On your marks, get set ...

[Akasully2]

...Go!

 

We applied for a WA sponsored 190 visa on the 16/5/13, submitted our online application, paid the $200 and prepared to wait the 30 working days to hear back. Everyday I look to see if anything has come through yet...nothing, must be patient (not very good at that). Today, 20/5/13 we got an email to say that they were interested in our application and will be assigned a case officer soon! It said if there was anything else they wanted to know, they would get back to us.

 

So, for all those people who have been through this themselves, what is the next step and how what is the time frame? The automatic email said processing times were on their site. I vaguely remember something about 5 weeks. Is that until they say whether they will sponsor you or for them/Skillselect to tell you to start getting medicals, etc?

 

We really are trying not to count our chickens before they hatch this time as we applied for a visa last year and it all went wrong...frustratingly, banging your head against a desk wrong. We applied for an independent skilled visa after fully researching and reading and re-reading the supplementary information on what to do. We checked we were on a Skills in demand list, we had my husband's skills assessed (which took ages to compile the evidence from old employers and university courses), we paid the money and waited. We eventually got an email back saying we didn't have enough points because we didn't have good enough English skills. I thought my husband was winding me up? We are both British born and bred, from families that were probably here with the AngloSaxons, both university educated.... How could we not have good enough English????

 

It turned out that our/my interpretation of their guidance on having the necessary language skills and not needing to take a test was different to their's. It said if you had a British passport you were seen as having basic/satisfactory skills and need not sit the test. What it didn't clearly say was that if you wanted to get extra points then you had to sit the tests before submitting the visa. You couldn't do it afterwards...apparently they made it against the law! Stupid, stupid, stupid me..... Balls'd up and couldn't do anything about it. The case officer we had never replied to us, only eventually saying ...''The computer says No''. We had to withdraw the application, lose the fee and after licking our wounds for a few months, re-apply.

 

So, here we are, better luck this time with the 190. It has made me overly cautious and paranoid of missing something. Thankfully the new visa system seems better set up so you can't make that mistake again. I wonder how many other people got caught out like that.

 

So, do any of you have words of wisdom you can pass on? Things that you wished you knew before you started? Any pointers to avoid the trips and falls would be gratefully received.

 

All the best.

Edited May 21, 2013 by Akasully2
More specific title

[StraighttothePoint]

In Mrs Brown's Boys, the son when he applied to come here, it only took 4 weeks for his visa to be processed and he spoke with a broad Dublin accent!!

 

Not sure if that helps to give you an idea on timescales or not

[Akasully2]

See we are all con'd into believing this process is quicker and simpler than it really is. Too many hours spent watching 'Wanted Down Under'!

[Nikkis2000]

Hi Akasully2,

 

We too received our email yesterday confirming that a WA case officer has been assigned. We are going through an agent and they advised that once this email is received that the Nomination is usually received shortly afterwards (days) unless they want more information from you.

 

The next stage after that is for the DIAC to invite you to apply for the 190 Visa. At this point you pay the $3k fee and submit the DIAC application form. I think you have up to 60 days from the point of invitation to complete this. Go over the 60 days and you're back to the start. Once your application is received you are then assigned a case officer (average time for this seems to be about 5 weeks after application) and then you're invited to go for medicals etc. Once they are complete it's just a waiting game, assuming there are no referrals.

 

Hope this helps and fingers crossed for you!

 

Nikki

[hw72]

$3k fee!!! What is this for? I have not heard of that

[Del70]

$3k fee!!! What is this for? I have not heard of that

It's what you pay when you apply for a skilled visa....

Edited May 21, 2013 by Del70

[Akasully2]

Hi Akasully2,

 

We too received our email yesterday confirming that a WA case officer has been assigned. We are going through an agent and they advised that once this email is received that the Nomination is usually received shortly afterwards (days) unless they want more information from you.

 

The next stage after that is for the DIAC to invite you to apply for the 190 Visa. At this point you pay the $3k fee and submit the DIAC application form. I think you have up to 60 days from the point of invitation to complete this. Go over the 60 days and you're back to the start. Once your application is received you are then assigned a case officer (average time for this seems to be about 5 weeks after application) and then you're invited to go for medicals etc. Once they are complete it's just a waiting game, assuming there are no referrals.

 

Hope this helps and fingers crossed for you!

 

Nikki

 

Hi Nikki,

 

Thanks for getting back to me and congratulations on getting the email too. We can track each other's progress as we go along and compare the speed! That info from your agent is very helpful, thank you.

 

So what SOL are you going as? My hubby is doing it as a Construction Project Manager.

 

Did you agent say what the DIAC want from you as part of the application prior to medicals/police checks? We are doing it ourselves. Having been through this before, but as the old style, I presume it is evidence of all the things you have claimed you have. Last time we sent off masses of docs, thankfully we should just be able to rescan and resend saving us hours.

 

So Nikki have you actually been to Perth? We went over to Oz at Christmas and loved it. We pigged out on trying to see as much as possible in 3 weeks. We went up and down the major cities on the east coast but regret that we couldn't fit Perth in too. We came away with a good general overview of the major hot spots, including whether the beaches lived up to our expectations. Our conclusions beach wise was as follows:-

 

Sydney: Bondii was over rated, looked like Cornwall on a good day. Full of Mediterranean looking young guys driving lads cars and boozing beer on the beach. Water cooler than expected.

