We are thinking about moving - help us decide please!!

[joksand]

Originally Posted by jazza

Thanks, can I ask just one more question. What if I engaged the services of a migration agency, paid the money and was then refused a visa? What is the likliehood of that happening? I'm a bit stuck because I'm due to qualify next summer where presumably my job will be a better prospect than at the moment. Do you think they take that into account or would I need to be qualified do you think? Jazza x

Hi

We used Ian Harrop to guide us through our application - we have no complaints and would have probably failed to get the visa without his assistance. We were told when we first began the process that they only take on clients that have a 90-95% chance of getting a visa, so to answer your question, I think it's unlikely that a decent agent will take your money unless they were pretty certain you'll get the result you want.

The whole process took us about 2 yrs, but I did have a baby during that time, which slowed things down for a while!!

Good luck with everything!

Jo

[jasonjjking@hotmail.co.uk]

Originally Posted by joksand

Hi

We used Ian Harrop to guide us through our application - we have no complaints and would have probably failed to get the visa without his assistance. We were told when we first began the process that they only take on clients that have a 90-95% chance of getting a visa, so to answer your question, I think it's unlikely that a decent agent will take your money unless they were pretty certain you'll get the result you want.

The whole process took us about 2 yrs, but I did have a baby during that time, which slowed things down for a while!!

Good luck with everything!

Jo

Hi, we are using Harrop's too. He is really helpful and would recommend him also. I have sent him forms which I thought were filled in correctly and he has changed things to improve them. So yes they can charge a lot of money but if they are the difference between being accepted rather than rejected then it is money well spent. Obviously this is only my opinion as I am rubbish at filling in forms etc
Good luck anyway.

[jazza]

Hi Bramble

I want to leave the UK because I honestly want something better for my kids. I don't know if Oz is going to be the answer but it's worth a try. I was hoping to go out there for a year, rent house out here etc and if we hate it, we'd lost nothing but one year of the whole of our lives. I'm prepared to make the sacrifice and at the moment the kids are really excited about the prospect, but I know it will get harder once Chloe starts high school and settles in. Plus like most people on here, I'm sick of the depressing weather and the long winters. I just think life is too short to think all the time - I;m very much a dooer!!! What about you? What's your reason for going?

[jazza]

Thanks Jo - would you go out to Oz if you had a 10 year old and the whole process took 2 years?? Am I being selfish to think that Oz could offer a new way of life and taking her away from her friends??

[joksand]

Originally Posted by jazza

Thanks Jo - would you go out to Oz if you had a 10 year old and the whole process took 2 years?? Am I being selfish to think that Oz could offer a new way of life and taking her away from her friends??

Hi

It's certainly a difficult decision to make. I must admit I would be thinking even longer and harder about it if our kids were older - that's why we're going now - now is the time for us.

We're going to Perth because we went in 1997-98 on Working Holiday Visas and just fell in love with the place (sounds corny I know, but it's true) We came home when our visas and money ran out decided to settle down - got a mortgage, got married had 2 kids, but have never felt 100% settled, so we've got our chance to go back and we're taking it. I think it's really brave of anyone to go without having been before.

I worry about taking my kids away from everything they know, but I'm confident that they'll adapt and make new friends because they're still so young. If your daughter seems happy about going then I'm sure she'll be OK, but I can understand what you mean about her starting high school - that's when they really start to want their mates rather than their Mum. I just keep thinking of all the new experiences and opportunities our kids and our extended families will get out of our move to Oz. I wonder whether, if you don't go, your daughter will end up going off backpacking there when she's older now you've put the idea in her head! You could all end up there anyway!

Just take things one stage at a time - first I'd find out for sure whether you'll get the visa - speak to Ian Harrop Assoc or one of the other agents and see what they say.

It's a big decision - sorry I can't help you more - we're definitely going, but I still have moments of doubt - I think we've just got to go because we know we'll regret it if we don't.

Best wishes with your decision,

Jo

[Gardiner Gang]

Originally Posted by jazza

Thanks Jo - would you go out to Oz if you had a 10 year old and the whole process took 2 years?? Am I being selfish to think that Oz could offer a new way of life and taking her away from her friends??

Jazza I was just reading your dilema over your daughter, I have 3 boys aged 11,10, &8 and we are hoping to go next year. We want to go now as our oldest starts academy next year and would like to go before he starts. Also he won't have to think about subjects he has to choose for a couple of years either so has 2 years in oz to settle in. I do worry about taking them away from their friends but I know they will make new ones and it will be a great experience for them. All the boys are up for it and can't wait so I am really lucky that I don't feel guilty about taking them away. Youngest just wonders if his friends will be able to come for his birthday party!!!!. Maybe a bit far just for a party.

good luck with your decision. Pauline

[bernie]

Hi Jazza we started off going to an emigration show if you go to :http://www.outboundpublising.com there are lots of stalls on Australia and you can get lots of ideas. There is one this weekend in Coventry (Stonleigh) and one in march somewhere else in S.East. It's a long process of research but I would recommend taking one step at a time. All I can see is that it's worth going but perhaps do some research on where to go first and go from there. We are set on Brisbane areas. Good luck with your decision making!

[jazza]

Many thanks Bernie. Appreciate your help
Jazza x