liverpoolloo

Hi Ann, its lovely to "talk" to someone rather than "cyberspace" wondering if anyone will bother to read your post! As we have been visiting Oz for the last 10 years on holiday to visit our son, we did stop off in Perth en route to Sydney once and thought it was beautiful, we stayed in the city a couple of nights then hired a car and drove down to Margaret which was fabulous, and stayed in Fremantle for another couple of nights.

 

Our son lives near Cronulla (Sydney) for 10 years and our daughter lives near Brisbane, her family emmigrated nearly 3 years ago and love it. We have 5 grandchildren, so its a "no-brainer" for us to follow them if we want to see them all growing up.

 

So, what are your plans? Do you have a house to sell and when, is the question. My head says wait until the spring time, my heart says do it now in case there's a hold-up - it would be awful if the visa is granted but the house is not sold! But then if it should sell straight away????....well I expect you've gone through these thoughts - timing is everything isn't it? We have some shipping companies coming to give us quotes over the next few days just to get some idea of costs etc, or whether we will have to take less then we first thought. I know its a bit early on, but I just have to do something! Val

Hello Val, so lovely to hear from you and all your news, I have only been to Perth so can't comment on any other state unfortunately, but i guess hopefully if i can afford it i shall be taking holidays all over Australia to have a gander round.

I have been writing to a lady on here who is also doing this alone have to say it's great to share our worries and experiences as we have no partners to lean on for a bit of support when anything crops up. I find myself waking in the early hours worrying not about the actual move to oz and if i am doing the right thing but if i will cope financially, but i guess theres only one way to find out hey, and if i don't go i just know i shall regret it for the rest of my life. Anyway i have also come to the conclusion that i can't really afford to stay in this country either, i work in aged care which i love but the pay is not very good and to add insult to injury we have been told we are going to lose our enhancements next April which will have a big effect on our wages, and what whith the cost of living, petrol, household bills etc..... i think i stand a better chance in Perth, even if i am poor at least i will have the sunshine. :cool:

I am decorating my house at the moment which is a slow process as every room needs doing, just got hall and stairs and kitchen to do now, i shall have it valued and if i get what i hope for i shall have a go at selling but all the houses around my estate at the moment are just not moving so i think i shall end up renting, i would have loved to have bought a property in oz but i guess i shall have to rent, no big deal you just have to do what you have to do.

I have a daughter who is staying here with her hubby, they came to perth and loved it but he has a big family and doesn't want to leave them so it's going to be a big wrench but i just hope they can get out to see me every year. My son got married in Busselton in March, the wedding was outside and i have to say it was just lovely, the weather just makes all the difference doesn't it.

I am bringing my 2 dogs with me as it wasn't an option to leave them here, Australia are insisting animals be vaccinated against the rabies in January 2012 so i have had to have that done which cost a fortune, they had the blood test today so hope that comes back ok. I won't be bringing any large furniture items over with me as my stuff is old and tired now, so will just be bringing quite a few boxes,

I am hoping for a CO around May/ June time if it's still taking roughly 11mths, can't wait for the all systems go, so many mixed emotions with nerves and excitement. Drop a line or PM me anytime, i would love to hear how things are progressing for you.:jiggy:Ann

Hi everyone, have been reading recent posts and have to say congratulations to those of you have recently got your visa grant! We still have a way to go yet and the hardest part at the moment is the waiting - I am sooo impatient! I want to get going! Having spent last winter in Oz I am definitely not looking forward to the cold winter months here in the UK. I miss our kids and grandkids so much and this weekend my son was taken very ill with a virus which attacked his heart (he's 34 - no age) and it just brings home to you how far away Oz is, I just wanted to jump on the first flight to see him - it doen't matter how old they are, they're stil your children! Anyway, he's out of the woods, and hopefully recuperating with lots of bed rest.

 

What I wanted to tell you and ask advice is: my Oh and I have just paid a visit to a financial advisor this morning with regard to pensions etc, he's not 65 yet but its just around the corner and the FA told us about something called QROPS whereby your private pension can be transferred to Oz so that its paid in AUD as opposed to having it paid into a UK bank and then transferred into AUD which of course the amount will fluctuate according to the exchange rate. Has anyone heard of this and if so, have you done it?

