GoldcoastMAD

I think you need to weigh up if you can push to get there within the 12 month window frame. If not you have to go to validate your visa or you will loose it. We have to do a validation trip as there is no way we can get there within 12 months. We are going for a mixture of a holiday and also as a reccie. Like Quinkla said, things will inevitably change between the visit and the move, but at least you can get a feel for places that you just do not get on the internet.

 

That said, if we where in a position to pack up and move we absolutely would and just skip the whole validation trip.

I agree, if i could i would go sooner, but Work commits us in the UK until 2016. I think I'll just see how it all works, out...long way to go yet, but i will push on with applications

For what it's worth, I think this would be a waste of effort. When you make the move, you will probably be in holiday accommodation initially and then you will be able to look at suburbs, schools, etc. when you have a realistic idea of prices, finances and employment prospects. Doing this a year in advance is likely to mess with your head if you decide that suburb A is where you want to live but a year later has become unaffordable or unsuitable. Better to treat it as a holiday and accept that you won't get much useful information from it.

 

Of course, others may have a different view.

I'm starting to question my own belief that I need a pre-visit , i can do all the research i need on the internet. Certainly would save me a a chunk of money!

You need to enter Australia by the Initial Entry Date (one year from date of the police check or medical, whichever is earlier) to validate the visa. You then basically have 5 years from the visa grant date to move. After 5 years, the travel facility on the visa expires so you can't enter unless you have a Resident Return Visa. If you arrive before 5 years, you can stay permanently (but if you want to leave for any reason, e.g. holiday, you need a RRV to be able to re-enter again).

Thank you maggie

Hi Martin,

 

Once your visa is granted you have 12 months (from date of medical or poloce check) to validate. Some move straight away, some do validation trips. The visa is then valid for 5 years. To get a RRV you need to be there 2 of the 5 years from what I understand, but there are ways around this, as I know a few on here have taken the full 5 years to move. Not fully sure how that works though.

 

We will go and validate this year (will be our first time to Oz) then we are hoping to make the final move next year

 

If your job is on the SOL, then the best visa to go for is the 189, as it is a permenant visa with no state commitments. If you need the additional points, the 190 is the next best option if your job is on the CSOL, but it does commit you to the sponsoring state for 2 years. That is assuming you do want the permanent visa route

 

Hope that helps and good luck

Wow thanks M1cha1la, valuable information there!

If you are on the skills list now, apply now. You wouldn't want to wait and find you're no longer on the skills list.

 

You would need to validate the visas within a year. I don't think holidays will tell you much about the experience of living in Australia but they are fun. You could do a tourist holiday to Australia (expensive) or just do a return flight to Australia with a fortnight "stopover" somewhere interesting en route.

Just to Confirm , as someone has already suggested that once the visa is validated I have five years to actually make the move?

What kind of visa? 457 temporary visa? - They would want you to start pretty soon I would imagine. What you need to remember with the skills lists is that they change and occupations get removed. If you're thinking of a PR visa, I'd start the process as others have said if your job is on the list now (might not be next year).

ali - not got my head around which visa i need yet! Any advise on which Visa we need would be great

Quinkla - it would be a pre-move visit really, not a holiday - to check out Suburbs, houses , Schools Etc

Don't I need to visit to Validate the visas?

Nope hadn't been before just knew lots of people who had! As W & W says holidaying and actually living here are so different. I'm loving it so far, and if I get fed up I'll try somewhere else!

that was a brave move, not sure i could do that

I've been to oz at least six times before..but living and holidaying/working holiday visa, are very different from living in oz! Hence coming back to the UK after living in oz being my dream!! Would it be worth renting your house out initially? Just in case?

great advise Thanks

No never visited before, and a very good point. We might hate it! I'm 90% sure we will like it though, i have friends that have migrated to Oz...some have returned home, some have stayed. Myself and the wife are well travelled, i understand the risks...but we want to go for it!

nic1171, are you saying you didn't visit before migrating? ...yep it is a lot of money!

Awesome , thanks for the Advise, how does this work with the job Sponsored visa.?

Ohhhh thanks for the reply, that's interesting...so i could go though the process , go on holiday for two weeks in 2015 ( activate) and then look to move in 2016?

Hi,

we have decided ( wife + 2 kids) that we want to move to OZ, but this will not be until 2016...due to my wife's work commitments.

My own Position is on the skills list, my Wife is self employed.

my Questions is :

is it too early for me to start the process ? I need to take the Skills test and complete the EOI...but then how long long will the process take?

Hello All,

Another finds its way to this forum! Looks good, forum is full of questions and Answers , i will be asking a few myself shortly.

hoping to Move to Brisbane with the Wife and kids , within next 2 years

Look forward to asking and responding!