sharron pickett

Hi all, I arrived in Brisbane on the 29th April, I went in to the DOT, filled out the forms and was told I need to have proof of address, rent book or utilities bill before they can issue me with a license. Did I just get the wrong old bag?

You can apply for a Resident return visa, compelling reasons and time spent living in Australia before, you shouldn't have a problem.:biggrin:

Congratulations, great post, thanks for sharing.

Yep, I totally agree, that's where this forum comes in handy. Thanks

Our 12 yr old would totally love that idea......we live in US so don't know phone books names in UK? Some more hints of the company you used.Cheers

Yea it's a pain, he has ended up doing it for both Perth and Brisbane and even Adelaide, should have seen his face when I mentioned Melbourne last week! If only we had a crystal ball.:biggrin:

Great idea, will check that out. Thanks really appreciate your time. Have a good one x

Thanks you so much x

He has his A grade and Contractors, so can work either, its the rental situation that is worrying me.

Thanks, that sounds like us, need to check them areas out, where would you suggest?

That sounds perfect, we are from Bishops Stortford in the UK so we prefer rural. Not been to Brisbane in years so haven't a clue really, Hubby is a contractor so wants to set up company, he went out last year to sit all the courses and is ready to go and he is very hard working so hopefully wont take him long to build a good reputation. Which area would you recommend I research? Need a good High school as we have a 12 yr old son. Thanks for your help it's very appreciated .

Thanks for the advice x

Thanks for that, so where do people live for 2 months?

Hi Everyone We (Hubby The Crazy wife 18 yr old son and a 12 yr old son) are moving over this July and I'm starting to panic big time about where to stay when we first arrive.:arghh: We're not even sure yet if it is Perth or Brisbane because of the horror stories we keep hearing about Perth rental market. What is the best way to go? Hotel? Holiday rental?Other ideas? We will be looking for a long term rental but not sure how long it actually takes to sort this. What did you do when you first landed and how did it work out? I keep reading about the lack of rentals in Perth but tons of work (hubby is an Electrician and has his A grade) Anyone out there that can offer any advice please. Is it really that hard to get a rental in Perth? Brisbane we hear is struggling for work, so getting a rental might be much easier but not much good without any work. So any Electricians out there......Is there work? Thanks in advance for any advice Sharron

It would say on the visa stamp. Our original 175 said "Not to enter prior to .........." But our RRV's don't say anything.

Great post, nice to read a positive post. Congrats to you all, please keep us updated as it really does help Thanks Sharron

Yea I know, crazy eh? Which company did you use if you don't mind me asking? How did you work out the weight of your boxes? We don't really have enough for a full container either, but came here from the UK 10 yrs ago with just 2 kids and our suitcases, but the thought of starting over again scares me, especially as everyone says its so expensive in Australia. I have a friend in Brisbane who moved from here 2 yrs ago and she says bring everything you can fit in the container, where are you heading? Were not even 100% sure on that yet either, its Brisbane or Perth, husband is Electrician so its going to depend on work situation.

Not yet, but going to be soon. We're in Las Vegas so container will go from LA, had a few companies quote a while back, but not decided on one yet. There is one called Upack where you load it yourself but you get charged loading time while the driver waits, not sure if it's a good idea or not really, most quotes for a 20ft container are coming in around $8k door to door.

I have the A licence for SA as that's where I did the exams. I then got my A licence for WA online. I have since done the contractors course via distance learning for Qld. The problem is, I'm still not sure where we are moving to! The points you raise in your second paragraph are spot on with my way of thinking, we have friends in both, but have never been to Perth. So, just looking for advice. Thanks............Steve.

Thanks for your time and advice, very appreciated. Yea I know it is tough process, I have spent many hours studying and have A licence and Contractors (Just need to set up company and all the insurances etc) I'm thinking I will need to get on with a company at first to learn the ropes before going it alone, will need to make some contacts and get a feel for how it all works there. I'm just trying to decide between Brisbane or Perth, I know there is tons of work in Perth and keep hearing Brisbane is struggling, and all the trades are moving to Perth. I have never been to Perth before so trying to make a trip over maybe in Sept to both Perth and Brisbane. Thanks again for you.. Steve

Any Sparks out there??????Whats the work situation like? Is there plenty? Any advice is appreciated Cheers Steve

I hope things go well for you Claire, be positive and never give up hope. I still think your going to be fine. Sharron:biggrin:

We didn't half the ties to Australia as you do, and I made an application from America to Washington, I actually phone them and a really nice guy on the phone told me to over night our passports/cover letter and the application forms and fees, I actually had flights booked one way to Perth leaving the next day, so I was well nervous. Anyway within 5 day's we received our passports back with 5 yr RRV'S in them. I'm not sure if it is better to do from outside Australia or not but I wish you all the best, I personally think you have nothing to worry about, you have many ties especially your Dad and sister already being there, and you had compelling reasons for leaving. I think you will be granted a 5 yr . Try not to get stressed out, it will be fine

Hi ya your family situation should be enough for compelling reasons and you have ties to Australia too( your Dad and sister), have a look at the conditions on the website and put a letter together with your application. That's what we did and we got a five year.

Don't worry, this is not a criminal conviction. This is only a traffic offense, bit like any other traffic ticket. Now, sleep well!!