Which Visa is best for my situation?

oauiii · January 2014

Hello po mga kaibigan,

I am currently 24 years old, but I am planning to apply for the VISA on my birthday this year on June. I would be 25 years old by then to reach the "prime" age bracket.

I have not gone yet to Australia and this is my first time applying.

I have worked for 10 months on the Philippines.
I am currently working in Malaysia and will be 17 months here by the time I apply on June.
So that's a total of 27 months (2.25 years) of experience as a Network Engineer (IT).

I have not took my IELTs yet but I just assume I could get a score of 7.

I studied a 5 years course for Bachelors of Electronics and Communications in the Philippines.

I have been searching for types of VISA and I have found some that are alike and I am confused which is the best for my situation. Some has requirements that I must have worked within Australia for at least 1 year which is impossible as I have not been there yet.

Kind sirs/madams, please help me in recommending the best VISA and even give your opinion if I should apply now given my current situation. The fact I have quite less experience gives me doubt whether I should apply or not.

Thank you for all who may assist me.

(By the way, I am amazed to see this forum with very helpful details to Filipinos. Proud to be Pinoy!) Hehe...

JCsantos · January 2014

for regional and independent skilled visa you need at least 4 years of job experience, im guessing the only way for you is a student visa

oauiii · January 2014

Thanks for your insights JCsantos.

By the way, I was also inquiring someone from the Australian Immigration and he said I could apply for a "Permanent Resident" Visa if I had 2 years experience.

"I have reviewed your CV and we can start the process as soon as you have 24 months of work experience as network engineer."

He was not able to mention which specific VISA and I was not able to contact him since. Do you know of such VISA?

moonwitchbleu · January 2014

hi @oauiii if your work experience is on network engineer then you need to have your work assessed by ACS. The new rule of ACS states that 2-4 years of experience will be deducted for your education to be accredited. So if you only have 2.25 years work experience what will be left after deduction is 0.25 years. And I think min. of 3 years is required 189/190 visa.

oauiii · January 2014

Hello @moonwitchbleu

Thanks!
I have further researched on ACS guidelines from the statement you mentioned and I am curious if maybe I fall on this requirement category:

"If your degree is assessed as having an ICT major which is closely related to your nominated occupation, you will require 2 years relevant work experience completed within the past 10 years or 4 years relevantwork experience completed anytime in your past work history"

I took my degree, Electronics and Communications engineering, in La Salle Bacolod and has a major subject dealing on Data Communications, which is Networking's concept.

Is this an acceptable degree or do they just reject degrees that are taken outside their country?

Thanks!

oauiii · January 2014

Hello again,

Sorry, I just read again and ACS could consider vendor certifications (CCNP) as a major degree

"Vendor Certification - The following certifications are accepted by the ACS as comparable to graduate outcomes of an ICT major at the AQF Diploma level"

So I guess I would have no problem with this. But my concern now is the 3 yrs experience you mentioned from the 189 VISA itself. Can I just forfeit this requirement to lose that 5 points?

guenb · April 2016

@oauiii hello I know this is from 2years ago but I'm curious to any update on your application? Im also from USLS-Bacolod

gared · December 2016

hi @guenb, I am currently working on my ACS and I am also from USLS. I am wondering on the list of schools listed, I can see 2 USLS (University of Saint La Salle - level 1 and University of St. La Salle (Bacolod & Roxas) which is level 3. Can I say USLS located in La Salle Ave is level 1? Thanks!