andrewajp002

Im in the same both except I dont have a family, initially I was so excited about doing it but now its getting closer Im getting cold feet. In a way I'd compare it to getting married, a massive decision that could either make your life complete or over time turn out to be a mistake, either way its a big decision and one you have to think long and hard about. If the move is something your truely want in your heart you will go and whatever happens you will have those memories for the rest of life. Lets hope things work out for you over there, many succeed and leed happy lives in oz.

Thanks Chortlepuss, hopefully I should be able to get something good prior to going out, we will see. I have friends with contacts and found out las t night that another friend has contacts at Melbourne Uni which might be a good starting point if I can get something there.

Hi All I'm a MS SharePoint developer / administrator, also very clued up in IT service management and ITIL, anyone know what the job market for either is like? I currently work as an IT systems analyst for a FTSE 250 bank in the city, hoping to move to Melbourne or Sydney.

Hi All I've just had my invitation, so starting the application within the next week or so. Initially planning a reccy for later this year then a perm move early 2016, but depending on work I may skip the reccy and just go perm in approx sept depending on things here. I work in IT, so ideally I would like to live in Melbourne, but I have heard the better jobs are in Sydney so may start there and move to Melbourne later on once I have some Oz experience. Some great posts on here.

I know how you feel, I am half way through my application and the thought both terrifies and excites me. All I would add, if this is something you truly want then go for it, I don't know anyone who hasn't got good stories about oz even the ones that have had to come back don't regret the experience, that is what keeps me going. As per the jobs, I'm sure you will be fine

Hi all I've wanted to move to Oz for about the last 10 years and for a few reasons it never happened, until now as I can finally both due to better skills and more financially sound I can do it. Also, I'm getting close to the end of my 30's and if I don't do it now I never will. I have no dependants here in the UK and only ever see the parents once a month at that so I haven't got that concern. Also work here is getting stressful so I've basically said to myself, why not, you only live once :wink: Many of the negatives on here do concern me, but my motto has always been "I'd rather regret the things I have done than the things that I haven't." I'm not selling up here until I'm sure I'm there for good, if it fails I will just come back and restart my life here. I just don't want to wake up in 20 years time and think what could have been. What is also great about forums and threads like this is it can help to type your fears down on paper and make them more "real" which can help to make the right decision. Thanks PiO

Hi Rob Im in the same position, IELTS band is done on average generally as per their website, however the Oz visa process takes your lowest score as the band, I got an average of 8 but can only claim for 7 on my application, which is the same as you and only get 10 points.

Hi Frozen I'm based in London atm and currently applying for my 189. I work in the financial services sector in IT Service Management and SharePoint developments / administration, by the time my application is reviewed by ACS I will have 10 years experience (5 in Financial Services) with an ICT Major degree. You are correct that the market is more buoyant than a few years ago and salaries and getting close to that of pre crash. My move is more personal driven, if I'm there for a few years and it doesn't work then I will head back to London, if it does great. Does anyone know what the industry is like for ITIL / IT Service Management positions or SharePoint developers? Many Thanks Andrew

Hi Jac I really like Go Matilda, I think my application would be in the best hands. The one thing that would stop me using them is the cost, however I am looking at ways to make that not an issue. Many thanks for your comments.

Many thanks Alan, very knowledgeable :biggrin: Def making me consider Go Matilda as a first choice due the the expertise. I will be looking to make a decision by mid June so still a little time to think it over / do research etc.

I had a very long chat with Destination OZ (Mike Breen), seemed nice enough however not being MARA registered is a concern. How big a deal is being MARA registered? His fees were competitive and he seemed to know his stuff, however I have never applied for a visa before and want to make sure I get it right.

My Apologies, I'm a bit of a newbie here, Rookie mistake. I have however heard nothing but good comments about Go Matilda, however they might be just out of my price range :frown: At this stage I'm not rushing in to anything, I'm talking to all agents to get a feel of what they offer and what is right for me. In the grand scale of things the difference in costs is not that much as to the prize at the end of the application.

Thanks for that, however would prefer a MARA agent, have emailed them though for a quote.

Cool, cheers Marc, congrats on your visa. Can you advise on fees for the 189 with dest. oz? Many thanks

Can anyone advise of a good UK based agent, I have been in contact with 2 (Go Matilda and Mate Migrate) however recommendations would be useful. Go Matilda has many good reviews however at £2200 seems pricey, Mate Migrate was cheaper at £1500, however I cannot find any reviews or info on them on the web except for their website. They are based in London near London Wall, I have spoken to the main guy and seems good enough however I have heard horror stories about cons on forums. Anyone used Mate Migrate before owner by an Australian called Greg Veal? Any advise is appreciated, hoping to start the visa process in the next month. (skill area ICT / Systems Analyst) Thanks