 

My second question is, the FA asked if we had made Wills, we have many moons ago and should probably be updated, but there was doubt if Wills in the UK would be recognized in Oz - does anyone have any information regarding this point, or where we could find out?

 

I hope I haven't been too long-winded, and anyway would love to hear from anyone whose acknowledgement date is around June 2011 for a chat, we planning on settling near Brisbane. Thanks so much and love the site, its just so informative and encouraging reading all your stories and whereabouts you are in the process. Val x

Hi, my acknowledgement date was 28th June 2011 i keep an eye on the tracker daily cheering on all those before me getting a CO not only am i really pleased for them but it also means one step closer for me, like you i am so impatient to get going. I am going to Perth as i have a son over there.

I am so glad to hear your son is on the mend what a nightmare for you and i totally agree Australia is so far away when you have a crisis, you can now breath a big sigh of relief. Was your acknowledgement in June also? Be interesting to hear any answers regarding your pension, hope it goes in your favour. Ann:biggrin:

HI Ann, am heading to Brisbane, my son lives there. I'm fairly nervous about it cos I will be going alone. I have applied for the 173 because its cheaper, hope to earn enough when I get there to go for the 143 and also to see how I settle. I feel the same way about next year, once its 2012 the time will be coming closer.

Fran.

I am going alone too Fran so i know how you feel, maybe when you get there put a thread up on here to meet people in your area, trouble is i find most of the folk going are younger not many in there 50s, think you just have to push yourself out your comfort zone and make yourself go to any functions that come your way. Keep in touch on anything going on. Ann

:huh:

Hi Ann, thanks for that. Where are you heading in Aus. I find this site very good too, but as you say its nerve wracking waiting, and I log in every day to see if there is anything new. I hope that when you are acknowledged that it means when the money is increased it will not be relevant if you have already applied. Best of luck to you.

Hiya, i am heading to Perth as i have a son over there, i have a rough idea were i want to settle so thats half the battle and will continue in the care profession as i have worked in aged care for over 20yrs, although i have a couple of nurse friends in perth who are giving me ideas of work in different areas of Healthcare, you have to take courses for these which arn't cheap but the certificate is required as with most trades in OZ. A friend once told me you need a certificate to break wind in oz :laugh: I have a daughter who is married and although she loved perth on her visit her hubby does not want to leave his family so they have decided to stay here, it is a big wrench but i have decided to do this for me as i nursed both my parents for 12yrs fitting work in aswell which left no time for me, don't regret those 12yrs for one minute but the years are passing to quickly so i have decided to have my adventure while i am fit enough and young enough to enjoy....... my daughter has promised to visit yearly. Think my job may be going next year so hope it's after i get my visa. Can't wait for the start of next year to feel one step closer. I have picked up on so much on here, if it wasn't for a post i read on pets i wouldn't have known a Rabies vaccine will be required for all dogs/cats entering oz from January, had my 2 pooches vaccinated last month they have blood test on 1st Nov.

:animal-dog::animal-dog: Forgot to ask, where abouts are you heading to in OZ ? Ann

Hi

Has anybody shipped a car to Oz? I wondered if anyone has what was your experience of this? Do you think it was worth it. My husband has a special motor (well to him it is) one that it is not possible to get in OZ. Can a car and furniture be shipped together?

So many questions hope someone can help.

Thanks to anyone with info.

I was told you can ship your car in a container and pack stuff around it? But i guess if your taking house contents you will require 2 containers. I believe it's expensive but worth it if it's hubby's toy :unsure: sure you will get some possitive answers. Ann

:cry:

 

Ar 7.30am yrsterday morning when I was checking my emails the one we all long for dropped into my inbox.....our CO had been appointed. It's taken 58 weeks from acknowledgement.

 

I've spoken to him about our situation basically asking if there was any leeway to postpone the application for 6 months but it seems not so we have had to withdraw the application, it has to be resubmitted (more $) and back to the

starting post.

