banks

gwen · 21-10-2007, 03:48 PM

Hi everyone I really sad my son is moving to oz in two weeks time 6/10/07 really quick,we was expecting him to be here for xmas,anyway less of my moaning.I am wanting to open a bank account for him to use in oz ,he also has to show he has so much in an account when entering.I dont no if to open a English account or an Oz account.Can anybody advice me on what to do and also charges.Thanks.

joksand · 21-10-2007, 04:26 PM

Hi

Don't be sad - just think of all the wonderful experiences he'll have.

Is is going on a Working Holiday Visa? - when we went with that type of visa we had to prove we had funds to support ourselves during our stay - we just showed our UK bank account statements when we applied for the visa.

Now we're going on a Permanent Residency visa, but haven't been asked to show proof of funds.

When we went on Working Holiday Visas we left all our money in out UK account, but made sure it was accessible from Oz by visa debit card from ATMs - they will charge him for this though. Then we opened accounts at Commonwealth Bank when we arrived and put anything we earned into that account.

It is possible to open an account in Australia with the Commonwealth Bank from the UK - tel. 08082348969. We've opened one so it's ready when we arrive in January.

I don't have any experience of other banks, but hope this helps

Bye for now

Jo

graham · 21-10-2007, 04:43 PM

Nationwide Flex Account

billy braveheart · 21-10-2007, 07:51 PM

Westpac the account can be opened online from the UK he just has to activate it on arrival. Monies can also be transferred online from the uk. No charges for us just have to withdraw from a westpac atm otherwise other machines charge 2 dollars.

Hugs from one mother to another.

Janette

gwen · 21-10-2007, 10:15 PM

Thanks for the advice taken it all on board.Will more than likely need more advice,so will be back.When you only got two weeks to sort him out,its a night mare Dont no whether iI coming or going.

MelW · 21-10-2007, 10:15 PM

Hi Gwen, your sister here, who is also going on the 6th November, we have already set up a bank account, our account is through Westpak, they do have bank charge, but most Banks in Oz do, its about $5 AUS a month, this mcan be set up on line, and then you have to transfer monies over to keep the account live, but this should not be a problem if Daniel is going within the next two weeks !!!!!!!

gwen · 21-10-2007, 10:35 PM

Hi Jo,
Thanks for that,yes he is going on a holiday working visa.His girlfriend and parents are going over so of course he did not want to leave girlfrind so he decided he wanted to go.Her parents are going over on her mums visa as she is a nurse,so they won't have a permant visa.
My son Daniel looked at all the visa options and found this one to be the quickest way and cheepest.
How did you find the working holiday visa if there is any advice you can give me I would be very grateful,he was at uni in the uk and had 2 years to do,but at the moment that is on hold.
The reason I no about this sight was because we was looking at moving to oz about twelve months ago,but it was just not the right time as my other son was going in the army and we have a daughter of 15 and she has two horses and just did not want to go plus exams.And I think in 2 years time we are going to be to old as I will be 42 and my husband will be 45 then the visa you are applying for now ,what is needed for that.Well I gone on for a bit now and probley board you stupid.Thanks for reading,hopefully speak to you soon

gwen · 21-10-2007, 10:46 PM

Hi Mel,
Thought you was near that date,its a big shock new he was going but just not this soon,Becks had a phone caal on Sat morning from her mum to say the visa's where through and they had to go within the next few weeks.
So its a nightmare at the moment.I looked at westpac,he going to be wanting to put about 3,000 into the account,I thought about him opening another Uk account as he has to show that he has more than 2,500 available in a bank at immigration.I feel like I having my heart ripped out at moment my sister, niece ,nephew and son going to Oz and other one in Army.Speak to you soon. x x

joksand · 21-10-2007, 10:56 PM

Hi Gwen

When we applied for our working holiday visas (WHV) there was an Australian Consulate in manchester - I'm not sure whether it's still there. I did mine by post, but my husband (then boyfriend) went and did it over the counter with them. That's the quickest way to get it - go direct to the consulate, but as I say, I'm not sure whether there is one in Manchester anymore so it might mean a trip to London. I'm sure a lot has changed in the 10 yrs since we applied for ours. Have a look on the Australian Immigration website for more info Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Whilst we were out there we knew a lot of people who'd arrived on WHV's and decided to stay, but I don't really know what the rules are. We decided to come back and try to settle down here, but after buying a house, getting married and having 2 kids we still don't feel settled, so almost 10 yrs later we're going back!

We've got Independent Skilled Visas - my hubbie's a Mechanic, which was on the Aussies most wanted list when we applied (not sure whether that's still the case) Now's the time for us - I'm 35 and he's 38, so if we waited any longer we wouldn't get enough points, plus our kids are v.young so hopefully they'll settle easily, although it doesn't stop me worrying how everything is going to work out.

Hope things work out well for you and your family,

Jo

gwen · 21-10-2007, 11:07 PM

Thanks jo that really helps if you dont mind could I pick your brain again,or just have a moan as I am worried even though he is 19 still my baby LOL