Serendipity

How many points does she get once she's qualified as an OT? And when does she qualify? Does she make 60 with just her OT degree if she gets over 8's on IELTS? I just had a quick reccy of the points and she may only have 50?? If she's capable of doing a degree she's capable of getting 8+ on IELTS or similar- she can research and do on line tests, there's almost a formulation that you learn and apply when you do the exam, it's very little about about what you know (ie they're not testing your knowledge on a subject) and very much about how you say it, write it understand it etc. I paid to do a three hour course (designed for people who are native english speaker and need 8+ on the exam for emigration purposes) before I sat the exam and was given some very useful info on techniques for the exam. I had a letter structured in my head, an essay structured, and had studied how the questions are likely to go and how I may be caught out. I'm not saying it's easier but do some research and keep calm and it's doable. She could do the IELTS now - it's valid for a few years I think? Always has the option to retake. As long as she's under 45 when she does the EOI, her age isn't a problem (as far as I know). Her lack of work experience as an OT may be the issue as she doesn't have time to get enough experience to gain any points, and however experienced she is in other related health care roles, none will count toward the skills assessment or visa unfortunately.

Look at globalhealth.com.au Yes we are on the Central Coast in NSW and it is amazing. Is there a reason your wife is not going for a 189? If there's any chance you could get that it would be much better with more opportunities. Good luck, but happy to help with any questions.

that was meant to seek.com.au !!

The honest answer is I don't know. All I can say is that there are definitely opportunities out here, it may take some time and you may have to go where the work is, but eventually she would. I know when my employer was looking to recruit a few months ago they were happy to consider new grads and overseas trained OT's. The stage 2 supervised practice is fairly straightforward, just a lot of paperwork (and more money!!) Maybe have a chat with one of the agencies. I registered with global health source when I was in the UK and they regularly contact me now and ask if I'm looking for work. Your wife may find some useful info on their website, and they can advise her what areas are most likely to need OT's. Look on seek.co.au for job info, and to get an idea of salary etc

Happy to help answer questions if I can? Fire away. I'm not sure of the 489 requirements. I applied under 189 as an OT. Used a migration agent, sat IELTS, I think I had 65 points due to 20 years work experience but had minimal points for age as was 43 when we applied so just scraped by!! Visa granted March 2015, Emigrated in October 2016. What particular questions do you have?

Hi Eloise Yes the stage one is a desktop assessment ie you submit all the required documents to the OT council in Australia, whilst you're in the UK. It acts as your skills assessment then as part of your 189 application. Then, when you've got your PR through, you can apply for jobs and stage 2, which is the supervised practice audit. I had already emigrated when I applied for OT jobs and have had no problem finding a job. In fact I've turned jobs down. If you'll only just be qualified when you come over my advice is to keep an open mind about where you live and work whilst you're doing you're supervised practice at least. I know my employer (private practice OT) would consider new grads as we've struggled to recruit. I'm almost at the end of my supervised practice and it's not a big deal - pretty much like being a student again in some ways (which was refreshing for me as I've been qualified 23 years!!). There are many more opportunities here in oz since the NDIS has rolled out, than there were 3 or 4 years ago - when I first started my 189 journey 4 years ago it looked gloomy for OT's coming over to Oz, but things have improved. Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with Becky

Hi I'm currently completing my supervised practice and hopefully it will all go through in the next month or two. I only work part time so it's taken me about 7 or 8 months, but you can do it in as short a time as 3 months if you're full time. I had no problem getting a job, in fact I quit my first one as I wasn't enjoying it (Occ Rehab) and now working part time for a private practice. I've was offered other jobs too. I get emails and calls frequently from agencies asking if I'm looking for work. The NDIS has created a huge demand for therapists, particularly paediatric ones but I won't deny it's not chaotic system at the moment whilst it's being rolled out. I live in NSW, about 100km north of Sydney. If you're prepared to go where the work is, then I think you will get a job offer if you're experienced. The supervised practice bit isn't a big deal at all. You write a list of goals with your supervisor when you first start your job. All stuff that you need to do in the first few months of a new job anyway.! You keep a record of your supervision. You complete as halfway report where you comment on whether you've met the goals. The OT council review it and let you know when to submit your final report. Then you submit it and wait!! I'm happy to give you any advice that you may need from here, just let me know. Kind regards Becky

