Very useful information on this site so thank you to everyone who's contributing.
My husband and I would like to apply for skilled migration to Australia and will apply based on his occupation. His trade is listed as in demand (the MODL) and he scores 135, with 5 more for me and I think some more points if he's got a job offer.
I have a couple of questions:
(a) if we start an application for a subclass 175 independent migration visa and he secures a job offer and sponsorship from an Australian employer, can we convert the application to a subclass 176 visa part way through ? If sponsored, I think we can cut out the skills assessment and so on and it seems to fast track the application even further than having an MODL occupation. OR do we stick with original visa application and let it run ?
A 175 application seems to be taking quite a while so I don't want to delay but should we delay until we secure sponsorship ??
(b) have been in touch with migration agents to assess costs and benefits of using an agent. They seem to be pretty pricey and, being a little neurotic, I've already got a folder with information down to the closest panel doctor for medical assessment, applications for penal certificates etc and document checklists. Apart from giving you timetables, proof reading applications etc, what does an agent add to the application ? My living, sadly, comes with lots of form filling and organisation but I know that DIAC will just throw out an inaccurate or unclear application without refund, they don't have time to question/clarify. Any views?
Thanks so much in anticipation !!!
Cheers
Vanessa