OakeyDokey

Yeh thx, off to HR I guess. Should be interesting conversation at least!

Brilliant! Thx, better get my application in now.

No worries, good luck

Just completed one for a new employee about 2 months ago, once the visa is submitted and everything is in order, no longer than 2 weeks if the sponsoring company is on the list its pretty fast.

Hi All, Its been 2.5 years in Aus already, my its goes fast. I travel to every major city regularly and know most of them pretty well now. Question I am now faced with: How to apply for PR, through work or private and what costs would be involved(2.5 years on 457 visa under belt) How long PR lasts for once your outside of Aus for any length of time? Can I apply for citizenship after 4 years on 457? or is it transition to PR then a set amount of time after? I cant make heads or tails of the immigration site unfortunately. Thanks in advance

OK all, Hope this helps! I have been in Australia for over a month. Lucky enough to have my company pay for most things so hears my assement: Its full of people who are caught up in their own world - Australia is welcoming but some of the older gen recent incomers. It pays better on average but the price of living is a lot higher if your used to eating out and 'doing stuff' The weather is awesome in comparison to UK but it has its downsides Creepies are not as prevelant as you would think and if you see one your not sure of give it the broom dont go close. The beaches are not as good as some in UK but generally that doesnt matter - for instance the tidal effect is minimal so slim beaches but lots of activities. Dont expect the service you get in the UK - Its more lapse and most menial jobs are performed by immigrants who just dont care. If you come with a partner then make sure its a strong bond - You will need it. If you dont then be able to talk to a multitude of persons from all over the world without being condescending- for example - I found that I have a very mild welsh accent and was assumed English, once I said I was Weslh I was apologised to and had a lot more help. Make what you will of that. TV is crap you need the minimum of Fox to keep your sanity(sky equivelant). European stick shifts are near impossible to find unless you want to pay more for a euro car or like smaller models. The automatics are getting better but I suggest you invest in a manual if your uncomfortable with no control on roads where things dont make sense( keeping to the left is not observed and in some cases overtaking on the inside is normal- aswell as people of whome taxis are the worst of beeping when you dont know what to do) Expect to pay largely for parking- I mean even when you go to a local shop in your car -IT WILL SHOCK YOU. even if you do live in London. But most of all - its a privelege to be in this country. Its hard to underestimate what the locals think of this large influx of foreiners have on their cultures(and believe me Asians will win hands down.) so be understanding. Lastly - I cant believe how rascist the Australians are in general, the say things out of hand the UK guys would Baulk at. But get used to it its for now a peice of there make-up. Then just enjoy the place its awesome for what goes on and the things you can see. Best Oakey

Its more than a little on the low side if you want to enjoy yourselves. Living near the CBD is a plus but not being able to appreciate it will drive you mad. If you live frugle you can do it but to really get the best you need another 10000 or more to be in with a chance. Water bottles alone are about $3.50 for cheapest. Cost of living is a shock. You will be shocked at how much eating out here costs although a lot do it and if you have a partner who is understanding then thats great! you wont feel like your taking part in Melbourne life. The wierdest things will get to you compared to the UK for example. If your young and interested in working your way up then do it. Its all about attitude!.

Thx guys

Hi I am from South Wales but I travelled UK and Ireland with my job. It rained for about 4 months nealry solidly in 2012, virtually no full time jobs for youngsters and prices for groceries etc going thru the roof. Very depressing place at the moment.

Thanks, my son arrives after I arrange a place to rent hes 14 and my 19 year old daughter should be out after her course finishes end of may. Happy days!

Been in Melbourne Glen Waverley for just over two weeks - loving it. Been to the CBD and the federation square on Australia day, to mornington peninsula and beaches, Brighton beach, beaches near Frankston. All very nice. Will not miss UK one bit. Im a 39 year old single father and cant wait to get my kids out here they will absolutely love the place. If anyone wants to meet up for a drink/coffee let me know happy to meet new people. Cheers Anthony

I can confirm Glen Waverley is lovely. Big Asian community and lots of Asian supermarkets and things to do. Apartments are nice also, I have been living in one for two weeks and its less than 2 kilometres to shopping centers - not to mention parks and amenities everywhere. Good luck.

Just arrived two weeks ago.... Australia day was fantastic. Also have been sunburnt in under an hour... be warned You will absolutely love it here. UK will seem like a nightmare you are trying to recal. Today its a measly 20c at least thats what the weatherwoman said! its more like 26 and lovely.

Thx Clare, At the moment its just me and my 14year old son, but my 18 year old daughter may join later after she has finished her course. Biggest worry is a decent school for my son, was hoping to be in frankston south catchment area for Frankston High. Will have to wait and see... Cheers

Hi guys, Been sponsored by the company so lots taken care of. Have no idea whats best to do with my home before I leave. Should I rent now prices are plunging or sell? Also my company have said contact us if you have any queries! Yet I cant get a straight answer out of them where they will be putting us up??? Has anyone got similar circumstances and advise? All I know for sure is based in Melbourne, they have said it will be frankston for 12 weeks. from posts here hoping it will be south but dont know buggery yet! Thx

Hi Guys, Anyone know what the nearest Rugby Union junior(u14's) team is to Frankston? Thanks in advance

AND... if anyone knows of a way to make friends for a single father and his son in Melbourne please let me know! I would be most greatful as I know its not what normaly gets requested! Serious - single father looking for friends! THATS FRIENDS! thx you

Thx for the friendly invite

By the way is it true that you never see your neighbours unless you make an effort? Not a prob but I work a way a lot at the mo!

Thanks ever so much for the info. We should be 'put up' by my company for 8 weeks so time to look around. Most concerned for my son haveing a social life- soccer(football) and rugby but he wants to try aussy rules football. Anyway thx for input will definetley look at this area more. Its looking like I have the job so here we come! Heard there are good and bad areas(as often there are) in frankston. Will use our 8 weeks as best we can. Cant believe renting is cheaper than buying at the mo in that area! what a turn up!

Thx for the info.

Hi mate, I am currently trying to get out to Aus. I have two kids one is 18 (daughter)and the other is turning 14(son). Both live with me. 14 year old wants to come with me and my daughter has to stay to finish her course so not sure what will happen with her. My x has been very good about it considering. When all is said and done its hard for anyone to give up there kids even if it is in their best interest, although I have yet to get the court papers signed for him to go I hope she will- if not going anyway. Lets be fair its an oportunity of a lifetime! And he can always join me when he is older. So sorry you are in that position. Often the courts in the UK take the kids preference into consideration more when they turn 14 but getting contact and regular visits is often essential to proving your commited to bringing them up well. Good luck anyway.

Hi All, New here but looking to move out to Melbourne around Jan if all goes well. Can anyone tell me what Frankston is like to live in and which secondary schools are good in the area? Also if there are some good rugby teams for my 14 year old son to join? Thanks muchly

Hi guys, last round of interviews to move to Australia, thought I would sign up and say hello.