mrsmac

I think that's a good idea Aussiebird. The flight with Singapore Airlines was actually Business Class because we felt they would honour it if they resorted to the upgrade pricing system the other airlines were introducing at the time. The BA flight is in Economy but the money saved will cover the cost of hotel quarantine in Perth. And if they're limiting numbers up the back, it may turn out OK anyway. 

Due to fly out on 02 September and it was cancelled 2 weeks ago. Yes, it is possible that the BA one will also be cancelled. As you say Aussiebird, it is scandalous the way some airlines are cancelling flights and then re-instating them days later at inflated prices. With Perth allowing only 575 passenger arrivals each week, they cannot all be flying in. The Qatar A380 from Doha into Perth can seat 517, although perhaps that are separating passengers. There is limited information in this regard. Nightmare.

I would suggest going through a Travel Agent to sort out your flights. At least if they are cancelled and need re-booking, you have someone to deal with it and find you alternative flights at the best price. After two cancelled flights - one with QANTAS and the other with Singapore Airlines, we have scored a BA flight from Scotland to Perth for under £700 one way, and the flight times are good. We used Blixen Travel - Travel Experts (Gorebridge) and they have been incredible.

You also need to consider the cost of mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in Perth - AUD$2520 single and AUD$3360 double for the 14 days. And you pay exactly the same whether you score a 5* hotel or get dumped in a 2* one. 

https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/paying-hotel-quarantine-wa-frequently-asked-questions

https://www.g2gpass.com.au/

I know that Singapore Airlines is still flying into Perth, but they are restricting arrival numbers. Our Premier is having a wee stooshie over border control with a Queensland based mining magnate just now, so everything could change. Be aware that WA is charging upwards of $2,500 for 14 days enforced hotel isolation on arrival.

Of the three airlines you mention, personally I would fly with Singapore every time, if only to visit the beautiful Changi Airport. Make sure you have a few hours there to enjoy the experience.

1 hour ago, Aussiebird said:

No, he called an Australian number, but too late now, we will have the charge on our phone bill.  Didnt know there was a London office!!

Are you calling the London office? They have a local number so it should really be charged at the local call rate. 020 7621 7000.

While your children are young, perhaps it would be a good time to return to the UK for a year, to see how you feel and to determine if you all settle well as a family. Before you do that though, please apply for your citizenship. It is currently taking so long to be processed, you may find you are back before it is even approved! 

I had lived in Australia for almost 40 years before migrating to Scotland (that wasn't the plan, but it's how it worked out). Two decades later and I find myself stuck here in Australia while I wait for QANTAS to sort themselves out and return me to Edinburgh. We have a beautiful home too, by the beach on the south west coast, but I miss Scotland terribly, every day, and it's not just because I have family there. I love it - the seasons, the countryside, the people, the castle ruins, bagpipes, men in kilts - it suits me, and every time I land at Turnhouse, I feel like I have come home. We went for 12 months and stayed for 20 years, and every day it felt right.

I am not sure you will ever feel truly settled in Australia until you have tested yourself with a year back in the UK. Find a wonderful mature aged couple to look after your lovely home and pets, book return tickets (because even if you decide to stay, you will need to come back to pack up and sell you home) and let the universe sort the rest out for you. Go with no expectations and no regrets - you will know what is right before the year is out. 

1 hour ago, Harrimad13 said:

I spoke with Wes and he seemed to want to be sure that we were eligible before we signed up. He gave a lot of advice so we could make an informed decision. 

It's worth a chat with him for sure! 

Wes isn't a MARA Registered Agent. Perhaps that is what VERYSTORMY meant. There is an agent attached to the DUC, but it is not Wes.

8 hours ago, Maria18 said:

Down Under Centre seems fab. 

I don't think the DUC has a MARA agent in their London office, so be sure you ask to speak to the actual Registered Agent as they may have to transfer you. 

1 hour ago, Ausvisitor said:

A quick note to anyone thinking about using an agent to help them with their migration application (it applies to the OP but applies to everyone else also)

 

Using a migration agent is in my mind an essential addition to your migration process (it isn't mandatory, but given the enormous sums of money this migration will end up costing its best to be advised by soemone who does this many times every year rather than piecing it together from a bunch of amateurs who have done it once).

The only people governed and "kept-in-line" by the Australian immigration authorities are those that are MARA registered, there is nothing to stop others saying they are an agent that can help you, but only MARA agents are bound by the expectations of the immigration department (and they need validate their credntials frequently).

This leads to an imbalance, unregistered agents can say what they want, where as registered agents have to give you an unsweetened view of your chances. This means if you have a mix of MARA and non-MARA agents in your initial "icebreaker" consultations you will invariably come away with a warmer feeling from the non-MARA ones; whereas the most likely outcome was probably given to you by a MARA agent.

By all means interview/consult a few agents to determine who you want to work with for the next 18 months (you are going to talk/email them a lot) but make sure all your options are MARA registered before even starting the initial chats

Really good advice. Further, I would add that you should be sure you are actually speaking with and taking advice from a MARA Registered Agent, and not simply one of the team. Just because there is a MARA logo on the website, it does not necessarily mean a Registered Agent is in the office. Most good agents have details of themselves (and sometimes photos) on their websites, and they are available for a quick chat or a consultation. If the Registered Agent's name is not on the website or he/she is never in the office, ask the question, or perhaps keep looking. Over the years there have been many such 'agencies', so it pays to be thorough. 

Thinking about where I currently live in relation to your own preferences, and just as an example ...

In Western Australia, I live 2 hours south of Perth, in a coastal village between two large towns - Bunbury and Busselton. Either town is just 20 minutes drive away and there are a number of small rural communities surrounding both. They are starting to become quite popular as commuter towns, but homes are still very affordable.

