Opinions please, are we mad to even consider this move on a 489 visa?

taylors4 · October 4, 2012

Hi, we are about to apply for a 489 regional visa, due to my OH being totally frustrated with the IELTs test, he really doesn't want to take it again! OH is a bricklayer, I am a PA/secretary, but willing to do anything. Our kids are 12 and 10 and we have visited Mandurah and would really like to settle there.

My problem is I am reading so many threads about lack of jobs and the expense of everything. We will be coming over with funds, probably about £15K, and about £8K to buy a car and will be renting out 2 houses out in the UK initially, which should just about cover a $500 - $600 per week rental.

Upon arrival we can stay initially with family and we have family who have said they have loads of contacts and people saying they can help OH to get a start work wise. I have an Aunt, Uncle and 4 cousins living in the Rockingham/Mandurah areas. Who are all willing to help us settle.

Bearing all this in mind, we think we are in a good position and its do-able, but there seems to be so much negativity. Our visa condition would mean we HAVE to live and work in a regional area, we CANNOT live an work in the Perth Metro area. Once we have lived in a regional area for 2 years and OH has worked full time for 12 months within that period, we can apply for PR. Initially we though, that's quite easy, but now doubts are setting in, and getting jobs is really worrying.

My cousin seems to think that Pinjarra (not sure of spelling) is an areas where he could get work as there are lots of new housing developments, can anyone verify?

Also, schooling for out kids is another big worry, we probably won't be able to afford to send them private, so does anyone know of good secondary schools in the Mandurah area - or indeed can anyone suggest any other areas we could be looking at for this regional visa (although I would prefer to be near family).

My gut feeling is to just do it, and see what happens, the worst thing is that we are back home in 6-12 months, this has always been my dream, but since coming over 2 years ago - it's now my OH's dream too!! If we lose the money we have invested into doing this - well, will just put that down to life experience - we are lucky (although we have done without and worked 7 days a week for many years to achieve this mortgage free status) that we own or main home outright so we can go back to it.

Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading

elfie · October 4, 2012

We came with less than what you have. We also have 2 houses in the Uk rented out. Eight weeks on for me and 15 week for hubby we are managing financially. We have a clapped out car compared to the UK but is reliable paid for in cash. We have just purchased a motorbike both are working. We have no family here in Australia I have a son who is in the UK he is 26. Its a case of if you dont try you will always be wondering what if....................................................... I understand your doubts and fears as we have them also. But your not selling up you still have both properties to go home to ok so no jobs but you will manage. It I think realistically will take more than 6-12 months to get yourself established. There are jobs here lots of them. I have gone back 10 years in my career but its a start its a job and its an Australian reference when moving on - well thats how I see it. If we stay or if we go at least we have tried no regrets no looking back just looking forward. But it is only you and your family will know if it is the right decision for you. Good luck with what ever you decide. Just dont have rose tinted spectacles on thats all I can offer

love n light

Mary

Levi · October 4, 2012

Elfie always gives good advice. Bearing this in mind I'd say too : go for it. You (taylors4) are in very good position having where to live, having other relatives in Oz. Having £15K is good, other families went with less.

Another thing I keep repeating to myself, and sometimes say it out loud, sometimes write it down (like here): if you go to Oz then you have to make it happen. At least that's what I'll do, and is my plan (long term). I've read a couple of posts here saying that people don't move (predominantly) for financial reasons, but for the change in lifestyle. Am I right elfie ? , I mean Mary, now I'm reading your name.

If I ever get to migrate, then I'd like to meet up with Mary and the taylors also. Cheers!

Other official information I know about:

1. Perth was deemed eligible for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme and the family-sponsored regional General Skilled Migration programs because of Western Australia’s general skills needs and specific resource sector demand for skilled labour. The state government introduced the WA Skilled Migration Strategy to deliver a more integrated approach to skilled migration, provide information and migrant settlement services. It is also intended to promote dialogue with the federal government to help develop a more flexible and responsive skilled migration program for the state’s oil and gas industry.

2. Perth: declared a regional city, to facilitate migration / immigration in Australia (declared a regional city sometime in 2012, perhaps end of 2011).

So: "we CANNOT live an work in the Perth Metro area" - I don't know 100% sure information about that.

Levi

SusieQ · October 4, 2012

Hi Taylors.....I honestly think with your attitude you will be fine. You seem to be coming with an open mind and open attitude...well done!!!

