Maggie2012

risk to listening to others on your own terms but seeing the truth I wouldn't...I'd suggest before you go anywhere get a release from your ACT migration officer (written from the state). It may not be a restriction on of your visa, but it is a SPONSORED visa and you have agreed to meet the conditions and the very first one is that you are committed to live and work in ACT from the start for the next 2 years. People are not stupid at immigration and know what is going on. also, any visa can be withdrawn and a state can initiate such a motion for not meeting your obligation. Don't forget you are not a citizen just yet. The best bet would be to get in contact with companies directly while at home. Don't forget that short term accommodation may cost you $3000 a month and everything is on top of that. Knowing wat I know now, I would not come to Canberra with at least $30-40000 in my pockets. Read our other posts and get an idea for yourself. Trust me, I mean no harm to you but "better safe than sorry". Good luck

the point is rather that you are supposed to have an "equal right or opportunity" to any work, which is not the case (but England is no different, however England doesn't want any professionals to go there). What is different however, that according to Immigration and Market figures Australia is in a desperate need of professionals. So it's a lie more or less. And someone, who spends thousands and a lot of effort to emigrate with the intention of helping Australia grow just to be bypassed by any and every means looking for ANY job is not just a slap on the face but truly wrong....

Yes, you are not alone, so you know. We have arrived into ACT and find the same situation. here since September and very few interviews. And Canberra has even less opportunities being a smaller city. And we'd take any jobs just to stay afloat, but we are rarely getting any replies or being told that we are overqualified (even to be a janitor). It is not easy to stay positive, but hope one must have. It is financially draining as well and we are going through our resources quickly. Don't know what to say, keep up hope. We are too, all we have for now....

You would probably need to prove 12 months living together... When we applied for the visa, we were married, but only for a few months. Despite that, we had to prove that our relationship is genuine, going back ONE year! Even so we could prove that we had lived together for over 15 months (council tax bill, change of current account address etc.), still we were required to provide a statutory declaration as well! We have filed the visa Application in May of this year, so the info is recent. Also, it very much depends, despite what others say on your Case Officer.

Just to update those who are in the relocation process. Commonwealth jobs are officially shut for outsiders and are no longer advertised externally. Due to the governments plan to shed 12000 jobs any opening will be filled internally. THESE ARE THE FACTS: it just got even harder to get a job in your nominated occupation in Canberra. I have no desire to stop anyone immigrating, but you better know the TRUE facts. We were withheld crucial information and despite those few lucky ones (makes you think) anyone applying for a job will compete against 20+ applicants for each role, any role. FYI

what law is to stand in the way of love? Be marry!!!! :-)

How about accepting the sponsor visa and after that applying for the 189 or 190? You can get points for work experience and you do not necessarily have to have a degree as long as it is assessed to be equivalent of an Australian degree. NVQ would help a bit of course. State sponsorship is the fastest way to go to get your PR. Take the job if you can. Make sure you have a contract that guarantees the promises. Might want to talk to a solicitor even. Don't get rid of anything until you have the visa in your hands, even so you can always sort things out after you leave for Oz.

nobody will check your current address (if you have one listed on your UK licence). Long as the licence is current. However, you may need to provide a UK phone number. You can easily pick up a sim-pack at the airport.

I'd use the UK but DON'T FORGET THE PAPER PART otherwise you cannot rent anything. Happened to hubby unfortunately that he forgot the paper part and they wouldn't release the car to him!

at least you'll be together. Fantastic news!!!

Thank you for the reply! :-) Now another Quicky: how about a 1990's Van or Motor-home / Camper-van ? Are those allowed as well?

Quick question: Is there an age or mileage restriction on cars for import?