Londongal76

Biggest thing I see is quality of life. Less of a rush rush rush everywhere, slower pace, they seem to work to enjoy life instead of working to just exist. More time to enjoy the journey instead of constant slogging.

Well, you have a year to enter once visa is granted, assuming it's not granted till March this year, you could always change your flights to after the wedding next year? That'll solve one problem, and give you a few more months with your family. Is there any real reason to go in August other than on a whim?

Has anyone applied as ICT Business or Systems analyst? I need to decide which category to apply under and they seem pretty similar.

Thanks Rob. And then after entering is it 5 years to permanently settle?

Question - when your 189 visa is granted, what are the timelines for entering?

It is scary isn't it. I've scared myself a little just seriously considering it, but like you say, what if isn't worth it. Worst that can happen is after a couple of years if you really don't get on, you can come back. either way, it'll be an adventure and life experience that's irreplacable.

Thanks Nic!

Well, I know some of it is straight forward, but i'd rather do the skills assessment with some help as I believe it's pages of documentation that needs to be written in 'the right way', also they hand hold you through getting higher points in the english tests, which i need to get the higher end of the points scale and guarantee an invite.

End of an era!

No idea - only just back from a months holiday there during which i had my lightbulb what am i doing with my life moment, and starting looking on the SOL list. Spoke to a migration agent yesterday who seems to think a 189 SOL Independant visa with enough points to get an invite to apply won't be an issue. He came recommended from here so i'm hoping he's worth the ££. He reckons 9 month or so for the visa process, so who knows. As i understand it, if you get a visa, you have a certain amount of time to fly to Oz and 'activate' it then 5 years to move over permanently?

Just as an FYI - the walkabout Shepherds bush no longer exists. They sold it at the end of last year.

Ah I know Helensvale quite well. How are you settling in?

If i move it will be to near Brisbane. The lifestyle is also laid back, the beaches are fantastic, the sunshine coast is an hour away, the city is lovely. Never been to Adelaide so i can't compare, but i love Brisbane.

It really does make life a little easier doesn't it. Whereabouts on the GC are you?

I know that feeling too. I lived in Cape Town for a year a few years ago and honestly, apart from missing Marmite, I don't think i was homesick once. I'm at a point here in London where i want to move further out, moving out means leaving the friends i have here anyway and starting over somewhere new - where that would be would really be random as i've no real calling to anywhere and other friends are scattered around the UK, or living abroad themselves. I love the UK but i'm quite adaptable, and with no ties here (apart from some good friends, i have the same down under too) i think i'm thinking why not.

Yes, I realise you get out what you put in. And i don't hate the UK at all, far from it. Just had a moment of wondering if i really want life how it is now, to be how it will be forever. And i guess home is where the heart is, and my heart is hugely there at the moment. I feel more like i'm existing here, where as there i feel like i'm living.

So somehow on my 3rd trip down under over christmas, to visit my beautiful godson and best friend, i've decided that leaving my 2nd family over there is too hard every time and to apply for a SOL visa. Not something i'd ever considered before, thought my life plan was here in the UK, but i'm single, no kids, so have nothing to lose. I figure if i get a visa, i can always go over and come back if it doesn't work out, I have friends and family in the UK but we're all over the place and most have families of their own and are busy with their own lives so we don't catch up too often, and family wise my parents are already gone, and the rest of us are a bit disjointed and not very close, so I don't think missing them will be a huge factor. I realise the 9-5 will still have to happen, and it won't be like being there on holiday, but i have a support network there and hopefully the ability to get a decent paying job. I just think i'd rather spend my weekends on the water/camping/outside instead of watching TV in a bid to avoid the cold. What made you move over? What were your reasons? Trying not to second guess myself here:wink:

I was in Upper Coomera near the Gold Coast. love it there.

What are your requirements, do you need to be close to the city? Want to be by the beach?

Nice to read a success story, was getting bogged down in the heading back to the UK forum there for a bit! Life's what you make it isn't it. Open mind, change of attitude and anything is possible.

Hi Everyone, Newbie here, just joined after finding some really useful posts on your forum, so thought i'd join up and join in :biggrin:Just back from a 3rd visit to Brisbane (for a month this time) and beginning the process of trying to apply for a SOL visa. The lifestyle is great out there and made me really question what i'm doing here in the UK. I will try my best not to ask any stupid questions, but I can't promise anything! You have a great forum, good work! LG.