Sorry, sorry, I seem to have been on here ALL day. This site is so helpful and so addictive! I just wondered if anybody can clarify the difference between an STNI visa and and SIR visa? My agent that said that WA will sponsor us for a SW visa but that we would have to live there for two years. After looking on the DIMIA website, I'm not sure which of these two he might be talking about - one seems to be permanent whilst the other is only temporary.

It's all so bloomin' confusing! :help:
Cheers,
Jemma

Hi Jemma

If you can go STNI then that would be the best option, however if your only route is SIR, like us, then go SIR.

Is your trade in demand?

From what I have read WA don't seem very forthcoming with STNI or SIR.

Graham

Yep,

STNI Is permanent and SIR temporary.

If you can get STNI this would obviously be better as it is permanent and you get all the benefits in australia of having a permanent visa.

lorraine

Hi Jemma,
confusing really with so many visa types - if it's any help below is a quick summary I did when I was trying to unravel the various types - if anyone can add to or correct please do

SIR - Subclass 495
Temporary - 3 years from point of entry*
Minimum requirement 110 points
Can apply for Permanant Residancy (PR) after 2 years
Not eligible for medicare (A&E only)
Occupation must be on skilled list (Form 1121i)
*entry must be within 9 months of visa issue
Not eligible for family allowance
Limited no. of visa per year

STNI - Subclass 137
Only applicable to Victoria, South Australia and Tazmania
No points test but must meet 'pool' mark
Must live in the sponsored state for 2 years
Occupation must be on regional STNI list
Gives immediate PR


Steve