 

Manly was better, more family orientated but the had sharks and jelly fish in that day so couldn't go in!

 

Cairns beach was off limits as the had salt water crocs in it that would eat you! The water was muddy and murky, perfect for crocs. The open water around the barrier reef was out of this world. Heaven!

 

Brisbane was perfect. Went to Surfers paradise, lived up to its name. Stunning white sand and aqua clear water. This is what I expected from Oz. Water temp so warm and enjoyable.

 

Melbourne around the city was bloody freezing. Someone at home described it as looking like Bournemouth in UK. I thought they must be crazy...no they were correct! Much better along the coastal path 2 hours outside of city. Still chilly but aqua water.

 

so, as for Perth....? Don't know apart from a guy on the plane on our return said that Perth's beaches were stunning. Anyone living over there that can confirm this? Do they live up to the dream of the perfect Ozzy Beach?

 

Keep in touch Nikki. Good luck!

[Nikkis2000]

Hi Nikki,

 

Thanks for getting back to me and congratulations on getting the email too. We can track each other's progress as we go along and compare the speed! That info from your agent is very helpful, thank you.

 

So what SOL are you going as? My hubby is doing it as a Construction Project Manager.

 

Did you agent say what the DIAC want from you as part of the application prior to medicals/police checks? We are doing it ourselves. Having been through this before, but as the old style, I presume it is evidence of all the things you have claimed you have. Last time we sent off masses of docs, thankfully we should just be able to rescan and resend saving us hours.

 

So Nikki have you actually been to Perth? We went over to Oz at Christmas and loved it. We pigged out on trying to see as much as possible in 3 weeks. We went up and down the major cities on the east coast but regret that we couldn't fit Perth in too. We came away with a good general overview of the major hot spots, including whether the beaches lived up to our expectations. Our conclusions beach wise was as follows:-

 

Sydney: Bondii was over rated, looked like Cornwall on a good day. Full of Mediterranean looking young guys driving lads cars and boozing beer on the beach. Water cooler than expected.

 

Manly was better, more family orientated but the had sharks and jelly fish in that day so couldn't go in!

 

Cairns beach was off limits as the had salt water crocs in it that would eat you! The water was muddy and murky, perfect for crocs. The open water around the barrier reef was out of this world. Heaven!

 

Brisbane was perfect. Went to Surfers paradise, lived up to its name. Stunning white sand and aqua clear water. This is what I expected from Oz. Water temp so warm and enjoyable.

 

Melbourne around the city was bloody freezing. Someone at home described it as looking like Bournemouth in UK. I thought they must be crazy...no they were correct! Much better along the coastal path 2 hours outside of city. Still chilly but aqua water.

 

so, as for Perth....? Don't know apart from a guy on the plane on our return said that Perth's beaches were stunning. Anyone living over there that can confirm this? Do they live up to the dream of the perfect Ozzy Beach?

 

Keep in touch Nikki. Good luck!

 

Hi Akasully2,

 

Will definitely have to compare progress!

 

I'm applying as an ICT Project Manager. I have to say that for us going through an agent was the best thing we could've done. I had to provide most of the documentation needed for the visa app for my skills assessment as well so they are just going to re-use that but basically it was, as you say, lots of evidence - qualification certificates, passport scans etc. I'm not sure what the actual application form is like because the agent does that for us based on a form we fill out for them but again it was more of the same in terms of employment history, information on dependents etc. I'm sure you'll be fine with it. Other posts on here suggest that it is straight forward enough.

 

I went over to Perth for the first time last November. OH has tons of family in and around the area and has been over a few times and has wanted to move over there for as long as I've known him. When I finally made it over there and fell in love with the relaxed atmosphere and space and then found out I had the wherewithal to make it happen, that was that.

 

I haven't been anywhere else in Oz but Perth was great. We stayed a couple of days down in Mandurah and spent time on the beach at Rockingham/Shearwater on the way back. We also spent time at Fremantle (South Beach) and Mullaloo. My opinion (and please note that I am no expert and will happily be corrected by others) was that beaches SOR were calmer and shallower, especially Shearwater. NOR seems choppier and more like surfer territory. One thing I noticed was that all the beaches were quite windy and I've heard this is a common feature of the Perth beaches.

 

OH's family all live more inland so we spent much of our time in Bullsbrook but also visited Toodyay and Perth Hills. I think after doing quite a lot of research into different areas we are swaying more to the Hills area as a potential to live in when we arrive. We love the beach, but you seem to get a bit more space with the older properties inland (again happy to be corrected).

 

Sounds like I need to do the grand tour once we make it over there - just to day we've done it if nothing else!

 

Good luck with your aplication and keep us posted!

 

Nikki

[Akasully2]

Hi Akasully2,

 

Will definitely have to compare progress!

