Bienkie

Hi Can anyone please tell me the cost of the medicals for the 457 visa - done in the UK. I suppose it depends on where you go or what surgery you attend? Thanks!

Hi Jaykay I wanted so badly to go to Aus, but it seems as if I will remain in the UK. Mainly because I have just been accepted in a different team (Adoption) and my family are very happy here in the UK. We came from South Africa a few years ago and I feel it is unfair to uproot my family once again. So, in a way I have shelved my dream to go work in Aus for the moment. I believe the first step to do is to have a look at the immigration website and to decide if you see this as a short or long term move. If you are thinking short term, then I suppose you can go for a temporary visa. I like stability and would prefer a permanent visa before I take such a big step. Once you are clear what kind of move you want to make, you can decide what visa is appropriate. I believe in making an informed decision and would therefore urge you to make a good study of all the visa options available. The permanent visas take longer, but it is more secure and you can be more choosy - e.g. you are not dependent on a job offer or sponsorship. On the other hand, there are something to be said for a sponsorship - especially if it means getting help with relocation! To apply for a permanent visa you will have to get your qualifications assessed. I believe most employers would want to know that your qualifications are good enough to qualify in Aus as a SW. Once you have your positive assessment you can more easily get a job as you can prove that you have the right qualifications! It may be a good idea to ask the other people on this post how to go about as obviously they are in the process of taking the big step! In the mean time you can have a good read on the immigration website to get an idea of what is available and what not! All the best with your decision - I am envious as I still have the "itch" to make the move to Aus!!! Keep us updated!

Good luck Suzanne! Let us know how it goes!

Pleasure..hope it helped! Keep us informed! Wish I could apply as well...

http://www.dcp.wa.gov.au/Resources/Documents/Policies%20and%20Frameworks/SignsOfSafetyFramework2011.pdf

Very interesting to hear of all the social workers planning to go to Oz! Please keep us updated with your progress Live the dream and Loopyloo13! I am currently working in the UK in CP and is hoping to try and get a position in Aus one day. First want to get my PR ...think it is safer to do it that way. Please let us know how much the pay is and how the work conditions are! All the best for the interviews. To prepare I think most of the Departments have manuals and procedural files where one can get "tips" on legislation and best practice. Might be worth your effort to have a look at it. http://manuals.dcp.wa.gov.au/manuals/cpm/Pages/default.aspx

Hi Madgen Can you please comment on the kind of caseloads and timescales that one has to work with?

Thanks! A good idea....!

Please see new question posted for the SW's in Aus! Thanks

Hi I thought it a good idea to form a Social Work group on the forum. Please see in the Group section and please post or share your experience/questions there. Just thought it would make it easier to find information rather than to have to search the whole forum for social work related topics! Thanks!

Magen - info on POI? I think SW is everywhere not appreciated!

I have seen that SW is on the list for sponsorship by Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.

Victoria is definitely sponsoring people, you can also get sponsored by Western Australia and Queensland as well as the Northern Territory. Good luck!