I have heard good reports regarding this school, I am hoping to get my son's name down...... http://johntonkincollege.wa.edu.au/index.php

Good Luck...we are in Madora Bay, about 10 mins from Mandurah and love it....loads of new builds going on.

x

taylors4 · October 5, 2012

We came with less than what you have. We also have 2 houses in the Uk rented out. Eight weeks on for me and 15 week for hubby we are managing financially. We have a clapped out car compared to the UK but is reliable paid for in cash. We have just purchased a motorbike both are working. We have no family here in Australia I have a son who is in the UK he is 26. Its a case of if you dont try you will always be wondering what if....................................................... I understand your doubts and fears as we have them also. But your not selling up you still have both properties to go home to ok so no jobs but you will manage. It I think realistically will take more than 6-12 months to get yourself established. There are jobs here lots of them. I have gone back 10 years in my career but its a start its a job and its an Australian reference when moving on - well thats how I see it. If we stay or if we go at least we have tried no regrets no looking back just looking forward. But it is only you and your family will know if it is the right decision for you. Good luck with what ever you decide. Just dont have rose tinted spectacles on thats all I can offer

love n light

Mary

Hi Mary, thanks for your reply - has made me feel better the fact that there does seem to be jobs, that's the biggie for us as my OH does not cope with being out of work at all, he knows nothing else and deffo isn't work shy. I understand it will take a while to get established, but if there's no work OH just won't stay to sit around all day - he'd be on suicide watch!! Seriously the last 4 years for us have been crap in the UK, just due to work not coming in and in the periods where its been slack he gets depressed, its not all about the money - we have managed - just, but he just can't seem to handle it with no work. Obviously the weather doesn't help in the UK either as if he's off for a few weeks and its peeing it down and he can't get out of the house he goes stir crazy - he really is an outdoor person - working out in the cold/heat doesn't bother him.

The negativity on some of the forums though does make you question your sanity in going ahead with such a move though, hence my post.

Thank you for your input Mary its made me feel better - enjoy the spring!!

taylors4 · October 5, 2012

Hi Taylors.....I honestly think with your attitude you will be fine. You seem to be coming with an open mind and open attitude...well done!!!

I have heard good reports regarding this school, I am hoping to get my son's name down...... http://johntonkincollege.wa.edu.au/index.php

Good Luck...we are in Madora Bay, about 10 mins from Mandurah and love it....loads of new builds going on.

x

Thank you so much for the link Susie - will have a look into that one and good to hear lots of new builds in the surrounding areas. Makes me feel so much more positive, thanks again

taylors4 · October 5, 2012

Elfie always gives good advice. Bearing this in mind I'd say too : go for it. You (taylors4) are in very good position having where to live, having other relatives in Oz. Having £15K is good, other families went with less.
Another thing I keep repeating to myself, and sometimes say it out loud, sometimes write it down (like here): if you go to Oz then you have to make it happen. At least that's what I'll do, and is my plan (long term). I've read a couple of posts here saying that people don't move (predominantly) for financial reasons, but for the change in lifestyle. Am I right elfie ? , I mean Mary, now I'm reading your name.

If I ever get to migrate, then I'd like to meet up with Mary and the taylors also. Cheers!

Other official information I know about:

1. Perth was deemed eligible for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme and the family-sponsored regional General Skilled Migration programs because of Western Australia’s general skills needs and specific resource sector demand for skilled labour. The state government introduced the WA Skilled Migration Strategy to deliver a more integrated approach to skilled migration, provide information and migrant settlement services. It is also intended to promote dialogue with the federal government to help develop a more flexible and responsive skilled migration program for the state’s oil and gas industry.

2. Perth: declared a regional city, to facilitate migration / immigration in Australia (declared a regional city sometime in 2012, perhaps end of 2011).

So: "we CANNOT live an work in the Perth Metro area" - I don't know 100% sure information about that.

Levi

Hi Levi, thanks for the reply and for being so encouraging. Yes people do come with a lot less, think I'm just worrying over all the negativity which gets posted on these forums at times. Unfortunately we do have to work outside Perth Metro, as bricklayers are on the Sol 2 we cannot apply for family sponsorship so have to got for State Sponsored Regional. Hopefully OH will be able to get 12 months work in the area local to Mandurah. Hope all goes well for you too Levi, which visa are you hoping to go on?

elfie · October 5, 2012

Hi Mary, thanks for your reply - has made me feel better the fact that there does seem to be jobs, that's the biggie for us as my OH does not cope with being out of work at all, he knows nothing else and deffo isn't work shy. I understand it will take a while to get established, but if there's no work OH just won't stay to sit around all day - he'd be on suicide watch!! Seriously the last 4 years for us have been crap in the UK, just due to work not coming in and in the periods where its been slack he gets depressed, its not all about the money - we have managed - just, but he just can't seem to handle it with no work. Obviously the weather doesn't help in the UK either as if he's off for a few weeks and its peeing it down and he can't get out of the house he goes stir crazy - he really is an outdoor person - working out in the cold/heat doesn't bother him.

