Architect skilled employment

[Beaches]

Hi all,
I am wanting to submit my EOI (SC189) for the occupation of architect. I am now a bit puzzled as to whether my past work experience will be considered 'skilled'.
I completed my undergraduate degree in architecture (BArch) in 2011, I did one year of non related work, followed by 2 years and 2 months of related work. (as an architectural technologist- full time). I then returned to my studies completing my honours and masters degrees in Architecture (2015 & 2016).
I have since been working as an architect full time (2017- present).

According to the DoHA website, in order to claim skilled employment it must be:
• in the 10 years before you are invited to apply you completed at least 20 hours of paid work per week in your nominated occupation and/or a closely related occupation.

Closely-related occupations must be:
- in the same ANZSCO Unit Group or
- consistent with a career advancement pathway or
- determined by an assessing authority that it is closely related to your nominated occupation. -- The AACA does not assess work experience for migration.

Can anyone please confirm whether the 2 years as an architectural technologist and further one full year as an architect (3 years in total) would be deemed as skilled? ( To my understanding, my work experience does fulfill these criteria). This does affect the points I m able to claim and I don't want to overclaim if i have misunderstood.

Thanks

 

[SJR]

So, based on the anzsco code you've chosen, which skill assessment authority does your assessment of skilled employment?
And have your obtained a Skill Assessment yet?

 

[Beaches]

Yes I have. It offers no date at which you are 'skilled' as it is assumed to be post masters as an architect. The AACA which performs the skills assessment does not assess any work experience, strictly qualification.

 

[MysticRiver]

I can't confirm because I have no idea about your field of work, but you should make sure two things
1) Your job responsibilities match the same of your nominated occupation
2) Your assessment authority does not impose any criteria that only post-qualification experience can be claimed.

 

[Beaches]

Thanks MysticRiver, I will double check both of those points before submitting.

 

[Sleepydraftsman]

I’m in the same boat as you! I actually made appointments with 2 separate migration agents to make doubly sure I could claim my 1 year of experience as a Graduate of Architecture, and both said yes, provided my employer could write a letter verifying that I performed at least 80% of the duties of an architect.

 

[Beaches]

I’m in the same boat as you! I actually made appointments with 2 separate migration agents to make doubly sure I could claim my 1 year of experience as a Graduate of Architecture, and both said yes, provided my employer could write a letter verifying that I performed at least 80% of the duties of an architect.

Good to know im not the only one faing this dilemma.
I also spoke to a number of agents who had varying opinions. But mostly said they are claimable provided their is an employment reference letter as you mentioned.
I called home affairs in Australia for clarity too and was told that decisions of validity on these situations is at the case officers discretion. Providing concrete evidence of the roles and responsibilites whilst in the technologist role is of paramount importance.
Even still im apprehensive about submitting the experience but the extra points are vital.

Do you have experience as a 'graduate architect' and 'architect' or like me as an 'architectural technologist' and 'architect' ?

 

[Sleepydraftsman]

Good to know im not the only one faing this dilemma.
I also spoke to a number of agents who had varying opinions. But mostly said they are claimable provided their is an employment reference letter as you mentioned.
I called home affairs in Australia for clarity too and was told that decisions of validity on these situations is at the case officers discretion. Providing concrete evidence of the roles and responsibilites whilst in the technologist role is of paramount importance.
Even still im apprehensive about submitting the experience but the extra points are vital.

Do you have experience as a 'graduate architect' and 'architect' or like me as an 'architectural technologist' and 'architect' ?

My experience is just 1 year as a graduate architect/architectural graduate/graduate of architecture in Australia. Like you, I need the 5 extra points as well, and I'm apprehensive about it too, despite reassurances from both agents. It's strange how we're in this weird loophole, just because the AACA doesn't assess work experience.

 

[Sleepydraftsman]

A question: Are you currently working as a registered architect, or as a graduate architect like me, unregistered but performing the role of an architect?

 

[Siddhesh]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to get AACA assessment done - stage 1, getting stuck with Self assessment matrix and cover letter.
I have my syllabus ready in pdf format.

Can anyone please guide me where I can find some samples or could provide me if youll have got it done for self assessment matrix and a cover letter showing how my overseas qualification (India) is comparable to Australian standard.

Thanks peeps.

 

[PD86]

Good to know im not the only one faing this dilemma.
I also spoke to a number of agents who had varying opinions. But mostly said they are claimable provided their is an employment reference letter as you mentioned.
I called home affairs in Australia for clarity too and was told that decisions of validity on these situations is at the case officers discretion. Providing concrete evidence of the roles and responsibilites whilst in the technologist role is of paramount importance.
Even still im apprehensive about submitting the experience but the extra points are vital.

Do you have experience as a 'graduate architect' and 'architect' or like me as an 'architectural technologist' and 'architect' ?

Hi Beaches,

Just saw from your timeline that you have been granted your PR. Congratulations!

Could you help me with a few things?

I am an Architect. I did my undergraduate degree in India and Masters in London. I have 6.5 years of work experience of which i have worked for almost two years in Sydney.

1. Did you do a combined assessment for AACA or just the stage 1? Also, my undergraduate degree has one semester with practical training (which AACA explicitly says that they do not recognize). However, I spoke to a representative from AACA who said that it should work as I have a Masters Degree which will add up to the required time of study. Any thoughts? Your experience?

2. Work Experience - how did you show your work experience? In case you need company letters, do you need them when you submit your EOI?

3. Any other advise?

Looking forward to hearing from you (or anyone else who would like to help! )

Cheers!

