lots of questions

[themartins]

hiya

I have a few questions and I’m sure I’ll have alot more in the future.

Has anyone been to an agent seminar? Was it worth paying the £25 or is it just the same as getting an initial assessment which I believe is free?

My husband works in care, he works with people with physical and mental disabilities promoting independence. I know there are a few jobs on the SOL list, Residential Care Officer, Disabilities Services Officer etc. (we’ll have to speak to an agent to see which title is most suitable for him) He is arranging through work to do his NVQ3 in health and social care (as far as I can see this is the equivalent to AQF Diploma). When we apply for a visa (things to do before we can move, savings, i need to finish my qualifications etc) he will have at least 7 years work experience. Would this be enough for us to qualify for permanent residence? If we use his work field then we’d be able to apply alot sooner than if we use mine as I’m not yet fully qualified and have no specific work experience (accountant). He’ll be under 34 when we apply.

How much would you say we should have aside for a car, something reliable that won’t need any maintenance, just ready to drive plus any insurance, road tax/MOT for the year? Just a ball park figure? We said around £5000, are we being unrealistic?

We are trying to arrange how much money we’d need saved before we could move? Obviously all approximates. (2 adults, hopefully 2 kids, only got one at the moment but it’s on our ‘things to do list’ hehe)

Approx 6 months rent, bills etc -£9000
Visa - £3000
Flights - £2500
Car - £5000
spending money - £3000

Have i missed anything out? We don’t intend on doing any shipping anything over, just going with large suitcases and hopefully renting part furnished, is this normal? Do you have to play things like health insurance upfront or is it a monthly bill? Approx how much for a family of four?

Sorry about all the questions, didn’t think i had so many then i couldn’t stop typing!!!
Thanks for taking the time to read my post.
christie

[ellisa]

Hi Christie

We went to an agent seminar with visa-go inmmigration ltd but the tickets were free. It was excellent and they tell you lots of info on different states of australia, lifestyle, work etc. They are usually smaller than the larger expos, so you don't have to wrestle with everyone else to speak to the agents etc. The free consultation should be able to help you with the points test etc and see if you have the right qualifications and experience for PR visas. I was told that most of the rentals are unfurnished so don't know how true that is but i'm sure their are others who can help. We too were thinking of £5000 for a car so we'll see if any advise comes our way!!

Hope this helps Lisa

[kaz101]

Originally Posted by themartins

Has anyone been to an agent seminar? Was it worth paying the £25 or is it just the same as getting an initial assessment which I believe is free?

No we didn't go to an agent seminar although we did go to several Expos in the UK.

We interviewed several agents with the initial free consultation and chose one from there.

Originally Posted by themartins

My husband works in care, he works with people with physical and mental disabilities promoting independence. I know there are a few jobs on the SOL list, Residential Care Officer, Disabilities Services Officer etc. (we’ll have to speak to an agent to see which title is most suitable for him) He is arranging through work to do his NVQ3 in health and social care (as far as I can see this is the equivalent to AQF Diploma). When we apply for a visa (things to do before we can move, savings, i need to finish my qualifications etc) he will have at least 7 years work experience. Would this be enough for us to qualify for permanent residence? If we use his work field then we’d be able to apply alot sooner than if we use mine as I’m not yet fully qualified and have no specific work experience (accountant). He’ll be under 34 when we apply.

The agent will let you know which way is the best to apply.
Most visas require some qualifications as well as experience so it sounds as if your partners if the better option.

Have you checked to see which of you are on the CSL? That may make your decision for you.

Originally Posted by themartins

How much would you say we should have aside for a car, something reliable that won’t need any maintenance, just ready to drive plus any insurance, road tax/MOT for the year? Just a ball park figure? We said around £5000, are we being unrealistic?

Here in South Australia, car registration (rego)includes third party insurance (not sure whether this is the same in all states). Also the price on the windscreen does not include on road costs which can add several thousand dollars to the price.

Have a look at Used Cars - New Cars - Search New & Used Cars For Sale - carsales.com.au to see what sort of thing you are looking for....

Originally Posted by themartins

We are trying to arrange how much money we’d need saved before we could move? Obviously all approximates. (2 adults, hopefully 2 kids, only got one at the moment but it’s on our ‘things to do list’ hehe)

Approx 6 months rent, bills etc -£9000
Visa - £3000
Flights - £2500
Car - £5000
spending money - £3000

Take a look at the 'Cost of Living' thread towards the top of the forum since that has costs covering several areas in Oz now. We found it more expensive here than we thought apart from property which is relatively cheap where we are.

The 'PLEASE READ....' sticky post has links to property websites for all areas so that you can see how much you will pay out for rent since it really depends on where you are moving to and what you want.

Originally Posted by themartins

Have i missed anything out? We don’t intend on doing any shipping anything over, just going with large suitcases and hopefully renting part furnished, is this normal? Do you have to play things like health insurance upfront or is it a monthly bill? Approx how much for a family of four?

Not sure how old your first child is but there could be childcare costs or school uniform costs...

We didn't rent so I don't know about that side of things. The property websites will say what's furnished and what isn't.....

Health Insurance can be paid monthly and it really depends on what you want as to how much it'll cost since there are different levels. A popular website is Private Health Insurance Australia - iSelect.

Have you been through Dolly's lists towards the top of the forum? They are very good and may have things that you've missed.

Regards,
Karen

[themartins]

oh im going to sound silly now, wat is CSL? is it same as SOL or does SOL not exist anymore?
im very clueless when it comes to all of this.
thank you so far
christie

[kaz101]

Originally Posted by themartins

oh im going to sound silly now, wat is CSL? is it same as SOL or does SOL not exist anymore?
im very clueless when it comes to all of this.
thank you so far
christie

CSL is the critical skills list and it states which skills / trades will get priority processing.
At the moment it's IT and medical skills but it can change very quickly (as it did last week)....

If you haven't already done so read through the sticky posts at the top of this forum since they are a good place to start (or just hire an agent ).

Regards,
Karen

[Dolly]

Hi Christie,

SOL (Skilled Occupation List) is still being used.

Dolly