The negativity on some of the forums though does make you question your sanity in going ahead with such a move though, hence my post.

Thank you for your input Mary its made me feel better - enjoy the spring!!

Hi

Your more than welcome. There are a lot of people on this site who will give you many points of view from all different angles

good luck with what ever you decide

Levi · October 10, 2012

Hi taylors4

I'm aiming for a family sponsorship (although I don't even know what that means exactly - what are they sponsoring me with?) - I still have to read a lot about this.

Is there a CSOL, a SOL and a 'Sol 2' ? Haven't heard about the last one up until now. If you know more, please write it here.

"as bricklayers are on the Sol 2 we cannot apply for family sponsorship so have to got for State Sponsored Regional" - Is family sponsorship available only in certain cases? I'm having a feeling you are very knowledgeable, I'd like to talk to you more : D , as - and answering your question - I have no idea which visa would suit me best. I know I want: PR; me skilled + family sponsored (I've also read the term 'Australian Linked')

Best to all, keep in touch!

taylors4 · October 10, 2012

Hi Levi, it all depends which visa you are going for, we are going for 489, as that's all we have enough points for. From my understanding the SOL is also referred to as SOL 1 and CSOL is also referred to as SOL 2.

So with bricklayer being on CSOL (Sol 2) indeed, we can only be State Sponsored, which means we have to adhere to working and living in a regional area (they supply a list of postcodes for you to work out where you can settle) see booklet 6 under 489 visa on the DIAC website. However, if our occupation was on the main SOL (Sol 1), we could be family sponsored. For a family sponsored 489 visa, the whole of WA for this purpose is deemed Regional, you can live and work anywhere in the Perth area - this is where the confusion comes with regard to this visa. Your family are supposed to help you to settle, so giving you accommodation when you arrive, if you need it, and if you hit hard times they are supposed to help you. I have heard though this visa takes longer.

If you are going to apply for a permanent visa though its a whole different matter with different rules.

Its all down to points I'm afraid and if you have enough, obviously its always so much better to get a PR visa straight off if you can. We are paying exactly the same as a PR Visa with a lot more regulations and uncertainty!! As we are short on points, we don't have another choice, other than taking IETLs again, which my OH really doesn't want to do - he isn't the studying type I'm afraid.

Good luck with whatever you decide

blackpool3 · October 11, 2012

Hi - We moved out to mandurah in June on a 475 regional sponsored visa and once you are here it so much easier to get a job. I now work in Perth CBD and commute on the train everyday (sponsored by a company and now on a 457 visa)- it is only 50 mins and very easy. There are always jobs posted on Fircroft, Seek, Career one for a start.

We love Mandurah as there is a lot to do on a weekend and the rental is cheaper than Perth and surrounding suberbs., People will say you are mad for commuting but when you ask them they are all travelling about 40 mins a day.

It is a big decision to come out with no job but we are glad we did it now and wouldn't go back. We too were mortgage free and no worries in the UK but just sick of working away. Now I am home every night and off every weekend. My advice - just do it - nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Regards Steve

taylors4 · October 11, 2012

Hi - We moved out to mandurah in June on a 475 regional sponsored visa and once you are here it so much easier to get a job. I now work in Perth CBD and commute on the train everyday (sponsored by a company and now on a 457 visa)- it is only 50 mins and very easy. There are always jobs posted on Fircroft, Seek, Career one for a start.
We love Mandurah as there is a lot to do on a weekend and the rental is cheaper than Perth and surrounding suberbs., People will say you are mad for commuting but when you ask them they are all travelling about 40 mins a day.

It is a big decision to come out with no job but we are glad we did it now and wouldn't go back. We too were mortgage free and no worries in the UK but just sick of working away. Now I am home every night and off every weekend. My advice - just do it - nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Regards Steve

Thanks for that Steve, these visa as all so confusing, so if you are on a 457, does that mean if you've got your skills assessment you can apply for PR through the direct entry scheme? If so, how long do you have to wait? They no longer do the 475 visa, been replaced by the 489, but the charge is the same as a PR visa £2K, which is a lot of money to go and then change again. Not heard of Fircroft so will check that one out, thanks

blackpool3 · October 11, 2012

I only got my 457 in September but you can apply within 2 years for PR or an empoyer can do it for you usually after a probationary period with the company. Fircroft is a good site and I have a list of companies I can pass on if you like - will list them when back at work Friday.