Moving to Oz: Family Sponsored or Skilled Migrant? How to decide?

[OJulius]

Hi littlekoalabear, I didn't apply under state sponsored, but independent (non-sponsored) application, which would be the 4th priority, because my skill is included in Critical Skills List. I should have though, because doing so would bump me up to 2nd priority. At the time of application, I wasn't sure where I wanted to go and I didn't want to limit myself to any particular state.

Now I have fixed my eyes on Perth, WA. I'm from Indo, and Perth is so close to Jakarta. Flights are affordable and frequent. My documents are complete, hoping DIAC will issue my PR ASAP. I just visited Perth a couple of weeks ago, and I fell in love with the city.

PhillipaW, I heard from a friend of mine that Aussie employers do not count overseas experiences when hiring.. so anybody with overseas experience, would have to sort of start from zero there. Is it true? Or was it probably more like a single occurrence that happened to an unlucky guy?

CactusJack, good luck on your application! The rules got tougher, but I think for a skilled worker like yourself, with degree from the States, it would be pretty easy to get a PR.

[OJulius]

CactusJack,

re: MARA agents,

I used an agent, not sure if they are MARA though. Personally, I think I could have done it myself, like you said, with some good reading and due diligence. I ended up reading all the requirements anyways with great diligence, even after I hired an agent for A$3000. It is a pretty simple process for anybody who is attentive to details, I think.

Like I said previously, the most difficult part was getting your skills assessed and approved by an authorized body. It would be most difficult if you don't qualify under either Washington Accord (unis in US, etc. - developed countries pretty much) or Sydney Accord (unis in commonwealth countries pretty much). Without those Accords, you will have to go through CDR (Competency Demonstration Report) to prove your skills by providing evidences, writing an essay, etc. This is where an agent can add some value, because they know how to "massage" the information to best meet the requirements.

Fortunately, US unis are generally included in Washington Accord. In your case, it would be a simple one like mine, I think. Plus, you're an American, an English speaking country. I'm Indonesian. I had to take an English test (IELTS). I think you are exempt.

After you have your skills approved, then the rest of the process would be just submitting documents, like your birth certificate, marriage certificate, health check, police records, etc.

The rules have changed a little since January, and I haven't really followed up on the changes. Perhaps with some good reading and due diligence on your part, you will be able to figure out the changes.

Or you can pay me $3000, and I'll be your agent... just kidding

[OJulius]

CactusJack,

re: MARA agents,

I used an agent, not sure if they are MARA though. Personally, I think I could have done it myself, like you said, with some good reading and due diligence. I ended up reading all the requirements anyways with great diligence, even after I hired an agent for A$3000. It is a pretty simple process for anybody who is attentive to details, I think.

Like I said previously, the most difficult part was getting your skills assessed and approved by an authorized body. It would be most difficult if you don't qualify under either Washington Accord (unis in US, etc. - developed countries pretty much) or Sydney Accord (unis in commonwealth countries pretty much). Without those Accords, you will have to go through CDR (Competency Demonstration Report) to prove your skills by providing evidences, writing an essay, etc. This is where an agent can add some value, because they know how to "massage" the information to best meet the requirements.

Fortunately, US unis are generally included in Washington Accord. In your case, it would be a simple one like mine, I think. Plus, you're an American, an English speaking country. I'm Indonesian. I had to take an English test (IELTS). I think you are exempt.

After you have your skills approved, then the rest of the process would be just submitting documents, like your birth certificate, marriage certificate, health check, police records, etc.

The rules have changed a little since January, and I haven't really followed up on the changes. Perhaps with some good reading and due diligence on your part, you will be able to figure out the changes.

Or you can pay me $3000, and I'll be your agent... just kidding

[CactusJack]

Yes, I am leaning towards getting a MARA agent, as there are always those issues that arise, and am sure they can help for someone like me who doesn't know the ropes yet. Speaking of that, if I was headed for Sydney, can anyone recommend a crack agent or two? I am sure the people on the board know at least a few good ones, or better, the bad ones to avoid!