 

I'm applying as an ICT Project Manager. I have to say that for us going through an agent was the best thing we could've done. I had to provide most of the documentation needed for the visa app for my skills assessment as well so they are just going to re-use that but basically it was, as you say, lots of evidence - qualification certificates, passport scans etc. I'm not sure what the actual application form is like because the agent does that for us based on a form we fill out for them but again it was more of the same in terms of employment history, information on dependents etc. I'm sure you'll be fine with it. Other posts on here suggest that it is straight forward enough.

 

I went over to Perth for the first time last November. OH has tons of family in and around the area and has been over a few times and has wanted to move over there for as long as I've known him. When I finally made it over there and fell in love with the relaxed atmosphere and space and then found out I had the wherewithal to make it happen, that was that.

 

I haven't been anywhere else in Oz but Perth was great. We stayed a couple of days down in Mandurah and spent time on the beach at Rockingham/Shearwater on the way back. We also spent time at Fremantle (South Beach) and Mullaloo. My opinion (and please note that I am no expert and will happily be corrected by others) was that beaches SOR were calmer and shallower, especially Shearwater. NOR seems choppier and more like surfer territory. One thing I noticed was that all the beaches were quite windy and I've heard this is a common feature of the Perth beaches.

 

OH's family all live more inland so we spent much of our time in Bullsbrook but also visited Toodyay and Perth Hills. I think after doing quite a lot of research into different areas we are swaying more to the Hills area as a potential to live in when we arrive. We love the beach, but you seem to get a bit more space with the older properties inland (again happy to be corrected).

 

Sounds like I need to do the grand tour once we make it over there - just to day we've done it if nothing else!

 

Good luck with your aplication and keep us posted!

 

Nikki

 

 

Hi Nikki,

 

This website is addictive! Keep running back to see if there are any more messages. Thank you for your reply, really interesting to read it!

 

Funny you mention the Hills, when I first looked at where to live I presumed the beach would be the place to pull us. But the more I look on websites the areas seem quite squashed in. Not much space. When I mentioned this to OH he said, no had to be a beach spot, but he isn't the one doing the research!

 

When we went to The Gold Coast, Queensland, I fell in love with an area called Tambourine Mountain. The space and peace was inspiring. Only 40 mins to the beach, which seemed reasonable. I guess the Perth Hills seem on par with there. I have this dream of living the country life (just without the enormous spiders you probably get there).

 

How far was it to get to the CBD from there? Doable for work?

 

thanks again for the info. I'll be back again soon for the next instalment!

 

Good luck.

 

Bye for now,

 

Angela

[Nikkis2000]

Hi Angela,

 

It is addictive definitely!! I find its a great place not only for advice, but just to feel that there are others in the same bost and you're not the only one sitting there going demented because you haven't had an email for the last 5 minutes!!

 

The beach is the first thing that most people seem to be drawn to, as were we when we first started looking but a lot of feedback on here goes along the line of: you can pretty much drive to a beach within 30 - 45 mins tops from pretty much anywhere within the Perth area. Even some of those living close to beach say they either don't go, or drive anyway cos you have to take so much stuff!!

 

Greenmount (which is my current fave) is fairly close to Midland station. I'm not 100% sure how long the train takes but think its 20 - 30 minutes. Obviously if you go further up into the hills the drive is longer and I don't know what the parking at Midland is like, but I would say do-able if you don't mind a slightly longer commute.

 

I think the Hills might be the nice halfway house between the suburbs in the metro area and the full on country life that you get out say in Toodyay or Bindoon (AMAZING bakery at Bindoon btw - def worth the drive out!)

 

I can just picture getting home from work and sitting out on the verandah surrounded by a big but not over large mature garden sipping a glass of white. Hopefully not an unachievable dream!!

 

Oh well - Better get back to reality and cook some dinner!

 

Speak soon

 

Nikki

[Akasully2]

Hi Nikki,

 

i had to stop myself replying again last night, made myself waiting until today! I did a bit more research on other people's experiences of the visa app process. On one of the threads (which I know you replied to) was the guy who didn't know you had to apply directly to WA for SS. It was a joy reading his progress from not really knowing anything to getting his visa through, then advising others using his experience. This site is fantastic!

 

Last night I was thinking through the logistics of moving over, finding an area to live with good schools for my two children. I just kept thinking how hit and miss it could be choosing from the other other side of the world with only the web for guidance. I got myself in a bit of a panic. How could you choose, rent, start school then decide actually it wasn't for you. It would bad enough doing that in the UK where you could drive up and see a place first but there....? I then read a few accounts of people staying in B&B's to start with, driving round looking at areas, then deciding on the spot for them after seeing the schools for themselves. Our children could have a settling in period without school for a couple of weeks. Pressure off, felt calmer!

 

I liked your positiveness in the way you say, 'when we get there...'. I still say, 'if'. We in the past talked about this so much to friends and family then it went pear-shaped after a stupid mistake and we kind of felt like we had egg on our faces. So this time we have decided to keep quiet about it. We will only tell them if we get the visa. I want to natter about it but can't so this is my only outlet apart from telling OH in the evenings, everything I had read earlier on this site!

 

Keep in touch.

