ACS assessments

[Michele R]

That's great news Kit, about time!

Keeping my fingers crossed!

[Kit]

GHAHAHAHAHAHAAH!!!!!!!!!!!! They emailed hubby a scan of the letter:

He's got it!!!!!!!! 2231-79 (C++/C# specialist)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AAAAAAAAAAAhhh!!! Finally!! And now, cos finances aren't as they should be (long story) we are going to wait til after payday to apply. Gahhh this is going to be the longest fortnight ever (but I'm sure long waits are ahead once we've done the application HAHA).

Finally! Thanks for your good thoughts and comforting notes on here Michele (and others, of course!).

[PieterK]

Sjoe!!! I'm releaved for you guys, it was a long wait!

[MTNCO]

Congrats Kit, well that was worth waiting for....

[Michele R]

Great news, congrats!

And love the new avatar!

Now it's visa application time!

[Germs]

Hey Kit

Your signature says that you got ASCO Code 2231-79, but that it wasn't enough for MODL.

I'm not quite sure I understand, since I also got 2231-79 (.NET Specialist), which as I understand it is MODL:

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-ski...s-in-demand.htm

In fact, all the 2231-79 Computing Professional specialisations are MODL.

The way I understand it, you have to be on the CSL.

"Computing Professionals -- where the applicant's specialisation is listed on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)."

Then if you look on MODL, it lists all the Computing Professional specialisations.

So if you you get 2231-79, then surely you're in.

Flip, I hope I haven't misunderstood something along the way...

Hi Carl

We're also in the process of applying with the ACS for .NET Specialisation assessment. Could you tell us, how many years experience in this field is required? Would the experience gained BEFORE the actual qualification count?

Thanks a mill!

Karl

[Michele R]

Hi Karl,

I'm not exactly sure, but I think you must have 4 years consecutive work experience in the specific field that you want to get ACS for before applying. I think if you had a break in between where you didn't work in that area, you've got to start counting the years again when you start. We had to wait before applying for ACS for a while so hubby could have the required 4 years.

Hope that helps!

[Germs]

Hi Karl,

I'm not exactly sure, but I think you must have 4 years consecutive work experience in the specific field that you want to get ACS for before applying. I think if you had a break in between where you didn't work in that area, you've got to start counting the years again when you start. We had to wait before applying for ACS for a while so hubby could have the required 4 years.

Hope that helps!

Thanks so much!

Does anybody know whether experience BEFORE getting the actual qualification will count towards the four years?

For .NET specialisation, is the experience required four years?

Thanks again!

Karl

[JacquesV]

Thanks so much!

Does anybody know whether experience BEFORE getting the actual qualification will count towards the four years?

For .NET specialisation, is the experience required four years?

Thanks again!

Karl

Yes the prior experience counts.

Edit: According to ACS requirements

Qualification vs Experience required =

1) Degree + 4 yrs

2) Diploma / MS Certs + 6 years

3) RPL = 8yrs experience

Edited November 2, 2009 by Jacques and Natalie

[Germs]

Yes the prior experience counts.

Edit: According to ACS requirements

Qualification vs Experience required =

1) Degree + 4 yrs

2) Diploma / MS Certs + 6 years

3) RPL = 8yrs experience

Thanks a mill!

[IslandStyle]

I think this has been answered already (did a quick topic search), but what is the most recent time line for online ACS assessments (Group A)? Or do you have to submit it on paper format?

I'd also like to know if I should leave my nominated occupation blank for ACS to decide? In the past 4 years I have done a diversity of things (C#, VB.NET, JS, SQL, etc.) so I'm not sure. I am working as a Software Engineer.

Edited November 10, 2009 by IslandStyle

[Michele R]

Hi Island Style,

You've got to choose your nominated occupation, and have a look on the Critical Skills List for Computing Professionals and make sure your nominated occupation is on there. Each occupation has an ASCO code, so make sure you apply for the right one.

You can apply online, but you will have to courier your certified documents to them too. Not sure what the time line is at the moment, but was about 3 months earlier this year when we did it.

Good luck!

