Hi John, I’m off to New Zealand for a year having been in Oz on working holiday visas for two years. I worked here for a year as a nurse assistant/care orderly, similar to my work in Ireland. I asked my work agency about sponsorship. They said my job wasn’t on the skilled list so I wouldn’t qualify and only if I were to work in a rural area for years would there be a chance and doubtful even then. Should I apply for residency now or when I finish work in NZ next year?  How much does it cost and what are my chances, do I get a refund if I’m not successful, where do I find the skills lists? John H.

Dear John H

Before making any application for permanent residence you should first check the Skilled Occupations list. Find the list online at (www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf)

Your occupation must be on this list to apply for a skilled permanent residence visa.

You then need to be able to meet the point’s eligibility and have recent work experience to apply successfully.

See www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/175/eligibility-applicant.htm

This is a critical calculation so I’d recommend you seek a full assessment of your situation from a Registered Migration Agent before you commit your hard earned dollars on an expensive application. An agent’s assessment will advise on your chances of success and whether or not you should proceed.

Some agents will provide this first assessment free of charge; some will charge a consultation fee.

Find an agent in your area at  www.mara.com.au

The current application fee for a skilled permanent residence visa is $2,525 but allow another $500 for skills assessments. There is no refund for unsuccessful applications.

Dear John, I’m currently in Donegal and trying to locate a company willing to sponsor me. I’m a site manager with 20 years construction experience. Agency jobs advertised all say visa holders only need apply and I can’t seem to get over this hurdle. Are there any companies willing to sponsor people from Ireland? John V.

Dear John V,

There are many companies in Australia willing to sponsor people from Ireland to work here. Agencies tend to be reluctant to put forward candidates without visas due to the visa processing times and the possibility that a visa may not be granted… So approaching companies directly is usually a better strategy. You should be prepared to travel to Australia for interviews.

To be sponsored, not only do you need an eligible business sponsor, you must also have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation list or the gazetted list of occupations valid for temporary long stays visas. See www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf

And www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/sbs/457occupations.pdf

A closer look at your duties as a site manager would be needed to see if your job aligns with an occupation on these lists. Although Australia has not been badly affected by the economic downturn, the construction industry here is still somewhat slower than previous years. This may also present some challenges in finding a sponsor for construction site management.

DISCLAIMER: This Migration Column is intended to provide general information on migration issues and does not constitute legal or migration advice. While all care is taken, no responsibility is accepted by the Irish Echo or John McQuaid for the accuracy of material in the column. People seeking advice on migration law should seek advice from a registered migration agent.