First Step Taken & Butterflies kick in

[suze&lee]

Hi we have just joined PIO although for past few weeks have been reading everyone's post's. Just registered with agent and taken first step in filling out application for oh skilled assessment for joiner/carpenter with vetassess. Have two daughter's aged 3 & 12 although older daughter from previous relationship so need permission from her dad in order to move.

Have decided for time being not to tell anyone about move apart from my parents. Cant keep a secret from my mum to save my life. Oh doesnt want to say anything till he passes the skills assessment so for now its fingers on lips. Older daughter has mixed feelings, obviously will miss dad and school friends. Just started high school so I worry about uprooting her but hopefully this move will benefit us all in the long run.

I would appreciate any replies from anyone in same boat or anyone who has just started the ball rolling. Me and Lee and my youngest will be going to Leeds expo on sunday just for a look around although have been searching all my questions on the internet so not sure what to expect.

Hoping eventually to move to either WA or Queensland as told thats where work is for carpenter/joiner.

Bring it on

[rosie100]

Hi we are right at the start of the process too. we have taken on an agent and are now trawling through all the paperwork they sent. We are with Go Matilda as they have been recommended loads of times on here. We are also going to the leeds expo on sunday just to have a look around and maybe get some extra info. We are hoping to move to Sydney as one of our daughters is living there and intends to stay. Pete and i are in 40's and 50's with 3 grown up children. Pete is an engineer and i am a radiographer. Good luck with everything and i look forward to seeing us both progress over the next few months. Our other 2 children hope to move over to oz in the next few years so we will all be together one day. It's difficult to know what the right thing to do is with children but you should go with your heart and i am sure it will be the right decision. Take care. Rose

[Petra & Dave]

We are also just starting out. We appointed the agent a couple of days ago and he has promised to send through paperwork on Monday.

OH is a panel beater/sprayer and has a job offer in Toowoomba just outside Brisbane. He is worried about the TRA and says he will feel a lot happier when we have got past that hurdle.

We have two children a son of 19 who is in the army and therefore not coming with us and a daughter aged 10.

Petra

[Andy, Paula & co]

hi,

my son is going into the army...was thinking of still putting him down as coming with us. do you know if we can do that.? am worried incase he comes out of army and cannot join us although he is a qualified brickie. may know more after leeds expo today...


good luck anyone going to expo this weekend ..hope you have all your questions answered and your dream becomes more of a reality



Paula

[gary n]

im going to the Leeds expo today, weve just started out ,using Go Matilda also.
I know its a long process but it will be worth it

Gary & Heather

[loobieloo]

Hi guys,
Just set the ball rolling also! Did the old back packing experience 10 years ago with then fiance now husband. Since then had two children Lucy 9 millie 7 and put myself through university took five years as needed to do A levels as well. Got my teaching degree and now have 3 years experience, enough hopefully to get us where we've always wanted to be, down under where the sun always shines! Been back to Oz since for a 3 week holiday to visit OH sister in Sydney. The visit reconfirmed our mission!

We are bravely (or stupidly!) not using an agent. My sister went through the process without an agent so thought we'd give it a try. Sent skills assessment application should get to hear within next 6 weeks. I am anticipating an unsuccessful response due to my degree course being only 3 years not 4 (which is what they are looking for) I may have to go back to university for a year to gain extra credits, which will really hack me off! Fingers crossed they will accept my application which includes a very strong argument about the standard of my degree. if accepted should be plain sailing and hope to be in Sydney Summer 2009 (our summer).

Have been having all the same doubts as everyone else, but hey the way I look at is, what an adventure, can always come back if things don't work out, kids are very adaptable, don't want to look back and say we wished we had...

It will be interesting and reasuring to follow other peoples journeys and give one another support along the way!

Louise 37, Nigel 43, Lucy 9 and Millie 7.

[sadsmile23]

Hi everyone
Congratulations on taking the plunge and starting the exciting journey!! We are all in the same boat, at different stages of the process, so there's always someone to lend an ear and support you along the way.

Good luck to all of us!

[a&s]

Hi guys,
well we started the process 2 yrs ago and 3 weeks today we will be starting our new life in oz!
So good luck to everyone, and the next time you get those butterfies will be when the flights are booked and you are wondering if you are doing the right thing... Which of course you will be...

[amandak]

Hi guys
we started the process in January 08, and I know how you feel, we have had butterflies since thinking about the whole immi process. But have have started and the butterflies get worse, well in my case, I have felt sick since thursday of this week. hopefully it will subside.
Anyway I looked on this site for a few months then joined not long ago, the people on PIO are really very helpful and just reading the other post I have had many questioned answered.

Good luck
Amanda

[aussiewannabee]

Hi to all you new comers, just wanted to say hi and good luck with your journey though it maybe long and full of pitfalls, its worth it in the long run.


04/09/07 Agent appointed.
16/11/07 Skill assesment sent to tra.
20/12/07 passed skill assesment.
05/02/08 Visa 175 lodged.
27/03/08 Police checks applyed for.
31/03/08 Medicals done.
02/04/08 Dr rang, meds fine.
04/04/08 meds sent to lcu.