nic1171

Hi Tina I used NAB initially. I set it up from UK and transferred money with money corp prior to going over, prior to arriving I arranged an appt so about day 2 of getting here I went to my nominated NAB and they had Eftpos cards waiting for us!

I too like Beddy stayed at Ashmore Palms holiday village. I pre booked 4 weeks and so although once here I secured a rental within about 10 days I stayed the full time at Ashmore whilst I waited for furniture to be delivered. It was a lovely 2 bed portacabin style home, big enough for me and my 16 year old. It also allowed us to to use this address for medicare, driving licences, my nursing reg and a reference for renting!

Im well impressed, from posting sons passport for renewal, from Oz, was 3 weeks!

When my son had earache I had to pay full amount, nearly died at price! For repeats I think there may be a cap on what you pay, there is for the elderly so maybe something similar? Each drug is priced differently unless you have a medicare assistance card for earning under a certain threshold

Brought my fridge n washer and gad no problems. As others have said make sure dry and secure the drum. I also covered the back of my fridge with bubble wrap to protect the elements or whatever those pipes are! I also stored stuff inside the fridge and washer as I too had a move cube so used every bit of available space!

I changed my UK license to my brothers address

Ask your local practice nurse to ring Immunisations and they can be added that way

To OP, I work as a clinical nurse in QLD so on about $82000, sole earner, have a 17yr old and I manage just fine, huge house n pool in lovely area, eat out once a month, take out weekly, weekends away every 3-4 month and still have disposable income. Go for it!

From what ive read I thought to claim points for a degree it had to be closely related to the occupation your applying under and have it assessed by the relevant authority. However thats just my humble impression!

No dark mornings like the UK! Its maybe about 5ish when the sun comes up in winter, certainly when I get up at 530 its light. Its just gorgeous, no SAD here I think! As Cal said though it is chilly on an evening and through night till the sun comes up again. I had to invest in a couple of portable radiators and had extra duvets on beds. However never needed more than a cardy or light jumper for walking to work. Its just perfect I love the weather here on The Goldie!

Just for comparison I pay per fortnight $90 electric, dont have gas and never had to pay water, $75 internet/land line/ tv, $25 rego, fuel and rent subjective but for the record $1090 rent, $80 fuel, $200 groceries , $80 takeout (2 per firtnight) monthly $30 house insurance, a night out with my son little change from $100 for a decent meal and couple of drinks, $20 mobile sim plan from amaysim. hope that gives a little insight too

I did but paid 6 months up front

I put mine on market a year before I planned on going, it took 6 months to sell, was almost going to take it off and rent it out. I was nowhere near getting my visa, just going through the skills assessment! Just positive thinking! One les thing to worry about!

If you dont keep a UK account you can nominate someone to have a cheque written out too. A cheque was sent to my brothers house albeit in my name and he paid it into my account

Cairns in Sept, UK in Dec, Sydney for NYE! @ramot i like the idea of putting car on train, will have to look into that!

Theres information on the Immi website about such visas

I think it depends on how long you previously spent in Australia but Im sure someone will be along shortly to give you a definitive answer

I only had about 5 years of P60s but the national insurance office will provide your full wok history contibutions free of charge, thats hst I used to prove income.

I brought my washing machine, tumbler, larder style fridge, bikes, all kitchen cupboard items, literally everything else in the house other than furniture. Curtains, cushions, bedding, towels, most of my clothes and shoes. Worked out about 40 boxes, still had space in cube! Luckily my cube didnt get searched

Although Anmac dont give points direct they assess not just skills but whether work experience is relevant which then counts towards points. I had to provide letters from HR covering the previous 10 years with positions filled and hours worked along with professional references. This was then ackowledged on the LOD provided from Anmac which I then submitted with EOI. Hiwever I then had to provide further evidence of paid income to immigration proving the hours I worked over the previous 10 years.

Wow! Maybe I will have to consider where i would like to retire! Aus may not be the place!!

I'd have to disagree about Helensvale! One of the nicer areas albeit there was a shoot out at Westfield at the weekend! Certainly parts of Coomera, Nerang, Labrador I would avoid

I earn approx $80k and have a nice lifestyle but theres just the 2 of us, dont think it would stretch to 5!

They doat my sons on The Gold Coast. Would have thought it was standard at all schools. Even in the workplace ive had to give NOK details