sm79

Hi, I have been offered a position that will be based in Chatswood and I am in the early stages of planning an interstate move to NSW. Having searched on various real estate websites and read endless posts on this forum, I am seeking advice on areas to focus my search for a rental property that wont (by Sydney standards) burst the budget. I have been primarily looking along train lines (as I'm sure most people do) to try and avoid the need to commute by car. In a perfect world, I would be looking for a 2 bed property (apartment or otherwise - not fussy) with weekly rent of around $500 per week. I know this is ambitious and will likely push it out to $600 if needed but I'm keen to at least try and find something at the lower end of the scale. In addition it would be good to be somewhere that has a coffee shop or two and/or some personality to it (or neighbouring a place with these elements). Given the above, my search thus far seems to have drifted towards North Strathfield, Rhodes, Wentworth Point, Meadowbank, Ryde, West Ryde (that general arc/area) as it is a commutable distance by train to Chatswood and not a million miles form the city by train for weekends etc. I would love to hear views on the above areas and/or opinions on other possible areas I could target my search. Googling and searching only takes you so far and it would be good to get first (or second) hand accounts about what these areas are like or suggestions of other areas that might fit the above criteria. Many thanks for taking the time to read

Hi, Hoping someone can offer some advice. I was granted SS for VIctoria and subsequently applied for my 176 online. As per instructions I provided my TRN to Vic via the email address from which they confirmed my state sponsorship and requested they send form 1100 to DIAC. I'm just a bit unsure if this is all I have to do to request form 1100, and if this is the correct email address to use. Also, does anyone know how long it takes vic to send this to DIAC? Thanks

Thanks again for the replies. I think I might have answered my own question from looking on the immi site: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/health-requirements/health-exam.htm States I will require the blood test THanks again

THAnks for the quick replies. I should have mentioned in my original post that its a 176 visa I've applied for. I'm sure the medical centre knows what they're talking about but just wanted to double check for peace of mind. I just thought everyone had to get the blood tests done, not just temporary visa applicants etc. I'll have a look around the immi site and see if I can't find clarification THanks again

Hi, I contacted the Health Centre in Edinburgh to discuss booking an appointment for my meds and they advised I only need a blood test/HIV test if I work in health care or if I'm applying for a temporary visa. I was under the impression that everyone had to submit a blood test. I would be really grateful if anyone could advise me on this as want to make sure I book the right one. Also the cost without blood tests is £290 , with blood tests its £375 so reluctant to spend the extra if it isn't necessary. THAnks

Hi, Really hoping someone can advise me on how to check whether my documents were uploaded successfully or not. I just spent ages uploading everything after submitting my 176 online application. After the final piece of evidence I clicked on 'ok' instead of 'add another' (or whatever it says) and the system seemed to crash and gave a message about the website timing out. When I log in to check the progress of my application I cant see any documents attached (not sure where to look) and there;s no option to attach any more documents. Really confused and concerned and would be so grateful if anyone could offer any advice?? Thanks

post deleted

Does anyone know of any GP's open on Sunday in Melbourne? Anywhere in the metropolitan area will do. It's not an emergency but rather was hoping to avoid time off work to visit. Had an appointment with one this morning but for various reasons was forced to cancel it last minute and Google hasn't helped thus far. Thanks

There seems to be a good amount of interest so far...are we close to having ten bodies yet or are we waiting on all the June arrivals to make up the numbers? :biggrin: I'm itching for a beer....I mean a game!!

Just wondering if you managed to get ten bodies together for a kick about or not?? I've been in Melbourne a few weeks now and starting to miss playing so I'd be up for a game of 5's. I'd be able to play 90% of the time but the nature of my job means there would be the occassional last minute call off. Let me know Cheers.

Hi, I have just been told by my employer that they will not administer LAFHA. They are saying that because I applied for a position with them I am not entitled to it. According to them I am therefore moving voluntarily, and would only be entitled to it if I was being told/asked to move by them. This doesn't seem right to me. I am coming from UK to Oz on a 457, contract is a 2 year fixed contract. My understanding was that I should qualify for LAFHA on the basis that I will be working in Australia on a temporary basis and will be returning to my normal place of residence after this period of time. Can anyone help me here?? Thanks :unsure:

I'd be really interested if you could provide some more information on car dealers in the South East...if not on the forum by PM. Moving out early April and will be looking to get a car ASAP after arrival Thanks

