Anyone offer some hope

[meandmyfamily]

Can anyone offer advice on my rather difficult situation.
My family and I (wife 4 kids) want to move to Oz. I have qualifications and many years experience as an electronic test engineer which is on the modl and 4 year MOD apprenticeship/ONC in electronics etc.
Im 40 and reckon I would get enough points. BUT BIG PROBLEM - 9 years ago I decided on a career change and became a self employed photographer (no formal quals). I have friends in Melbourne (they are self employed, small 2 man outfit) who have offered me a job doing the same as I do here in photography. I thought I would get in on my electronics quals but of course Ive only just realised that I fall down on the "1 year out of the last 2" work experience in the electronics field. Up until November last year i was doing contract work for a local company in the electronics field (to supplement our income) but it was only 8-16 hours per week (fail min 20 hours per week requirement) on 200 hour contracts (4 in all). My wife has an uncle in Australia if that helps.
Were gutted that the life we want with a perfect job is waiting but cant get a visa. We havent even tried yet but can anyone offer a glimmer of hope in any avenue?
Many thanks

[Dolly]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum.

I strongly suggest you ring an agent and get their advice. They'll be able to advise you on your best approach. Not having a formal qualification in photograpy may not be the stumbling block you think. Agents usually give the first consultation free, without obligation, and I'd phone at least 2. There are 2 agents who post on here (Alan Collett and Liana Allen), also we used George Lombard, who was absolutely fantastic.

It's good that you have an uncle already in Australia as that opens up your visa options, but you do still need to pass the skills assessment.

Let us know how you get on. Any other questions, just ask, there's always someone who can help.

Dolly

[meandmyfamily]

Hi Dolly
Thanks for the support.I will give Alan/Liana a call tomorrow and see. Meanwhile I will go to sleep with my fingers crossed!!
Thanks