Hi It seems things are getting a bit easier. I emigrated 15 months ago and live on the Central Coast, North of Sydney. I've had no problems getting a jobas soon as I tried, and am nearing the end of my supervised practice, I hope!! I guess it makes a difference that I live in an area where there is a shortage of OT's, but the roll out of the NDIS has created lots of opportunities (although it's an absolute nightmare of a system to work in). If you're a paediatric OT or have experience in equipment and home adaptations/ modifications, then there's lots of scope with NDIS. I don't know about Melbourne, and I imagine Sydney City would have less opportunities, but if you're prepared to work somewhere out of the cities then chances are good. I had an agency ring me a few months ago asking if I wanted work, they said things had changed as there is a shortage of experienced OT's so employers are more open to the supervised practice bit. To be honest the supervised practice hasn't been a big deal, just gotta go through the motions, but it hasn't stopped me doing the job of an OT at all. I really wouldn't spend more time studying if you've already got a degree Cvills! Speak to a few agencies, make some contacts via seek.com.au and I'm sure you'll get a post. The company I work for are recruiting for paediatric OT's and would consider the supervised practice route, as they did for me. When I was approaching managers in early 2017 about possible positions, I was upfront about what was involved with the supervised practice, sent them examples of what the paperwork looks like, and stated that I would oversee it all (which I do), and I was offered every job I applied for, so had a choice in the end (which was nice!!). If I can answer any specific questions or you need more info feel free to pm me. I am happy to offer advise on CV's if you need. Good luck!

Hi Sorry I don't know any OT's in that area. I hardly know any in Australia full stop! Yes the NDIS has created a lot of demand for OT's to do assessments. All OT's I'm in touch with locally have months long waiting lists now. I'm only starting to find my feet with how it all works but for simple low risk/ low cost items like a shower chair, some of my clients have been able to go ahead and use their AT budgets to get direct from NDIS suppliers (like mobility shops). The OT reports are needed for high cost or high risk items such as wheelchairs/ riser chairs/ powered bathlifters etc when we have to apply to NDIS for approval - and that is long wait!! If you're wanting to buy some simple equipment, and have a budget for assistive technology then you may not need a 'Specialist' assessment. I'm certainly no expert but if I can give you any advise please pm me. There are possibly some other budgets areas that can be use as well.

Hi I live and work on the Central Coast NSW as an OT, we emigrated on a 189 last October. I work for a small private company who are recruiting Paediatric OT's or experienced OT's who have transferable skills to do paediatric treatment. I have recently started my stage 2 supervised practice with them and they are happy to offer this to the right person. There is a real shortage of experienced OT's here on the coast, especially in paeds. And a huge demand due to the NDIS. If you're not sure where it is, look on a map and we're about 90 min north of Sydney, on the way to Newcastle. We're based in a town called Erina. The Central Coast is stunningly beautiful and it's easy to plan trips into Sydney. Happy to answer any questions. pm me if you want more details about the job.

Hello there In my opinion, you couldn't have chosen a better area to move to and live, with a young family!! Honestly! We live in Avoca Beach, it's absolute paradise and the kids love it. In a nutshell: Me - decided to uproot husband and two kids (now aged 6 and 8) and move to Australia. On a whim! For a nice change! 189 Visa's granted and reccie visit 2015. Husband had to get a job to determine where we moved to. His job is in marketing so we knew we were going to have to be near a big city. He landed a job in Sydney and flew out last September. Me and kids followed in October knowing we didn't want to live in Sydney but not knowing where also would suit us, and be commutable to Sydney. Spent a month looking around suburbs, and central coast. Found Avoca, found a house to rent and here we are! We liked Terrigal but wanted somewhere smaller as that's we were used to in West Yorkshire. The lifestyle is great, very beach and outdoors orientated! There's loads of expats and we've been welcomed into the community with open arms, made loads of friends (so have kids). There's always loads of things on, loads of sporting clubs for kids to join, Nippers, surf lessons, cub scouts etc If you like beaches there are some stunning ones only a short drive. If you're used to happening night life I think you'll struggle - there's not even a bottle shop open in Avoca after 8pm, and no bars! Terrigal has the nightlife, but still fairly low key. Since we arrived we have done a lot of socialising at peoples houses, or at the surf club - adults have a drink and watch kids play on the beach, or we meet with other families and have a day at the beach with a bbq and beers. Do you have any specific questions? I know a lot of our friends started living in Sydney and got fed up of the traffic, the prices, the number of people etc, and then 'found' the central coast. The primary schools are generally very good in Terrigal and Avoca. I think if you travel further up the coast they can be shocking - so I've been told. I'm happy to try to answer any other questions, or feel free to pm me. Best wishes Becks

