The Emigration Group

[KatandRob]

Hello,

Having visted OZ (East Coast) early 2007 we've finally made the decision that Oz is where we want to be..(as I'm sure lots of people have before us!). We're thinking of using The Emigration Group in order to submit our application for a skilled visa, does anyone have any knowledge on whether this is a ruputable agency to use?

We've taken the points test and would hope to emigrate on Robs skill as a Spray painter/vehicle painter. As we are not married but have been together 5 years, would I be able to work on the back of Robs visa?(if he was successful of course).

Also, we didn't get chance to visit Melbourne or Perth can anyone advise on the pros/cons of these places? We are planning on starting a family in the next couple of years so want somewhere family friendly but somewhere we can both work - Rob as a vehicle/spray painter and me in marketing.

Any advice would be much appreciated,
Thanks

Kat :-)

[kaz101]

Hi Kat,

The first 2 agents I spoke to said we wouldn't get in. The third agent said yes if we did this.. this and this. That was the Emigration Group. I have no doubt that we would not be here if it wasn't for them. They weren't cheap but they got us in and held our hands every step of the way. They are also MARA qualified through one of their team.

Our visa was a skilled independent visa (this was a few years ago so thing may have changed) and my husband was first applicant with me second applicant. When the visa is approved it was approved for both of us, so both of us could work here. If you are on the same application I assume it will be the same for you but your agent can advise you on that.

I haven't lived in Melbourne or Perth but I have visited them on holiday. I found Perth to be a little isolated on that side so I'd need to fly anywhere I wanted to get to, and the weather is hot. It was too hot for me. Melbourne is very multicultural, warmer weather than the UK but still has all the seasons (sometimes in one day so I'm told ), and it's closer to the populated areas in the East.

If you check the helpful websites post at the top of the forum that has some job website links so you can see where there are vacancies for you both.

Regards,
Karen

[KatandRob]

Hi Karen,
Thanks very much, we spent hrs yesterday completing the forms, but you've given me a bit more confidence to hand over the cheque!!!
How long did the process take for you, I've heard reports of it taking 5 - 24 months! Making it quite hard to plan, do you the The Emigration Group can give a good timescale estimate?

Thanks for the info on your 1st thread, we checked out the job sites and NSW and VIc seem our best locations but need to look into it a little bit further first,
Thanks again

Kat

[kaz101]

Hi Kat,

I think it took us close to 24 months since we went for the skilled independent visa and my husband had to assessed by the trade body and I think the Australian Computer Society had something to do with me (I was already a British Computer Society member so that wasn't an issue).

timeline may be able to give you an idea of current processing times.

It was hard to plan which is why we hardly brought out any furniture, since we hadn't actually spent much money on things like that because we didn't think it was worth it. It took us longer to move because we had businesses to close etc.

Good luck!
Karen

[KatandRob]

Thanks again Karen, really helpful. Managed to get a book yesterday which gives an idea of property prices etc in the various areas and have spent too much time on the web. We're submitted our forms to TEG today...fingers crossed.
Thanks again

Kat

[kaz101]

Thank you for your thank you Kat It's appreciated.

Regards,
Karen