tayloal

Hi Tilsbury, like Bensgirl I also just supplied a copy of my absolute without the marriage certificate, didn't have any problems. Good luck !

Some great points on here, i'm not sure if the UK will become as expensive as Oz but then I suppose it does depend on where in Oz you plan on living just like in the UK. I've been researching my costs for living in Perth and based upon what I expected to earn everything seemed rosy, however, I can't find a job in Oz that is paying the wage for me at my level to have the equivalent lifestyle as I do in the UK. I've sought info from friends and family in Oz (2 lots of friends moved in the last year both to Perth then 1 left Perth for Qld). The family have been out there for 7 years and are doing well living in Qld with 2 incomes. One friend in Perth with his family seems quite coy about how they are getting on although I do think they are doing ok. The other friend left Perth for Queensland due to not being able to find work in Perth and finding it in Qld, I got a text from him this morning detailing how much money he went through whilst living in Perth for 5 months with no work, it was eye watering and really did worry me. Like everything though I have had to pick through the details, different people live different lifestyles and that's where one size does not fit all, the mate in Perth has probably rationalised the family outgoings and seem to be doing more 'free' family activities but they are having more quality family time. The mate who moved to Qld is a young engineer and was probably mixing in those circles and trying to 'network' socially a few times a week (with no income). All I know is that in the UK I can currently own my own home and drive a nice car and have over £700 a month disposable income. Based upon my research for an equivalent income in Australia (I'm estimating equivalent, any more will be a bonus) I would be left with $300-$400 left at the end of the month, I won't own my own home and the car would certainly spec'd down. My costs are based on Perth prices, Queensland I would be a little better off. It's opened my eyes to what I can and can't afford over there. Will it stop me emigrating..........................................................I really don't know. As for some of the other points: £15 for a burger and chips in Liverpool, I was in Liverpool One 2 weeks ago and paid £8.50 for the same. The Tory Government have just guaranteed that by the time the Nuclear power station, funded by the French and Chinese, comes on line, my domestic electricity charges will have doubled in the UK, regardless of how the electricity is generated. Competition in the UK energy market has been monopolised by the big 6 and no Government will do anything about it. Why? Because like so many other 'big profit industries' they are an integral part of our pensions and investments, so those that 'have' will always 'have', the 'have nots' will continue to pay for the 'have's' through ever increasing prices. I do pose a question though, why do a lot of us Brits judge the cost of living anywhere in the world by the price of a pint?

Congratulations !! Really made up for you.

Great read on both your posts. I was really interested to read your latest update on costs. I've been doing my own research for moving to Perth and based everything on a single income of around $90k, unfortunately the only employment interest I have had has offered a wage of $75k and i'm thinking that my compromises would be plentiful compared to how I currently live. The increase in the cost of living over there certainly has surprised me. You've still got a couple of weeks of your holiday left to maybe look at some compromises regarding housing etc if you really wanted to go that route. I hope everything falls into place for you and you come away with a firm decision. I'm hoping to activate my visa in the next couple of months. Good luck and keep us updated.

Congratulations !!

Thanks for the replies VS & Eng. The validation trip is very much on the cards. I have been in touch with a couple of recruitment agencies, however they seem very reluctant to enter into any form of communication until you are in the country. Well i'll just have to keep plucking away, thanks again for your replies.

Hi all, I obtained my 190 visa in July this year since then I have applied for quite a few jobs whilst I have been trying to sell my house. Unfortunately I have drawn a blank on both fronts. I've also noticed quite a marked slow down in the jobs market in Oz in my line of work, mechanical engineer / maintenance manager, mainly down to the mining slowdown and more people with the same (or better) experience looking for work. Obviously these people will be looked on favourably in any job application process. I now find I've got a few 'more' big decisions to make, Sell my house at a loss to move quickly and move over with less savings to see me through to finding a job / if I find a job. Activate my visa and keep applying for jobs and hope that something comes along, whilst continuing to attempt to sell my house Moving without selling isn't an option unless I get a job lined up and this is looking really doubtful. Just starting to wonder how long I will keep my life on hold to make this move. I have good job here so am obviously looking for a decent job in Oz for a similar standard of living. I've always said that emigrating will not provide a better life, just a different life but i'm not prepared to make it financially worse. Is anyone else struggling with the jobs market out there and is re-considering the move or are experiencing the same problems as myself?

VISA GRANTED TODAY !!! Such a surprise after them requesting an AFP check, they reviewed their request and granted the visa !!!!! Right now I've got a house to sell, viewing on Monday, fingers crossed.

Case officer assigned today, Team 2 Adelaide. Unfortunately they have requested an Australian Police check (AFP). My agent has questioned this as i have only spent 8 weeks in Oz during the last 10 years and the stipulation for an AFP check is 12 months in Oz in the last 10 years !! Im hoping they have made a mistake because i have heard an AFP check can take up to 6 weeks even though they quote 15 days!

I'm applying for WA, i'm also a member on Perth Poms and there are people on there who seem to be waiting a while for a CO as well. It seems QLD, ACT & NSW are getting CO's pretty quick.

I heard from my Agent this weekend, they told me that they have some cases that lodged in April that are still awaiting CO !

Wow nic, that was quick, I've been waiting since 31 May and still no CO. Spoke to my agent and she said she has people who lodged in April still waiting for CO :cry:

Just emailed my migration agent and got her out of office, she is away until Monday next week.......Noooooooooo !!! Oh well, I suppose we are all entitled to holidays !

Desi, Congratulations on the positive assessment. I'm still waiting to hear from CO yet. I am hoping I just get the grant because everything is uploaded and I am still waiting. It's way beyond the 5 weeks CO allocation time now as well !

I'm looking to go to Perth, I only know friends of friends there and have never met most of them. I am leaving my parents & sisters here. It's natural to be apprehensive but i'm sure you will be fine. There are so many out there in your age range who are on working holiday visa's you shouldn't have a problem meeting people. Good luck and keep us posted on your plans!