Australian General Skilled Migration

google was what we did, really :)
[then, of course there's jlao.]

[sometime 2006]
1. Information on the Australian Skilled Migration can be found here.

[june 2006, ≈Php16k per person]
2. As IT professionals, skills are being certified by the Australian Computer Society.
Certification results take at least a month and have one year validity [meaning, you have to lodge your application before this certification expires.]

3. You can also check if your skill is in the Australian Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL).
[this is plus plus pogi points. 20 points i think.]

[february 2007, ≈Php9k per person]
4. IELTS. Just to be sure.
[make sure you review. borrow a reviewer. it would give you an idea how the exam would be like.]

[march 2007, ≈Php80k per application]
5. Lodging the application.
Ours was still paper-based. And documents needed to be notarized and application forms filled out by hand and sent to :

Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre (ASPC)
55 Currie Street
Adelaide SA 5000

However, online application is now available. [more earth-friendly too :)]

[may 2008]
6. When the wait's over.
A case officer would be contacting you and would be asking for a medical certification as well as a police clearance.

[≈Php8k per person]
Contact any one from the panel of doctors:
We went to:

Nationwide Health Systems, Inc
Makati Industrial Clinic
Medical Plaza Makati
Unit 905, 9th Floor
Amorsolo Street (corner Dela Rosa Street )
Makati City
Telephone/Fax: +63 (2) 810 0785
Doctor(s):
Dr Bernadette Carpio-Benitez
Dr Glenn B Benitez

[≈Php500 per person]
Police clearance is being issued by NBI. Indicate "For travel to Australia".

[june 2008, ≈Php320 for courier charges and ≈Php350 for cellphone charges]
7. Evidencing: Visa in your passport.

[july 2008, ≈Php25k per person]
8. Contact the International Organization For Migration for your migration ticketing needs.
We booked a Qantas flight and were given 40 kilos baggage allowance each as first time migrants.

Nitz Delarmente
IOM International Organization for Migration
24th Flr., Citibank Tower
8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
Tel. No. 848-0083
Fax No. 848-1272