[AKJ]

*** GSM Visa for IT Professional *** - Please advise

Hi Dear Friends,

I have recently joined this form and would need your expert guidance for a smooth transition to Australia. I want to apply under GSM category before the "Expression of Interest" system comes into play from July 2012. Please advise the available option based on my profile.

My Profile:-
- 5+ years of experience in IT with reputed Companies in India
- Bachelor of Arts + DOEACC 'O' Level + DOEACC 'A' Level
- DOEACC 'B' Level after Graduation (Equailant to MCA in India)
- M.Sc Computers - Part time - expected May 2012

Friends, I would like to know that:-
1. Are DOEACC courses recognised by ACS? if yes, then I will be needing just 4 years of experience otherwise 6 for RPL option which I will be completing in May 2012.

2. If I come to Australia on a student visa in july, 2012 intake, can I apply for GSM then while I am on a student visa or I can do so only after the completion of studies or I will have to come offshore for sometime for doing so?

3. Will I be given a change to stay or apply for Graduate skill visa(temporary residence visa) if my course duration is one year only (may be a master course by coursework or a postgraduate diploma)?

4. Can my spouse work full-time while I am on a student visa for a one year course. Can she apply for GSM if she become eligible say within 6 months of reaching there.

Your advise and opinion will be highly appreciated. Kinldy leave a comment whatever you know on this. Please suggest the alternatives available to me.

Thanks

 

[SarahM]

Hi, I'll answer what questions I can, see my responses in bold. I will also advise you to consult the Department of Immigration & Citizenship , because that's where I'm getting these answers from.

1. Are DOEACC courses recognised by ACS? if yes, then I will be needing just 4 years of experience otherwise 6 for RPL option which I will be completing in May 2012.
I'm not sure

2. If I come to Australia on a student visa in july, 2012 intake, can I apply for GSM then while I am on a student visa or I can do so only after the completion of studies or I will have to come offshore for sometime for doing so?
You can apply for certain visas under GSM onshore, they are:
Visa Options - Professionals and other Skilled Migrants - Workers - Visas & Immigration
If not, there are also offshore applications:
Visa Options - Professionals and other Skilled Migrants - Workers - Visas & Immigration

3. Will I be given a change to stay or apply for Graduate skill visa(temporary residence visa) if my course duration is one year only (may be a master course by coursework or a postgraduate diploma)?
No, this visa is for those have have completed 2 years of study in Australia, refer to: Skilled - Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485)

4. Can my spouse work full-time while I am on a student visa for a one year course. Can she apply for GSM if she become eligible say within 6 months of reaching there.
If you intend to study a postgraduate PhD or Masters, this is the condition for your partner "your family members can work up to 20 hours per week provided you have commenced your course of study in Australia. Once you commence your Masters or PhD your family members can work unlimited hours." See this link: Postgraduate Research Sector: Temporary Visa (Subclass 574) - Assessment Level 1

If you enrol in a Bachelor degree or diploma this is the condition "your family members can work up to 20 hours per week provided you have commenced your course of study in Australia. If you are doing a postgraduate course, such as a Masters degree, your family members can work unlimited hours once you commence this course." see here: Higher Education Sector: Temporary Visa (Subclass 573) - Assessment Level 1

Your wife could be the secondary applicant on your visa (GSM), she still have to meet some eligibility but less than if she were to apply individually. One of you should you should be the main applicant, and the other should be added as he secondary.

 

[AKJ]

Hi SarahM,
Thanks for the information. Much appreciated !!