holypantsbatman

Thanks for that, much appreciated

Thank you both for the advice yeah I knew I had to do the ceremony too, but that's fine - was more worried about the test/interview. Do they ask more test type qiestions at inyerview too, or is it (like you say) more about checking ID etc. ? Thanks !

Hello everyone. Hoping someone can clear this one up for me, as I can't seem to find anythig conclusive online. FYI - We are in WA, not that I think it matters ? Can anyone advise as to whether it's a test or an interview (or even both) that needs to be passed in WA in order to gain citizenship ? The immi website seems to always state "test/interview" or "test or interview." So to me, it reads as though it's one or the other. If this is the case, do you get to choose which one you do ? Also, are you required to take your kids with you so that they may be interviewed too ? My children are only 14 yrs and 10 yrs old. Personally, I'd rather do a test than be interviewed by somebody - bit not sure if I get a choice in the matter ! Advice from someone in WA who has been through the process would be much appreciated. Thanks !

Yep. We also know the areas very well having lived there for most of our lives.

Hi all ! We are looking at moving back to the UK next year, and as part of the big plan, we're looking at trying to buy a house while we're still here and rent it out until we get back. Things are proving to be a little difficult on the mortgage front, though, and hoping that someone who jas recently been in the same situation can offer some help and advice ? I say recently because I've realised that things have changed lots over the last few years and expat mortgages are now much more difficult to get. I've seen a couple of companies online who claim that they can help, but as always, at a cost. One that has really caught my eye is Capital Fortune, based in London. Any help that anyone can offer would be appreciated. Thanks !

Have spent many a lovely afternoon in Linlithgow - not to mention my wedding at the Palace in 2003 :-) Memories :-)

We're talking 3hrs from Perth here though. Not quite rich in employment and opportunities/lifestyle for my kiddies ? Unless there's something I'm missing ? To be paying this for 3 hours outside a metro area is still a bit excessive - no ? Just me ? Am I expecting too much maybe ??

We have no employment restrictions at all. We have permanent residency and now have no ties to an employer - so Australia is our oyster really ! Thank you to all who have repied. I appreciate your time I have no interest at all in a City pad. I am not a city person, even though I did enjoy the odd weekend in Glasgow. I like the city buzz, but don't miss it when I don't have it, and it certainly has no bearing on where I want to live. I am more concerned about my family. Queensland may be an option - but I'd really like fo know more ...

Sorry LR - To clarify, I am referring to the possibility of moving interstate here in Australia - a move back to Scotland isn't even nearly being considered at the moment !! There's no way in the world I would move to a 500sqm block here. One of my reasons for moving here in the first place was the prospect of being able to own my own little piece of the world and spread out a bit ! There is absolutely no way we could afford a property anything like that in Scotland. I earn double what I was earning there, and my wife way more than double. Our disposable income is far easier to work with here, even when considering a $600k mortgage (although even saying that still makes me grimace haha !!). Basically, what I'm saying is, can anyone suggest where else in Australia we should give serious consideration to before putting down more permanent roots in Perth ? I don't think Tasmania would be on my list to be honest. From what I've heard work is almost non-existent, which doesn't really add to the appeal. Don't think the climate is my cup of tea either ! QLD on the other hand, who knows. That's kind of what I am driving at here - what are property prices like in QLD (and other states?) - and also cost of living compared to Perth ? Thanks for the reply LR !!

Oops ... apologies for the typo in the heading !

