Rolfeyroo

Hi all, I've been in Sydney now, having moved from the UK with my partner, since January. I have been working in an office for a Freight forwarder, but to be honest, having worked in that field in the UK for 20 years, the passion has gone and i'm considering retraining in a completely different field. I've always been practically minded, doing household DIY, painting/decorating etc, and with the apparent non-stop of new apartments being built, I'm seriously considering getting into the building trade, or perhaps even plumbing, I haven't really decided. I've been looking at Tafe, who seem to offer the kind of training I would need, starting from the beginning and gaining enough knowledge to eventually get a work placement. Does Tafe seem a good place to start? Are there any other training centres I should consider? Is this even a good trade to try and break in to? Some local knowledge and advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Hi Ozblueskies, personally for us, Morton were very good. They knew we were actively looking for a property in Zetland, we'd viewed quite a few apartments at that point, we had good references and had the money/bond readily available. They helped us secure a property before it had been officially put on their website, whether that was lucky rather than judgement I don't know, but we were very happy with their service.

Hi, I live in Zetland with my partner having moved from the UK in January. We moved there as we have friends already living there and had jobs waiting for us in the CBD. We find it pretty convenient for getting into the City, the beaches and defo the airport. It's a 10 minute walk to Green Square train station and there are bus stops along Joynton Avenue. We live in Victoria Park which admittedly is a little sterile, but it's safe and quiet. There's a pub in East Village and few ok restaurants and a couple of really good cafe's, but of course, you are only a 10 minute bus journey from Surry Hills, so plenty to do. If you're looking for an apartment there, speak to Martin real estate which is based on Gadigal Ave in Victoria Park. Morton are also based there, speak to Anne, she was really helpful in securing our apartment for us. Happy hunting!!

Hi gang, I wonder if you can give me some advice? We arrived in Sydney on 18th January after shipping our personal effects from the UK on 14th December so that we wouldn't have a huge wait to get our furniture etc to set up home To date, we still have not received our goods. The container arrived into Sydney on 14th February, goods have been custom cleared and unpacked at the agents warehouse, but it's still awaiting for quarantine inspection. It has been booked to be inspected 3 times now, but it keeps getting put back as the inspectors are apparently too busy. Removal company used in the uk was Anglo Pacific and their Australian agent who is giving me this info is OSS worldwide. Any info on how long other people have waited for quarantine/delivery of their goods or how quarantine works in Australia would be appreciated. Thanks all Justin.

Hi All, My Australian national girlfriend who has lived in the UK for 10 years and I (a UK national), will be leaving the UK in January on a Partner Visa. I'm currently looking into things I need to do before I leave (too many to list of course). But one specific question I have is regarding Income Tax and National Insurance. From what I've read, I will need to complete a P85 form and submit it to HMRC prior to leaving, together with my P45/P60 slips received from my employee. If there's an tax rebate, this should be paid out to me at some point. Is there anything else I need to do in terms of informing the right people of my departure? Also, regarding National Insurance, although I'm only 37, but have been in full time employment since I left college, can I expect some from of State Pension from the UK government at retirement age? Being an Oz national, will be girlfriend need to do exactly the same too? These are just random thought that are going through my head right now. Thanks all.

We're currently using Ian Harrop & Associates for my Partner Visa. So far, Jenny has been brilliant!

I have some further questions which I would really appreciate help with if poss? Can I travel to Oz on an e-visitor visa and apply for a partner visa there? I believe I will need a return ticket or onward journey ticket so as to prove I will not just stay in Oz once my 3 month visitor allowance has expired. If this is possible, can i expect any difficulty getting through customs, as I will be on a visitor visa, but I will be intending to stay. I have read that once you apply for a visitor visa whilst in Australia, you will be granted a bridging visa, whilst the partner visa is being processed and considered. Will this bridging visa only begin once the e-visitor visa has expired, when the three month allowance has expired or immediately once the partner visa application has been lodged? Greatly appreciate all of your help as per usual!!

Many thanks to you all for the replies. We're going to start collecting our evidence and lodge the visa application later in the year, may even get organised and do it ourselves. Expect further questions as we progress

Hi all, new to this forum and would greatly appreciate a little advice and apologies if Im repeating previous questions. My partner and I are looking into emigrating to Australia. She is an Australian citizen although has lived in the UK for 9 years, I am a UK citizen. We have been a couple for 2 years but have only lived together since October. I have spoken to a couple of agents (mara approved) and have been getting conflicting info on when I can apply for a partner visa. One suggested that we MUST have lived together for 12 months prior to lodging the visa application, but another suggested that because applications can take between 10-14 months, lodge the application now, as by the time the application is looked at, the 12 months would have passed. Little bit confused on who's advice to follow. Any advice from yourselves would be appreciated. Many thanks