Dobbsy

Hi, before I spend $300 on seeing if my UK GTP teacher training is accepted to register with the Teachers registration Board which has a high possibility of being a negative outcome, has anyone got an update? When we moved to WA in 2011 the GTP wasn’t recognised so I couldn’t register as a teacher here even though I had QTS in the UK and years of service. I moved over into the TAFE sector but now looking at options to get back in to schools. Also if I have to do the AU grad dip which is now 2 years, has anyone gone through this and got any RPL credits? And I’ve also got a bucket full of AU cert iv/diplomas now too in VET education so maybe this might be taken in to consideration? I will contact the uni’s to see where I stand but would be good to hear from anyone in a similar position. I taught Home economics and Hospitality at secondary. Hope to hear from someone soon ? Thanks WA / SOR

JUST WANTED TO TELL THE WORLD..... AFTER 5 YEARS (2 IN THE UK & 3 IN WA) WE NOW HAVE PR !!!! hee hee! Yes 5 years ago we started the migration process. We couldn't get a PR visa as they didn't recognise my GTP Teacher Training qualification. I worked as a Food Technology & Hospitality secondary school teacher in Derby, UK. Anyway after a lot of hard work from Maryanne at TRUE BLUE MIGRATION we managed to get a regional sponsored 475 visa in WA and we came across as a Vocational Teacher (adult education). Our visa conditions meant we had to live for 2 years and work regional, which was fine as we were only 1 postcode away from where we wanted to settle anyway. It was really tough for the first 18 months, finding the right employment. Literally taking a huge backwards step to make ends meet. But hey ho.... waitressing for a living wasn't that bad, not when the dolphins swam up to the boardwalk most days. My husband hasn't got a trade, so he too found it hard to get a job that could support all 4 of us. He was never really out of work, just took a while to get a better paid job. Our daughter was 13 at the time, and to say she struggled to settle would have been an understatement. She didn't want to move in the first place, so for a long time we had a black cloud over our adventure. So, with limited money, having to work many unsociable hours, an old banger of a car, getting to grips with our new way of life and a drama queen teenager you may ask us was it all worth it? My husband and I had a good life in the UK, lots of loving family and friends and I had a good secure career. It was when my husband got made redundant we decided to take the risk... and boy what a risk. But we wanted to 'live', no regrets, experience a bit more of the world, and most importantly give our children the opportunity to grow in so many more ways. Nearly 3 years on in this beautiful country, with many good and not so good bits (just like anywhere in the world) we have embraced Australia and its people and even though we have often questioned 'when will it all fall in to place for us?' we have never once said..... "lets move back'. I miss my friends and my family so much at times, I cry myself to sleep, and they will never be replaced. But we have met some lovely people along our Journey who are now 'proper friends' who we can relax with and enjoy good times. So for all of you guys out there who want to follow your dream, don't give up. It may take a while for it to happen... but then the best things in life are worth waiting for !!!!! and YES its worth it....... I feel alive ! (and thank you to all the members who have given me advice on this site over the last 5 years! :wink:) Timeline: 100,000 years ago - August 2011 granted temp 475 visa, moved to WA Oct 2011 absolutely skint on a shoe string, Applied March 2014 for PR (very straight forward on line application and $724), Case Officer August 19th 2014 - Visa Granted Sept 1st 2014 !!!!!!!!!

Hello...We have been in beautiful WA on a 475 visa for over 2 years now..... and have just submitted our application for the 887 Permanent visa. I have spent hours collecting and scanning all the relevant evidence.... and it didn't ask for it lol....I have a receipt, so at least I know the initial application and payment have been sent through. I am assuming once its my turn in the queue a case officer will request it then? Is there anyone else out there who is applying for this visa? We were automatically granted bridging visa's!!! oh how exciting/nail biting times ahead! :biggrin::smile::err::nah::tongue:

I That's great news. Thanks. Also do you know the current processing times?

Hi, We have just met all of our visa criteria so we can now at long last apply for a permanent 887 after living and working in a regional area for 2 years. The application is asking for certified copies but am I right in thinking that if I colour scan in the originals these do not need to be certified? Also my aussie police check certificate is over 2 years old, will I need a more recent one, or would this do? One more thing. I did the IELTS test back in the UK 3 years ago as I needed to make up 5 points for our application, but now on the form it is asking for all adults have proof that our English is up to standard. How can my husband prove this? we are both UK born/educated so were our parents/grandparents etc. Will he need to do the English test too? even though Im the main applicant? Any help would HELP !! lol thanks Michelle WA

Oh how exciting for you.... thanks for the advice.. good luck and keep me posted on your progress :biggrin:

Thanks, yes, just wanted to check I hadn't missed anything :biggrin:

Thanks :biggrin:

Hi guys, I have lived and worked in Mandurah WA (regional area) for 18 months now and my family and I love our new lives here. We want to apply for a permanent visa which I believe is the new 887 visa. Has anyone gone through this process? do we have to wait for the whole 24 months before we can apply? Is it pretty straight forward? any advice would be great as the immigration site still confuses me after 4 years of studying it LOL !! :hug: ps: anyone new to the site thinking of moving to WA, yes its different to the UK.... but that's why we love it!!!! Life is what you make it!

:confused:Has anyone booked through Hoodaki / Benz Travel? I have just found flights with them LHR - Perth one way,and they have taken £100 deposit and have now sent a CC transaction slip for the remaining £2900.00 The reviews don't seem too good... and I'm not sure if to part with the rest of the money now? Part of me is saying that people only write the bad stuff if they are angry??? arghhhhhhh can anyone shed any light please???:eek:

Hiya, I taught at Secondary school as a Food Tech teacher, but also taught BTEC Hospitality to the older students. Vocational studies are usually 'work related' studies... like Hairdressing, Beauty, Bricklaying, Business and in my case Hospitality, therefore I was able to apply for a vocational teachers visa. Hope that helps. Dobbsy

Hiya, Yeah... we are up for that. We are in Secret Harbour at the moment staying with my sister, but are moving to Meadow Springs as soon as we find a good rental. We have been here 7 weeks. We are from Nottingham, have a 13 year old daughter and a 10 year old son. We are both working.... so if we are free... then we will come. Thanks, look forward to it. Michelle, Jay, Megan & Will :biggrin:

Hi, we have just moved to Secret Harbour - staying with my sister, but will move after Christmas, as we are on a 475 visa and have visa restrictions. Therefore we are looking to live in 6210 post code, a little further south towards Mandurah... Lakelands, Meadow Springs, Madora Bay etc??? We are from Derby/Nottingham area, are 39/40 years young and have two children (daughter 13 & son 10 which are now enrolled in Secret Harbour schools).. My husband is a footie fan and having withdrawal symptons already!!! he is also looking for someone to play golf with.... I enjoy the gym/classes and have joined The Club at Port Kennedy and am trying to work on my tan.... but it keeps raining !!!! LOL. Anyone out there with children of similar ages and/or common interests???? :biggrin:

Yeah.. roll on summer!!!!! ????? where is it???? hahahaha just pegged the washing out.... and it started to rain..... felt like I was back in the UK???? not opposite a paradise beach in Secret Harbour!!!!! Kids started school yesterday... Hubby started work...... please come out sunshine..... !!!

Good luck.... just to let you know once we had lodged our application to WA... it was exactly 4 weeks later that we got a CO..... a lot sooner than anticipated....so get ready for the STORM!!!! hahaha.... we lodged May 10th this year, CO June 10th.... Visa granted August 2nd..... Whirlwind...... moved out here 26th October!!!! so in 6 months time it could be you... hope it all goes quick and smooth for you... its a stressful and emotional journey

Well, I arrived in Secret Harbour 5 days ago.... and I can't believe the contrast to where I have just left, in the UK (not so bad suburbs of Nottingham)..... its bloody beautiful here... everyone has been so friendly and helpful. We are staying with my sister at the moment, but plan to head down towards Mandurah.... Slums????? I don't know where you got that info from????? I know from my sis that its not all perfect.... but where is in the world?????.... have faith..... it truly is a lovely part of the world here.... and we are looking forward to a good quality of life here. The future looks bright.

Hi, we arrived 5 days ago.... and not only is it beautiful... its good value south of perth... Rockingham / Mandurah area.... I'm staying with my sister in a newish 4 bed/2 bathroom on the beach... and she is paying $490 a week. Head out of Perth a bit... their is a train line for commuting.. .... good luck !