 

[PD86]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to get AACA assessment done - stage 1, getting stuck with Self assessment matrix and cover letter.
I have my syllabus ready in pdf format.

Can anyone please guide me where I can find some samples or could provide me if youll have got it done for self assessment matrix and a cover letter showing how my overseas qualification (India) is comparable to Australian standard.

Thanks peeps.

Hi Siddhesh,

Have you already applied to AACA? I am applying soon and am hoping someone can help with a little information. i.e. the matrix and a sample of the cover letter.

Thanks!

 

[Beaches]

Hi Beaches,

Just saw from your timeline that you have been granted your PR. Congratulations!

Could you help me with a few things?

I am an Architect. I did my undergraduate degree in India and Masters in London. I have 6.5 years of work experience of which i have worked for almost two years in Sydney.

1. Did you do a combined assessment for AACA or just the stage 1? Also, my undergraduate degree has one semester with practical training (which AACA explicitly says that they do not recognize). However, I spoke to a representative from AACA who said that it should work as I have a Masters Degree which will add up to the required time of study. Any thoughts? Your experience?

2. Work Experience - how did you show your work experience? In case you need company letters, do you need them when you submit your EOI?

3. Any other advise?

Looking forward to hearing from you (or anyone else who would like to help! )

Cheers!

Hi @PD86,

Because we are offshore I did not have the combined assessment done. This would have been ideal but a lack of Australian experience and the timeframe in which to have phase 2 done would have been problematic. I think if you're already in Australia it may be well worth looking into.
That's where your job experience and putting a portfolio to showcase work experience would be paramount. Unfortunately I have not explored this as yet.

The Aaca skills assessment (part 1 at least) only refers to your qualification, not work experience therefore we did not submit any of this for the assessment.
I cant be 100% sure but I think the AACA are most concerned withmaking sure your qualification adequately covers all of the 7 core areas of study as offered in australian universities. Should you be able to adequately prove this, there should be no hassle. They may not recognise practical semesters, but rather focus on what makes your degree similar and more importantly adequate and on par with that of those studied in australia.
In terms of the PR application it is generally recommended that when submitting an EOI you have proof of all the claims made. Whist at EOI stage you do not upload any of these docs, one should be ready with all documents. (Uploaded at the time of visa application)
To my knowledge, work experience post-masters qualification is eligible for points. The documents gathered were a letter from my direct supervisors stating that I was remunerated for each of the following roles, and describing roles amd responsibilities I filled as well as the dates of my employment in the firm. Also monthly proof that I was paid for the work and rightfully employed by the firm. (Employment contracts, and taxation documents.)

I hope this may be of some help.

 

[PD86]

Hi @PD86,

Because we are offshore I did not have the combined assessment done. This would have been ideal but a lack of Australian experience and the timeframe in which to have phase 2 done would have been problematic. I think if you're already in Australia it may be well worth looking into.
That's where your job experience and putting a portfolio to showcase work experience would be paramount. Unfortunately I have not explored this as yet.

The Aaca skills assessment (part 1 at least) only refers to your qualification, not work experience therefore we did not submit any of this for the assessment.
I cant be 100% sure but I think the AACA are most concerned withmaking sure your qualification adequately covers all of the 7 core areas of study as offered in australian universities. Should you be able to adequately prove this, there should be no hassle. They may not recognise practical semesters, but rather focus on what makes your degree similar and more importantly adequate and on par with that of those studied in australia.
In terms of the PR application it is generally recommended that when submitting an EOI you have proof of all the claims made. Whist at EOI stage you do not upload any of these docs, one should be ready with all documents. (Uploaded at the time of visa application)
To my knowledge, work experience post-masters qualification is eligible for points. The documents gathered were a letter from my direct supervisors stating that I was remunerated for each of the following roles, and describing roles amd responsibilities I filled as well as the dates of my employment in the firm. Also monthly proof that I was paid for the work and rightfully employed by the firm. (Employment contracts, and taxation documents.)

I hope this may be of some help.

Thankyou @Beaches
Much Appreciated.

 

[Gaurav26]

Hi everyone,
I am applying for the skill assessment , Done with self assesment matrix and syllabus part

Can anyone mail me the sample cover letter on <No personal details to be included in public posts>

 

[Lina Marcela]

Hi everyone,
I am an architect from overseas. I have applied for my skill assessment and I have worked as an Architectural draftperson in the past two years. Anyone could tell me If it could be a related occupation for architect to claim 5 points?

 

[Beaches]

Hi everyone,
I am an architect from overseas. I have applied for my skill assessment and I have worked as an Architectural draftperson in the past two years. Anyone could tell me If it could be a related occupation for architect to claim 5 points?

That seems a very tough question, with no real clear answer unfortunately. I had a similar situation and could not reach a definitive yes or no. Architectural draftsperson has its own ANZSCO code which is what make it tricky. I'm sorry i couldn't be of more help

 

[Meha]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to get AACA assessment done - stage 1, getting stuck with Self assessment matrix and cover letter.
I have my syllabus ready in pdf format.

Can anyone please guide me where I can find some samples or could provide me if youll have got it done for self assessment matrix and a cover letter showing how my overseas qualification (India) is comparable to Australian standard.

Thanks peeps.

YOu need help?

 

[Sayma Ahmad]

Hi everyone,
I am applying for the skill assessment , Done with self assesment matrix and syllabus part

Can anyone mail me the sample cover letter on <No personal details to be included in public posts>

Hi,
I am also for the skill assessment. And i need little help with the cover letter. Can you help me with that.

 

[gaurav26]

Any Indian Architect here???