 

Angela

[Nikkis2000]

Hi Angela,

 

It has to be said that not having kids makes the process much easier. Our choice of location is driven on lifestyle and commute rather than schools etc!

 

In terms of our outlook, I think a major turning point for us was the positive skills assessment. I was so worried that it would come back negative that when it wasn't, the move almost became a done deal in my head! A dangerous thought perhaps but positive thinking and all that!! I still have wobbles and panicky moments both in terms of whether we'll be accepted and if its the right thing to do but I just take a deep breath, a large slug of wine and come back on here to remind myself why we're doing it!!

 

Speak soon

Nikki x

[bakersdozen]

Hi Nikki,

 

Thanks for getting back to me and congratulations on getting the email too. We can track each other's progress as we go along and compare the speed! That info from your agent is very helpful, thank you.

 

So what SOL are you going as? My hubby is doing it as a Construction Project Manager.

 

Did you agent say what the DIAC want from you as part of the application prior to medicals/police checks? We are doing it ourselves. Having been through this before, but as the old style, I presume it is evidence of all the things you have claimed you have. Last time we sent off masses of docs, thankfully we should just be able to rescan and resend saving us hours.

 

So Nikki have you actually been to Perth? We went over to Oz at Christmas and loved it. We pigged out on trying to see as much as possible in 3 weeks. We went up and down the major cities on the east coast but regret that we couldn't fit Perth in too. We came away with a good general overview of the major hot spots, including whether the beaches lived up to our expectations. Our conclusions beach wise was as follows:-

 

Sydney: Bondii was over rated, looked like Cornwall on a good day. Full of Mediterranean looking young guys driving lads cars and boozing beer on the beach. Water cooler than expected.

 

Manly was better, more family orientated but the had sharks and jelly fish in that day so couldn't go in!

 

Cairns beach was off limits as the had salt water crocs in it that would eat you! The water was muddy and murky, perfect for crocs. The open water around the barrier reef was out of this world. Heaven!

 

Brisbane was perfect. Went to Surfers paradise, lived up to its name. Stunning white sand and aqua clear water. This is what I expected from Oz. Water temp so warm and enjoyable.

 

Melbourne around the city was bloody freezing. Someone at home described it as looking like Bournemouth in UK. I thought they must be crazy...no they were correct! Much better along the coastal path 2 hours outside of city. Still chilly but aqua water.

 

so, as for Perth....? Don't know apart from a guy on the plane on our return said that Perth's beaches were stunning. Anyone living over there that can confirm this? Do they live up to the dream of the perfect Ozzy Beach?

 

Keep in touch Nikki. Good luck!

 

Hi Akasully2

 

Sorry to be rude and butt in but after reading about your oh as being a Construction Project Manager I was wondering how's he getting on with the look for work in Perth.

I work as a Site Manager for a construction company in London and are looking to do the move by the end of the year and are currently waiting for my result with the skills assessment, any feed back would be grateful

 

Thanks

[Akasully2]

Hi Nikki,

 

So good to hear that we are basically going through the same 'wobbles' just as many others are on here. Wine helps...mine's a large glass of red. So my dream is sitting outside on a balmy night with a glass of Shiraz in my hand!

 

location/life style and commute are also important for us, but schools vital too. However, saying that usually if you find a good area with respectable people, they tend to have children with the same values and go to good schools. Here's hoping anyway.

 

it's funny how you get an expectation of a place in your head and then when you actually get there it isn't what you thought it would be. After doing our great tour of Oz I was left with a completely changed view of places we had considered potentially suitable. Melbourne looked Great on paper but for us it just wasn't right. Too urban, too much graffiti, too cold, too European (which is weird because that is what I thought I would like about it). The Gold Coast I predicted to be vile, cheap and plastic. I was so wrong. It was fantastic, yes it did have high rises by the beach but not everywhere and they were well done. Plenty of beautiful places to live around the hills outside. So, not having visited Perth I am aware that my expectation of it may be different from the reality. The initial over riding image projected was isolation and boring...not good. But after researching it and really listening to people who are there it sounds brilliant. I can't wait to get there, fingers crossed. So having been there yourself, what did you make of it? I know you said it was laid back, what specifically gave you that impression?

 

Do you find that you are constantly thinking about the future, ie could be there by Christmas? My eldest son starts secondary school in Sept. I have just had the list for all the uniform and stuff he needs. I can't help myself thinking that I know he will need it all but probably for such a short time, what a waste! Trying to be like OH who is calmly taking each day as it comes, a cool customer. He certainly keeps me grounded (well almost).

 

Take care.

 

Chat soon,

 

Angela x

[Akasully2]

Hi Akasully2

 

Sorry to be rude and butt in but after reading about your oh as being a Construction Project Manager I was wondering how's he getting on with the look for work in Perth.

I work as a Site Manager for a construction company in London and are looking to do the move by the end of the year and are currently waiting for my result with the skills assessment, any feed back would be grateful

 

Thanks

 

Hi Bakersdozen,

 

No need to feel rude, you're not butting in, this is what makes this site so much fun. People just pop up!