Both of you have occupations that will ensure good employment opportunities. Busselton is now home to a large regional airport, developed for FIFO workers commuting to mine sites, and for future flights to Melbourne and Singapore. They have an impressive new health campus and new home builds are still strong. For your children, there are many excellent public and private schools to choose from, and a vast array of sporting and lifestyle facilities.

The south west is a beautiful region with its magnificent beaches, landscapes, parks, activity centres, wineries, breweries, gourmet experiences, etc. A really lovely place that supports a comfortable, healthy family life.

bunbury.wa.gov.au and busselton.wa.gov.au 

I have to agree, Concept Australia is excellent. Have been around a long time and based in the UK, which for some is preferable.

Your agent will probably have some further advice about what documents will be suitable, but for starters, what about bank statements that show your pay going in to your bank account. Also, you can probably contact the HMRC and request back dated tax records. As far as your employer goes, is there not someone in management who has been there long enough to know you worked there and provide either a reference or a statutory declaration? It needs to have the dates of employment (months/years) and the duties that you performed. The ANZSCO description will give you a good idea of the duties.

That may be enough but check with your agent first - they may have a draft reference that you could provide your previous employer with, so that they have an idea of what is expected. 

Try Hays Globalink for job opportunities in Perth (and the rest of Australia). Once you have determined that you are eligible for a visa, you will at least have an idea what jobs are available to you, and where. https://www.hays.com.au/coming-to-australia Good luck. 

Diane Boyce
Construction Management, Architecture, Planning and Trades
T: +44 203 465 0158
E: diane.boyce@hays.com

Hello Hannah. I live just south of Bunbury, although I'm more your mothers age! Perhaps you can give some more information about your work and preferred weekend activities so that I can make some suggestions for meeting like-minded girls. Which area of Bunbury do you live in?

Yes, I think it is a great idea. Much better to have qualified tradespeople helping with construction and renovation work on a long term basis, and not having to take off for three months to pick fruit. There is so much to be gained from this initiative, both for those in need of support and for the young working holiday makers wanting a life changing experience. Win-win for everyone indeed. I hope it is properly monitored though, so the help needed is actually received. It must not be an open invitation for all, enabling 12 months employment in city pubs, etc. 

You should consider whether an airline will let you fly that distance in your latter stage of pregnancy. And will you be covered by Medicare for the birth of your baby if your visa is not lodged in time? Do you have all the support you will need, both financial and emotional, in Australia? There are many things to think about before booking your tickets, regardless of what anyone advises you. Don't be too eager to rush the process without first being fully informed of your options and any possible complications.

I cannot but wonder why you chose South Australia as your sponsorship state in the first place. Was it your only choice (as it has been for many people in the past) or did you genuinely want to live and work here? South Australia has always been proactive in encouraging migrants by offering sponsorship, however over the years their support has been abused. I am not saying for one moment that this is the case with yourself, but it is the reason why they are now putting tighter conditions in place.

In recent years South Australia has invested heavily in their schools and universities. Last years budget saw almost $700 million set aside for the upgrading of facilities and infrastructure, so their commitment to education is evident. If your son is bright, as I suspect he is, he can thrive and achieve in any good school. Alternatively, could he not be a resident/boarder at the NSW school during term time? This would enable you to fulfill your moral obligation to the State that gave you sponsorship and hence the opportunity to live and work in Australia.

There must have been a need for your skills at the time of application, otherwise they would not have awarded you the sponsorship, so once you are on the ground permanently, finding a job should be possible. South Australia is a wonderful place to live - don't underestimate the opportunities that await you and your family here.

Sorry, i did not realise. If you are using an agent, could they perhaps give you some advice about what to expect? They are likely to have had feedback from other clients.

Have a look on the VETASSESS website - Guides and Fact Sheets, here:

https://www.vetassess.com.au/skills-assessment-for-migration/trade-occupations/guides-and-fact-sheets

Have a look at the VETASSESS Fact Sheets. They are very helpful. https://www.vetassess.com.au/skills-assessment-for-migration/trade-occupations/guides-and-fact-sheets

7 hours ago, wrussell said:

Should that be salesperson?

Good point. I need to be more PC.

You can do any number of FREE online assessments that will let you know which visa(s) you might be eligible for, but a MARA Registered Agent will likely charge a nominal fee for a professional consultation. £50-80 would be reasonable and personally I think it is a good investment. You can run through every aspect of your application, receive accurate advice relevant to your own situation and get answers to your questions. The Australian visa application process is expensive, so being clear about your path is paramount to it's success.

There are many reputable Registered Agents around, including those who post here. If you are wanting to speak to someone in the UK time zone, you might consider Concept Australia and Immigration2oz - both have been around for a long time and have solid reputations. I am not sure what they charge for a consultation, but do the online assessment first anyway.

Always make sure that the person giving you advice is a MARA Registered Agent - ask the question - there are companies around who sprout the MARA logo but do not actually have a Registered Agent in the office. In Australia it is law to be registered if giving advice, but not so in the UK. Don't take life changing advice from a salesman.

5 hours ago, Marisawright said:

You are paying your agent good money.  She is not allowed to throw up her hands and say, "I can't do it!".     It's her responsibility to seek help and get it resolved, either by contacting Immigration or by consulting a fellow professional agent.  Ring her again and ask her what she plans to do about it and when.  It's her job!  

A previous post by Martynd says that the agent is dealing with it. I think he may just be wanting to find out if anyone else has had the same issue. 

https://www.vetassess.com.au/skills-assessment-for-migration/trade-occupations/guides-and-fact-sheets