carpetbelly

also check, some employers require you to use an MA... I know mine insisted on it otherwise it wouldnt happen.

Thanks

the agent my work appointed would have sorted that, so I presume they did...

well, my migration agent applied 2nd July... all meds had been done and approved etc. All police checks. Got a call friday from immi confirming a detail on my form. On friday 24th oct status changed to 'granted' though no email or contact. But I'll take that and expect that will come through later

sounds awesome!

Im into week17 since my application was put in... Not heard anything but that, as i said before, was with full medicals, police checks, everything needed for the co that the MA said I'd need before they put it in on behalf of me and my employer. Fingers crossed it's soon then as they're doing july now then lol

Taronga Zoo rocks... Manly ferry trips are always worth it. As is visiting manly and bondi just to say you've been there. I disagree about the blue mountains, I think a train ride and bus to the three sisters up is really worth it and it's stunning up there and offers something very different. Chilling around Newtowns pretty good as well if you go for that sort of thing. And as Daling Harbours been mentioned it;s great to hang around as well. ooo the Imax as well. Biggest one in the world or southern hemisphere. Either way impressively huge. Im a fan of the museum as well. it's got some interesting pieces in there if you ask me. And got a great aztec exhibit on at the moment too.

still waiting to hear anything myself too... MA put in app on 2nd July 2014... Inc all medicals done at that point. Website says in progress still and that's it. Agent taking care of everything really from employer.

I think your post is great. It's thoughtful without trying to tell anyone what to do. Just make sure they think of the little things depending on their reasons for coming over. And I think the best think you have said is at least you gave it a good go! My circumstances coming over personally was being offered a job out here while in the UK. I thought it was too good a chance to pass up to see somewhere different and experience something different. Maybe someday go back, but there's still so much to explore over here I defo don't want to anytime soon.

I came over on a 457. I work in Credit Risk for a Bank. I have no degree but all my work experience is in my field. I just had to supply references of my work. Personal and professional (this was all asked for by the Case Officer) and that was enough to get me through. Be warned though, I believe my 457 took about 6months all in all. Well, from when I was offered the job to when I finally touched down.

Indeed be careful. I work for a company that has sponsored quite a number of people before. I got offered my job in Feb 2010, finally got out to Aus in August 2010 and they had wanted me to start work in May. Some peoples get turned around very quickly, mine took a while for no explanation either.

indeed, that's why me and some work mates ended up renting a nice pad down there for a year... over priced but for the kudos (and while we had LAFHA) it made sense. Now, I'm in not so nice an area in comparison but so easy to get to pennant hills road for a drive up the coast for what I find are much nicer beaches hehe. And easier to get out of town for the good rides on the bike hehe.

Not quite right I'm afraid. It only covers medical bills of a third party. If you want 3rd party property, you need to get yourself extra insurance (which is the minimum needed in the UK but not needed over here).

Lived there, defo over rated. It's nice, dont get me wrong. But even on my motorbike, hated getting to Bondi or leaving it, especially on sunny weekends. Traffic is a mare! Much preferred Coogee beach as well. Just found it much more pleasant. And the northern beaches are great too. Or a little drive up to the central coast and you're on a winner

2/3yr old article... and markets how flat at the moment hehe

Not trying to convince you to change your opinion Acidglitter, as I totally see your point and can understand it. I don't agree with it but hey, if we all thought the same thing wouldn't life be boring!!! What I will say is, why cannot someone be a bit selfish now and then? I know I am at times. And I don't mean it in a bad way at all. I do my upmost to help others when I can. But sometimes, I need to think about what is best for me and me alone. I suppose by a pure definition (a definition in my head by the way) of selfish that is. But we cannot live our lives for others, no matter who they are.

I do agree with this. I hope PB didn't get a ban. At the end of the day, he spoke his opinion and he's quite welcome to it. And I myself make jokes out of very inappropriate things. Why, because it can be very funny. But people need to remember, when it's a joke, it's a joke. Nothing more. Personally, I fully agree with missesB here on financial type of suicide relation. As it being the straw that broke the camels back. With financial stuff, it's not an overnight thing normally. People end up digging themselves into a whole. There's a whole build up of it. That can then drive then to a nervous breakdown or into depression very very easily. At the end of the day, I think this just really shows there needs to be more support out there for people. And more visible support. And GPs not just prescribing anti depressants. I've found out, the ones I was prescribed actually are known for making my condition worse. Getting GPs to send people on to psychiatrists. They're the ones trained in this and can help the medication as necessary. And you know what, counselling isn't a bad choice either. It's working for me as long as I keep on going. Yeah, might not work for everyone. But I know I'd like to get better and will try most things to get me feeling that way. I know this is the uk one, but if you're in Aus and have issues speak to your GP. If you're on a reciprocal medicare then you're also allowed access to the 10 free counselling sessions a year. Make the most of them I say if you need them.

Thankyou, and as you're entitled to your opinion also... But you ruin lives for ever. I see a way of maybe breaking a cycle that isn't working for someone. And allowing someones family to grieve for someone then in time know they're better off. Time is a great healer. Shame most people, me I know for one lol, are impatient and want the pain to all go now. As I said, it's a very emotive and dividing subject. Shame it's a subject that exists but it does and support is all we can give to people really.

Again, yes it can be and that's my opinion. As living with someone long term in total anguish and despair can be far more damaging long term... But again, each situation is different. Each person different. Personally, it's not our place to judge, just help the suffers. Be they the person suffering or the people suffering the fall out from a suicide. And Johndoe, I really hope your wifes mate will be ok. That's not a pleasant situation but as I say with support hopefully she'll be ok. My friends have been rocks for me, and my work are so understanding of my situation I'm exceptionally lucky.

Suicide is selfish? Each to their own but in my opinion it's one of the bravest decisions someone can take. To have got that far that the best course of action they feel is suicide takes a lot of strength. Or it could be that it's a mental health issue then that's a different kettle of fish. In my short life so far, I've known far too many people commit suicide, though to be fair 1 really should be too many, and too many attempt it. I've seen the upset but I've also seen the relief of relatives who know that person is free of pain and anguish. It swings both ways. I myself have suffered with bipolar2 for countless years. Suicidal yes, tried? No. Younger brother, tried countless times as a cry for attention. Me, I don't want the attention, I just want what's best for me and help works for me. Not for everyone. It's a very subjective and opinionated subject. Especially the mental illness side, as quite frankly, as much as you can try to empathise with someone with depression say. If you havent suffered from it then it's really hard to explain just how it effects someone without it sounding like just a bad day almost. God knows if I've got any sort of point across. Just a subject I feel a lot about. Every bit of charity fundraising I do goes straight to the black dog institute. Last year, I think it was near $8k. Partly because it helps me too and like I said, a cause very close to my heart.

could easily get a nice Subaru Forester for that amount... And those cars just keep on running

I'm on my P's for bike and car and generally ride my motorbike everywhere... I also never drink and drive, granted I havent really drunk anything in years either so that does help. But I never would. Well, been here just over 2yrs now. And I'm well into double digits. Can't remember every single one, but the last period of double demerits (well, the one before the xmas one) I was RBT'd 9 times in two days. On the bike I seem to get pulled over far more for them. But then I ride on popular biker roads where there are lots of police and they obviously see the P plate as well as an easy target.