zozo03

Sounds like a similar price. The medicals (around £300 per adult and £105 per child) and police checks are on top (about £43). We calculated just under £10k for a family of 5. A 2 year trial sounds like a sensible approach. Let me know how you get on...!

Congratulations! How much are Go Matilda charging if you don't mind my asking? We are talking to True Blue who are about $5200 and offer a no visa no fee guarantee but if they charge loads extra for that it's probably not worth it! Hubby still very in fence too thinks it's a lot of wasted money as he can't see himself moving but appreciates he might change his mind once he has been.

So what are valid reasons in your opinion?

Outdoor lifestyle, kids moving away from iPads and kindles and computer games in the rain to swimming and camping. Also the investment in sports in schools versus here.

My friend moved last year and was a wreck the few days before. It was one of the things holding me back. She was physically sick and devastated but she shook herself off at the airport and said they looked forward from that point on, not back. They arrived in Perth with 4 suitcases and not a key to their name and 15 months later have built a great life for themselves. It takes tremendous commitment from all involved which is why we have been so on the fence. If you are committed to making it work there is no reason why it shouldn't. Good luck @odies - I'm looking forward to hearing your success story as another inspiration for us!

Been doing just that @verystormy - all week. The time factor is making everything more critical and I guess my 'migration clock' has started ringing very loudly with OH only having a year til he is 40. I don't think we can make a call until we have been out, spoken to recruitment consultants, checked out neighbourhoods and reminded (myself anyway) of the attraction. We have decided to invest in the gift of time by going for the visa. It's a lot of money if we decide in the end it's not for us but no more than the cost of a small car which depreciates every day. The visa gives us choice which is incredibly valuable whatever our ultimate decision may be. Thank you to everyone for commenting on this thread and to those who took the time to PM with further experiences, it really has helped. Will keep you updated on the journey and look forward to hearing about others' adventures too.

Welcome to PP! I registered just to ask the question as it has been driving me insane too. It's not easy, is it! I know my mum would be devastated, she looks after our 3 kids 2 days per week and dotes on them. Our prospects career wise are great here and it's the gamble of the unknown which is tough to make a call on. What if we don't get good jobs, what if we can't afford the great lifestyle we would be seeking (house with pool etc) and then what if we hate it want to come home and have trouble getting jobs again. Personally I would like to get the visa, validate it and have OH visit next year so he knows exactly what the opportunities are, can talk to recruitment consultants and get a feel for the risk/reward. It's a £10k risk if we decided to stay but the alternative of going next yr loving it and knowing we have lost our chance is a horrible thought.

Out of interest what did you do in Edinburgh/are you doing now? I'm working in marketing/advertising in Edinburgh for an asset manager. Hubby is a Director of engineering (audio/electronics)

Best of 3...?! [emoji1]

We actually discussed that last night. Renting house is good compromise in short to medium term either that or ring fence any profits so don't spend it and if savings run out before getting job then we move back without spending the house money. We both work in private sector jobs but my employer has allowed 6 month career breaks in the past. We are actually booked to come out next Easter for 3 weeks so depending on timescales that could work out as validation trip although would need to move quickly to get all the tests and checks out the way and hope for a speedy and supportive CO. May not happen though!

Wow. That's so great. Well done and fab you are all loving it. Kids too? Did you find getting jobs ok? I know everyone's situation is different but OH is worried we uproot kids, sell house and then can't get jobs and have spent our money renting so even if we did want to come back we would have no deposit to buy another house. Tbh I would probably move tomorrow as nothing ventured nothing gained, and as I've said in a previous post, I would hate to have regrets. He is far more cautious, not one to gamble lightly and I understand his concerns - they are all valid. I'm just hoping all your experiences will reassure him enough to take the leap of faith and at the very least get the visa to give us the 5 year option.

Shouldn't (sorry predictive text a nightmare!) [emoji36]

They said it should be a problem and visa probably be ok I'm just wondering if it will be really costly to manage in Australia or if anyone has experience of insurers covering pre-existing conditions like coeliac disease.

Hi everyone, myself, OH and 3 kids (8,6 and 3) are considering starting the journey to a new life in Perth and are busy doing lots of research - this site has been amazing! We have contacted an agent who doesn't think the fact my eldest daughter has coeliac disease (can't eat wheat, barley, rye or gluten) will be an issue for the visa but I'm wondering if medical insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions such as this? She needs regular checks of her blood and her oesophagus. Also I've heard Australia cater really well for gluten free diets is that right? Thanks in advance!

This is really helpful thanks! My eldest loves the idea but dotes on her grandparents so reality would be tough. The jobs part scares me most as we are pretty secure there with good salaries and prospects so it's a scary thought to be fighting it out in the jobs market again but the thought of walking on the beach everyday with the kids is a different story! [emoji4] It is a leap of faith and yes it is only money and you only get one life.... That's what I keep coming back to.

What's a life decision meeting? How does it get you moving more quickly? Please forgive me if it's a reference to something very personal. The ticking clock does mean the luxury of research and visiting for OH is not an option. As you say in your first comment though, it could be viewed as a life experience if nothing else. Taking the kids away from their grandparents is a tough call but seeing how much they light up when it's sunny and they can play outdoors all day is really a selling point all on it's own. I hope everything goes well for you and you get to make the move ASAP. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with me.

That's what I feel. Every time I hear someone saying they are migrating I get that twinge of jealousy and urge to take action. Then life carries on and what do you know, it's another 2 years down the road. It is hard when you are financially stable, in good jobs - and not unhappy - to take the plunge. But my 'migration clock' is ticking very loudly now. Have you moved or still going through process? Are you happy?

Hi everyone, I'm new to PP and have been reading so much already. The information and experience here is really fantastic. I am considering starting this journey with my OH and 3 kids (8,6 and 3). I've wanted to live in Perth ever since visiting 16 yrs ago and have friends who moved last year as well as friends who moved when we were kids. Very daunting for OH as he has never been. We are visiting next Easter but shortly after that he turns 40 (would be his skills getting the 189) and we lose 10 points. So having to make the call to spend all this money without knowing if he will like it enough to leave all our family and friends behind, give up 2 successful careers and hope it all works out! Or waste the better part of £10k if we go ahead and then he doesn't like it. Did anyone else make this move never having been? How did you know it was right? How did you balance the life in Australia versus removing the influence, love and help of family? Thanks everyone!