is it a scary move? advice please

pop_up_pirate · 17-01-2008, 02:26 PM

hey........... im new here hopefully move out to oz august this year with my wife im 24 and shes 22 and altough iwe are really excited we are also getting nervous. we both have quite well paid jobs. i have no real qualifications so i will probably have to settle with any job at the start. i would like to join the fire service over there, i know the the competition is fierce so it wont happen over night....
so until then wondered where all the jobs are and where is a cheaper place to start out.
i,m half aussie so already have my australian passport and citizenship but wondered if any of you used agencies to get over there who are the best to use and so on and how long does it take.
i have to get my wife over with me.

sorry this is a bit random but any advice would be much appreciatedthank you

wardy · 17-01-2008, 03:06 PM

Hi and welcome to PIO

Not in Australia yet but we are hoping to settle in Cairns.

Getting a visa for your wife should be plain sailing and i've seen people talk of a matter of a few months with this particular visa.

One of the highly reccommended agents on here is Alan Collett from Go matilda who is also a member.

Many say that Adelaide is a good option for cheaper housing etc but prices are rising.

Good luck with applying to the fire service.

melpaul · 17-01-2008, 03:14 PM

HI welcome to pom
i used an agent but i know a lot of peps on here that have done it they selves it realy depends on how difficult it would be for you if your application is prity straight forward then you may want to do your application yourself and i have noticed that if you apply online things are moving quikly .
because you have an astralian passport would it only be your wife how would apply sorry not sure about your situation but im sure some more intelegent peps on here could help
good luck mel

Mrs C · 17-01-2008, 03:42 PM

Hi There,

I have applied for a Spouse Visa, and am just waiting for the decision now! Keeping everything crossed. I have children from a previous marriage so that made my application a bit more complicated than yours. I started the process, using an Agent from 1st Contact Migration, who I must say has been FAB!

We started filling in the forms and getting Ploice Check's and Med's done in August, but once that is all done and you submit the application it takes about 4-6 weeks, (if there are no complications).

Good luck and a warm welcome to PIO, we are a nice bunch!

April

pop_up_pirate · 17-01-2008, 04:34 PM

i cant beleive how quick i have got reply's thought i'd be waiting a couple of days........... thanks for the help. we have thought about applying ourself and not using agents but just want to get it done first try but think i will look into it a bit more cause i could save on time and money. thanks again and hope all is going well

Mrs C · 17-01-2008, 05:14 PM

Don't forget that you might be able to speak to a few Agents Free of charge. Most of them don't mind spending a little time talking to you. We chose to go with the agent because as you say we wanted our visa application to go through first time. Lot's of people do it alone though.

Have you downloaded the forms from the web site? I did a practice run on mine.

Glad we could be helpful.

April

afiyafifi · 17-01-2008, 06:44 PM

Hi just wanted to

you to pio

TheBrowningFamily · 17-01-2008, 08:07 PM

Hi
I know where your coming from, my hubby is giving up a 40k a year job, he will not even get half of that over there, we also have 2 children (1 disabled), and had a fab lifestyle here in the UK.
BUT....we have NO doubts at all, are not scared at all and feel 100% positive about the whole move...can't wait!!

I just think that money is just that...money, material stuff...pah!
Agent cost altogether (inc fees) 4.5k,
Flights 2k
shippong stuff over 2.5k

Watching your kids run and play, breath fresh air and starting a new life....PRICELESS!

johatts · 18-01-2008, 06:19 AM

Its a very scary move!!!! Moving across the world and leaving everyone/thing behind!!!

How far through the VISA process are you? WHat VISA U coming on?

Stuju · 18-01-2008, 06:32 AM

Hi Pop up pirate,
Would you be classed as a returning citizen (have read something about this somewhere) how long have you been out of oz (i am thinking that you maybe in the uk at the mo) my hubby left oz (hes a citizen) for 4 years and returned ok without any problems from what we were told it would have been classed as a returner if he had been left oz longer.
So i guess that your wife could apply for a spouse visa and be sponsored by yourself - check this all out for sure - but i think that may be the way to go, i applied onshore (in oz) for my spouse visa and from date of lodging my application it took 15 days, i did use an agent but the spouse visa route is so easy i really wished we hadnt and saved plenty of $$$$$
good luck
gizmo