caronandrod

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Hi there. I went through the same process in 2007. We applied at the end of 2006 to migrate. At that time I had been marrid to my second husband for 3 years (together for 5). My ex husband had our 3 children (then aged 17, 16, 12) to stay with him every other weekend. At first all of my children were keen to go to Australia. As the time drew closer my eldest decided she didn't want to go and my middle child (son) decided he wanted to stay with his dad, finish school, go to uni and then would decide (he was a very focused student). My youngest daughter desperately wanted to come with us but her father wouldn't agree. we went to court (a 7 month process) - had independent court officers speak to my daughter to determine her feelings etc. We eventually were given leave to take her with us but under very strict conditions - unlimited telephone calls (at my expense) to her father, details of school reports/medical reports etc for her father kept up to date and the biggest one was that we had to pay for her to return to the UK for the month of January (Australian summer holidays) each year to stay with her father. We agreed, got permission to go and migrated in October 2007. Sadly my daughter didn't settle and eventually returned to the UK after only 9 months (strangely enough the eldest came out for a working holiday, met and Aussie and has now been here since Dec 2009). Very up and down - a huge emotional rollercoaster. Having now come out of the other side, I would not change a thing. I have a fab relationship with my kids, we speak on skype every week. They have all been out for holidays but are happy to leave it at that. I have to respect their choices (hard as it was for me at the time). Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Good luck to you all. I went through this in 2007 and it was an unpleasant experience. I did get consent but with conditions so be prepared to make some offers. I had to agree to unlimited phone calls from Aus to UK at my expense, provision of copies of all school reports/medical reports etc to father in UK, the worst one was I had to agree to pay for my daughter to return to the UK for 4 weeks every year (at my expense) in January (Aus summer hols) to stay with her dad. Daughter was 14 at the time and had spent every second weekend with her dad after we split. You might be asked to jump through hoops to get what you want but if you persevere you will get it. Have as much documentation as you can to show that you have covered all childrens needs in regards to school and medical treatment in Aus. Good luck

Surely they can come out on a tourist visa for a holiday?

where are you heading for (and where from in the UK) ?

Hi all. I have a nephew (aged 25) who is on a WHV (currently in Brisbane). He is keen to do regional work to get his 2nd WHV asap. What areas in QLD are clased as regional? Does anyone have any contacts who can help? I am a PR in regional NSW but he is keen to stay in QLD for the moment.

Been there and done that - daughter 19 and son 21 in UK (with their dad). I've been out here 5 years with second hubby (oldest daughter is also out here now). Originally my youngest daughter came out with us but didn't settle and we agreed she could return to the UK to finish school. She will only come over for holidays. Its a tough call but remember they make their own chocies. My son is now saying he is going to Canada to work for a couple of years with his girfriend !!!! Use skype - it's a godsend. It really helps the break become easier. Time does make a difference - just give it time. Don't expect to feel better abot it in a few weeks - it took me a year. Good luck - you have to move forward

How long after leaving the UK can you claim back any tax? We never did when we came here but been here 5 years now.

yaaayyy another scouser lol

I'm not really sure how accurate the figures are anyway. I know that when I lived in the UK, in a street of over 100 residents, there was only myself (and hubby) and two other families who worked every day LEGITIMATELY. Half of the occupants went to work every day but were paid cash in hand and lived on benefits - glad to be out of the rat hole

There's no easy answer to that one. The only thing I can say is that if it was really easy to get out here then everyone would do it and it wouldn't be the place it is. My hubby was a builder in the UK for 20 years when we came out here (we came on my qualification as a teacher) and to get his licence he still had to go to TAFE (like a further education college) which cost another $3000. He was supposed to do two days a week for a full year to prove himself but after one and a half weeks they signed him off and he got his licence - a money making exercise if ever I heard one. As a teacher, I had to have my qualifications assessed for the visa and then once I was here I had to do it all again for the education department (plus attend a 3 day course, work for two weeks - unpaid - in a school whilst being observed and have an interview) to earn the right to teach in NSW. All a big pain in the butt but after 5 years we are well and truly out the other side and would never go back to the UK. Love it here It's definitely worth it.

Hi there, NSW regulations are stricter than other states (I moved from Liverpool UK to NSW in 2007 as a teacher). My visa process took a total of 6 months from start to finish but I did use a migration consultant who gave me very strict guidelines on the paperwork I needed to submit. Pretty straightforward ( but I agree with 'dorset' the whole re registering with NSW and overseas teaching course was a bit of a pain). Having said that, i love teaching here and find there is little difference actually to the UK apart from subject content in regards to history/geography of course. I teach year 6 primary (and incidently am now the assistant principal at my school). The reduction in stress levels from the dreaded OFSTED was fantastic - GO FOR IT - you will not look back.

We applied for citizenship in August 2012, sat our tests in October and became citizens on 23rd November. Hope that helps you with a bit of a timeline.

We're actually in rural NSW so not in either of your choices (feel free to have a look at Rylstone.com though - it's gorgeous lol). Browse the blogs on here - you will find there are a lot of people who can give you good info. I think you are worrying too much about securing a rental. Try getting a reference from the UK before you leave - it might help. My sister moved to Brisbane (outer suburbs, North lakes area) at the beginning of January 2011 and had 12 month lease on a lovely rental before the end of the same month.