Glad its worked out for you...... We are leaving at the end of October... so will manage one more Ilkeston Fair!!!!.... lets be honest... there's nothing else like it anywhere!!!!... lol... although these days... its just mushy peas and candy floss for me...... too old for the rides!!!! x

Double check your points... as some occupations are on the list... but your qualifications might not match Australias...... any doubts... my advice is to get an agent... will cost you about £2k... but in my expereince very worth it!!!:smile: Good luck

Ey up me duck!!!! hahaha.... well not sure when you were last 'up town' but its pretty bleak these days.... :confused: I've lived here since I was 7, went to Ilkeston School, now 40...... its time to move on!!!! Perth here I come.... 4 weeks and counting! :smile:

The calm before the storm I think...... Pickfords come on Tuesday!!!! we exchange contracts tomorrow on our house sale...handing in my notice at work tomorrow.... most things are sorted now... just need to cancel all the utilities etc.... staying with relies for 4 weeks then we are off at 1/2 term! I'm not so stressed now.... but thats because I think I have either got use to it.... or perhaps I have just gone loop the loop!!!!!????:wub: Derby --> Perth

Wheyheyyyy!!!!! congratulations... the fun starts now!!!

hahaha... you sound so upbeat ..... my enthusiasm is weaning daily... I'm really worn out by it all!.... god knows what I'm going to do with my time when all this is over.... I've lived and breathed this visa process for nearly 3 years... its been a massive rollercoaster.... it didn't help being taken off the SOL list for nearly a year and just having to sit and wait for us to be put back on! I would defo get the letter from the GP and forward it on asap. Any gaps in the application will only hold things up.... in the grand scheme of things, just pay the few quid and get it posted. They seem to be so picking over the slightest thing... its better to send over too much information than not enough!... I've been on this website for 3 years nearly, so have picked up loads of information... perhaps I ought to work in immigration when I get over there!!!!!:biggrin: hahaha I've just sat and done the inventory for Pickfords.... not sure if its right... i'll ring them 2moro, so thats another thing on my list!!! I've had 4 quotes... (3 bed semi) and they came in around £3800 - £4200... we managed to get Pickfords down to £4050 and decided to use them as they were so helpful. Where are you heading, and when are you thinking of moving over? My sister lives south of Perth, we have been 3 times now and love it... so are confident we are making the right move. I've got a 13 yr old daughter and a 10 year old son. My daughter is finding it hard... as she naturally doesnt want to leave her friends, and also my mother in law is a wreck... even thou we only see her about once a month!!!!??? I just want to go now.... my house is looking grim, as we have sold some furniture, including the wardrobes... so it looks a mess everywhere!!! and I cant find anything!!!! I work full time as a teacher and OFSTED are due in this month, so we are just waiting for more stress... hopefully they wont come til after half term when I've gone !!!!! opps.. did I say that out loud! Anyway... its good to talk... keep in touch... and get on to your GP for that letter! Michelle

Hiya HelenaOz2B My husband needed a letter of confirmation from the GP, but the one he took with him was not detailed enough... so when we went for our meds, the doc there asked us to sign a form which stated what information was needed and the meds doc signed it... we hand delivered it to our GP and within a week our GP had written another letter and faxed it straight to the meds clinic... cost us £25 and pretty straight forward. Keep on at your GP surgery. My experience in all this is to keep on at everyone!!! LOL Our meds were passed and 4 weeks later we got our visa.... but the stress is really starting now.... because not only is it the sorting, packing, cleaning, selling stuff etc... its started getting emotional as well. I thought I was organised.... but I keep finding out stuff which adds to the list... upon list... I loose a list, so make another, then I find the first list and get all confused!!!!!! We have found Pickfords really helpful, as they have helped with an Oz bank account, currency exchange and transferring pensions.... and today I realised my email address would not pick up in Oz when I close my account here!!!!! :arghh: I have had many a night at the kitchen table with my head in my hands!!!!... but my husband keeps singing 'beach, sun, chilling, adventures to be had... he's made up a little song!!!!! :wacko:... bless!!!! LOL We move house in 2 weeks...... will stay with relies then go at half term (end of Oct) Derby --> Perth Every day, is a day closer! Michelle

Hi, Pickfords have put us in touch with a company called TorFX, you need to register with them, only takes a few minutes and they can get you better rates than the bank. We have registed, but haven't used them yet, but seem competent so far. Hope that helps. :jiggy: