Aceman88888

Thanks for the comments. He's a typical teenager and doesn't know what he wants. He tried 6th form for a year (has good GCSE's) but didn't like the step up so moved to college. He will probably stay in the UK (Already lives with his grandmother). On a theoretical- Can he join us at any time over the duration of the 457 or will he have to 'validate' and then choose to go back to the UK or not? What I'm probably looking for is how the flexibility works which is the crux of it for an indecisive teenager.

Thanks. Would he be able to work if an apprenticeship is not available? Just looking at all of his options.

Our son is 17yrs old (18 in July) and he's 50:50 whether he would also join us and his younger brother in a 457 Sponsored move to Australia. He's currently in College near the end of his 1st year Level 3 Business & Finance BTEC and currently lives with his grandmother. He's already started talking about finishing college in the Summer and taking an apprenticeship, preferably in a law firm. I know my wife can work under my 457 but does anyone know if my son will be able to either work over in Australia or start an apprenticeship or local equivalent?

Thanks. Anyone got any thoughts on the towns to the North along the railway line/Pacific Highway? I'm looking at as far north as Gosford (Just over an hour on the train?) or even Umina/Woy Woy. Train would be an option as it seems very good value for money and such towns bring the beaches nearer with more reasonable rental prices.

I've got a further interview for a role which is looking increasingly like it will be based near Pennant Hills. Can anyone recommend areas for my shortlist to cost for rentals? I'm looking for a location less than an hour commute (ideally less) with a modern 4 bed property (can cope with 3 bedrooms at a push) and a budget of $650 per week. Pennant Hills itself is looking expensive but further out to the West appears to improve price wise? One of my key decisions will be about affordability of housing and Sydney as a location up until now has given me cause for concern.

Thanks it is a *very big Aus company and I understand they look after all of the relocation details through their retained migration agents. I have suggested that ideally I would need 8 weeks from offer to move but may have to agree to less but I cannot leave my current employer until 13th April at the earliest.

2nd interview early next week!

Anyone got any thoughts on Caroline Springs? I'm also looking at closeness to airport and also ability to get right round the bay if the job I've applied for progresses. Looks similar price-wise to Point Cook but not right on the bay

Well it went quite well and seemed positive despite there also being some onshore applicants. Waiting game for 7-10 days but likely if successful a move just after Easter eeeek!

I think I'd struggle with qualification criteria as my experience is all on the job and I don't have a linked degree.

After thinking that the opportunity to move to Oz was never going to happen 3 years ago after a frustrating interview/457/wading through treacle kind of experience, out of the blue a new option has appeared that has made us look at a move down under again. I've got a phone (not Skype) interview tomorrow for a Construction Project Manager role on a sponsored 457 & relocation package. I have basic details of the role already (Identical almost to what I do in the UK), in depth research on the company (a huge household name in Aus) and a good few days researching and updating myself on all things to help me to make the decision. I'm yet to understand the actual location (All I know is that it will be aligned to a state) although I'd naturally have some preferences or detail around remuneration package (I have been told its better than comparable with a UK £50k salary) They have my CV, seem genuinely interested in progressing and the phone interview is with a HR professional and a technical manager. So, any tips on etiquette for a long distance phone interview? Genuine localised do's and dont's? I'd also appreciate people's experiences of a similar recruitment path regarding timescales and decision making. They have said that the process to recruit from the UK takes longer, and I think I understand the various components behind this. Is it normal for a prospective employer to offer a Recce (As customary in many middle east roles)?

Can't you just use Transferwise? I've used it for a couple of years for various currency transfers and works fine for me. Not sure what its maximum limits are though.

It's already been made clear that there is a 'relocation package' and yes, this has been through a headhunter

Melbourne based but travelling throughout Aus & NZ

There's very little on the forums that I can find as to what is a reasonable relocation/migration package from an employer sponsored job. Looking at some comments it seems that this is often 'down to negociation' after or during the job offer stage. It seems like there is a balance to be gained between not being cheeky and also getting reasonable assistance. So, with this in mind, (I'm currently on a final shortlist btw) is the following reasonable: Belongings- Full funding of a 20ft container and associated fees and costs Flights- Business class for 4 member family (Return tickets due to 457 visa rules) Pets- Funded relocation of our cat including all fees. Accomodation- 6 weeks fully furnished temp accomodation Car- 4 weeks car hire Others- Tax specialist session for LAFHA & Associated allowances (Employer offers LAFHA) Job is likely to be in a base range of $120-$140k in a specialist management position. Job will come with Car, Phone, Laptop etc etc. Anyone think of anything else I should try and get packaged in?