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Comment by DEBORAH JAYNE FRADLEY on January 27, 2010 at 1:29pm

Isnt it a small world, we went to Colundra last summer as part of out trip as we have friends who live near Townsville. We hired a camper and did a tour from Melbourne upwards to Noosa. Fantastic area isnt it. The houses are fabulous and the beaches. We went through the glass house mountains and the view was amazing. We are hoping to settle somewhere near to our friends but probably will go again within the next 12 months for another look. Have you been many times? I also liked Byron Bay put perhaps its a little too far south. Living here you forget just how vast the country is over there and how much the variation is. Just like you we intend to rent first before buying. Did you explore the option of trying to get a job before you go? I was wondered how difficult this is?
Debbie

Comment by wayne on January 27, 2010 at 11:15am

We are hopefully going to settle in the Sunshine Coast in Caloundra if possible we loved an area called Pelican Waters which was a relatively new development but some of the houses were out of our price range. It all depends on the job front I suppose but we will start out renting in that area and see how it goes. Where were you thinking of going? Nicola

Comment by DEBORAH JAYNE FRADLEY on January 26, 2010 at 7:07pm

Hi Nicola,
Thanks for that, where abouts in Queensland are you heading to?
Debbie

Comment by wayne on January 26, 2010 at 4:45pm

Hi Debbie no the AQFIII is different to the VETASSESS we had to go to the TRA after my hubbie got his AQF qualification as they are the skills assessors for his job. He didnt need to pass a practical exam as the AQF is basically saying you are qualified to Auzzie standard. My husband didnt have any college or uni qualifications for his Wall & Floor Tiling which was why he had to do the AQF qualification. We havent had any experience with VETASSESS so I cant comment really how long they take but the TRA and AIM (for management qualifications) both came back with the all clear on the skills assessment within 2 weeks so hopefully they all work on the same timescales. We are hopefully going to be off to Queensland we spent 3 weeks in the Sunshine Coast last year and it was wonderful. You actually feel like you are a 'real person' with 'real' children - Everything is family orientated and people are very friendly! Good Luck with everything and I hope everything runs smoothly for you. Nicola

Comment by DEBORAH JAYNE FRADLEY on January 26, 2010 at 9:47am

Hi Nicola,
Thanks for the info, is the AQFIII the same as the exam for Vetassess which is what Trev is taking in June. We are also a little concerned as he turns 45 in September and i know this is the final age for this type of application. Where abouts in Oz are you going to?
Debbie

Comment by wayne on January 25, 2010 at 9:21pm

Hi we have just applied for a 175 Skilled Visa my husband being a Wall & Floor Tiler so his job is on the Critical Skills List. He had to obtain an AQFIII qualification through Trade Train who were very efficient and professional at what they do. He applied to them at the end of February 2009 and all certificates were issued and obtained by the end of May (this only being delayed for a few weeks as we were in Oz on a rekkie trip). With these qualifications we could then apply to the TRA for the skills assessment which came through within 2 weeks after they received all of the documentation. We lodged our visa application online on the 18th August 2009 and have recently had our medicals done on 15th January this year after being requested by our case officer we are just awaiting the police checks so we can scan them over. Then comes the waiting game to get the thumbs up!! From applying for the actual visa to requesting medicals it has only been 3 months as they asked for them at the beginning of December we just decided to get it done after Christmas. We are a family of 4 (2 children age 4 and 7) and now cant wait to start our new life - just feel apprehensive as everyone probably does. I wish you all the best with your application and hope it all goes smoothly for you. We didnt use an agent and did all the hard work ourselves wanted to save the pennies but I certainly understand anyone who uses an agent as it is a minefield and it takes a while to get your head around it all.
Thanks Nicola