid Noor said...

@Maa S

If I m a member of ACS, in order to go for general skill migration after 1 year, do I have to resend my documents to ACS to get it assessed for the 2nd time, as the ACS assessment would be expired by then.


Having an assessment for a particular profession is different then having membership of ACS.

An ACS membership has no influence over your assessment for a particular profession.

So the answer is NO. If your assessment expires, you will need to lodge another application for assessment.

Kind Regards

Junaid

RAMNIK said...

Hello,
I have already got co on 4thfeb 09, submitted all documents. I have called diac this morning and when i asked about my case, they said that on 17th march case officer has requested further information from external agencies. Kindly tell me what does this means? Does this mean that a job verification is underway?

Junaid Noor said...

@Ramnik

Not just job verification. Verification of all documents submitted and all information provided.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Anonymous said...

Hi

How Much work experience needed to claim points for MODL?

Thanks

Anonymous said...

is it 12 months or 4 years?

Junaid Noor said...

For claiming points of MODL you need to have at least one year of work experience in the past 4 yrs immediately before you lodge the application.

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/885/eligibility-offer.htm


Kind Regards

Junaid

Anonymous said...

Hi Junaid,

I have a question I would be grateful if you can answer my query.

Is group C in ACS only for recent IT graduates from Australia?

I thought as long as you have IT degree from Australian institution, you are eligible under group C regardless when you graduate.

Few people are saying so in forums but I can't get such info out of ACS.

Thanks a lot.

AI

Junaid Noor said...

@AI

Is group C in ACS only for recent IT graduates from Australia?

From the ACS guidelines I can see that group C is only applicable to Australian graduates. Read the following



Applicants are assessed in this group when the Application for Skills Assessment submitted to the ACS indicates that the applicant is seeking recent work experience exemption under the DIAC provisions currently in place for applicants who meet the Australian study requirement.


I thought as long as you have IT degree from Australian institution, you are eligible under group C regardless when you graduate.

Yes, correct from ACS point of view.

However, if you apply for immigration after 6 months of graduation from an Australian uni, the immigration department will not consider your onshore application. For offshore applications, its ok.

Hope this helps.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Navdeep said...

hello Junaid

This is navdeep From india . I want to know whether universities or colleges in australia accept students who have study gap. As i have a study gap of 6 years and i dont have work experience to cover that, so will the uni/college and the immigration deptt. will accept me as a student and can i get admission ?
Plz answer as i searched for canada they dont accept gap without work experience ?

Junaid Noor said...

@Navdeep

No, it is not a criteria for most Australian universities.

They do not check study gaps.

Kind Regards

Junaid

Navdeep said...

Hello Junaid ,
Read your blog and i am very impressed with the way you deal with queries . You are saving lot of students from going the wrong way and its a kind and noble work although i know you are a businessmen but with a social cause too.I have one more query as i went through some other froum and there people were discussing that if one do 2 years diploma from Tafe he would not be eligible for Permanent residency.I have a doubt regarding this as i read in your blog that one need to have 2 years 92 weeks classes to qualify for two year rule but you haven't mentioned tafe or anything else particularly. SO Please help me about this .

Warm Regards,
Navdeep

Junaid Noor said...

@Navdeep

What course are you planning to do?

Your course must be closely related to the profession you will nominate on the SOL.

What profession will you nominate on the SOL after you finish your studies?

These are the questions you should be asking yourself.

Anonymous said...

Hello
I have a just found according to new SOL, i have my occupation in the sol 2 list i am worried as i cannot get TR 485 now. i am studying food science. can you help me out ? i know i must get regional sponsorship but wats the process ? i don have any exxperience in food science field.. i am a fresh graduate. thanks

Junaid Noor said...

@^^

I am not sure what you mean by your Skill is on SOL 2 List?

If your occupation is on the SOL and you have studied for 2 years in a degree closely related to the occupation you want to nominate on the SOL, then you can apply for the 485 visa.

Kind Regards

Junaid