 

Now, I feel woefully inexperienced to give advice but I will tell you what we found. When we first started looking at moving over to Oz OH was sending off his CV left right and centre hoping to be sponsored by an employer. No one was interested. He has a fantastic CV, having worked on large jobs with the top UK construction companies. It wasn't that they didn't want his skills just that they were not considering going to the effort of sponsoring someone when there were plenty of people who have got their visas and were ready to go. Much easier.

 

From doing our research on the recruitment sites, it does appear that there is work out there that would be perfect. Salaries look good too. In terms of applying for anything now we have decided it is not worth approaching them until we have a PR visa. I read somewhere that employment agents are not interested in sorting out interviews for people who say they are coming over in 3 months, etc because they are only thinking about roles they could fill now. I try to appreciate it from their perspective, they will only invest time in people who are likely to convert into commission for them, ie People who are there now and ready to go. I hope that is not an unfair picture of agents, apologies to them if reading this! OH said that he would be prepared to go over there with PR visa but without a job so could set things up face to face. Not sure how I feel about that...read on here (was it you on 'two and a half weeks in' thread) that some one was struggling to get a site manager role. I told OH that and he was surprised.

 

So, what is your situation? Are you there or in UK? Was that you In the thread I read? (Should go back and search the thread for name, but will lose all that I have typed, sorry, not being lazy). What sort of experience do you have? Were you the main applicant as a site manager?

 

 

All the best.

[Akasully2]

Dear Bakersdozen,

 

i have just re-read your initial question and clearly see you are in London, therefore not the person I read about in Oz! Have a look under the thread 'two and half weeks in Perth' (or something like that) in this forum. You will find it very informative.

 

Good luck with the skills assessment.

[SJT]

Hi Akasully

 

I am sort of in the same position as you, but we leave in 7 and half weeks time. My husband is a construction project manager too and we have three children, 14, 12 and 8. We are going on a PR visa.

 

I too was stressing about finding a place to live from the otherside of the World, choosing schools, it was and still is scary. I think when you have children to take into consideration it is very difficult. What you would do if its just you and partner is so different when you have the emotions of doing what is best/right for the kids. Again like you, my son started secondary school last Sept and this time last year when he was visiting the school and we were choosing uniform it seemed like such a waste of money for little time, at the time we were hoping to move out last Nov.

 

We then decided to take the pressure off ourselves and we were very fortunate that we could afford to validate our visa before making the big move. We visited Perth last Oct and after a couple of days where I hated it, I feel in love with the place and it felt like home, I know that seems weird, but it just felt right, so much so that none of us wanted to come home, included my 3 children who did not want to move. We then promised the kids that they could finish the school year as we felt them not knowing exactly when we were going was causing them so much stress. (If we did not have kids, after we sold our house in Feb this year, the very next day, hubby and I would have been on a plane).

 

We have organised an eight week holiday let in a nice area, but we may not be able to or want to pay the higher rent long term, so we are going to use those eight weeks to look around Perth properly, taking everything into account, schools, location to PDC, then hopefully we can then find a long term rent (I have 25 rental packs already and waiting to hand out once we start to look). Someone on here advised what was the rush to get to the kids to school. Here in England they will be starting their six weeks holidays when we leave. Of course ideally I would love them to start school as soon as possible so that they make friends and settle in, but if they have a couple more weeks off but we get the right area and school for them, long term it wont harm them. Don't get me wrong as soon as we have the long term rental agreement I will be at the school gates before they open, to get them enrolled, but taking the pressure by not saying they have to start to school asap has helped.

 

Again same as you, my husband contacted several agencies who were not interested, as you said they have enough candidates out there who can start right away. Husband has taken the view that he will have to wait until we have landed and he can then go and see people face to face will be the only way forward, as no one is going to take him seriously until he is there and can start as soon as they want him to. I am very nervous about this (husband is not), I like to have all the boxes ticked off, school, long term rental, jobs, but when making this move which is such a big one, you cannot do it from a computer, you have to be there to see it and then your gut instinct helps you decide. Before we visited I had taken on board some peoples views and thought I would not like Freemantle, but that is where we stayed and we loved it so much, what someone else loves, may not be what you love and vice versa. We are lucky that we are in a position that if he does not find work for say 6 to 8 months, its not the end of the World.

 

I have said it before on here, I am having to see this as an adventure. I am going with the view that we will see what happens over the next year. If hubby finds work, we find a place to live that we love and the kids settle into school than that will be brilliant, but if not, then we come home and pick up from where we left off - or we travel somewhere else.

 

As you said this site is brilliant as sometimes you feel like you are the only person who feels this way, and none of your friends or family can help or understand because unless you are going through the same thing how can you know. So to read that some else had the exact same feelings is great.

 

Good luck with everything and sorry if I've bored you with my long comment.

 

 

 

Sarah

[Akasully2]

Hi Akasully

 

I am sort of in the same position as you, but we leave in 7 and half weeks time. My husband is a construction project manager too and we have three children, 14, 12 and 8. We are going on a PR visa.

