Not having the visa will severely restrict your applications making it through the process. I applied for a couple of jobs once I found out my visa was approved and determined my arrival date, but didn't make it through the first cut. I emigrated in Oct 2002 and made a preliminary trip over the end of May. Most companies and recruiters that I talked to told me to send my CV after my visa was executed (arrival in Australia after visa issued). That really hampers things.

The hiring process here is pretty slow as well. If you succeed through the interview, they send you your package for review and sign. This will indicate your start date that may be as early as a week or two.

Is your spouse Australian? If so, go for the Spouse visa, it is quicker to get approved and avoids the assessments.

Coming from the States, just be aware that the hiring process is different. There are selection criteria that you need to address. Address these completely, but should not be more than one page per criteria. Include all the information to support the criteria even if it is in your CV/Resume. The answers to the criteria are the culling process and the CV isn't looked at unless you make the cut. This lesson cost me a couple of interviews where I would have had a pretty good shot at the job.

Be wary about migrating in Oct-Dec timeframe. Most companies are not hiring due to the Xmas holidays when they go to a skeleton staff. I did manage to land a couple of interviews, but it was a frustrating time of year to be job hunting in a foreign environment. Ideally you'll want to take a scouting trip over here. Check with the Embassy or consulate where you filed you visa application, let them know you are taking a trip and if the visa will be ready in time. This does two things: it allows you to execute the visa during your trip (catch 22, they can't issue the visa while you are in country) and make contact with recruiters/companys with an executed visa.

Some recommended job sites (if you want more, let me know [jerry.bongard@bigpond.com]):
www.mycareer.com.au
www.careerone.com.au
australianit.news.com.au

Good Luck!

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