A Singaporean In Australia

Not likely. Some employers has never even heard of the polys in Sing. Remember, some employers are not adventurous enough to find out if the Unis in Sing (NUS and NTU) are of a good repute. Personally, I don't think employers in Oz will have even heard of mdis. (When I was studying in the UK, my professors have never even heard of NUS and NTU! If they in the academic field has never even heard of the 2 Unis, please rate your own chances carefully.)

thanks for the advice

I have been staying in australia for 3 years with 457 visa, how can i apply for permanent resident visa ?
Thanks

You pack up and go back home.

Hi Ellis,

What is the relationship of your next-of-kin of you?

My elder brother. He's been in singapore since June '10... That's around 1.5 years yea..

I think he has like 3.5 years before he needs to go back to "recharge".

Would his position be fine as my sponsor? Or need somebody more "australian"?

He should be able to be a sponsor. If successful, it'll grant you a precious 10 points but you will still be required to hit the minimum 65 points to be qualified.

This may be helpful for you to learn more about sponsorship
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/40.pdf

hmm even though my bro has 1 year to "recharge" and physically in Sg?

Could you give me a rough idea how long did you wait for your visa? From "first contact with your DIAC" to getting your sticker?

Thank you sir!

Hi, any idea if the allocation dates in this website reliable? We applied in July 11 online but still have not been contacted yet the website shows 9 August now...keeping our fingers crossed!
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/estimated-allocation-times.htm

since when?

http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/95documents.htm#b

I think jt misunderstood the requirements. after staying in Oz for 4 years, you will be qualified to apply for citizenship. The 4 years does not need to be in the first 5 years. There are other conditions attached to the 4 years. Check asingaporeanson's link above.

Are you in Oz yet?

oops, i thot i had already posted a reply, anyway, i wanted to say yes, i had the requirements mixed up. however, i would think the end aim would still be to want to achieve citizenship here. yes, E, I am already here in Melbourne :). JT

yup Peck, still have. that's another category of visa.

It's subclass 405

Tks. As they say down under, cheers mate!

may I ask what is EOI? Tks.

EOI is Expression of Interest. In short, they will be following the NZ model.

@Anonymous Feb 12, 2012 09:00 PM

May I know which state you applied for?

I have applied for state sponsorship from WA and they have already approved it, now waiting for DIAC case officer to review my application, did my police check, going for my medical check very soon.
State sponsorship subclass 176 processing is faster than independent subclass 175 due to higher priority given to the state.

How long it takes for 176? If my work experience is irrelevant to my degree, do you think they take into consideration?

Good luck Ray from Spore.

If not mistaken, 176 takes about 3-6 mths and 175 takes about 12-18 mths.

Your work exp must be relevant to your degree, if not cannot consider under GSM.

Thanks s'porean son, hope to join you soon in Perth!

My biggest worry is still jobs. Rental in Perth not very cheap. But 2nd hand car is quite affordable though.

Ray> if you don't mind, there are always menial jobs to tide you over while you find that proper job you want to do. rental should be manageable.

Yes, I dun mind doing casual jobs till I find my perm job.
Which suburbs in Perth would you recom for new migrants from S'pore?
I have no friends nor relatives in Perth but I do have some in east and south states.
I got my degree from Syd many years back but less jobs for my profession now in Syd or even Melb.

@ Anonymous,
Be prepared to look outside your comfort zone. There are plenty of options if you are willing. You may not boom and get rich, but it is very easy to live by.
To answer your questions, suburbs south of the river would be suitable for people who crave for char kway teow. There are a lot more Asian groceries and eateries in the south.
Closer to the river would also means more expensive. If you are willing to live a little farther out, the newer suburbs are very affordable.
Amenities and facilities - no worries, every where is the sane and very self sufficient.
Feel free to contact me if you have further questions,I will be happy to help since I am the "old bird" in Perth. (alvinong54@gmail.com)
Maybe I will start a blog dedicated to helping Newbies from the Red Dot to settle down....HA HA

Thanks Alvin for your old bird advice, haha.. I'm thinking to stay in suburbs of SOR too after doing my research.