 

I too was stressing about finding a place to live from the otherside of the World, choosing schools, it was and still is scary. I think when you have children to take into consideration it is very difficult. What you would do if its just you and partner is so different when you have the emotions of doing what is best/right for the kids. Again like you, my son started secondary school last Sept and this time last year when he was visiting the school and we were choosing uniform it seemed like such a waste of money for little time, at the time we were hoping to move out last Nov.

 

We then decided to take the pressure off ourselves and we were very fortunate that we could afford to validate our visa before making the big move. We visited Perth last Oct and after a couple of days where I hated it, I feel in love with the place and it felt like home, I know that seems weird, but it just felt right, so much so that none of us wanted to come home, included my 3 children who did not want to move. We then promised the kids that they could finish the school year as we felt them not knowing exactly when we were going was causing them so much stress. (If we did not have kids, after we sold our house in Feb this year, the very next day, hubby and I would have been on a plane).

 

We have organised an eight week holiday let in a nice area, but we may not be able to or want to pay the higher rent long term, so we are going to use those eight weeks to look around Perth properly, taking everything into account, schools, location to PDC, then hopefully we can then find a long term rent (I have 25 rental packs already and waiting to hand out once we start to look). Someone on here advised what was the rush to get to the kids to school. Here in England they will be starting their six weeks holidays when we leave. Of course ideally I would love them to start school as soon as possible so that they make friends and settle in, but if they have a couple more weeks off but we get the right area and school for them, long term it wont harm them. Don't get me wrong as soon as we have the long term rental agreement I will be at the school gates before they open, to get them enrolled, but taking the pressure by not saying they have to start to school asap has helped.

 

Again same as you, my husband contacted several agencies who were not interested, as you said they have enough candidates out there who can start right away. Husband has taken the view that he will have to wait until we have landed and he can then go and see people face to face will be the only way forward, as no one is going to take him seriously until he is there and can start as soon as they want him to. I am very nervous about this (husband is not), I like to have all the boxes ticked off, school, long term rental, jobs, but when making this move which is such a big one, you cannot do it from a computer, you have to be there to see it and then your gut instinct helps you decide. Before we visited I had taken on board some peoples views and thought I would not like Freemantle, but that is where we stayed and we loved it so much, what someone else loves, may not be what you love and vice versa. We are lucky that we are in a position that if he does not find work for say 6 to 8 months, its not the end of the World.

 

I have said it before on here, I am having to see this as an adventure. I am going with the view that we will see what happens over the next year. If hubby finds work, we find a place to live that we love and the kids settle into school than that will be brilliant, but if not, then we come home and pick up from where we left off - or we travel somewhere else.

 

As you said this site is brilliant as sometimes you feel like you are the only person who feels this way, and none of your friends or family can help or understand because unless you are going through the same thing how can you know. So to read that some else had the exact same feelings is great.

 

Good luck with everything and sorry if I've bored you with my long comment.

 

 

 

Sarah

 

Dear Sarah,

 

Thank you for your detailed and very relevant response. You certainly didn't bore me, quite the opposite. I turned the radio off, came into the lounge and read it twice in delight! You are basically me, just further down the line and with one more child! (Mine are 11 and 8). Keep your comments coming, they are of great interest and comfort to me. I will be passing this on to hubby tonight over a glass of wine.... 'Look, they have done it, it is possible'.

 

So many questions... Must ask them in the order I read your points in, I have made notes so I don't forget anything!

1. What is a PDC?

2. What is a rental pack and what do you have in it? (So impressed you have 25 ready to go).

3. Are you planning to work too there or stay at home being the glue that holds the family together whilst hubby earns the money? (I work part time here, but have grandparents to help on the odd days when there is an INSET day. Without their help and not knowing any one in Oz I don't know how I would cope. I have a dream of having a little business myself that fits in around the children's needs. Seems like if you are making such a huge change in your life, why not be brave and make another!).

4. Why did you hate it to start with? Wrong area? Wrong expectations? Why did that change so drastically?

5. What did you make of beach side living v the hills?

 

Your philosophy of it being an adventure is spot on for us too. Our hubbies sound the same too, funds to have a buffer for a while until it works out, don't panic, can always come back. He is braver then me, I like the security and peace of mind. Saying that though, I am so excited but trying to keep a lid on it. My excitment is peppered with doubt...What happens if it all goes tits up and we don't a) get invited, b) pass the medicals, c) numerous other catastrophes? Calm thinking is required....more red wine but as it is only 10.20am that sounds disgusting, a cup of tea it is then!

 

Sarah, I would love to hear back from you. Giving you a 'like' on your message. fab read!

 

bye for now,

 

Angela

[knights13]

Hi really enjoyed reading your posts.

I would love a question answered what comes 1st is it the ielts or skills assesment? .

We would like to try and do it ourselves only to save money really.

Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

I am a hairdresser and my partner a boat repair/marine engineer.

3 kids aged 12 10 and 1.

Thanks guys

Janine x

[SJT]

Hi Angela,

 

I'm so glad you enjoyed the read.

 

Sorry, I meant CBD, central business district, (I never get it right), I was trying to get the kids out the door whilst typing. As we presume that is where Pete's head office might be (but you never know).

