drstu

Hi All, particularly any migration agents out there. I am a doctor (GP). We’ve been here just over 2 years on a 457 visa which was sponsored by the practice I am still working at. We’re lookimg to apply now for business sponsored PR via the 186 visa route. There has been some suggestion that to do this I would have to become an employee of the practice rather than the current arrangement, where I am an independent contractor? Is this the case?

Hi All, We'll be living in QLD from next week. Any recommendations about which car insurance company to go with? I hear that they will accept a UK no claims bonus? Best wishes, Stu

Thanks. I must admit part of me is thinking, "What the hell are we doing?!" :chatterbox:

After several years of talking about, we've taken the plunge and leave the UK tomorrow via a week in Hong Kong. We'll be living on Bribie Island just north of Brisbane. it all seems a bit surreal and a bit nerve racking at the moment, but everyone on PIO has been an invaluable source of advice, support & guidance. Hopefully in the years to come I can help others plan their move. Thank you all! Best wishes, Stu

Where are you going to be living is Brisbane?

We've just shipped (yesterday!) and I would say unless your stuff is tatty and needs replacement anyway, then ship it but be critical about what you take i.e. if you haven't used it for 2 years in the UK then you aren't likely to in Australia. We have a large house but got it down to a 20ft container of essentials, which included beds, dining table and chairs, kitchen table, shelving units, lounge furniture - sofas, chairs, coffee tables etc, as well as clothes and personal items. When we totted it up for insurance the replacement value in Australia was >£35K. Good luck!

There's heaps to consider Scottishmatilda for sure but the pants deal part of it is that only you can make the choice. The forum is an extremely valuable source of support, guidance and objectivity but in the end you've got to work out what's best for your family. The biggest risk of not going is the "what if ...". We also have 3 kids all under six and are heading out on a 457. I'm lucky that in my profession there is almost guaranteed work, both in Aus as well as in the UK so the risk of unemployment is low plus if it doesn't work out resuming in the UK should be straight forward. The 457 route is much less secure than PR and many would advise against it, but for us it is the best option as it allows us to dip our toe in the water and see. We're letting our UK home and will be renting in Oz. If we love it (which having been before we're sure we will) then we'll move to PR and stay, if we don't then we'll have had a nice long holiday and the knowledge that we've tried it. Yes the kids are a massive consideration. I am not sure how old yours are, but ours are of the age that they can enjoy the experience, without it screwing up their education if we end up returning in a couple of years. if you choose not to proceed with it and can then put it out of your mind then the safer option would be to stick in the UK. If the itch is not likely to go away and you'll spend the next few years looking back and wishing, then you're best off taking the plunge, building in as many safety nets as possible and having the experience. Life is for living, where possible without regrets. Good luck with the decision making.

Hi All, We're travelling on a 457 and are letting our UK home. For electoral roll/banks etc I am not sure if I should just leave our permanent address as it is (at our home that will be let) and simply set up a mail divert, or change it to for instance my parents address. I'd be interested to hear what others have done. Thx and best wishes, Stu

Hi All, We've had a few estimates/quotes which are all similar for sole use of a 20'. What additional charges did you all have which was on top of the original estimate/quote? We've read a lot about breakages - did everyone experience some breakages? 3 months and counting! With best wishes, Stu

We're moving to Bribie Island in Nov Pat ... do you mind PM me when you have a post Dec meet up? Best wishes, Stu

We're moving to Bribie Island in November. Our kids are a bit younger - 6, 5 and 2 but i love wine and coffee! :wink:

Hi Suzanne. I've enjoyed reading the posts. Our family (me, my wife and three kids aged 6 and under) are moving to Bribie Island from the UK in November. We're on a 457. I'm a GP. I've been going through the roller coaster of emotions like you have (which will likely continue for a good while yet) ... leaving the comfort and security of our UK life for the unknown. In the end though, like you and your husband, we enjoy travel, experiencing new cultures and ways of living. Life is for living and if things don't work out there are always options. It's clear that you're heading into your new experience with a great attitude, your eyes wide open, a healthy streak of realism and an open mind. I feel sure that you'll have a great time. Good luck with the move!

Hi All, A question from my wife ... We're heading out in November so will be taking the kids Christmas presents with us. We've heard about people getting taxed for importing new items. Does anyone have any experience of taking over Christmas presents ... and is it best that they are not wrapped in the luggage to save the kids the despair of seeing a customs person ripping them open? :arghh: Best wishes.

Hi Chopped Pork. As others have said I think that the pants deal of it that with all the advice in the world the decision in the end has to be yours. I posted a very similar dilemma some months ago and although hearing everyone's experience helps, it won't answer your question. I accept that as a GP I'm in a bit more of a reassured position of getting work at either end, but I think in the end you have to ask yourself if having had the opportunity to go you will spend every waking moment wishing you'd given it a try, or if having made the decision not to go you can simply settle down and get on with life without looking back. If it's the former you've got to accept you'll worry about it up until the day you leave (and probably a bit after) but you have to give it a try - you can always come back. If it's the latter then you should definitely stay in the UK. Like you I spent lots of time stewing on it but realised I was in the former category and my wife (who is the side of giving it a try) firmly said she didn't want to spend the next 40 or more years hearing me talking about "what if ..", so we're going.

Hi All, Anyone had any experience of this school? We're making the move later this year to Bribie Island and are looking at schools for our 5 and 6 year old. Thanks and best wishes, Stu