Hello from confused in Manchester..

[Ryanjules]

Hello Everyone!

Firstly can I say how impressed I am with this site - I have already learned so much information from you all.

I am new to all this and have only recently been seriously thinking about moving abroad - Australia being our first choice. I'm completely scared about all the detail required and the official bodies and paperwork - and don't really know where to start.

I have already been in touch with an immigration agent who has suggested that we look at student visa as I have no required skills and my OH, although a qualified plumber, is 46, also he does not have the work experience required. I'm only 41 at the moment so we have some time if I can come up with the correct skills. The student option looks really expensive and as we have a child I think school fees would also not help us.

I'm starting an NVQ2 hairdressing course in September in UK in the evenings and have been advised that when I qualify if I get 12 months work experience I can maybe apply for a skilled visa this way. Is this correct as I keep seeing that up to 6 years experience would be required, or is this only if you do not have NVQ2. Also how does this work if I went self employed when I qualify doing about 20 hours per week in addition to my regular job.

I would really appreciate your help in understanding which would be the best option for us .

Cheers
Julie

PS - We are interested in Adelaide.

[calNgary]

Hiya hows sunny manchester doing ,,were abouts are you ,we left Bury in November and havnt looked back since.im also in touch with 2 more couples dying to escape manchester.
If your not entirly happy what the agent said give one of the others a call,they all offer free advice,your right about the hairdressing you need i think 4 years post qualification experience,by which time you would be over the 45 mark,Phil Olsen who uses this site is a very good agent ,we used Visa bureau who too were excellent.most offer a money back guarantee so they wont take you on if they dont think youve a good chance,,good luck with everything
Cal x

[ErmintrudeMcMoo]

I think the problem with a student visa is that both you and your partner would be limited as to how many hours a week paid work you could do. If you`ve got plenty savings then you might be alright - try this http://www.immi.gov.au/students/stud...conditions.htm

[Ryanjules]

Thanks for all your support and I'll certainly check things out further - us Mancs don't give up that easily.

Hi Cal, I'm in Denton near Stockport if you know that area. I'm glad to hear that you've settled in Australia - I'm sure it's far sunnier there than here - although there are flower buds growing on the tree in my garden at the moment - all the plants are confused. We've had a mild winter with 1 day of snow last month.

I'll give Visa Bureau a call to see if they can offer any further advice.

Thanks for everything
Cheers
Julie