 

A rental pack is what lots of people on here have said you need. Obviously I don't know exactly what happens, I'm only going by other peoples comments on here, that its done different to how we do it in the UK. There is a group viewing, where apparently lots of people all turn up at the same time, you walk around the property and if you like it you hand over your rental package with a weeks rent, (you get your cheque back if they don't want you as tenants), the owners then look through the packages and chose the family they want. In mine are copies of our passports, PR Visas, there will be a short bit about us as a family, references from our last two rentals, which we have had due to the bungalow being renovated, we could not live there whilst the working was being done done, I have also got a reference from the landlady who rented us her house in Perth. I'm not sure if 25 is enough, but thought I had better be prepared, saves trying to find somewhere to copy everything when we get there.

 

I don't plan on working, child care costs takes all the money I would make, but I do plan on doing something voluntary, once the kids are settled, that hopefully fits in around school hours.

 

The reason I hated it so much, was because I put too higher expectation on it. I was visiting the place we were all moving to the other side of the World leaving behind everything we know and love and I suppose I expected to get off the plane, fall in love with the place and live happily ever after. The reality was I was jetlagged, it really hits you, I'm amazed at how some people on here fit so much into their validation trip, especially with children. My daughter is really scared of spiders, she would not walk into any room on her room, which was quite exhausting and I had to sleep in her room every night as she was sooo scared. We got many a funny look as I would have to check out the public loos to see what was lurking before she would even step inside. It was very windy, the amount of flies around us on the beach was unbelievable, so on the second night, whilst laying awake I decided that there was no way on earth I was moving to the other side of the World for my husband. I had it all worked out in my mind, that even if he really wanted to go, we would have to get divorced, as he so wanted to go and I would not stop him, but the kids and I were going to stay in the UK. Once I had made up my mind, I felt slightly better, and decided that as we had spent so much on this holiday, that I was going to enjoy it, even if it killed me. As soon as I relaxed and saw the place as a holiday destination not my future home, I fell in love with the place. It was great to see lots of school kids outside doing lessons, you can't do that in the UK due to the weather. The beaches were spotless and everyone takes great pride in where they live, we never saw any rubbish anywhere. And going to Rottnest Island and then Humpback Whale watching was the most breathtaking thing I've done.

 

One day we went to City Beach and the next day on the radio it said a great white shark had been spotted at City Beach and that you could only paddle. The kids got really scared and were saying things like we were only there yesterday what if one of us had got eaten. It did really scare us, so my husband decided that the next day we should go back to City Beach, a bit like when you fall of your bike, you had to get straight back on. The water was full of kids and surfers, lifeguards were on watch and a helicopter just kept going up and down all day watching. So it made everyone feel better, sharks don't just turn up and eat someone, there are people watching out for them, and when one is spotted, action is taken to protect everyone, all three of my kids went in the water and swan all day, I did not it was Oct and the water was bloody freezing!!!!!!!!

 

We did not go into the hills, the furthest we went was to a Maze park which was fantastic, but I am so scared of the dark and the animals that come out in the dark even here in the UK, I could not live that close to the wildlife. I would see some lovely houses and they had acres of land, but I was always thinking what's in the barn. Mad I know, but I can't help it.

 

I am keeping an open mind about where we will live permanently, as there were a lot of areas we loved and could see ourselves living, not sure if its going to be close to the beach or if we will have to drive, I suppose once we start to look hopefully we will find something and just know.

 

You are right our hubbies do sound the same. Pete just keeps saying what do we have to lose, and he is right. My aunt asked me once when I was having a wobble how would you feel if you can't go and I said devastated, I don't want to get to 60, when it will be too late and say "if only". So what if it goes tits up, at least you tried, but what if its does not go tits up and it turns out to be everything you hope it will be. Whenever I tell anyone here what we are doing, everyone (apart from family, who are not happy we are going) are really excited. I just collected 96 sweet cones for my son's leaving party tomorrow and the woman in the shop got so excited and she kept me talking for ages saying she wished she had been brave enough to do something like it. I think as long as you are realistic and know that there are still bills to be, work, cleaning and shopping, kids tantrums etc it will be ok.

 

PS. In Perth its early evening, a glass of red wine is perfectly acceptable at that time of day.

 

Have a good day.

 

 

 

 

Sarah

PS. In Perth its early evening, a glass of red wine is perfectly acceptable at that time of day.

[Akasully2]

Hi Sarah,

 

that cracked me up reading the bit about it going tits up. As I wrote that initially I paused over the keys wondering if that was polite enough for this site. Obviously it was, it made me laugh out loud to read someone else using that turn of phrase!

 

I know what you mean about the over expectations thing. We had seen so many images of Brisbane's city man made beach that when we arrived we expected something huge and amazing. We drove round the CBD (got that right!) and had to ask where it was, no sight of it. Eventually redirected to the south bank which was a bit like the one in London. It wasn't a beach, it was a series of pools next to the river. Behind it were over priced eateries and office blocks. To say I was disappointed was an understatement. As the afternoon wore on we came to our senses and put it in context. This was a major city with swimming pools on its edge that were free, in glorious sunshine. London couldn't match that. Probably better to go with low expectations and be surprised in a positive way.

