ajs604

Could not agree more, I used to live in the Western Suburbs and also got that feeling of depression when visiting Melton, Sunshine or Werribee.

1. Better climate (milder winters) 2. Get away from certain family members. 3. Fed up of UK class based system (less noticeable here). 4. Better life balance. 5. A sense of adventure 6. More open spaces.

I have been here almost 10 years and have never been back. My mother has been out once 2 years ago. I have no plans to ever go back. I would rather spend my free time exploring Aus or other countries. Last year I went to South Korea and this year I plan to visit Japan for the second time.

Have you got a permanent visa? If so, try and stay the four years so you can get your citizenship. It takes a least a couple of years to adjust to a new country and build new friendships. Try taking a holiday back to the UK, hopefully it will make your decision clearer. I know I found my first year here really tough but 9 years on I have no regrets and could not imagine myself living in the UK again.

Hi, I have used Marks and Sparks before and paid with an Aussie credit card. They also delievered the gifts wrapped. Not sure if they still do it but worth a try.

I came in on the old 176 visa and was sponsored by Victoria. It also took me a few months to get a job. Every 6 months for 2 years the department of immigration sent me a survey to check on my progress and to see if I was still working in by designated occupation. I am still in Victoria 9 years later so never flouted my moral obligation. It annoys me when people simply say it is only a moral obligation and not a legal one. This type of attitude could potentially ruin it for future genuine applicants. I can also understand that sometimes people cant get jobs for whatever reasons so need to move states to improve their employment prospects. I think in these instances people need to be upfront and talk to immigration. It will only look more favorable for yourself and it may even improve the visa process for future applicants. I think its good to remember that it is not your right to be here, you were granted a visa because Australia needs your skills in a particular area. You need to earn that right to be here. In my opinion you need to be prepared that it wont be plain sailing for the first few years when you get here. It takes time to get established again .

Hi, I agree a WHV would be the best option. I have worked in allied health previously (pod), since migrating but am now retraining in a different filed. You need to get your radiography/sonography qualifications assessed by ASAR https://www.asmirt.org/careers-and-employment/overseas-assessments before you can practice in Oz. Not sure how long the process takes. Once here though, you will find plenty or short term locum work. You only have to look at Seek.

Congratulations. I did the same as you. Studied Podiatry and migrated to Victoria in 2010. I have been here just over 7.5 years now and love it!! I decided to go back to uni a few years ago in Aus to study medicine so am now retraining as a Dr, hoping to be a GP!! Good luck with the move!

Hi, I am due to start a job in Mornington in a few weeks. I have been in Aus for 6.5 years (works as a Podiatrist), currently live on the West side of Melbourne. I will be moving in with my GF who is also a professional. I am 33, she is 32. We are looking for a two bedroom unit in Mormington. We have been looking at Realestate.com.au, but find it very hard to secure a rental when your compeating with 20 other applicants. If anyone could help please PM me. Regards,

Sorry to barge in I was reading this thread with interest and as a Podiatrist thought I would give you my 2 cents on your injury. It looks like you have sprained one of the ligaments. Just think RICE. Rest, Ice, Compression (get a support stocking from Chemist Warehouse), Elevation (try to keep foot elevated as much as possible). If it was broken it would be very unlikely that you could walk on it. If it is still very sore in a few days I would recommend going to the Drs and requesting an x-ray as a precuation. If it is really painful you could also consider taking some NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which well help any localised inflammation and helpd speed up the healing process. Good luck!

its simple. Once you become an Australian Citizen you cannot enter without a valid Australian Passport. Your visa no longer exists. You would have no problem leaving but an absolute nightmare when attempting to get back in. Just apply for an emergency Aussie passport.

Once you become an Australian Citizen. Any visa you held ceases to exist. http://www.citizenship.gov.au/current/travel/.

Honestly is always the best policy. I have a caution too. Mine came back with no live trace andhad been stepped down. I got my PR without any troubles. Also a caution is not deemed as a conviction but will show on a police check as it is still an admisson of guilt that did not result in a conviction. I would get a new police check and a subject to access and email your CO advising of the situation. Its extremly unlucky to affect you but better that your up front about it than them finding out later on down the track.

Your an idiot mate, not the type of person we should be letting into this country, enough said!

Well one day mate Im sure you will get caught out!! We have rules and systems for a purpose! If I was on a tram and saw you try and run away from a ticket inspector I would think nothing of trying to stop you and place you under a citizens arrest! Anyway I think you enjoy the attention your getting on here so will use my time more resourcefully, as I cant. see this thread going anywhere!

Still why flout the system? When you permanently migrate to Aus you agree to adhere to the laws and values of Australia. It seems that you are oblivious to your moral and legal responsibilities. Stop trying to beat the system you will never win. Take some responsibility for your actions and go about things the right way, like most of us have done on here! Good luck with your endeavours!

I would look at a student visa, that way you can learn some better skills and work legit for 20 hours week during term time and more in holidays if required! Must be costly going backwards and forwards every 6 months with no income and no doubt immi will get a bit sussed at some point.

I would go with Adelaide. Darwin, warm all yeah round. Humidity in the wet season is almost unberable. Also you cant swim in the beaches around Darwin, too many saltys or box jelly fish! Although saying that Darwin is close to places like Kakadu and Litchfiled park. Having been to both places my self I would chose Adelaide as at least its close to other places like Melbourne, has a better climate and is far less remote.

Frome someone who has been through the system and come out here on a tourist visa, working holiday visa, 457 (temp) and now a perm resident, soon to be a citizen. I would go with what the majority of people have said on here and just move out here on a PR visa. Like others have said nothing is for ever and you can always return to the UK should if not suit you. If you come on a temp visa its limits you to where you can go or how long you can stay for. At least if you come out under a PR visa you can explore the country first and settle where you want! Doing reccies are great but costly. Good luck!

Have to say I really enjoy reading your blog. I had stopped coming on here for a while but am more frequent again now. Your blog is very entertaining especially some of your entries in Thailand!! Makes me wish I was 20 something again and could travel!

I was in a similar situation myself a few years ago (although I decided to leave as I was being underpaid). I hope your OH can find a new sponsor in his filed or you can be sponsored yourself. Sounds like you still have time on your hands and a few other options. Best of luck.

Hi BrownEyedGal, my ceremony will be in Melton as its my closest shire. Dosent look like it will be until August, still there no rush. Will give me enough time to buy a suit and make myself look half descent for the occassion

Hi all. I posted some questions regarding citizenship the other day. Just thought I would update you and anyone who is interested. I took the citizenship test Friday and checked my application online today, and its been approved. So I am naturally very happy. Thank you for all the advice offered on here. Its seems my migration journey is now coming to a close. Happy days!! I look forward to my future here in Oz.

Should be fine, unless its a conviction which it dosent sound like it is. Most people in Aus have had fines for one thing or another!

Thanks for your replies veryone, so hopefully I will hear in a few days. Just to get a few things sorted. I am not required to do a UK police check, just an aussie one? I havent left Australia for more than a week since I came here four years ago? Thanks