Want to move but not sure whether we are qualified enough-need some advise

[daffodil]

Hi everyone,
I m from Singapore, husband is a supervisor in oil and gas industry age 40 has about ten years of exp but does not have dip or degree. I 'm a Childcare co-ordinator with a degree in early childhood and a diploma in leadership from an Australian University. I have only about 2 years of leadership exp but 5 years of teaching/caregiving exp. However, I have not been working for the last 2 years since i was pregnant. I 'm 32 years old and we have two young kids
Please advise me on the following:

Do we have enough qualifications to apply for the independent visa?
Are Reginal sponsored and employer sponsored visa the same?
We dont mind living in low population area (cos we dont like busy cities) so do i have better chances with the regional sponsored visa?
Is it better to have an agent? How much will agents charge?
Oh the visa application fee seems to be pretty X are these paid regardless of whether the application is successful or not?

Sorry for the many questions, really hope to get some insight!

Many thanks in advance!

cheers!

[Dolly]

Hi daffodil,

Welcome to the forum.

If you look at the sticky at the top of the forum page "Please read..." you'll find a link to the DIAC website which details the various visas and their requirements. Check to see if your jobs are on the SOL (Skilled Occupation List). I'm not sure whether you would be able to apply as you have to have worked in the nominated occupation for at least the last 12 months.

I always advise getting the advice of a migration agent before you start out. The first consultation fee is usually free, without obligation. It can be quite expensive but we thought it was worth every penny.

Re application fees, yes they are paid whether you pass or not.

If you have any other questions, don't hestiate to ask. There will always be someone on here who will be able to help.

Dolly

[daffodil]

Thanks for the reply, Yes my occupation is the first one on the list but my husband's is not there. I have also found out that i have to send my credentials to the department of early childhood for recognition first.

Anyone here who have managed to get thru without the last 12 months of work exp?

Any agents here from singapore?

[kaz101]

Hi Daffodil,

I doubt that the immigration dept would budge on the last 12 months experience since they only allow skilled workers in, however that is something you could ask a migration agent.

You don't actually need an agent that is based in Singapore and several members used agents that are based in Australia. If you definitely want an agent based in Singapore the Migration Agents organisations in the "Please read..." post to see if there are registered agents in Singapore.

Regards,
Karen

[clairer]

there are migration companies about on the net who will give you a free consultation over the phone they will tell you there and then weather they can get you in!! give them a call!!

[kaz101]

Originally Posted by clairer

there are migration companies about on the net who will give you a free consultation over the phone they will tell you there and then weather they can get you in!! give them a call!!

But always try more than one agent since we were turned down by 2 agents before we found the third who could get us in.

Regards,
Karen

[daffodil]

Thanks everyone,
I have decided to go back to work first and then apply next year. Meanwhile keep me posted if there's any other options.

thanks again.