[IslandStyle]

Thanks Michele. That definitely clears up some of my confusion - will have a look at the ASCO codes tonight. Somewhere in the guidelines they mention something in the line of assigning an ASCO code for you. I lodged with an incorrect ASCO code before so am dead scared of doing the same again.

Do you perhaps know if color scans need to be certified?

[ptlabs]

Thanks Michele. That definitely clears up some of my confusion - will have a look at the ASCO codes tonight. Somewhere in the guidelines they mention something in the line of assigning an ASCO code for you. I lodged with an incorrect ASCO code before so am dead scared of doing the same again.

Do you perhaps know if color scans need to be certified?

Island Style,

The ACS needs certified true copies in physical form. No scans will be accepted, although their online lodgement facility gives the illusion that all is fine if you submit scans.

It is in your best interest to choose the most appropriate ASCO code etc for your skills assessment. Don't leave anything to chance.

That's perhaps where good quality professional assistance comes in really useful.

Good luck.

Regards

Peter

Registered Migration Agent, Sydney NSW

http://ptlabs.com.au/

[ptlabs]

Qualification vs Experience required =

1) Degree + 4 yrs

2) Diploma / MS Certs + 6 years

3) RPL = 8yrs experience

What I've written here http://ptlabs.com.au/acsrpl.html summarises all other scenarios not covered above.

Regards

Peter

[SD_MOA]

Thanks Michele. That definitely clears up some of my confusion - will have a look at the ASCO codes tonight. Somewhere in the guidelines they mention something in the line of assigning an ASCO code for you. I lodged with an incorrect ASCO code before so am dead scared of doing the same again.

Do you perhaps know if color scans need to be certified?

Hello Island Style,

If you are applying for a MODL occupation then you MUST specify '2231-79' in the ASCO code Box and 'Computing Professional Specialising in XXXX' in the Occupation Box.

You also need to include to include those details in the 'Relevant Experience - MODL Occupation' Section.

Please note as well that the ACS will not allocate a MODL ASCO code unless your references clearly state your role and responsibilities. Stat Dec's are not acceptable for this.

All documents should be certified.

I hope this helps.

Regards

[IslandStyle]

Island Style,

The ACS needs certified true copies in physical form. No scans will be accepted, although their online lodgement facility gives the illusion that all is fine if you submit scans.

It is in your best interest to choose the most appropriate ASCO code etc. for your skills assessment. Don't leave anything to chance.

That's perhaps where good quality professional assistance comes in really useful.

Good luck.

Regards

Peter

Registered Migration Agent, Sydney NSW

http://ptlabs.com.au/

Thank you - and yes, you're absolutely right.

Hello Island Style,

If you are applying for a MODL occupation then you MUST specify '2231-79' in the ASCO Code box and 'Computing Professional Specialising in XXXX' in the Occupation box.

You also need to include to include those details in the 'Relevant Experience - MODL Occupation' section.

Please note as well that the ACS will not allocate a MODL ASCO code unless your references clearly state your role and responsibilities. Stat. dec.'s are not acceptable for this.

All documents should be certified.

I hope this helps.

Regards

Interesting. Already having lodged a 175 (non-MODL, non-CSL, non-sponsored) under ASCO 2129-79: 'Engineer - Building and Engineering Professionals (not elsewhere classified)' and seeing where that brought me, I am extremely wary when seeing anything that states '(not elsewhere classified)', as is also the case with ASCO 2231-79: 'Computing Professional (not elsewhere classified)'. BUT, I trust and understand that it is something else altogether - just my natural reaction right now. ;]

Working as a Software Engineer, I am sure ASCO code 2231-15: 'Software Designer' is suitable (and/or possibly one or two other IT occupations). However, if I understand you correctly, these will not allow me to claim for MODL and hence, I will not be able to lodge a 175 CSL - which is exactly my goal at this point. I will thus take both you and Peter's advice to heart and attempt to get my skills assessed under 2231-79 with specialization in either C# or .NET Technologies.

Reading up on the DIAC site, I understand that MODL is currently under review (apart from the chance of changing twice a year for a specific nominated occupation). So as always, it's still a gamble. There's no way I'll be able to obtain an ACS skills assessment and lodge a 175 CSL before the end of this year. Not to mention the planned phasing out of CSL and 'Future Skills' ideology. So I guess I'll take my chances and hopefully 2231-79 (with specific specialization) will not be taken off the CSL (or MODL) in the near future.

