Paula and Jay

Our visa also granted today. Nom & visa app: 03/02/16 Marketing specialist Time to celebrate! Good luck everyone X Visa 03/02/16 and still waiting!

We went through a MA so not sure when the nomination was approved but our visa was lodged on 04/02/16 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Morning everyone! Just a question...we lodged our visa on 04/02/16 and our friend lodged theirs one month later (same occupation) and there's have just been granted!! It was approved by the the Parramatta office but they are living in Melbourne. Does anyone know if the delay is due to the fact that we live in Sydney?? Thanks....the wait is killing me Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Did you go through an MA too? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi there, anyone have any idea what the processing times are like for 457 to 186 transition stream. Our MA hasn't really given a guideline, thanks (-: Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Our visa went in through Fragomen on 3 Feb, looks like we're in for a long wait [emoji27] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It may not be tradition but its defo MY tradition. Cant beat it. Plus plenty of Salt & Vinegar and provided on the tables too. It's a winner

This weekend may be a bit of struggle for us but if you guys are organising this weekend, We'll try my best to make it. I don't mind the travel either, maybe the city is a central location for everyone?

For anyone in Sydney, try the traditional Fish and Chip shop in Bondi Junction. Went again on Saturday and it's something else. Cod with real chips, mushy peas and curry sauce. It's awesome!

Hi all, I've been in Sydney 2 and half years with friends coming and going back to the UK and other parts of Oz. We'd be up for a meet up as we're always happy to meet new Brits! We're based in Newtown and originally from Liverpool. Paula & Jay

Hi there, You can specify most of the time 6 or 12 months lease. Some people offer to take it for 12 months to beat the competition! I've never broke a lease before to be honest but from memory when signing the lease for this apartment I remember her breaking down the fees. I don't have the info to hand...sorry

Hi there, I'm in Newtown and always happy to meet new brits (-: I'm actually off work until 12 Jan for the holidays so just PM me and we'll sort something out. Hope you enjoyed your first Aussie Christmas. Paula (35) & Jay (32) from Liverpool

Hi there, We've lived in Sydney nearly 3 years and we're in our 3rd apartment, all of which has reserve cycle air con. Personally for us, we really use the air con on the days over 30 degrees and in this particular apartment used the heating setting through July/August this year as it was cold (nowhere near as cold as the UK so don't worry!). Renting - Landlord pays council tax and water. Elec/Gas are similar to what we paid in the UK. We shipped all of our furniture from the UK to here but all of our apartments have had dishwasher/tumble dryer installed. You will need the following for renting: proof of income from your employer history of rent/mortgage payment (even if in the UK/India an example of utility bills paid in the UK Real Estate and Domain are the best sites, we have found all our apartment on them. Hope this helps, Paula :-)

Hi all, i wonder if anyone can help? I've heard off a few people that after your first year here, once you lodge a tax return that you're usually entitled to a refund? Is this correct? thanks in advance, Jay and Paula

I totally agree! We went to vivid the other night and was totally underwhelmed! The way people were going on about it I expected something amazing but at the end of the day it was just lights on the opera house!!!

Hi, we're looking to fly back the UK for Xmas and there are a few deals for premium economy with BA and Virgin. It's roughly about $600 more each. I just wanted to know if anyone's been premium economy and if it's any good? Is it worth the extra $$$? Thanks Jay

Cal just seen this on your comment - very true! If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place... If you get a chance,take it, If it changes your life,let it. Nobody said it would be easy they just said it would be worth it...

Thanks Cal. There's certainly been a few rough times but I always think these things happen for a reason!

Hi. No we don't have kids, I'd imagine it be twice as stressful with kids! I can see what people move here with their children though as there is so much for them to do and experience.

Hi all, not been on here for a while so thought we'd post an update. Been here 9 months now, we've moved to a new suburb and both moved jobs. I think that's the hardest thing we've had to get over - the work is very different to the UK. Someone mentioned on here the other day that there is a "macho ego" office environment over here and I definitely agree. Some people i have had the displeasure of working with have such a high opinion of themselves its ridiculous. I am on a 457 and left the company that sponsored me after 6 months as I'd never been spoken to or treated so badly in all my career. The expectation to work from 7am until 10pm was ridiculous and something I was not willing to do -purely because the reason people were working late was bad organisation and management. Therefore I left, and now work for a much better company. The office doesn't have the banter of the UK but its less stressful and much better money so softens the blow. This has definitely been the toughest thing to get over, it's amazing how much work in the UK involves a social element. Over here it doesn't (from what I've experienced). Sydney is a lovely place to live, the weather is fantastic, there is loads to do, and were enjoying it. I do find some people here extremely rude, and arrogant, but it's the same anywhere. We moved to mascot and have a nice apartment, close to the train line, we have a much better lifestyle here and money is a lot better, yes everything is more expensive but our salaries more than cover it s it's all good. I don't think we will stay here forever but were definitely glad we have done it - the first 6 months were so tough but I think we're on the upward now. I'd recommend anyone doing it but make sure you're 100% into it because its very different the reality to the perception. You still have to work hard, and do food shopping and pay bills etc. Saying that though, the sun makes it a lot better! The good thing about living here is its so cheap to travel (in Australia), flights are cheap, trains are cheap, so were seeing a lot of the place. We bought a new car (relatively easy to get credit), so we explore every weekend it's great. It's definitely a very stressful thing to do, and were still not fully settled. The people who say give it 2 years are right, it's sort of a daze the first 6 months and only now are we beginning to get into a routine and enjoy it. It's been tough and we miss our friends terribly, but on the flip side we love the lifestyle out here. I'm hoping we will find an equal balance soon. I see people on here starting their own journeys and wish everyone the best of luck! if anyone needs any info or advice then please don't hesitate to let me know, Jay

Hi. We were looking at zetland, it all depends what you want. If you want to be in the middle of the action then it's prob not the best place to be, but what we found was that the standard of apartment was significantly better in zetland - so it's the toss up between location and standard of apartment. Zetland is really nice but quite quiet, saying that, there is a few cafes and its only 15 mins into the centre of sydney so not too bad at all. Plus it's 5 mins in a taxi to surry hills which has lods going on. Just so you know, we went for standard of apartment! We're in mascot, we got a brand new split level 2 bed for the same price as something much smaller and older in the centre. But that's just us - were handy for the train station so it doesn't bother us too much but it would be too quiet for some people. It's all about what you guys want. Hope this helps!

Hi Dave. Yeah we've been here about 6 months now, were in waterloo. I'm 30 and Paula is 32. Both scousers! If u fancy meeting up for a beer let me know. How are you finding sydney? Cheers, Jay

If you haven't got an iPhone, well, you haven't got an iPhone :-)

Hi, can I ask how much this costs? Thanks

Hi ramot, yes the meriton is lovely! To unlock the iPhone just contact your mobile provider, if you're pay monthly it's usually free and pay as you go about £15. Hope that helps :-)