 

Its good news for those who are waiting there's a CO free to be reassigned. :biggrin:

 

Im so gutted I feel like giving up altogether :cry: :cry:

 

Phoebe

So sorry to read your post Phoebe, it has taken 6yrs for me to get my application in with one thing and another over the years, now my papers are in everything has gone dire over here as you know with the house market, exchange rate etc..... after my divorce many years ago i cashed in an endowment and never touched it incase of emergency with house etc.... at the moment it's just covering the cost of the visa, i will try to sell the house but i don't hold much hope of that as the ones for sale near me haven't moved in many months. Don't give up hope on your dream, with any luck the exchange rate/ housing market will pick up again when it's right for you to lodge again. I had an application refused in 2005 because of an oversight by the agents i used, my son was not a permanent resident at the time, i thought my world had ended i was so gutted, but here i am 6yrs later trying again....... it will happen for you Phoebe.

Hi, In the acknowledgement letter it said that the July 2010 applications were being processed at the time of my acknowledgement. Have you applied yourself for a visa? Also I am confused about the 2nd VAC, it says 24,010 dollars and when I put that into euro it comes up as 17,800 euro and on other sites it says it is 18k+. any ideas?

Hi, i am using an agent for my visa , think i was quoted $37,900 managed to lodge before july so missed the increase in price....i think........and hope!! works out around 23-24 thousand pounds by todays exchange rate. I think thats right as i try to put everything to the back of my mind while waiting for a CO otherwise this visa is on my mind 24/7. Although not a day goes by i don't log onto here to read up on everyones news, good or sad. It really is a rollercoaster ride for everyone. Ann :eek:

Hi summerdaisy,

 

May I just a little bit be curious about your acknowlegement letter? Do they say anything re the applications being processed these days? i mean what time of those applications submitted last year?

 

Thank you

I recieved my acknowlegement which was dated 28th June 2011, it stated they were still working on applications lodged 20th May 2010. Ann:sad:

Hi,

 

Did you fill the form that allows you to contact DIAC on your mother behalf (form 956 http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/956.pdf)

 

In my case, I filled the application for my mother with that form. Also indicating that I prefer emails but they sent me a snail mail , however to my address not to her address.

 

Hope this helps.

 

BTW do you know on the acknowledgment letter which month they are processing? I remember someone on this forum said that on that letter, they said all the applications from June 2011 (yes 2011) already have a case officer? Thank you

I am using an Agent and received my acknowledgement letter via post in July, it stated i was acknowledged 28th June 2011 but they were still processing applications lodged 20th May 2010 , i don't expect to hear anything about a case officer until next April at the earliest, but it would be lovely to hear sooner though, could be the kick up the bum i need to get this house in order to sell or rent. Ann

After a frantic fortnight of packing up, parties, goodbyes, house and car selling, staying with friends and living out of a suitcase........:chatterbox: WE HAVE SET FOOT IN THE PROMISED LAND. We arrived yesterday on the 5th anniversary of my daughter's arrival and are happily settling into our new life in Adelaide.

 

Off to sort out Bank, Tax, Medicare, Seniors Card etc in the next few days and have already planned a few 'opens' for the weekend! The adventure has begun (shame we left 30 degrees and blue skies in Surrey and arrived to 16 and rain in Australia):biglaugh:

 

Can't believe we're finally here (probably never to return to the UK) and living the dream. Good luck to all on the journey, your time will soon come and 'g'day mate' to all those already here who have helped us along the way.:wink:

lovely post to read at 6am on a wet chilly morning here in the UK, Yes........ dark nights and winter are settling in. So pleased all is going well and your adventure is begining for you, best of luck and loads of happiness in your new life Down Under. Ann:jiggy:

Not just your daughter, everyone pays tax on interest. :yes:

What some people may have to watch (if they open an account with someone elses money) is if they get a benifit from the state and then have too much savings then that could be stopped.:shocked:

 

With an account in your UK name and address you will pay 10% tax on the interest earnt in a Oz account. The down side is getting access to those funds if you do not visit Oz before you need them.

 

Les

This is my problem as i won't be going back over until i hopefully get the visa, i may just open an account though and start feeding money through i may not need for the visa so i have money in an account as soon as i get there and just validate the account. Honest my head is be-jiggled as yesterday i was on to pet exporters, my pension fund, moneycorp, all to do with money i went to bed dreaming of pounds and dollars........ not to mention a big lottery win. just a matter of interest if anyone is thinking of exporting pets to OZ the quarentine laws maybe changing in January and they will be including the Rabies jab and the length of quarentine is determined from the blood test taken soon after the jabs, i think 180 days have to have elapsed from the blood test to do the 30 days quarentine, as the time gets less the more quarentine your pet will have to do. I have started the process now as advised by the pet exporter, quarentine is expensive $72 per day for my 2 little pooches plus 30 days is a long time to be separated from them, wouldn't want them in there any longer as good as Byford is. Come to realise i need to work 24/7 to pay for all this....... it's a worry now working the finances on paper but i just keep focused for a better future. I have the chance of lots of work in care in Perth, were as i may not have a job at all next year the way the council is looking here. Lets hope the dollar keeps improving........:spinny:

Just spoke to a lady from Moneycorp and she mentioned opening an account with ' National Australia Bank ' as the account will not have to be validated to transfer the visa payment as they have an agreement with them although she didn't sound to sure. Just thought i would ask if anyone has used this bank, and if they did the tranfer without validating the account in oz, also if they are good? have lots of branches etc..... so many ways of doing this as you have all kindly explained, just exploring every option!! Ann:confused:

Ann,

 

Maybe have a chat with one of the sponsors of this forum - Moneycorp -as to how they can assist with the payment of the main VAC. I believe they can raise a bank draft in due course, and give you a better rate of exchange than you would get if you were to arrange the same through your High Street bank.

 

Best regards.

Thank you for the reply Alan, i have contacted Moneycorp and just awaiting the phone call to discuss my intentions. Ann

Just a few months ago I went on line and opened a NAB current and internet account, very easy to do.

I then also opened an account with UK Forex.

If I want to send funds to Oz I now go on line and easily transfer money from my Nationwide current account to UK Forex who then change it to Oz $ and transfer it into my Oz on line account.

I can not take any money out of the Oz accounts until I have been to one of their branches over there and prove my identity and pick up my cards etc.

 

Something I posted last May regarding me paying my VAC.

I received an e mail from a different CO, mine was on holiday but at least the process was not held up, asking for the 2nd VAC payment. It was requested I pay by Visa Credit or with a A$ Bank Cheque in Oz.

I could not pay on a Visa Credit card as I could not pre load any of my cards, I am told it is against the rules, or increase my limit to cover the cost.

I could not pay with a Bank Cheque in A$ I do not have any money in Oz and any bank who provided the cheque in the UK has to have representation in Australia. None of my banks do and I don't know which have, perhaps HSBC.

As the exchange rate was very poor it was cheaper to pay in London anyway, so I decided to go this route.

I contacted my temporary CO to tell her of the problems I was experiencing paying in Oz and that I would like to pay in London which she said was ok.

So I downloaded the Payment Mandate and filled it in ticking the box to pay with my debit card, included a copy of the e mail from my CO requesting the payment, a return self addressed envelope and a covering letter. A couple of days later the money was taken and I received a receipt with a short note telling me they had also e mailed a copy of the receipt to my CO. All very easy and straight forward.

