Looking for some general advice.

[CyricScott]

I'm 21 years old, and have made a decision that I do indeed wish to live and work in Australia, permanently.

I'm currently living in the US. I've worked in many trades and fields over the past 5 years almost all general labor positions.

I've spent the last two years working in an Aerospace and Defense related field. My job title is "Production Assistant" and I complete a wide variety of tasks on a day to day basis. I have a security clearance in relation to the defense aspects of my job.

I've been looking at Skilled worker options, and I'm not seeing a way to make a relation in what I do, and what is needed in Oz.

I have no formal education aside from Graduating from high school. I've lived in poverty all of my life, and continue to do so. College has yet to be a financially viable option, but if a trade school will significantly better my chances of emigrating, I will gladly do whatever it takes to make that happen.

I've been considering Metalworking and welding trades. I have ongoing interest in these fields since I was a child. I'm wondering what US courses and certifications have meaningful equivalents in Australia.

I'm just looking for advice or perhaps some visa options I may have overlooked in my research.

My goal is to be living and working in Australia within the next two years, but in all honesty, the sooner, the better.

Thank you for your time.
-Cyric

[kaz101]

Hi Cyric,

Have you spoken to any migration agents? Their first consultation is usually free and they will usually tell you whether you or not they think you will get in. The most active agent on the forum is SOMV and there is also Alan Collett (you can contact them through the link in their signatures).

Australia is looking for experience and / or qualifications but what they need now and what they will need in a couple of years may be different....

Regards,
Karen

[CyricScott]

Thank you, I'll try contacting an agent. Out of curiosity does it make a difference whether the agent is located in the US or Australia?

[kaz101]

The contact should be MIA or MARA registered (governing migration agent bodies), but other than that no it shouldn't matter.

If you decided to use an agent it may be worth checking whether it would be cheaper for you to use one in the US or Australia.

[Dolly]

Hi Cyric,

Welcome to the forum.

Yep, your best bet is to ask the advice of an agent. They will tell you what you need to do to be able to qualify for a visa.

Just out of curiosity, do you know which area you want to move to?

Good luck
Dolly

[CyricScott]

I'm looking to live and work in Victoria, preferably about 45 mins an hour outside of melbourne

[interplanetjanet]

I have no formal education aside from Graduating from high school. I've lived in poverty all of my life, and continue to do so. College has yet to be a financially viable option, but if a trade school will significantly better my chances of emigrating, I will gladly do whatever it takes to make that happen.

College IS a financially viable option. It just doesn't seem like it. I was flat broke when I decided to go to college. My boyfriend at the time pushed me into it, and I didn't believe it would financially viable either, but it was. You'll have to accept going into debt, but you can do it. There are plenty of financial aid options available. If your parents are poor too, then you're even in a better position. I had to wait until after I was 24 years old to go back to school, because they wouldn't consider me independent from my parents until then even though I received no money from them. You may even be surprised to discover that there are scholarships (and certainly grants) that you qualify for. Look into it. If you have a particular interest to study and are motivated, college is always a good option.