if i'm in the immigration "pool" will i ever get chosen

Hello,

I'm wanting to move and live in Australia - I was there for a few months twice previously and loved it. I'm 40, so I don't classify under the working visa. I only have 105 points and 120 are needed (even though I hold two degrees -- which doesn't seem to matter.)

I'm wondering, though, it says that if you are between 100-120 you will go into a 'pool' and may be chosen. Does anyone know if that ever actually happens? I don't want to pay thousands of dollars only to have me sit in a pool and then eventually expire.

Secondly, is there any way for me to get a visa in Australia outside of this route e.g. New Zealand first -> then Australia, try to find a company to sponsore me (I'm in IT doing web and multimedia development), go to school and get a year of education in Australia which would boost my points up 10, etc.?

Thanks for any help!

You could try to find a company to sponsor you, or you could try to get a job IN Canada, with a global company with offices in Australia and work on getting a transfer there (and then the company would be sponsoring you).

You would have to be a New Zealand citizen (I think) in order to work in Australia, so that might take a few years.

Sorry, others might have a bit more help for you...

You could try to find a company to sponsor you, or you could try to get a job IN Canada, with a global company with offices in Australia and work on getting a transfer there (and then the company would be sponsoring you).

You would have to be a New Zealand citizen (I think) in order to work in Australia, so that might take a few years.

Sorry, others might have a bit more help for you...

Yep.

New Zealand has some reciprocity with Australia but it is apples and oranges. You would have to be a permanent resident or citizen to work here. It isn't seamless.

Again, the job market is tight for residents now so unless you think you can secure legal employment readily, you might be in for a shock. There is an underground job market but be prepared to get caught.

Some individuals go to school and upon graduation apply for residency. However, there has been a spate of dodgy schools who have taken people's cash and then closed their doors. Best if you apply to TAFE or a regular university. Even then , there is no guarantee that you will be permitted residency AND bear in mind that if you do not attend your courses your visa will be cancelled and you'll have to leave or risk being deported.

The grass isn't always greener on the other side. It is the same grind here as in Canada, only the climate is different. Trust me. Good luck with your decision.