DT55

Were the refusals based on similar situations as described in this thread? I can understand people who don't have full working rights getting into trouble for doing a bit of cash in hand babysitting, but have there been any examples of grandparents been refused visas because they were considered to be looking after their grandchildren too often?

Gain the two years experience to pass the skills assessment and then apply providing the occupation is still on the sol/csol?

Automatically becomes a citizen

I see what you're saying but I really can't see DIBP being interested in situations such as this. This would surely be interpreted as someone on a 3/6 month visitor who just wants to spend time with their grandkids

Just to clarify... are you saying you can't look after your own grandkids on a visitor visa. This is classified as work? Really?

Same here. I'm 45 and they offered me a 30 year mortgage. When I queried this they said it was the norm. Also found it much less stressfull buying a house here. Non of that being stuck in a 'chain' nonsense

Ferny grove/ hills, everton park/the gap/ kenmore all decent as I am aware but you'll struggle to find somewhere for $ 400k I would have thought

If time is going to run out but you know you are definitely going I would just fly out to activate the visa

We're going back at Christmas and it was the same price I think. One thing that might save you a few bob is do you have car hire excess insurance on your credit card?

Hi Lainey, It looks like we've both similarly thrown ourselves in the deep end at points in our lives and I think you're right- fate probably has placed me where I want to be! Btw looking at earlier posts I'm sorry you've had such a rough ride over the past few years but I really admire your positive outlook in the face of that and I wish you all the best. Personally I really like the UK- we lived in Cardiff which is a great place to bring up a family, but an opportunity arose that if we didn't take, we would be thinking 'what if' for the rest of our lives. We were both in our 40's so was unlikely a similar opportunity would have arisen again. It took only 3 months from meeting our future employer to selling our house, shipping our stuff, to being out here on a 457. All the pitfalls mentioned constantly on this forum about taking this particular route happened to us- first redundancy, and then another employer changing their policy regarding 186 ENS sponsorship- but fortunately it all worked out in the end! A rare occasion where my own naivity and recklessness actually paid off!

Reason we came was a because of a chance meeting with future employer at a meeting in UK, and was bored in my job at the time and fancied a change. Very little thought went into at all in hindsight. Best thing I ever did mind......

What does it say in the original contract?

Just as a side note you can apply for PR anytime if you are eligable

I think visa application costs for the 186 and 190 are the same (but check), but with the 190 you would have the additional costs (and hassle) of (i) paying for and passing a skills assessment and (ii) applying and paying for state sponsorship

Will you have been on a 457 for 2 years in January with the same company in the same role and your job is on the CSOL? If so would your company be prepared to sponsor you for PR via a 186 visa which would allow you to bypass the skills assessment completely?

Hi Anna, We've been here about 4 years having moved from UK and love it. Very green and bushy with loads of outdoor stuff to do. Feel free to PM if you have any specific questions.

In fairness I think it said along the lines of 'recommended by the users of the PomsInOz and BritishExpats' forum or something along those lines.... Just went back to the site to try and find the quote and it's not there? Strange....

According to the company website it is recommended by PIO apparently!! LOL

Snakes are pretty common in Brisbane. live in The Gap and have had a carpet python and a green tree snake im my garden the last two weeks - both pretty harmless and I actually quite like them!

There is no way I would buy a house without the visa being granted first. What if it gets rejected?

We used Pickfords who I have to say were excellent although this was back in 2012

Hi. Our kids go to the gap high which is very good. We also have friends which recommend kenmore and indooropilly.

How can you take a year off on a 457 without breaking the visa conditions??

186

Agree with captainc. I'd do the ielts so you have enough points to apply for the 189 unless you don't mind being tied to a state for 2 years with a 190