 

good to know they have shark watch. As for spiders, I thought it would be a problem but we didn't see anything. I hate the black house spiders you get in the UK but we got through 3 weeks out there and saw nothing...but they could probably see us!!!

 

as for getting to 60 and wishing you had just had the courage to do it, I agree totally. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, we applied before and made a mistake and had to withdraw the application instead of having a black mark on our name as being someone who had had a failed application. That was so gutting, I felt like the powers above were telling me that it wasn't the right path to take for us. I toyed with the opposite idea too, that these things are sent to test us, to see if it is something we really are sure about. We have hung on in, lost money, but it is only money at the end of the day although it did sting and smart. We dusted ourselves off and got down to it again. It was only today that I was driving back from taking the kids to school when I thought that maybe it was a good thing. It confirmed this was what really want, no doubts.

 

We have been through the 'how can we leave the family behind' bit. Initially we said we couldn't. Then as OH parents were encouraging and said if they were young again they would do it in light of the current situation in the UK. They also said they would visit. The flip side is that my mum is older and wouldn't travel. Had to ask myself could I walk away knowing it could be the last time I see her. Bloody hard. I came to the heart wrenching conclusion that the world in a smaller place with SKype, etc so wouldn't be so bad. However, if I wait until she has lived out her life it would be too late for us. Be brave and just do it, if we are lucky enough to be able to. We can always come home.

 

as for drinking wine in the mornings, I like your thinking. Just find a world clock that says it's evening, then indulge!!

 

Before I go I have to say that my house is most untidy since getting on this thread. I spend so much time typing that the house has gone to pot! Better go and do something to justify my day off. Saying that though, I notice I need to reply to Knight13's question above...sod it hoovering can wait!

 

write soon.

 

Angela x

[Akasully2]

Hi really enjoyed reading your posts.

I would love a question answered what comes 1st is it the ielts or skills assesment? .

We would like to try and do it ourselves only to save money really.

Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

I am a hairdresser and my partner a boat repair/marine engineer.

3 kids aged 12 10 and 1.

Thanks guys

Janine x

 

Hi Janine,

 

Welcome to the thread! Glad you enjoy reading our chats, I just imagine all of us nattering over a cuppa.

 

to answer your question is a bit like chicken and egg thing. You could do either as self driven. I guess without a skills assessment in your favour then you can't get in in the first place. We did that first. It would work out how many points you get but it also confirms that you are suitable to match up with the SOL you claim under. The IELTS gives you the extra points you need. I hated doing that exam. My heart was racing and my hand seized up with nerves. I spent a few minutes doodling on a scrap paper before we started to loosen it up!

 

I know what you mean about saving money. I'm now wondering if there is any benefit to going for the medicals to see if you pass, before paying the $3000 visa fee. Can anyone tell me if would work? I have a sneaky suspicion that they don't tell you if you are ok or not, just send it to DIAC. Bit cheeky if that is the case considering you are the fee paying client. Is there anyone out there that can shed any light on this please?

 

We didn't use an agent. Always thought that was for people with tricky cases, however many regular people do use them. The new system seems a lot more straight forward compared to the old one. Less opportunity to make mistakes. (Famous last words! Fingers crossed).

 

hope that helped.

 

All the best,

 

Angela

[Nikkis2000]

Hi guys,

 

Only just got round to catching up on here today - though reading your comments did nearly make me late for my gym class I was so engrossed!!

 

Angela - I'm not sure you can go for the medicals before applying for the visa. Certainly all the advice and info I have seen from the agents say that you are instructed to book them once a case officer is assigned. Not sure what the whys and wherefores are behind this but probably something to do with the fact that you have to be invited to apply (and therefore pay the fee) rather than lodging an application first as per the old system.

 

Perhaps some of the others who have been through the process could confirm?

 

N x

[Akasully2]

Hi Nikki,

 

I know what you mean about being engrossed, I nearly burnt the dinner tonight because I took my eye off it whilst reading! This thread (my first) has turned in a good old gossip for the girls. I answered a question to Bakersdozen but he never came back! If you are out there BD, say hi!

 

I asked some questions about medicals on another thread today. Everyone says that they are quite simple and nothing to worry about. I only wondered if you could do them first in preparation to speed things up if you got the go ahead to apply. Also, if you failed the medical then you wouldn't submit the full app with fee. I don't want to rock the boat so will wait to be told to proceed.

 

My concern re: medicals was two fold; do they fail you if you have a family history of breast cancer ( mum and aunties have had it) and whether being over weight is enough to reject you. OH needs to shed the pounds. He is trying but every time he reaches for the biscuits I gently remind him of the impending medicals.

 

Night night ladies, I'll come back tomorrow in hope to see your replies.

 

Angela x

Edited May 25, 2013 by Akasully2

[knights13]

Thanks Angela

yes that does help we have had chats with an agent.

They are helpful but its another 3000 pounds, which in our opinion would be better spent when we arrive in wa.

I will continue to read the posts and butt in every now and then if you dont mind.

Id like to know the thread of the guy that went from not knowing anything to completion if anyone can tell me that.

Think that would also be a helpful read.

Thanks again good luck all.

Janine