Thank you so much. I am forever grateful.

[IslandStyle]

I need some advise on submitting my skills assessment with ACS (see post above). I completed a B. Eng. (Computer) degree in 2004 and a B. Eng. (Hons.) (Computer) degree in 2008 at the University of Pretoria.

I am a bit uncertain as to what exactly ACS requires for Group A assessments by looking at their current guidelines. I understand that they only require my academic testamurs and transcripts, at at a cost of R348 (3 working days) through MIE Background Screening. However, I am able to obtain full curriculum and module detail for each degree and submit that as well, at a cost of R1830 (25 working days).

I would really like to submit my ACS skills assessment documentation ASAP, as I wrote IELTS on 28 June 2008.

Any advise would be highly appreciated.

[benp]

I need some advise on submitting my skills assessment with ACS (see post above). I completed a B. Eng. (Computer) degree in 2004 and a B. Eng. (Hons.) (Computer) degree in 2008 at the University of Pretoria.

I am a bit uncertain as to what exactly ACS requires for Group A assessments by looking at their current guidelines. I understand that they only require my academic testamurs and transcripts, at at a cost of R348 (3 working days) through MIE Background Screening. However, I am able to obtain full curriculum and module detail for each degree and submit that as well, at a cost of R1830 (25 working days).

I would really like to submit my ACS skills assessment documentation ASAP, as I wrote IELTS on 28 June 2008.

Any advise would be highly appreciated.

Full transcript to prove that certian number of modules were IT related, as per guidelines, as well as 4 years of relevant IT experience on professional level.

[IslandStyle]

Thank you.

See that's the thing. According to me, a full transcript is an academic record listing all subjects taken and pass marks. I was wondering (because I did not study a pure IT degree, e.g. B. Sc. or similar) if I should also - apart from the transcripts - provide curriculum _and_ module detail as well, to better illustrate what the B. Eng. (Computer) degrees consist of.

I'm basically not sure if I should take the chance and hope that ACS will be able to see enough ICT content by only looking at the transcripts.

[benp]

Thank you.

See that's the thing. According to me, a full transcript is an academic record listing all subjects taken and pass marks. I was wondering (because I did not study a pure IT degree, e.g. B. Sc. or similar) if I should also - apart from the transcripts - provide curriculum _and_ module detail as well, to better illustrate what the B. Eng. (Computer) degrees consist of.

I'm basically not sure if I should take the chance and hope that ACS will be able to see enough ICT content by only looking at the transcripts.

If you got 6 years of IT experience than you can try for a degree equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree with a IT minor (20% of IT subjects), as per group B.

Otherwise, if you can, spend the extra bucks, leave no doubt in ACS's mind as to your quals, especialy if the degree can be interpreted both ways, eng and IT.

Good luck.

[IslandStyle]

Thank you for the advice benp, you make valid points. I unfortunately do not hold 6 years professional experience yet (almost) so it'll have to be a 'silly'? attempt for Group A or nothing else.

Good luck. By the looks of it you should have your visa in no time!

[Gypsy Cooper]

Hi there!

I submitted my ACS on the 17th of November and R 3,216.25 RPL fees and R 469 courier fee later... i'm wondering if there's anybody out there who is in the same boat as me. i.e. somebody who has submitted theirs more or less at the same time...?

Would just be nice to keep track of what we are going through together. Well done to those who received the dreaded skills assessment. May you have your Visa in no time!

Thank you for a great forum...

Best, Gypsy

[Gypsy Cooper]

Hi,

Just wondering about the following:

I checked my ACS app again this morning and something changed! Status is still the same as 'To be allocated' but the Manged By field has changed to a Sally Zarka.

What does that mean? How long after this did you receive a response?

Sorry for all the questions, but hope somebody can shed some light. ;-)

[Gypsy Cooper]

Hi,

Just wondering about the following:

I checked my ACS app again this morning and something changed! Status is still the same as 'To be allocated' but the Manged By field has changed to a Sally Zarka.

What does that mean? How long after this did you receive a response?

Sorry for all the questions, but hope somebody can shed some light. ;-)