Hello...Introduction!

[CarterTucker]

Just thought I'd say 'Hi'... We have talked of emigrating for years, but just recently talk has become research & even to the point of discussing with our families! Im not sure when the next stage kicks in!

Although...we are planning to take a trip to Australia later in the year, using our honeymoon money (we got married in January, after 12 years together) We have 2 children, Aaron age 15 (from my previous relationship) & Jarred age 4. My husband is a roofer & owns his own company here. I am (lucky to be) a stay at home Mum.

We have watched all the 'wanted down under programmes' (in fact I have just applied for it, but not heard anything & not going to hold out for it, just thought, I had nothing to lose)

I am researching alot on the internet & buying the magazines, so far not really sure on an area, but Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne & Perth have come up alot...I know a varied bunch!

I will really appreciate any advice anyone can give to us, people that have also done research, people that have already moved there...

Really look forward to hearing from you.
Kindest Regards,
Kelly, Jay, Aaron & Jarred.

[Dolly]

Hi there,

Welcome to the forum.

Looks pretty much like you're on the right track. I cannot stress enough the amount of research you have to do in preparation for your visa application as well as deciding where in the country you want to live, schools, doctors, health insurance, the list is endless!

To be able to do a reccie trip before any decisions are made is fantastic, if you can afford it. I know quite a few people who visited most states in Australia on their reccie trip to help them decide where they want to live. Get a list together of what you’re hoping your new life will be: weather, schools, housing, work prospects, pace of life, rural or the city suburbs.

When we were going through the visa saga, we watched all the tv programmes we could, and loved every single one of them. To be able to get an insight into what life is like ‘on the other side’ was brilliant.

So, if you’re not sure what your next step is going to be, if possible do the reccie trip. You’ll either love the place or rethink the whole thing. We did a reccie trip, not only to try to decide which area of Melbourne we wanted to live in, but also for our boys to be able to see what the country was like before we moved them over permanently. I think sometimes we get so engrossed in the plans of doing something so enormous, that we forget the impact it may have on our children. For them to be able to visit schools and see what Australia was ‘really’ like (as opposed to on the TV!) was worth every single penny.

Also, it might be wise to start researching the skills assessment side of things, so if after the reccie trip you want to go ahead with an application, you’ll have saved yourself a few months in sorting that bit out. Lastly, I suggest getting advice from a migration agent. They’ll be able to tell you what visa you should be applying for and what the process will entail. Their first consultation is normally free, without obligation.

If you have any questions (and I’m sure you have J ), ask away.

Dolly

PS congratulations on your recent wedding!

[Baby75]

Hi and welcome,

A holiday sounds like a great Idea give you an idea were yould like to settle and what life is like in Australia my husband went over this time last year his best friend lives there and was getting married he loved it and was more determined to go after and im happy to give it a go my self. on what to do next all depends on how quick you want to go as your first step in the visa process is checking if your husbands trade is on the list of trades wanted in Australia then he would need to get his trade assessed we used a agent for this as we got a great deal and took some worry off us once you get that back you can apply for your visa when you have decided which one you are going for we have applied for the 175 skilled independent visa we used the online application and have our meds sent off and police clearance forms sent on as well so now its a waiting game.

there is information on the top of the forum as well on what to do
hope ive helped a little good luck Niamh

Originally Posted by carterroofinguk

Just thought I'd say 'Hi'... We have talked of emigrating for years, but just recently talk has become research & even to the point of discussing with our families! Im not sure when the next stage kicks in!

Although...we are planning to take a trip to Australia later in the year, using our honeymoon money (we got married in January, after 12 years together) We have 2 children, Aaron age 15 (from my previous relationship) & Jarred age 4. My husband is a roofer & owns his own company here. I am (lucky to be) a stay at home Mum.

We have watched all the 'wanted down under programmes' (in fact I have just applied for it, but not heard anything & not going to hold out for it, just thought, I had nothing to lose)

I am researching alot on the internet & buying the magazines, so far not really sure on an area, but Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne & Perth have come up alot...I know a varied bunch!

I will really appreciate any advice anyone can give to us, people that have also done research, people that have already moved there...

Really look forward to hearing from you.
Kindest Regards,
Kelly, Jay, Aaron & Jarred.