Hello. I just want to share to you my experience in applying for ECE teacher in Australia. This might help you especially those who struggle to get 8.0 in their IELTS speaking sub-test. I just had my visa granted today (Visa 457) and I am set to go to Australia by the 3rd week of April. Here is my timeline:
April-May 2016: IELTS Review
May 21, 2016: Took the IELTS (R-9 L-8.5 S-7.5 W-7 OBS-8)
June 24, 2016: Passed requirements to ACECQA for qualifications assessment
June 30, 2016: ACECQA accepted requirements
August 30, 2016: Received letter outcome (Qualifications Equivalent to approved ECE Qualifacations in Australia)
September-October 2016: Applied for different jobs online (Some emailed back but asked for a teacher registration)
- Tried to register at VIT, did not accept due to my speaking subtest
November 3, 2016: Took another IELTS (R-8.5 L-9 S-7 W- 7 OBS-8)
November 2016: Applied for sponsorship in Queensland and West Australia (QLD, no teacher registration required)
December 8, 2016: Interview with employer
December 15, 2016: Received Job Offer
December 22, 2016: Revieved Offer Letter and Contract
January 9, 2017: Passed all requirements to my immigration agent given by my emplouer
Feb. 19, 2017: Visa lodgement (Visa 457)
March 7, 2017: Medical Examination
March 15, 2017: VISA GRANTED
Visa 457, unlike Visa 189 and 187, is only a temporary visa that allows you to work with a sponsor in Australia for 4 years and to take your dependents with you with the same work rights. I actually applied with my de facto partner and thankfully, we'll be coming to Australia together. By the 4th year, they can renew you for another temporary or permanent visa. It's much cheaper than Visa 189 as we only paid AUD2,198.68 for both me and my partner and its processing time is much faster since they claimed to have it done in 4-8 weeks. Ours took 4 weeks.
Here's the catch, most sposorships are needed in rural areas and not in major cities. I got mine in Gladstone, QLD. It's not really a major issue for me but for those who've set their eyes on the major cities, it might be a problem since it's really hard to find one there.
So that's my experience. I'm still actually overwhelmed at how fast things are going but I am fully aware that this is a great opportunity and I am excited to work in Australia.
If you have any other questions, I would very much happy to help as the company I'll be working for has a good referral program.
I truly believe in God's perfect time.