Hello Everyone, We are thinking of queensland but are really open to suugestions,
I'm Annemarie 37 I have a MA from Glasgow uni in Humanities and currently working FT for a charity in Research and Development, I have loads of experience working and managing various community projects usually related to mental health and am also currently doing a post grad in managing alcohol and drug services (which is my passion).
My other half David is 34 and a qualified and certified Gas heating and service engineer, again employed at the moment FT with a local firm who contracts with local authorities all over the west of Scotland. We have one wee monster CJ who is 5, will be 6 in July.
We have discussed over the last few years making the move to Aus, but are now seriously considering it. Can I ask and I know its a lot, but what are our chances of being able to secure a job and a better life style. We have done a lot of research on the web but i was hoping to hear about your real life experiences,, I'm imagining a 4 bed house with a pool etc in a good suburb, can anyone advise if this is too much to ask, we currently earn about 60k here in Scotland, WHAT IS THE LIKELY HOOD OF OUR SKILLS BEING NEEDED, and does anyone have any idea what we could expect to earn, also suggestions of suburbs or small towns (with employment opportunities) would be very welcome.
I have just noticed that my occupation as a research and development manager comes under the general skilled migration and employer nomination scheme, can any one tell me what this means in English?
Thanks for taking the time to read and in advance for any of your replys and advice.
Annemarie x
I am sure there are lots of people who will be able to help you with your enquiry, I live in NSW so not sure about Queensland been there on hols that's all and it's really lovely (if that helps!)
I've been here too long to help you with your questions on the migration process as it's all changed since I applied, but as I said before, many other people will be able to help out.
Just bumping your question up a bit so you get a reply soon.
Good luck with everything and I hope you all enjoy your new lives in Oz.
Hi Annemarie
Welcome to PIO.
Have you checked out the skills in demand list on the immigration website Department of Immigration and Citizenship - thats your first stop - however, im positive that your hubby will be able to apply under his current job, providing he has the years experience etc that the criteria asks for.
As regards jobs, perhaps check out a few of the job sites such as SEEK - Australia's no. 1 jobs, employment, career and recruitment site and Job Search - Australian jobs - Job listing - Find a job - CareerOne and they might be able to give you an idea of positions available etc. Failing that, a quick post on here should be sure to get some responses from guys already in the same field out in Oz.
You could also chat to a migration agent about your options, they all offer a free 15-20min chat over the phone and might be able to answer any questions you have about the skills assessments and visa applications.
As regards areas/suburbs, have you any idea where in Oz you would like to be? Perhaps you might be guided by the job opportunities in each area, climates (does vary throughout Oz), housing prices, schools, any friends/family already over there etc etc.
You say your skills are also on the list - you can either apply for permanent visa under the general skilled migration, or if you can find someone willing to nominate you for sponsership, go down that route. However, there are restrictions with the sponsership route - would suggest you chat to agent again in regards to this.
Anyway, hope this helps a little, others are sure to add their comments too in due course.
Any other questions, feel free to ask away, thats what we are all here for!!
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TRA /02/2008 TRA passed 14/03/2008
Visa 18/03/2008 PCC 24/04/08 Meds 7/7/08 Meds finalised 30/7/08. VISAS 25 AUGUST 2008
Thankyou everyone for taking the time to reply, i really do apprecite your time. Mrs braveheart lol so youve visited sunny saltcoats, we are from here and although its lovley, we want to try aus and see what it brings us. As i said we are thinking queensland probably one of the burbs around brisbane, any reccomendations for good areas? thanks for the links everyone and please keep advising if anything pops into your head for us. So 4 bed with a pool is that out of reach for us average types ? i got the dream but whats the reality?
Sorry can't help there as we are in Perth. But you will love Australia where ever you end up not a patch on Saltcoats or Glasgow. But 4x2 will cost you approx $400 per week to rent in Perth anyways not sure about Queensland.
I used to work with a girl from saltcoats its bugging me cant rem her name but she was mad lol
Thanks everyone who has responded so far, can anyone reccomend a few suburbs of brisbane please, so as i can look at property prices etc, by the way the market has completly stalled here in scotland and in the last few months we have seen prices starting to drop, whats it like for you guys in and around brisbane and queensland in general, is it the same or are prices still rising, please share your experiences.
oh yea, prices and rents are still rising in Brissy... check out realstate.com.au to get prices of buying and renting....a lot of nice burns around brisbane....some not so great, depends if you want Northside, Southside......
Hello Annemarie
Although we have visited every state and territory - and all have something unique and special to offer; I could only really advise on Sydney where we lived for 3 years. However as I prepare for a return downunder I use this site all the time to check out current prices for places to rent or buy. The local maps and links are great too. Real Estate for Sale, Rent and Share @ Domain.com.au
