Immigration

We have just taken the preliminary steps in our bid to immigrate to Australia (other than selling all our possessions in Canada and moving here).  Just yesterday, we took action on two areas crucial to getting a permanent residency (PR) in Australia.

First, I submitted an applications to Engineers Australia (EA) to recognize my Canadian Engineering degree.  I need EA to provide me with a written assessment recognizing my qualifications to be equivalent to an Australian Electronics Engineering degree.

Second, I registered for an IELTS test, which is a test of English language proficiency.  I need to write this test in order to get additional points towards my application.

In order to be considered for a PR visa in Australia, you need to get 120 points on their points test.  With one year of Australian working experience, Engineering degree, high scores on the IELTS test and some points for being under 45 years of age, I have just enough points to apply for permanent residency.

I have to submit our application before I turn 35, because when I turn 35 I lose 5 points for age, and then I don't have enough points to apply for the PR visa.  We have a small window of about one month where I have one year of working experience in Australia (which gives me additional points) and where I am under 35.  All our efforts are now focused on getting everything ready for applying for the PR visa in November!