Sorry if this sounds a very stupid question to ask but what do you mean when you say you paid in London? As you can see i have only ever dealt with my one bank for the past 30 odd years all this exchange of money is all new to me. All a learning curve just need to do my homework. Ann

Hi

We arrived in Melbourne almost 6 weeks ago...last week after lots of issues from the buyers...saying they wouldnt exchange..if we didnt change the locks as we had had tenants ..,our solicitor spoke to thiers etc..,and we did exchange on Wednesday ...then complete on FRIDAY last....,we have the cash in ukforex.....YIPPEE...on saturday we put down the deposit on a house...we had had it on a hold with a $1000 deposit for the last couple of weeks..,,...we cannot afford a house on our own and our family are borrowing the extra..,but ...we are paying it off...my dh has got a job...just one day per week for now...but it will cover the mortage....our shipping leaves the uk on tuesday....arrives a week after we move in ....dh has continued with hus volunteer work with both the SES and the boat rescue squadron ..plus now driving for the op shop...I have increased my hours at the OP shop and now do full day Friday...IM also caring for my grandson on Mondays and Tuesdays....crafting get together every week on Thursdays ...our lifes are full .....so now we are watching the $ for just a couple of days ...hoping for $1.60 to exchange our house money...we have spent every penny we have and didnt have to have this life..,I said to my dh the other day..,just had a thought....we dont have enough money for our funerals ....we both laughed....,do we care....not a bit..,we have gone from being able to just book a holiday when we wanted ..,to checking the prices of a tin of beans ..,ha ha ..,and its great ..,today we are having sunday roast .,with our family...its a long haul...lots if sleepless nights....lots of tears..,,but good when a plan comes together ..

together....

What a lovely post to read, so pleased it's all come together for you and your family, here's wishing you all the very best for your future in OZ , hope you get the $1.60!! Ann

This is exactly how I did it and it worked perfectly!!! Just double check the exchange rate first though as the rate is getting better this morning!!

 

K&M

Thank you all so much for the posts all very helpfull to me, will more than likely follow the above route, good to see an improvement in the exchange rate, dare we hope for better in months to come............ i so very hope so, every pound/ dollar counts for us all. Thanks again Ann

Hi Ann,

I have had a current account at ANZ for a few years now and opened a savings account via the London branch in August taking advantage of an offer for 6.5% interest. Its now up and running alongside my current account in Oz and my £50,000 visa money is there earning a lot more than it would have done here. My best advice is to have a look at who is offering what and try to speak to someone in the UK first as the girl in Oz said I couldnt have a bank account in Oz at all (when I have already got one).

Hope this helps, Val

Hi Val, did you open the account on line or did you have to go to the Anz branch in London personally , i have read on hear you can open Bank accounts with Australian banks but can only withdraw cash or move it after the account has been validated personally over there? Good interest rate at 6.5%. Thanks for your helpful reply. Ann

Hi, i noticed a post on here that someone had opend an account with HSBC in Australia, i am in the process of finding out if this will be viable for me, i was intending putting funds from my account here into the HSBC in Australia to pay the 2nd Vac of the visa. Just wondered if anyone has done this or if it's a good route to take financially. Thanks Ann

I have just looked out the letter that I received from The Pension Service last October when we emigrated. They state the obvious such as - you will not get a Christmas Bonus, plus they say you will not receive any Widow's Benefit or bereavement benefit PLUS

"People living abroad permanently can only get emergency treatment under the National Health Service whilst visiting the UK. If you need more information about British medical benefits write to" ....Dept of Health at Wellington House...Tel No 020 7210 4850

 

I think the whole pension thing is pretty tough, particularly as we have both paid NI contributions for 40 years with no claim for any type of benefits within that period....but I think the NHS ban on anything other than emergency treatment is taking the ****!

 

However, I was aware of it before we made the move so I suppose we can't complain - only agitate to get a fair go.

Julie

PS I have paid tax over there this year as well!

did you claim your tax back for the last year you left for oz, i have been told you can do this which i will do as every little helps if this is correct of course. After reading all the above it will be nice to get cash back rather than have it taken away. Ann

We both signed this morning, we have both worked and paid full NI and Tax for 40 years....never claimed a jot and YES it is incredibly unfair....particularly when you receive a letter from the UK saying that if you go back you are not eligible for NHS - can only have emergency care.

Thank you for bringing it to everybody's attention.