Hi everyone So, I have a bit of a dilemma here. We have been in Australia now for a little over 2 years, living in Perth. We are heading back to Scotland in April this year, and had planned to put an end to renting when we return, and actually look for a place to buy. However, I'm still not convinced. There's myself, my wife who's a registered nurse, and my 2 girls aged 12 and 8. I am basically still feeling sick at the prospect of having to spend $600k + (probably more like $700k) to get the type of property that we want (4x2min on around an acre). I'm wondering what states I should be looking at which can perhaps offer a good lifestyle, but without the hugely inflated property prices and costs of living associated with Perth. Don't get me wrong, I do like Perth, but I don't LOVE it. I would happily try somewhere else if I felt that it was worth the upheaval of an interstate move. We've come all the way from the UK and lasted a couple of years and done well enough, so I don't see another move as being out of the question. Can anyone offer up any advice ? Has anyone else moved from Perth to somewhere else in Australia and have some experience to share ? I just don't want to get tied down to a huuuuuuuge mortgage and then decide that we should have tried somewhere else before getting tied down, then have to sell a house before making the move ! I have tried to do some quick searching online at properties elsewhere, but not having a good grasp of geography in other states makes it very difficult to make an accurate comparison - property prices alone also don't tell me how the cost of living compares either. Any help that you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and wouldn't mind hearing from anyone who has done the opposite, and moved to Perth from elsewhere in Australia, who may perhaps say I am better staying put !! I look forward to your feedback. Thanks

Hey there. Thanks, was beginning to wonder if people can smell my B.O. and halitosis online too ;-) lol Will check out the other forum too - thanks for that !

Hi people. So, where do I start ? .... Hmmm. Ok, arrived in Perth (came from Scotland) with my wife and 2 young girlies (6 and 10) in January this year. We were initially living up in Kalamunda, but moved down to Forrestfield a couple of months ago. I started work in February but wasn't enjoying the job at all for various reasons, and left in July, due to start a new job next week (took my time so as to hopefully get into the right job this time!). My wife is a Registered Nurse up in Joondalup (yup, she commutes to Joondalup from Forrestfield every day - ouch!, her choice though !). Anyway, so far so good .... kinda ! Love Australia. But like everyone else there are things I miss, not least of all family and friends (I'm not alone there I know!).That's what has brought me on here really, just to try and get talking to some people - even better if you're near here and I can maybe get out for a pint and a laugh haha. I suppose what makes it hard for myself and my wife is that we are generally fairly quiet so not very good at just throwing ourselves into other peoples social circles. It's hard (as most of you will know) when you are used to having had the same people around all of your life and then they just aren't there. I can't get my brother over for a few beers, I can't nick over to my mates garage for a blether, can't get my mum to watch the kids so we can go out for an impromptu meal with friends. I did expect it to be hard, but I kinda thought that by the time 9 months had passed we would have more friends and be a bit more socially active. It's not the be all and end all for me, but as much as I like my own company, I'm starting to get a bit sick of my own jokes.... I've actually signed up for the Kalamunda SES in a bid to try to get myself out there a bit more and get more involved. Will see how that goes ! The new job might help too, but that remains to be seen. Nobody at my last place seemed to mix much outside work - which having come from scotland where it's any excuse for a work night out, is a bit strange to me. Maybe I just have horrendous B.O. ? Halitosis ? Irritating laugh ? My 'Irish' accent ? .... lol. For some reason most Aussies think I'm Irish. Maybe I should wear my kilt everywhere. Anyway, just wondering if anyone can offer any advice ? Experiences and how best to meet people, not like swingers parties or anything (lol) - but a few jars and some chat would be grand ? Like I said, we are in Forrestfield so would be good to hear from people nearby too, especially if you have kids too. Anyway, better stop blabberin mince and see if anyone has any advice/replies for me. Take care folks and hope to hear from some of you soon

Hi Susie - much appreciated I sent a question via the immi website at the same time as posting this question on here and still no response. Beginning to wonder if anyone has the answer Thanks again ...

Hi all ! Hoping someone in the know can clear something up for me. We will soon be ready to courier all of our documentation with only a couple of loose ends to tie up (finally !) One of the loose ends is payment. It's not the cost that's the problem, it's knowing exactly how much we need to pay !?! I am wondering if anyone can clarify for me exactly how much is it we need to pay. According to here http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/990i/employer-sponsored-permanent.htm , as far as I can make out, we are required to pay both the ENS payment, and the 1st installment (partner has demonstrable english abilities so no need for subsequent installments). Can anyone verify this, as opinions seem to vary in as much as some say we need to pay the 1st installment plus ENS, some say only the ENS payment is needed ? It's not entirely clear from the immi website, so if someone with experience or knowledge of this process can clear the issue up for up it would be appreciated, as we need to fill in this section of the form before it can be sent. Many thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide.