Tam tam

Can you advise if there is an tax implication in the uk of transferring my pension to aus fund?

Depending on your type of visa you are applying for you only need 60 points to apply. As I had enough points from other things I didn't need to assess my work experience. But if you did you would need employment letters or payslips.

So we went looking around today and we have been staying in our temp accom in Pyrmont. My initial thoughts are that there are not that many modern apartments places that I was hoping for which eliminated areas for me like balmain and padding ton. Lovely areas but I moves from London to get away from old architecture. So I want to know where in surry hills you think we could get something like that and whether there is enough to do north beaches and manly area? Or do ppl just never come into the city if they live up there. Lastly I was exposed to the dreadful buses of sydney. Think I was very spoilt in London. Do most ppl have cars in sydney to get around? I can't imagine they are stay in walking distance for their house??? Help!

Thanks all. I think I kinda agree with you but will def have a loo around once I'm there to see for myself. I grew up in South Africa so know that you don't need to be on the beach but no more than 20 mins away. As far as modern goes I mean the inside rather than the outside. With light sunshine and all those things that you don't get in the uk!! I just don't know if I can afford what I want in surry hills so thought if I went to the net suburb on I might be close to the action but nicer cheaper places!? Any idea which suburb that would be?

Lots have been said about sydney suburbs but for about 700 a week there seem to be some nice options. We require a 2 bed for a couple with no kids. I want to be within half hour commute if the city and ideally close to the beach or harbour as I love water. Where would you choose and why between mosman, coogee, zetland, surry hills, balmain? We want somewhere modern as we are coming from London! Thanks for any tips!

What is the area around rhodes like? It looks a little like it's still under development? I could be completely wrong!

I love sport and moving to uk I figured I have to like football! Great game I have learnt to appreciate the footwork and the luck sometimes involved in winning by such tight margins. I grew up on rugby so that's still my game though

Has anyone researched how much luggage allowance you get on various airlines. Looks like shopping won't make much sense to us but having a load for bags and weight allowance could do the trick. I've seen like offers on emirates offering 50kg per person in certain circumstances. Any help appreciated.

Hey girls. Glad there seem to be a lot of ppl similar age position to me in sydney. I'm prob only moving in march but love socialising and would love to make some new girly friends. I'm moving there with my boyfriend.

I think it was standard check but anyone else verify that for me.

April til June so under 2 months. South African Police clearance caused about a 4 week longer delay.

The only reason this had changed is for to the visa restrictions. Aussies are now unable to get skilled visas and South Africans can't get visas at all. Work sponsored being exception. So it's not a factor of wanting to or not. I know loads if South Africans who are distraught at not being able to come work and live in the uk. Hence majority of them are now turning to aus. Pity as these ppl have helped uk economy a lot.

I'm an accountant working in finance in London and also looking for work once I'm there. I have done done research and sydney seems to be your safest bet. There are loads more jobs although I think Adelaide could work too. It all depends on what pace of life you like? House with 4 beds never gonna cost you $500k so how much is a little mortgage?

Honestly if you were serious about this then I would use an agent. They are specialists and I didn't want my application rejected for some reason due to a timing issue or something silly like that. In addition they assess you upfront where this doesn't cost you and if they find you are unlikely to get granted a visa then they won't take you on. I was able to ask all the questions I needed and I wouldn't do it any other way. Why not just contact them and have a chat. Visa bureau were amazing. I also think they have relations with the aus dept so I think that's why my application was successful so quickly. Good luck.

Wow eye opening. I have only got experience of this from the UK. But yes I do always think recruiters are slimy. I push them to get what I want which often annoys them but I know better. When you say go direct to the company. How would you recommend one does that? As often they use certain recruiters and don't have an internal hiring dept. thanks for the advice!

I second the use of visa bureau in Fulham. I had great service they answered all my annoying questions really promptly and were confident in the decisions that would be made by diac which gave me a sense of peace. They only take on cases they think will be successful though. Give them a call no strings attached.

Well we got our visa in June. Was so so quick we were blessed to have missed all the increase in fees in July this year but now the excitement has faded. My partner is trying to get a transfer with his company but it's just not looking like there are enough opportunities. So I'm drawing a line in the sand and saying we are moving in April 2014! Questions: we are moving to sydney and keen to stay in the city centre. Anyone have an air b&b they can recommend or other? Have many ppl just gone and moved with no job and never having been to aus. It's rather scary! Need some good vibes and encouragement please!

Im pretty sure my PCC will be late - what sort of "receipt" have you received?

Hi there! I am also an accountant and picked Sydney because i think it will be the best place to get a job. I am hoping that i will secure one shortly after arriving - hoping the market is good! Does anyone know what exactly they got to get an extension of submitting PCC. I have to get mine from South africa which takes about 8 weeks i am told - typical I am hoping they surprise me!

Does the fact that I dont have Aus work experience really deter the recruitment process? Obviously it is helpful but a few ppl have said this was quite limiting. As far as moving industry is concerned i think i will go over there with the view to keep working in FS but i really hate it so I would like to keep my eyes open for a better opportunity as soon as i get there to try to move to something that interests me a lot more! hoping to get away from the rat race that is london!

Thank you that is really helpful. I have heard 80-120 is prob where I'll be but that is a massive range. Judging by the fact that sydney isn't any cheaper than London though I would expect to get about 110 but all the jobs online which I have looked at were more about the 85k range which is a lot lower than my uk salary. I agree moving out of city and banking does have a cut in itself though. Do you expect regular salary increases in aus? As in London it's rare or insignificant without a promotion?

Anyone have an experience they can offer advice based on? I am worried I will drop my standard of living moving from London to sydney as the salary is not as competitive?

I applied through an agency who sent me the email that they received. I am not sure how they received the letters. I have still to do my pcc and meds so the letter was just asking for those details. Hope you get one soon

I need help to know how to go about obtaining a police clearance from South Africa. 1. Has anyone used a courier company they can recommend? 2. What can be done at the London consulate 3. How did you obtain proof of their receipt as I'm pretty sure they will take over 2 months to come back. 4. Does anyone know if they have to be validated? Or what this even means.. Any advice experience would be really helpful thank you! Tam

Just got assigned a case officer today?! Less than 3 weeks since lodgement on 14 th may! feels so exciting but scary now! Now the pain of getting police clearances from South Africa any advice??