Visa 189 Skilled Independent Worker

Hi there. I've got a question regarding my application for Visa 189. I have just earned a Bachelor's degree in nursing in Australia (I am originally from the USA). My student visa is set to expire mid March, but I have been awarded a nursing job (which starts Feb 1st). I've decided PR is the best option, but I'm finding I am 5 points shy on the assessment. I have not taken the English test because I stupidly thought I would get full credit (being from an English speaking country and having just earned a Bachelors degree in Australia). Unfortunately I get zero points and deemed "competent" or I can take the test, which costs almost $500, is not available until the 9th of January, and takes 14 days to be processed. I'm afraid I'm going to run out of time. So, I understand I must first submit an expression of interest and then be invited to apply for residency (and submit paperwork and have a physical exam). Then, I will be assigned an officer and I will most likely be awarded a subclass temporary visa while my PR is being assessed. I submitted an EOI and earned the missing 5 points because I argued I have worked in jobs somewhat related to nursing. I did this by arguing I was an unpaid student nurse for 3 years (as we were required to completing nursing placements through the uni). I also argued I was a nursing teacher (paid) through the uni, worked in security (providing medical assistance), and did an unpaid internship as a sexual assault advocate.

Here's my questions:
1) Is this argument in my EOI a good one? If we take out the nursing placements it is fairly weak (and are these placements considered as part of the points I earned for the degree).
2) Am I likely to run out of time if I take the English test in January? How quickly is it likely that I will be given a subclass (temporary) visa while my 189 is being assessed?
3) Should I pull back my existing EOI and resubmit after taking the English test?
4) Can I modify my EOI prior to being invited to apply (i.e. add the test scores)?
Any advice would be much appreciated!

Cheers,
Angie

Angie - what you ask is very precise information regarding visa processing - I am at a loss why you are asking this here as I doubt very much anyone on TT would have the experience you describe; at best they could only guess. Anyway all you can do is hope.
My questions to you would be 1. Is the nursing job with a state govt health or private health? Reason I ask if its with a state govt then that means you have been successful in your EOI (that's my understanding) as state has offered you a job. 2. Have you approached an agency like Acacia who specialize in visas, would know I'm sure your options - they are at https://www.acacia-au.com/. - you really need to talk to someone like those people ASAP.

Disclaimer:--- I sm not an Immigration specialist in Australia.
Whatever you do, make sure you have evidence of your arguments. The more you can supply, the better.

no one here is an immigration expert and your case is not really travel related anymore. That said it was my understanding if you were a native english speaker, you were awarded the points for speaking english and didn't need to do the test. Re read the information again, I pretty certain someone where english isn't their first language would need to sit the test to prove their fluency. English is your first language I assume and thus its not required.

See an immigration expert, your case would be fairly straight forward.

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