emigrating to OZ

[sweetas]

before I contact an agent I wondered if anyone knew if you had to have both a job on the skilled occupation list and relevant qualification or if work experience alone is enough?

I am not an expert in this field but I have done a lot of research and I would imagine that while you do not have to be in a position when you apply that it would make your case stronger if you were. But ultimately as long as you have about 3 years (depending on your case) experience working in your field and have qualifications to back it up (ie a degree) it would be worth your applying.

It is incredibly difficult to get a skilled visa though (despite them saying they are more lenient) and I would research thoroughly before paying for an agent. www.immi.gov.au (I think thats the url) is a good place to start. There are free assessments online which tell you are chances of getting in before you get in touch with an agent, it might be worth you doing that.

Good luck!

sweetas - check out www.britishexpats.com there are lots of people trying to get to Aus on there one way or another.

Am sure someone will be able to offer advice to you.

sweetas - there was a piece on gmtv this morning about emigrating down under. Here is a link to their website

www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=25125

Depending on occupation - if you have no qualifications but 6-9 years experience and can get employer references etc you might be ok. It didnt work that way for us. We go on 16th May - my hubby is going to study bricklaying for 2 years and then we can apply for permanent then.

Hayleyhew, can I ask, can you both work whilst your husband is studying? I have friends this might be relevant for, lots of experience but no qualifications. Thx