Dilemma - Issues with TRA and AQF

[Guest SueRich]

Hi All,

 

Just thought i'd let people know about the situation we are currently in - Not sure if anyone is aware of this, I haven't seen any posts on this site.

 

Basically - My OH is a Tiler by trade with many years experience but no qualification. We have 55 points (with regional sponsorship) so in order to gain the extra 10 points it was a case of either doing the ILETS or AQF. My OH isn't very good at spelling or reading so we were considering going for the AQF.

 

We then found out that DIAC are currently in a dispute with TRA because TRA are insisting on not recognising employment before gaining AQF. Apparently DIAC does not agree with this approach and other skills assessing bodies are not taking the same approach (Just our luck that it is the TRA who assess Tilers!). DIAC and TRA are currently in discussions to resolve this.

 

We now have a dilemma - We wanted to apply for our visa before the changes in July 2012 and we definately need to apply before August 2012 as that is when my OH turns 34 and we lose age points. The question is do we wait until the TRA/DIAC make a decision therefore taking the risk that we might not get our application in before our deadline or do we go ahead with the AQF (which costs around £2000) which is a risk as TRA may still insist on not recognising pre-qual experience and we may just waste our money!

 

What would you do? Is there anyone else in the same situation?

 

Sue

[yorkshirepudding]

Hi sue I can't answer the TRA problem, but I had to sit Ielts I am a hairdresser and not very academic at all but I put a lot of hard work into it and I did it if I can do it trust me anyone can!!!

Good luck