alexandgail

thanks for the words of support edonnelly834. I've no idea about anything in life right now. I see you're looking at similar regions to myself. Those were the most appealing of the ones on offer to us. Others being NT and Tasmania, though NSW became available later for Science teachers. Keep the info coming, its good to share. Alex

Thanks wolvesaussie, its a big decision. We were well on the way to going. House sold and my wife and I had moved into a rental in Oct, (excellent migration expert had is in check) then I'm left suddenly alone before Xmas, still in shock. I have to pay visa fee (£2k) and medical/police checks, and get VIT registration now. As you know permanent teaching jobs in the UK are few and far between. I cant take the risk of moving, alone, from nothing with a job, to nothing without a job! And I have to decide soon. What a mess! Happy Easter btw!

Can I join in this thread? I'm an experienced Biology/Chem/Science teacher at major crossroads in life and considering (enforced) going it alone to Aus, looking at either Melbourne or Adelaide. I have a secure job in the UK. I would seriously consider moving the move alone if I was pretty confident of getting a job, but the messages seem to be mixed. It would be terrible to have no work, I'm not swimming in money so couldn't be self-sufficient for months on end. My life has been enough of a catastrophe here.

Ideally, i'd like time to try and recover from the devastation a bit, this has all happened so quickly (for me). I was on here about it at Xmas time when I was in a real dark place, some may remember. I dont have time though due to age considerations without sitting IELTS again, etc, and using a different visa route. I'm scared, we did everything together and I thought we were like a rock for good, but I have to accept reality. The only reason not to proceed is to save money (which is at a premium) for a deposit on a flat here. But as you say, cherrywell, I might regret it later. Thanks for the words everyone. Apart from people at work, talking about work (as noone has an idea this is going on), I've spoken to just about nobody.

Yes, you're right travelchic, with regards to activating the visa. Last time I checked (when I thought things were OK), the job situation was quite favourable for me, I'm hoping someone can confirm that or not? Also, its a big step, and one I NEVER contemplated on my own, but can you do this alone? I did everything, literally everything, with Gail. She was also my best friend.

Thanks for the words adonna. Its been a terrible few months (that's all, a few months from planning our future, or so I thought, to this.) I'm really struggling to see any future just now but have to try. I have to lodge my application before my birthday (age points, etc) later this year then have one year to visit the country to activate the visa. I dont want to do anything rash, I'm v 'raw' and emotionally wrecked, but as I say, apart from my job, I have nothing here. No family, few friends. Last time I checked, when things were on track, the job situation for me was pretty good. I hope that's still the case. Thanks again, Alex

Hi, My wife and I were all set on building a new life in Australia (buying a house, starting a family, etc) and were well down the visa application process late last year. Then my world fell apart, and with it all my hopes and dreams, when my marriage did similar. That's for another time. The situation as it stands is that having paid a lot of money to our migration agent (who has been excellent and is highly recommended), she is now pushing for a decision to be made, its been 'on hold' for a few months. Do I cancel the whole process and try to rebuild a life here (Glasgow) with literally nothing except a job? We'd sold our house and moved into a rented flat expecting to move to Melbourne. Or do I pay the remaining money needed (visa fee, medical and police check) and keep this option open but risk losing that money if I don't go. Bearing in mind I don't need to activate the visa for a year after its granted. I used to be a risk taker, within reason, in life and it usually worked out well. I'm a secondary school teacher (Biology, Chemistry, Science) and wondering if the job situation is still pretty favourable? Also, is it feasible to go it alone? I'm looking at probably Melbourne, though keeping Adelaide an option. I know there's a lot that just can't be answered by anyone other than myself, but I'm just looking for some input from others. Does it seem obvious what I want to do? Thanks for reading and any input appreciated, I need the therapy Alex (and no Gail) :cry:

We had originally done all our research into SA and were set on going there. However husbands job on the SS list for Victoria as well as SA and initially i wasn't as keen! Has taken some time but have realised that my initial not being as keen feelings were down to the amount i knew about Adelaide and suburbs etc through research we had done. Knowing now what i do about both areas i am def wanting to head to Victoria and have Melbourne on our doorstep (although wouldn't be at all adverse to Adelaide either!) Good luck with everything! xx

Hi Jimmy, thanks for the input/advice. The migration specialist dealing with my case has told me I don't need a reference or even a statutory declaration until after my skills assessment and until i'm at the stage of state application. I'll ask her about this. Thanks again. Alex

Hi all hoping someone will be able to help. We are dropping the required documents into our lawyer today to be certified and sent with my husband's skills assessment. (passport, degree certificate and transcript, post grad certificate and transcript, evidence of QTS and 2x passport photos) At the moment it is only his documents which we are needing as he is main applicant on visa. I was wondering whether we should ask for 2 copies of each (as when we get to registering with a state to teach i'm thinking they will need to see these too?) and also getting my documents certified at the same time to save being charged twice by our lawyer! Also birth certificates and marriage certificate will be needed at some point i would assume? Thanks for any advice. Any obvious documents i've overlooked? Gail x

Ah that makes sense now Francine! Did you end up getting a job in a state or private school? Gail x

geordie1010 thanks very much for your reply, good to know that work can be found! We will definitely look into those agencies. Out of interest where in Australia are you? Did you end up working in a state or private school? x

Wow, what a positive start to your life down under My husband and I (both teachers) are just at the start of the visa application (IELTS sat and all documents getting sent to our Visa agent this week to be sent away for a skills assessment) I would be interested to know what teaching agency you used and what you teach? I am primary and my husband is science/biology/chemistry and we are currently undecided between Adelaide and Melbourne both of which have Science on their state sponsorship list. Hope everything keeps going as well for you all x