Yes, should help new birds from little red dot to settle down in Perth...

Ray

Hi Ray,

May I ask how did you apply for state sponsorship? Did you get a job offer, or just based on working experience?

I am an engineer and have 2 years exp, while my brother just graduated (engineering also) I looked though the WA migration website and our engineering disciplines are listed

Thanks in advance

nel,

from what I know, there is no such thing as a occupation having a higher chance. (That change will only come on 1st July 2012.)

If you have enough points, it's just a waiting game until your application is processed. (I waited nearly 1.5 years.)

cannot la....
i switched because my dip was civil engineering. so i intended to apply via the civl dip + 1-2 years of related civil experience.

back then this combi works because the agent told me so. but he also warned me rules could change before i could accumulate that 1-2 years experience.

it's different now, so READ the current requirements and place yourself properly. if really buay zai, see an agent and hear him out. once u have a clear picture you'll know what to do.

is automotive engineering in the SOL? if so, how about getting a related degree Pt, and return back to the industry to continue the years of exprience?

anson,

Err, I don think studying part time and continuing the years of experience will work. If I remember correctly, the professional bodies that do the certification will only count the experience after you get a degree. All work experience before the degree will be counted towards the diploma work experience. Meaning the applicant will have to apply as a technician. I may be wrong but please check the certification process carefully as a mistake means 3-4 years wasted.

Whoa, seems like this post & topic is very popular. I don think your post has ever seen so many comments. hehe

Dear E, if you are into comments, you've gotta see this post then.
http://asingaporeanson.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/coveted-13th-month-bonus-in-singapore.html

It's important to talk to that migration agent for not-so-straightforward cases. this post is just a guide. It's not all-mighty but it'll help the totally helpless by giving them a small start somewhere.

you'll be surprised how many emails i get asking me 'how to migrate'. that's why i eventually wrote this..

Oh dear..a little disencouraging to hear that. Automotive and IT business anaylst are both in the SOL. So i am wondering if overlap of experience counts. Thanks for the valuable input guys. Will read up and find out more in the meantime.

woah yuan lai u are lao shi

I am not lao shi! Hahah. I'm thinking of getting experience as a teacher because I'm sick of my industry. ~ Joelyn Alexandra

Uncle Phil, you ARE the legend. I still refer to your site as I cook. LOL.
Don't worry about linking my stuffs. I don't copyright them and I don't believe in it. Why no one starts a group in Perth? I always see Sydney folks do get-togethers in a forum i frequent too.

I need your support to promote our new blog "Out of the Little Red Dot" and spread the word to other little red dots( my wife thinks this is a better name to call ourselves) around the world for their support in the voluntary accomodation/hospitality exchange.

I've added the link in blogroll. i hope it helps a bit. i'll learn more about the blog and perhaps write something on it. Red dots? more like swallowed the Red Pill hehehe

It is not the end even though your specialisation is not listed on sol. While planning to work harder to save enough $ to come over to further you studies, you can try to land yourself on a job and get the employer to sponsor a 457. There is a list of openings on www.seek.com.

sorry to burst ur bubble. But when they see that u don have a pr/work rights, they usually won't bother. Most employers are lazy or don understand the process enough to offer the sponsorship.

One area to target could be the mining towns or those close to them. In these areas, the workers are all rushing to work in the mines, leaving the other industries short of staff. (Supermarkets, car serving, bakery even Mcdonalds)

Be warned though, the pay isn't comparable to the mines and the living expenses are very high. (Not to mention crime rates and drinking problems are higher too.) Wouldn't recommend it unless your single or there are no other options.

Most of all, keep an open mind. You may end up in a totally different job that you have experience for, using skills you never thought you have.

Good Luck to all!

If not mistaken, S'pore is not one of the nominated countries for 457 visa.
The most common pathway for S'poreans is either 175 or 176 as they are perm visa.
The other pathway for S'poreans is 475 but it's a temp visa which is not advisable unless no choice.

457 is also a temp visa and there isn't list of nominated countries as far as I know. Once you meet the residency on your job (2 yrs for 856 and 6 mths for 857) and other requirement with the 457, you can get your employer to sponsor you for a 856 or 857 perm visa.

E is rights that most jobs advert will state that applicant must have PR/work rights, but I would encourage anyone who are serious about moving here to just write in and apply. Apply to MNCs or universities, they are more open to employ someone overseas. Their opening will usually meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold – currently $49 330 per annum and some even provides relocation package.

Other than those mining towns, there are also metropolitan cities (Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Darwin) that are considered regional and have priorities in the migration process. These place are good for family. Visa can be obtain via the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. If one go by RSMS, the fast one will obtain a PR status within a year from the day they start work.

DotDownUnder,

Can I ask where in oz are you now?

I am currently in SA.

Singaporeans can apply for 457. I'm on a 457 now. Please get facts right heh.

Don't give up hope, can try for state sponsorship, your occupation might be listed there.

Yes Singaporeans can apply for 457 visa. People might have mistaken work-holiday visa for that which Singaporeans are not entitled to.

Ted,

I'm not sure if NTU degree (pre 2006) is under the Washington accord. I have a colleague who is also from NTU (pre-2006) and he had to do the competency checks.

For NTU & NUS, the competency checks are quite laborious. They consist of a 3000 word report and at least 1 presentation to a expert panel. (Blame the IES for this. They refused mutual recognition.)

But you can approach the eng aust for help. They have a local chapter in Sing.

If you got your degree under a Washington accord uni, there is no competency checks. Just submit your degree and results. Can't remember if the results came back before the 12 weeks.

When the DIAC say submit before 1st Jul 12, it means submit to DIAC before 1st July 12. They don't care how long you take to get your skills certified. (Bare in mind they have to handle all skilled applications, not just engineers)

I would suggest you seriously consider getting some expert advice from some migration agent.
Your time-line does look very tight and any slip-up anywhere means you would miss the cut-off date.

Wow, I didn't know the IELTS is so popular now. Used to be easy to book.

Hopefully these advice are helpful to you.

Where are you planning to go in Oz if you're successful?

Hi E,

It's very useful indeed.
Yup, i would like to see my past agent (tried to enggage them in 2008) again to seek for advice.

I am not in the rush to move, just that i want to have this cleared before i am 40 (max 7yrs from now). I suddenly see it's urgent when i see the 1jul2012 thing. Seems scary. If really i can get the visa early, i'll probably move in 2014 or 2015 once my Flat MOP completed :)

As far as I know, NTU degree before 2006 is not in washington accord (yes, it's becoz of IES). Then I really have to consult agent to get it to details.

As for IELTS, yes. Earliest available is end of march for GT. Maybe there are too many potential migrant like me, hahahaha

Thank you a bunch!

Hi E,

Looks like i missed one of ur q. I plan to head to Perth, or Adelaide. See where got job, hahaha

And OK, will try to contact engineers Oz for clarification.

Hi Ted,
You can give it a try. Anyway just pay A$260 to get your degree and work exp assess by EA. But you need to get employment ref letters from your employers.
Visa application cannot be lodged at DIAC without positive skilled assessment outcome from EA. Prior to that, you have to submit your degree, transcript and employment ref letters to EA without IELTS test results.
I only decided to apply for Aust PR on 08 Nov 2011 and after 2 months of mad rush, I finally lodged my visa application on 18 Jan 2012 due to my age cut-off deadline.
Most of your jobs should be in WA and QLD.
Ray
Ray

Hi Ray,

Thanks a bunch, Bro. I really see hope downthere.

Please don't mind me asking a few qs:
1. Do you engage migration agent? Any recommended one (preferably the one you use, if any, as that agent would have experienced handling this type of case, express)
2.regarding reference letter. As I have been moving from one to another company (8companies i guess- nature of work, project base), which company should i asked for the letter? All? The company I written in CPD? Or...?

Thanks in advance Ray. It was a great help.

Oh, and yes, looks like i am heading to perth rather thab QLD

Mine was an "express" case so have to engage migration agent.
Depending on how many yrs of work exp you have for working in those 8 companies, max you can claim is 15 pts for more than 8 yrs of work exp.
Your work exp must be relevant to your degree in order to claim pts.
Ray

Hi Ray,

I have in total 8yrs as per 2 months ago, all are relevant to my degree.

I think I should consult an agent.

btw, if you don't mind sharing your agent contact to me. if not comfortable in public (here), can help to email me at my address wesmant (at) gmail (dot) com

Thanks a bunch, and have a good week end

Ted,

Just a word of caution. Not all migration agents are familiar with engineers. I've met some who haven't even heard of what CPD is. One agent actually claimed that the CPD is compulsory even for Washington accord unis and the CPD is to detail your work experience.

Based on your timeline, you cannot afford any mistakes. Just choose the agent carefully.

Good Luck in your application!

Hi Anonymous,

Thank you, hope I can make it.

And Yes, I do not have room for mistake at all.
That's why I ask if anyone would be able to share which agent and his/her contacts who can do this express job correctly for my case.

sending direct to my email would greatly be appreciated too.

He was my agent too. I looked for him at his Albert St office (he since moved to Eu Tong Sen I heard) in 2007.

He rejected my application, honest chap. Didn't take my money and he told me how I can get qualified. How interesting to see his name popping up again.

I did mine w James too! Seems like a nice guy. Please say that he is reliable. ;)
If he rejected your application... how did you pull it through? M

Good luck Ted. If u made it and chose to come to Perth, look for me.

Hi Ted, yes, keep us updated. Hope to hear the good news from you soon.
I heard the mining sector is looking for engineers so it may be possible to find good jobs for yourself here in Perth.

Saw many online jobs ads in Perth required local work exp, wonder how to get local jobs if new migrants only have overseas work exp...
Understand that better IELTS results will be faster for new migrants to land a job there.
Ray

dun worry about the job first. settle the visa problem

Current rule need to be fine tuned as DIAC indicated that min IELTS 6.0 is considered as "competent English user" but no pts can be claimed if below min 7.0 for each band.
What about those who can get overall 7.0 but with 6.0 or 6.5 in 1 out of 4 bands? Dun they deserve 5 pts instead of 0 pts since they are also "competent"?
Ray

Hi,

please don't say that I'm shifting singaporeans elsewhere or ICA will brand me as a terrorist very soon.

Congrats on getting your 175 approved. I can see that you went through a very similar emotional roller-coaster ride like i did.

Good luck, if you choose to come to Perth, contact me when it comes

What about those who can get overall 7.0 but with 6.0 or 6.5 in 1 out of 4 bands? Dun they deserve 5 pts instead of 0 pts since they are also "competent"?
Ray

I happened to be under that Category that u mentioned. My IELTS were 7 for all except 6.5 for writing although my occupation was in demand under SOL list. That y ,my application was delayed. As priority processing was given to those with IELTS 7 and above plus those occupation under SOL list. Despite of the fact, I apply earlier than my friend. She got it within a year.

During my time, I still get 10 points but now I will get "ZERO". Whew or Heng ah..... Hence, through the new point system, it just indicate the IMMI OZ 's intention.

As for ASingaporeanSon

Glad to hear that I am not ALONE.

I don't think ICA will brand u as terrorist but Counsellor Quitter (PM GCT famous phrase). Oops so am I junior. Haha

Hmm to be honest, I kinda anticipated stricter requirements that why i was in a hurry to do it in 2007. i kept pushing and pushing my wife and we almost had a quarrel at some stage. glad we pulled through.

the reqs are so hard now. could be worse in time. never wait if you have the intention to apply for you may be disqualified in no time by just doing nothing.

Wish you luck brother. Whatever it is, keep us updated. That chap is trustable. He won't take yr money and apply for u if he is not confident.

All the best, Ted!
Wish me luck too, still waiting for my application to be approved after done with my police and medical checks.
Ray

Just got my 176 visa approved today after less than 1.5 mths! Didn't expect it to be approved in such a short time.
Perth here I come...
Ray

What's your occupation Ray? Must be something in real demand

Yes, in demand now. I am from the sunset industry in S'pore, hopefully not sunset over in Perth, haha...
Ray

how long are you going to be here Ray?

If this is your initial entry and you are planning to make the real move only later, you can skip the TFN and bank account part first, though you can do so if you want. If so, do the medicare accounts for yourselves as well.

You can choose bankwest or anz because of the availability of tellers but it's up to you. Any bank looks safe to me here.

Where to stay and where to go will depend on what you wanna see and do for this trip

Just a few days over the weekend.
Yes, it will be our first initial entry after getting our visa grant.
Heard from my agent that medicare only apply when making the actual move.
I have never been to Perth but had been to Syd, Melb, Canberra, Brisbane and Gold Coast, so I really dun know what to visit and where to stay in Perth. In fact this trip is more for my wife and our 3 young children.
Ray

Mine is Aust uni degree also need to take IELTS to claim points and min IELTS of 6.0 is required for my profession.

Anonymous@15 June 2012 22:43 is right. Having a Aus uni degree means you are accessed to be equal to a IELTS point 5.0. If you want to claim extra points, you need to take the IELTS exam.

Singapore Uni degrees are not accessed to meet competent English language standards. (DIAC requirements, not my views) IELTS exams/test scores is a must.

There are two parts to the PR application. The skills assessments, (by the nominated professional bodies) and the proof of english language competency. (IELTS) There used to be an option to pay an extra $1k-1.5k (not sure of the amount) if you cannot meet any language requirements. They will enroll you in English language lessons when you land in Oz. (That's how many China nationals made it to Oz even though they can't speak even a word of English)

Good Luck in your application.

Ans to 2 : Yes, documents need to be certified as to prove authencity. it is not the colour that matters.

Congrats!
During my time many years ago, international students whom had just completed their uni education had to return to their home country to apply for Aust PR.
My life will definitely change and will not be the same now if there was 885 visa for me to apply then.

It's never too late to start planning for migration.

Though I have missed 885 but I have got 176 also in Feb 2012.
If I have applied earlier, I could have got myself 175.
Anyway, glad that I have got it now since both are PR visa but of course 175 will be better, no restriction.
Correction, should plan and apply early for migration.

Any harm trying to get assessed?
This is probably one of the key steps for skilled migration to AUS.

Aus accounting firms probably sponsor you a visa only after they can prove that they cannot find Aus people to take up the job after much advertising.
Better apply the visa yourself, good luck.

From my IT application experience, I had to first, get rated as a 'positive skills assessment' by the Australian Computer Society, which is their national authority on IT. For accounting, not sure if it's CPA Australia so go check it out on the SOL.

Migration agent fee before 01 Jul 2012 was similar to PR visa application fee.
If your case is not too complicated nor complex or there is an age deadline to meet, you should go for DIY to save cost for your first entry to Aus as a new PR.
Get your skills such as degree and work exp assessed by ICAA first, also you have to do your IELTS academic and score a min 7.0 in each band.
Good luck to you.

If not mistaken he will get into trouble when he returns to SGP if you as a parent did not go thru proper procedure by writing to CMPB before age 13 and by applying for his exit permit at age 13 even if he eventually holds an AUS passport.

SGP born male citizens have been unfortunately discriminated by the enlistment act. 2nd generation SGP PR males regrettably do not have this problem.

The only consolation probably is - you may not have to put up a bond of SGD75k as your son will be leaving SGP before age 13.

yes, you need to pay if you want a physical sticker now.