Hi Ellen If you have a search through previous posts (just search 'occupational therapy'), there are many over the last few years about the difficulty that overseas OT's have getting work. I've followed it myself as we've been through the visa process and more recently emigration process. Its a bit of a catch 22 situation - you need to be registered to get a job and you need a job to get registered!! As far as I can tell the situation is hard, if you look for mainstream OT work ie in hospitals, nursing homes etc (what I would call green trouser work!!). Hard but not impossible, and there are OT's on here who've persevered and been successful with the more mainstream jobs. What is your clinical experience? Is it mainly physical? Mental health? In my opinion the area where you are most likely to land a job is in the Occupational Rehab market. It's steep learning curve for sure if you've no experience in this area (some OT's dabble in the private sector in the UK) but doable for any experienced OT. You'd likely be working for a private rehab company, providing return to work services under WorkCover or similar insurance schemes, assessing peoples abilities to return or remain in work and advising on modified or alternative work duties, dealing with insurance companies, report writing etc. Its something that not many british OT's are experienced in - but definitely have the underlying skills. It's very 'hands off' work and very business orientated. I live on the central coast in NSW (moved over last November). I do have a lot of UK experience and also with the Vocational/ Insurance side of work in the UK. I think I was in the right place at the right time, but landed a job as soon as I started looking in November and started the job three weeks ago with a company who are more than happy to supervise me through limited registration. I have a great supervisor and manager.I'm doing things now that I really enjoy but never dreamed for one minute I'd do as an OT (drug and alcohol testing, hearing and vision tests - all for pre-employment screening assessments). If you want to pm me I am happy to look at your CV, and guide you in the right direction. I had help from a fellow OT on this site who did the same for me. Look on seek.com.au and search for 'Rehabilitation Consultant or 'rehab consultant', and that will give you an idea of what the job entails. Kind regards Becks

Thank you. These replies have reassured me and am sure the school will understand.

Hi We are just completing application forms for the new school that my two children will attend. We have visited, met the Principal, and bar the paperwork, my two children will start a week on Monday. They are very excited. On the application form it asks for two emergency contact people (not us parents) ideally who are in the locality. We dont know anyone at the moment! Has anyone else else been in this situation and how did you get around it? Thank you.

Hi, we may be interested in a few items. I've sent you a pm. Thanks

Thank you. I'll investigate moving to three then, looks like a good option!

Hi, a quick question: I would like to keep my uk mobile phone number active once I emigrate. Just for 6 -12 months or so during the transition period. I'll get a new contract once I'm there for my main mobile. My current O2 contract finishes pretty much the week before we emigrate. My plan is to transfer my number to a pay as you go UK SIM, then keep it in an old phone so I can monitor calls and texts that I still get. Does anyone know if this would work ok? I'd not be using it, just keeping it active for a while as I've had the number a long time. Are there any networks that are better for UK use in Oz (as I'm assuming I can switch to any network once my contract has ended). Thanks

Thank you, its good to have opinions about the Newcastle to Sydney journey from someone who has done it. We've talked about whether it would work but have ruled it out as too far at the moment. North shore it is! many thanks :daydreaming:

Hi Thank you for your reply. As it happens we have zoned in on Hornsby. I was attracted to Hornsby heights at first when I started researching, due to the big open spaces, and my husband who was out there in May said the area looked nice. We're currently contacting schools in the area to see what's available. 30 min drive to the beach is good as far as I'm concerned. Hornsby markets sound like a bit of a draw for me! I'm just a huge ebayer/ charity shopper/ recycler over here in the UK that I'd struggle to have to start buying everything new! The Blue Mountains will be good for weekends and to get my mountain fix (I'm originally from North Wales) but I realise its too far for husband to commute. We've ruled out Newcastle at this stage, it really is too far for husband to commute on a daily basis. Maybe a move in the future! It's all going full speed for us at the moment. We're hugely lucky in that my husbands new job offers a great relocation package - he's leaving the UK in less than two weeks! Many thanks again.

Found one! http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/content/8-emigrating-checklist-departure.html We're a bit late in the day but at least it may prompt a few things we'd not thought of. Thanks again for your answers.

Tell me about it!!!!! I feel we started two years ago but still the list goes on....... Thanks all for your advice.

Hi I've seen various to do list threads that are requested every so often but cant seem to find one on previous threads. Can anyone reference one for me please. Its basically the countdown list of all the important things you need to do, people you need to contact and let know when you're emigrating etc. Many thanks

I have the booklet and CD that was given to me when I attended a half day training course in the UK (aimed at native English speakers needing 8's in the IELTS exam for visa purposes). I highly recommend these courses. I sat my IELTS exam two years ago and got 9's in all sections. It was particularly helpful for the writing section as it gave a clear structure that can be followed for constructing essays and letters. If anyone wants the practice material, please pm me. I will post out free (large letter, UK only) to the first person who contacts me - we are having a massive clear out as heading for Sydney in 7 weeks! Cheers.

Husband just been offered a job with a company based in Macquarie Park. Can someone firstly tell me how to pronounce it please!? is it like saying 'Mac quarry', or something completely different!! He is heading out end of September to start his job early October and will sort schools, accommodation etc before me and our two children (aged 6 and 8) join him late October. There's already loads of stuff on previous threads about areas, and we're going to be researching like mad in the next few weeks. But just wanted to ask for some direction. The reason I've mentioned Newcastle is that we spent a week there in Feb this year on our visa validation trip and loved it. We know its not commutable on a daily basis to Macquarie Park, but want to consider this - as my husband will likely be away a few nights a week anyway with his job (wherever we live), should we consider basing ourselves nearer Newcastle, so me and kids are somewhere we'd prefer to live (ie smaller and quieter than Sydney) when husband is away, although he will have the longer Newcastle to Sydney commute on a some days? We're a family of four, me and husband in early/ mid 40's and as said, kids 6 and 8. I definitely don't want to be stuck on some huge new built estate and definitely do want to live somewhere where we can walk to shops, bars, coffee shops, juice bars etc. I personally like somewhere with a slightly alternative lifestyle/ vibe. I love the countryside and love to walk. I love charity shops and antiques/ vintage stuff, and older properties - I accept that We're probably not going to get an old property in Oz, but that would be my preference. We are not sold on wanting to be right near the sea, but would like to be able to get to good beaches easily. (It takes up two plus hours where we are in the UK at the moment so a 30 min drive for example, would be a bonus). Sorry, I realise this post is a bit muddled - so many thoughts at the moment as job offer just came in!! I'm basically wanting opinions/ thoughts/ recommendations on: North of Sydney vs Newcastle as a base for family home, and Where to live North of Sydney that sort of fits our profile. Thank you (We are budgeting approx. $800- $850 per week for rental)

Hi We are in the process of de-cluttering, sorting, ebaying, giving away and boxing up our possessions, as going to be moving to Sydney in October. We haven't yet contacted any shipping companies but I've looked through previous posts for suggestions, recommendations etc and will get onto that this week. In terms of packing - do we pack our own boxes? Does the company we go with then open, check and re-pack all our stuff? Do they usually supply boxes? if we go with a 'container', is it basically a large crate that we would load boxes into? So if we were taking a few items of furniture, would be load them in and put stuff around? and can we fill drawers/ cupboards etc. And finally - how on earth do we estimate the size of container? We have a lot of flat pack stuff but will probably take a few items of furniture (settee's, coffee table, wooden cupboard, mattresses, a couple of chests of drawers etc) so we aren't starting from scratch. My husband is getting a relocation package with his new job, so we're hoping to hear this week what exactly that will be, and whether it includes shipping costs. we're hopeful of that! I'm trying to get rid of as much clutter as possible but its amazing how much stuff we still need as a family of four!! Thank you!