Visa application process

Our application process took almost 2.5 years to complete.

I applied for skill migration visa and my job skill is on the skilled migration list.

First thing that I got to do was verify my skillset with Australian Computer Society (ACS) and it took almost 2 months to be verified and certified.
I had to submit all information/achievements that I did previously in my job, list down all the experiences to add points for certification.

Once the job is certified, you will need to sit for English language test (IELTS) and get at least 7 points for passing the English for migration.

After that, it will be forms after forms to fill in, I had used Adobe form filler to fill in the form and then print it out and sign on it. It will be easier to type than writing on pages and pages of application forms.

Not forgetting that there are pages of certificates to be certified by authorized persons, they can be Justice of Peace (JP), Doctors, Pharmacists, CPA, lawyers and the list can be found at Australia Immigration website.
Well, I went to JP to certify most of the certificates and documents, I can give him a token of appreciation. If you go to a lawyer to certify all the documents, the cost could run up to thousand of dollars as ONE signature costs $40! So, better to get your children to study law and they can earn alot alot of $$$$!

So, after all the forms had been submitted, it is a waiting game, no news, just wait for response/reply from the migration agent or the immigration. We waited for about 1.5 year for next phase which is to go for health check and police clearance. When you are told to get these done, it means 90% that you get the approval on the visa. Congratulations!

We then went to police HQ at Cantonment Road to get the police clearance and health check by clinics that are authorized by the Australian Immigration Department. You don't have to worry about the health check report as the clinic (approved by the Australian Immi. Dept) will send the result to Australia Immigration Department electronically. All done seamlessly and easy!

I would say, so far this kick start process is easy but you got to have patient and endurance. Patient is to wait for the outcome and the officer to process your application. Endurance is to endure that form filling process and run around to get your documents certified. If you are really keen on migrating, I believe even if you don't have the characters, you will bite the bullet and get though it!

All the best if you are applying now! =)