Hi, I'm sure this has probably been asked numerous times in the past but I can't find the information through the 'search' option. We will be coming to Melbourne on a 457 (through my work). My GF is an experienced primary school teacher and I have been looking into registration etc to enable her to apply for relief work when we arrive. It looks as though she only needs to fill in the relevant forms for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. This seems a lot easier than I expected so I am wondering if I'm missing something? Is this all that is required to enable her to teach in Victoria? If so, can anyone give an idea of processing times for these applications? Thanks

Thanks Hoff, The plan is to pay out of my Oz wages, the difficulty I'm having is I'm not sure what sort of car I should be looking at and following on from that, how much I should budget per month to lease/repay finance. Cheers

Hi, So I've reached the stage of researching car options etc for arrival in Melbourne but don't really have a clue where to begin. The trouble I'm having is that I have no knowledge of cars in Oz and don't know which ones to look at to help me work out finances etc. Can anyone suggest a reasonably economical, reliable car to look at thats not completely repulsive to look at (vain I Know) and also comfortable on the highway as I'll be driving a bit to/from work and also during the day as part of my job. Doesn't need to be too big but prefereably 4 door and maybe at minimum equal in size to VW Golf in UK or bigger (currently drive an LPG converted Passat in the UK). Also for budgeting, any indication of monthly costs would be appreciated (lease etc). Second hand is ok too. Cheers

Yeah heading to Melbourne early April. Visited on holiday in the past and cant wait to get back out there. Just looking at flight prices etc now that I can stop checking the visa status every 35 seconds!!!

15/02/2011 - Employer Nomination Approved 21/02/2011 - Application Fee Received 21/02/2011 - Application Received - Processing Commenced 06/03/2011 - Application being processed further 08/03/2011 - Visa Granted :jiggy: 3 weeks start to finish...can't believe it!!!

Hi, Heading out to Melbourne early April and been looking around at short-term accomodation for approx. 1 month to settle in and find a rental. I have found a short-term/holiday rental that, although basic, seems reasonably priced. It is located just off St. Kilda Road, close to Albert Park etc. I was just wondering if the low price is an indication that this isn't the best area to be staying in??? (should probably mention we are a couple in our late 20's/early 30's) Also, I will be working in Cheltenham...google maps tells me that this will be a 23 minute drive. Does this seem accurate for rush hour travel? Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers

I was advised by employer that for visa purposes I only need to provide evidence of travel insurance for my entry into oz, because after that point I will be covered by medicare (as from uk). I realise it may be worthwhile getting private cover at a later date, but as I say I was told its not necessary for the visa. Having said that, my 457 is still processing so I would take it with a pinch of salt at the moment!

Hi, I have been trying to attach documents to my 457 application for the past 2 days and when logging on I keep getting the following message: "The system has encountered an internal error and your session has been ended. Any unsaved information will be lost. We will endeavour to fix this problem as quickly as possible. If you encounter this message frequently, please contact our Operational Support area to check on the status of the system." Due to this recurring problem I have been unable to attach any supporting documentation. :arghh: Anyone else experiencing difficulty with this or have any suggestions how I should proceed? Thanks

Hi, I'm sure this has been asked many many times but I'm having trouble finding information via the search function. I have submitted the 457 online and am gathering documents to attach. I'm a bit unsure exactly what I should be attaching (defacto evidence etc) so was hoping someone has information/a link to the relevant page/form on the immi website or similar (or info from personal experience). I have obviously looked through the immi site and 457 information but cant find what I'm looking for. Thanks

My thanks to everyone who has replied so far...the discussion has been very useful for my plans. I think due to my lack of knowledge and the advice/warnings from those who have experience/knowledge of novated lease schemes, I will not take up this option. I would be interested to know if anyone can therefore recommend any alternative options to enable me to purchase/lease a car within the first few weeks of my arrival in Melbourne. Peacock...you mentioned unscrupulous dealers...could you (or anyone else) recommend car dealerships with a good and honest reputation I the Melbourne area so I can discuss private purchase/lease on my arrival? Thanks again.

Bump :wink:

Hi, Just received confirmation that nomination has been approved and started the process of filling in the 457 online. At the moment we're waiting for my GF's passport renewal to come through so cant complete the section with her details as don't currently have her passport number. My question is, can i 'skip' this section and return to it later after completing other sections of the form, or does it have to be filled in progressively and in order? It would be useful to get started on all other sections so that when the passport comes in we're ready to submit, but dont want to skip this section in case it causes any issues. Thanks

Hi Susie, Sorry I don't think I was very clear with my question...we are from the uk, what I meant to ask was whether there were any restrictions, or any reasons she couldn't take some lessons in Victoria to Try and get a licence over there? Thanks