RichTJam

Thanks for info. Not really struggling - just could do a lot better with far more disposable income for the family at the end of the month with lower UK living cost even taking into account cost of flying back and forth. Was going to sell UK house and bring cash over but exchange rate after Brexit was hard to swallow but does make Oz salary sent back to UK after tax very attractive.

Good day, Family of 4 originally from UK with PR status. Intend to move family back to the UK after 3 years in Queensland. Cost of living, healthcare and other things the reason for moving back to UK. I still intend to work in Australia and FIFO between UK and Australia. I work about 7 months of the year and work at sea so not really an issue to FIFO. If I pay income tax here in Australia at source, am I still liable to pay any sort of income tax in the UK? I have searched the web for an answer but to no avail. Thanks

Hi there, looking for a bit of advice please. My wife is a UK RGN - Intensive care and community care experience. Already has PR based on Husbands skilled 189 Visa application. Already here and living in Cairns, not looking for work at moment as settling the children into new life in Australia. She is waiting college of nursing training to supply transcripts of all experience and qualifications. Will hopefully go back to nursing in the future. Any advice on what to do next to become employable will be most welcome. Not sure if already being here on a PR Visa makes any difference. Thanks.

Hiya When AMSA send you a letter inviting you to make orals and medical appointment you choose when you want to go and do it. Pick a date and send an email to the AMSA City office of your choice requesting orals exam date, they will let you know if it is suitable or will suggest an alternative date. Also contact Medibank for AMSA medical date. Medibank is a big outfit and do numerous medicals for Australian transport (rail, shipping etc) and immigration medicals. They are normally quite flexible and will fit you in around your orals date. IELTS - normally need this to get enough Visa Points (get 10 points for a UK Masters ticket, get 20 points for a good IELTS pass) Do not underestimate this four part exam. You need good scores on all 4 exam sections or you will not get your Visa point. Look up British Council IELTS on the web. Do your homework and sign up for study module with mock exams and advice. I think the test was designed as a money spinner as one slip up will cost you dearly in time and expense. Marks are out of 9 - I put the hard graft in and got Listening 9, reading 8.5, Writing 8.5, Speaking 9 - overall band score of 9. Even if you get 9 on 3 tests and then slip to 7 on 1 you will not get your full Visa points. Scores of 7 and above gives 10 points, scores of 8 and above gives 20 points. I needed the scores of 8 and above so was happy to get it out of the way first time round. Do not take the test lightly as this is the biggest mistake - like any exam there is a system and if you understand the system and work at it you will not be caught out on the day. All the best.....

Thanks MKB74 - AMSA have been great thus far. Orals confirmed and sorting medical date. IELTS this weekend (what a joke that is), I've been doing lots of the practice tests - sneaky, tricky exams. You really have to pay attention. Not looking forward to the writing bit (who puts pen/pencil to paper these days). Just have to put a lot of effort into the revision before the exam. Think I will book another IELTS exam for when I get back from Sea in May just to be on the safe side. As from what I've read it normally takes 2 or 3 shots before you get the grade you need......

Hi malkyboy 74 and Captain R - Thanks for all the advice. I have already received a reply from AMSA for skills assessment...... Well done AMSA. That took less than 3 weeks from sending application! Now invited to book my orals and medical ASAP. AMSA also mention Certificate Of Recognition application requirement for my UK GMDSS ticket (I hope that dosen't mean doing that all over again????) Hopefully if I can get over to Brisbane in mid May for orals, medical & GMDSS application (please not GMDSS again) If all goes well then hopefully get the skills application in for Visa before I hit the big 40 in July. Malkyboy74 - What happened with your GMDSS? Thanks and all the best.

AMSA application was sent in the post over a week ago. I turn 40 in July so trying to get Independent Visa application in before then. (Nearly over the hill already) Also going for IELTS general test to get the extra points. Hopefully Get over in May for CoR Orals. I've been Old Man on passenger and freight ferries for last 10 years so no Offshore experience at all. Did consider doing offshore survival and DP Induction course myself. How long can you sit with your Visa before you have to go? Hope the house situation improves for you. Are you in Greenock? - I'm originally from Glasgow (Drumchapel) Now live in England. Not sure how to private message on this forum - if you can PM me with more Orals advice for when the time comes that will be great. All the best....

Hiya - Hopefully if all works out well I will be working at sea up and down the reef. Approx 2 weeks away on reef and 2 weeks in Cairns. Just me working to begin with and then my wife may want to carry on with her critical care nursing career when the children are settled. Thanks

Hi Malkyboy74 Thanks for all the info in your previous posts. I have also applied for CoR to AMSA so will be looking to follow your path to Brisbane for the Orals. Hope you have secured some work and the Visa is all sorted. It is all very daunting at first but hopefully worth it in the end.

Hi all. This looks like a great place to get some advice and pick up some info. Family of 4 = Dad, Mum, 2 girls ages 8 and 4. Currently live in England but if a Visa and Job applications work out we would be looking to move to Cairns, QLD sometime in the next 12 months. Potential job would mean settling in Cairns or nearby. I will have a good look through the forums for all the bits and bobs that we will need to make the big move. All the Best :wink: