Norma

Hi, thanks for the info. Lots of food for thought there. Yes, the agent is reputable and registered. One option that we may have, is to liaise more with the firm he works for and have his employment/contract papers transferred to their Australian office and do it that way. Thanks again.

Briefly, my husband has worked up to senior construction level and is now working overseas as an ex-pat in Saudi, visiting us at home in the UK just a few times per year. In the meantime, I am to instruct an agent to do the paperwork for us to live permanently in Oz (the new job has meant we can now afford the migration expenses). Husband would then come and see us there. instead of in the UK. He would be the lead name. He is 46yrs. Husband still has his original apprenticeship papers for carpentry and joinery etc, however, he hasn't been 'on the tools' for some years and it isn't within his job description anymore, so a skills assessment wouldn't be appropriate. A couple of years ago, we met a visa agent who told us of a document that could stand in place of a higher level qualification. For the document to be approved, we were told that he would be interviewed, his work history would be gone over with a fine tooth comb to check that his experience is genuine etc but it would then mean that he could apply for a visa as a Project Manager, which was the closest match to my husband's skills, that the agent could find at the time. Does anyone know what this document was? Your help is appreciated.

Hi. Husband was told yesterday by colleague at his work that, when he was in Oz on a 457 (don't know where/when), he had to pay additional tax toward his child's education at a state school. Apparently, the additional tax will only be required whilst you are not permanent. The sooner we apply (2 years into the 457) for PR the better, because once approved, the additional tax requirement will stop. Is this correct?

Thank you both very much. That was really helpful and at least we don't have to wait the full 4 years before applying for PR.

Well, it looks as though we may be taking the temporary 457 route and going for sponsorship with my husband as the lead name. My question is, after the 2 years are up and we have to reapply to be permanent, does it still have to be my husband as the lead, or, if I have been working full or part-time, could the permanent application be made as me as the lead, even though by then I would be around 54/55? (husband will be 47/48) I should add that I was a legal secretary for years, but am now moving over to hospital work - possibly lab technician.

Hi - yes, read some of them but didn't find anything recent, so wasn't sure if it had changed. Did you have to bring your own tools and materials, or was everything provided?

Husband is qualified carpenter (City & Guilds etc) but over the years has worked up to Construction Manager. However, because he didn't take a degree in Construction Management, it seems he will have to apply for visa under the title of carpenter. Does anyone know what he can expect in the skills assessment? Thanks.

I think I'm going to have to do a lot more research and get a thorough breakdown, like you did. Thanks so much.

Thanks, that's reassuring.

Hi - it sounds as though you have everything tied up nicely! I would be interested to hear what you thought of the overall service, once you have settled in. Have a fabulous birthday!!! xx

Hello there. Yes, I've been reading about the quarantine locations being limited. It would seem to make sense to have at least 1 quarantine holding area in each territory but for reasons known only to the authorities, they've chosen not to do that. In turn, this could force owners to use cheap pet couriers, who cut corners to the detriment of the welfare of the animal. It's forcing migrants into a very difficult position of possibly choosing not to take their animal with them .... Thanks so much for your feedback.

Hi - Yes, the size of container is a big issue for us too. Airpets have told us over the phone, that an oversized container isn't a good idea as the animals can feel insecure rattling around in so much space, so they prefer to use something snug. Sooo, if a courier is using something even small than Airpet would use, yes, I would be very concerned about that too. Thank you for your feedback. It's very helpful.

Hi Zack, I think I probably would have done the same as your wife did. Now though, the more I think on it, the more practical it will be to let it all be done by one firm. I have spoken with PetAir briefly and they gave me a ball-park figure of around £7k for both dogs and the cat. Very expensive but I suppose it's a case of, you get what you pay for. We'll be asking for a more detailed breakdown shortly. I'm hoping that the £7k was an overestimate!! Kindest - Norm.

Hi - I would be interested to hear how their transfer worked out. Norma x

Hi there. Yes, the more I read, the more I notice that PetAir's name keeps popping up. Thanks for your help.