Very hard to be honest, unless you have a very niche skill. Any chance of furthering your studies in Australia then apply for jobs? Chances are higher that way.

Change your profession, if I'm being blunt.

I was a graphic designer. I say was, because I decided i had enough of the rough timings of working in advertising (10pm, 1 am etc).

Best damn decision I ever made- going into education. I now TEACH design at a private uni instead so my SOL is on the State Nom list for a 190 for SA. It took about a week or so after I put in my EOI for me to get an invite from SA to apply (under vocational teacher).

My friend who also applied under SA was pretty shocked at how quickly my EOI was issued with an invite when compared to hers (editor).

Also when you go, don't expect to work as a designer. You might, but you may not, so there's that. My parents have these friends who migrated in the 90s, and the husband couldn't get a proper job, despite having a masters in HR. So he decided to be a taxi drivers and made a fantastic living; he even began leasing out his vehicle when he got too busy.

He's now teaching driving at a driving school and is incredibly happy because it's not as stressful.

Agent fees for mine does not add up to that much. Agent fees is about 10k. They've given a timeline sheet with calculations and I did check out the prices for all assessments myself and it's legit.

I also hired an agent for my migration and at the moment still waiting. Like many mentioned, you would have to constantly follow up with them because they tend to overlook. My agency also start with G and I have told them off numerous time. My case is still stuck at EOI stage because there is no opening for my skill set unless I have a job/relative living in that state.
No choice but to keep trying and waiting

since September 2013

One can speculate and anticipate, but nobody in this world will be able to give you a definite answer.

Normaron ,may i know whats your profession ?

Are you set in going to Australia only? If you're willing to do an advanced degree (Masters/PhD) and your field is STEM then the US has a lot of opportunities with potential for PR as well.

As u know, there are too many grads and not enough jobs. IMO it is a waste of $ to spend so much on any uni degrees/masters etc, with no guarantee of any return (except maybe to satisfy your learning 'wants'). Would suggest short term certs/diplomas if a Aust certification is required.

Job market will continually shrink in many areas, what with the Chinese economy in slowdown, inc prevalence of outsourcing and 457 visas. As mentioned there are more opportunities in aged care, child care and trades. Accounting, engineering, IT degrees are practically worthless. Graphic design - so many in the marketplace and also outsourced via the web.

So ultimate goal is not to have a Masters in the end? If it is to complete a Master by research, there is a scheme called 'Research Training Scheme', Where The Aussie government pays your tuition fees for the entire duration of your study. Requirements: Aussie PR/ citizen and MUST complete your course. Which means your school fees is FREE.
Have got yourself assessed for a 190/189 visa?

My main reason for applying for PR is to do a PHD in the end, and some other stuff la (money, and such  )

After doing my undergrad, I was quite malas to go back to school. Then I decide to join the academic line, so no choice la. HAD to do a postgraduate degree. Slog, travel, work all at the same time. For two years. What an experience.

I suppose in my case because I'm in education, I NEED a postgrad qualification. Plus I did it at a local uni, so it was cheap lah. EPF a/c 2 can kaotim the whole thing.

Whoops just saw your occupation. Forgot you were a designer.

Anyway if this is the case, instead of doing a Masters in design, work a few years more. Change your profession. I did a Masters, only because I needed it to job hop to a better company (education line).

Hi mate, before you read my below suggestion, remember it is my, very personal suggestion, same as others'. Your life is yours, so listen to your heart and do what you want to do.

Option 1 is wasting money. You are too rich, too many greenback to burn. What kind of benefit you are looking for by burning tens of thousands AU dollars. Employers won't care your master, in fact, you will receive “unfortunately, you are over qualified." when you apply jobs.

Option 2 sux. do you know how much a lecturer can earn? 4-5k ave (wif some sorts of exp, fresh graduates, even with master degree will not earn that much). Nowadays, you need to get a PhD to be a lecturer. which means another 3-4 years studies at least. don't tell me part time phd, this is extremely difficult. probably one of ten can finally get their Dr. title at the end. If you are clever guy, in 2+4 yrs time, you can easily be a manager and earn double compare to a collage lecturer.

You are 28, you are young but not many years to waste, better find a better path. just my view, Aus is not a good place for you.

1. living expense very high, higher than msia;
Living expenses doesn't necessary higher than Malaysia. I compare groceries choice & prices between Australia and Malaysia, I find Australia is more affordable.

2. job opportunities less than msia, both countries are similar ( economic is heavily depending on commodity price and both has lots difficulties to face); But at least in Malaysia, unemployment rate is far more better than Australia;
This I agree with you


3. u think about studies, means you want an office work. you better do not come to Aus. You will get more chances in Asian. if you just wan more money, doesn't matter what to do, pick fruits, chef, hairdresser, construction site, electrician, plumber, etc. Aus is a better place.
Studies is just an options for me to go there and get more points for PR, and also to familiar with the environment, people, industry...... I do think about taking  diploma in automotive/electrician as these are more demand skills in australia.

Of course, if you lucky enough, like some other members here, find a permanent full time job. earn at least 50k/yr. you will love Aus. what I am talking about is percentage. here are two real examples:

1. master degree (UK), from english educated background, 1 yr AU experience and was a manager in KL. Applying two years jobs with no offer （any office position, i met him last month and he was applying office admin position). Luckily his family is rich;

2. i play regular sport game every sat with group of asian (chinese, malaysian, hongki.....), at least 50% dont have full time job and consider go back their country.

Here is my advice to you:

1. economic is bad at the moment, don't waste your money, find some job and bring back home bacon!
2. go some places with less affect of commodity such as Singapore.