Julie and Ian

Well i didn't know that if you come back you are not eligible for NHS care, i think thats an absolute disgrace after paying into it most of my life, not fair as others seem to get it who come into the country and haven't paid a penny into the system, have to say you learn something new every day on here, not always for the good though eh! Ann

Hi Pete and Marg

 

I signed this this morning, but just wanted to say: If you're not sure if you have already signed, do try again as it won't let you sign in twice and better signed than not!!

 

This is probably a last chance to get things changed, so let's hope they get the numbers they need.

 

Cheers Pam

I signed this morning, i have paid up on my state pension and hate the thought i won't get the full benifit in years to come, i have worked hard like most for my pension. So hope they get the numbers. Ann

Hi all, im now busy in preparing all my documents so I can apply for 143 before this month end(I hope) Im so thankful to all of you, its so encouraging and Im sure it will help me to go thru this journey with smile...will update you all after filing.

Hi, good luck with the application, you will just be behind me in the queue waiting for a CO, i find i keep checking the tracker for progress on everone waiting for a co in the hope it's getting quicker. It's a mindful of information on here and like you am so grateful, i have a little notebook and jot down useful info i read on here, also recommenations of companies people are using , all the best Ann ( Gilly, on the tracker )

Wishing you the best of luck, my son and his wife did some house sitting when they went back to perth a couple of years ago ,they always had somewhere to stay and the demand for good housesitters seemed in demand so i don't see you having any trouble there. Hope the next few weeks arn't to stressful for you and i wish you all you hope for on your next adventure. Ann

We have been on this forum for sometime now, and on the other one that down hill with moderaters intervention etc. Our history, we applied for 143 visa after 1 of our 2 daughters had been in Australia for 2 years, (settled) at the time about 18 month wait for a visa, according to Steve's brilliant tracker site. 9 months later we put the Bungalow up for sale, everyone said you will easily sell that. 17 months after applying we get visa with not too many problems, we are 59 and 57 with no real health problems. But, property not sold, it takes a further 5 months to sell after many price reductions, and a further 3 months to exchange and complete. But at last we are there, we exchanged contracts yesterday, we have Pickfords in on 6th and 7th, complete and fly on 8th. Could not go sooner as found Pickfords and another company fully booked at this time of year!!! We have found the whole process very stressful, with many sleepless nights, very expensive with the exchange rate going down. One tip for anyone trying to find the money for visa when not sold, we asked for money from Building Society for a conservatory and new windows, and they just gave it to us!! But after all this we now look forward to the rest of our lives in Busselton, Western Australia, with our Daughter, Son in Law and 2 grandsons, 7 and 2. I am in the constructoin industry as a site manager, and have seen one job advertised at approx £30 per hour!! so hope to get work and show Aussies how to build. I have found this site and many of the contributers, Sir Matt, Lez, sandch and Fiz to be a great help during the journey, thanks to everyone. Will keep reading the posts, reply if I can help, and will update on the performance of removals and getting work. Bye for now, Steve and Aileen

Well done and here's wishing all the very best on your new life down under, i have been to Busselton on holiday and it's really beautiful down there. So glad you have all the stress out the way ( more or less ) and after all the wait your time has finally arrived. Well ,Perth winter is like our summer so it shouldn't be to much of a shock to the system.

All the best Steve & Aileen:jiggy:

It seems to me that since opening up the tracker last year to "self-service" we're seeing a lot join, then never updating their records. The June 2010 batch must by now have COs. I'm not sure there's a lot I can do about this, and of course it may also be a reflection of the drop-out rate; that wouldn't surprise me. It might also be holidays I suppose.

 

The visa granted list however is still a fair indication of the timescales, though this will lose relevancy as time goes by if the numbers diminish.

 

Cheers

 

Steve

I visit the tracker regularly since putting my name on there and thought it was all moving very slowly in getting a CO, shame really as it would give a good indication how quick the process was moving along if people updated their records, but as you say maybe folk have had to drop out which is a real shame. I do check the immigration queue aswell but it's confusing as i seem to have jumped from 340 to 100 in front of me in 2 months. I know it's approximate but that seems a huge jump to me. I do enjoy the tracker though to see how lucky people are progressing, Ann