Bungo

I shipped whatever I had spare, which is usually plenty. My favourite perfume has been discontinued but I once found a shop with some backlog so I bought the lot. Accordingly shipped about ten bottles of my favourite perfume, must be in the second bottle now and it is absolutely fine. Same as everything else. I wouldn't give it a second thought. And I have never heard of customs having an issue with liquids. It is airports that don't like liquids because people can make explosives out of them or something.

Three years of missing contributions really would not make much difference to UK state pension would it? :err:

Yes I agree. I was under the impression that if I did not return then that was that !! After looking through some info it would appear that I have to make a case for right to return and that's not an automatic yes. When I spoke to Oz taxation with regard to my super, some months ago, the guy there said well if you have departed and your right to return has expired then you are no longer a resident. I feel like I have a half visa:confused:

Working for the ATO does not equip one with visa knowledge and clearly the person you spoke to had no idea about visas and why should they.

Yes I agree. Perhaps its a government thing to say they have granted x amount of permanent residency visa's knowing full well not all of them are being taken up. I have spent 38 years of my life living in Oz and I am very conflicted as to where I should be. I have 2 children both born in Oz. My parents are now residing in the U.K. and elderly with health issues. Things are rarely black and white. The 3 years to return is not long enough in my opinion. I work like most people and I can not just jet off when I feel like it and maintain the cost of a life in 2 countries.

I think you will get a RRV very easily, just fill in the form when you are ready. Your substantial ties to Australia would be your family and your compelling reason for absence would be your elderly parents.

I don't think many of us maintain a life in two countries, we take out citizenship, something you were entitled to many years ago.. probably something you should look into if you do another stint in Australia but it would take you 3-4 years now.

I agree, and what you said is perfectly true, but if one cannot travel back to Australia and stay/work there, then PR becomes useless no?

Indeed the permanent visa can be useless if the holder is overseas for too long. However it also seems relevant that people understand a permanent visa is permanent as it says on the tin. The visa itself doesn't expire and it doesn't need to be renewed, only permission to travel need be renewed.

I'm not really sure why you are getting so wound up about this anyway. You left the UK in 1999 and your life is in Australia now, so you didn't have a vote in the referendum and can't really hope to have as clear a view of what went on before the vote in terms of both sides "lying their heads off" as people actually living in the UK while it was all going on. Why would you? And to be fair, if you didn't have a vote, you can't (newjez take note) be blamed for the result.

 

Your attitude to developments in the UK now though I find baffling. You seem to think that the post referendum situation is all just a passing hiccup. Of course there are other forces at play besides the Brexit vote, but from where I'm standing - I'm no political expert this is just my impression - the UK is in turmoil. We don't appear to have an opposition party, not one that opposes the government of the day anyway - they are all too busy fighting amongst themselves. The unelected prime minister doesn't appear to know what she is doing, and seems to be making ever more anti immigrant statements every time she opens her mouth. The slimy Nige is intent on winning as many enemies as possible during his remaining time as an MEP and Boris - having somehow wormed his way back into a powerful position - doesn't seem to be doing anything to help the situation.

 

I fear for the people without decent resources to see them through this crisis, because I think we are being governed by a motley bunch of second rate rabble rousers who have no idea what to do with the ball they so unexpectedly caught last June.

Welll I think it is you that is sounding slightly hysterical now. UK in turmoil, come on get a grip. The world is still spinning, yes there is some uncertainty ahead, but there always is, by definition. You have no way of knowing what direction the EU might choose to take in the future either and anybody that says they can see into the future (or could) is an idiot. The sooner everybody stopps panicking and fretting and just got on with life the sooner normality will return, this doom and gloom is a self fulfilling prophecy.

Labour party in turmoil is nothing to do with Brexit and the UK has never elected a PM, we elect MPs and in doing so, a party. It is up to the party to decide who is leader and always has been. Nigel is not in a powerful position, he is leader of a political party of one MP. Do what everybody else does and just ignore him.

So for travel/bridging visa reasons what do you suggest? If I apply for the 461 in Nov like planned wouldn't I be fine leaving Aus for Nz and coming back on the 8th of Jan as the bridging visa wouldn't kick in until my 2nd Whv runs out on Jan the 16th? Or do you suggest applying on the 8th Jan when I'm back in Aus?

I am not your paid professional advisor and I am just not prepared to suggest anything one way or another. I am highlighting the issues. If you apply before your holiday you need to take steps to ensure that you retain a bridging visa. I have explained what will happen if you apply before you leave and what you need to consider. You are an adult and it is up to you what you do, I have already shared my thoughts on your application.

We've just completed the on-line citizenship application which submitted fine, however I'm just a little puzzled by the fact that our parents appear as applicants even though neither of us want our parents to move to Australia with us (nor do our parents) and my husband's dad actually died back in 2007. When we filled in the forms we just assumed they were after the information as a proof thing especially as it wouldn't NOT let us include my husband's dad.

 

Is this normal and all will be OK? or is there likely to be some follow up on this?

 

Thank you.

This was definitely a citizenship application? Not a visa application? I certainly don't remember my parents being mentioned on my citizenship forms although I could be wrong.

Yes i moved in with my gf and another couple in June 2015,they moved in and all 3 were on the lease a few weeks earlier. As i moved in after the lease was signed and i knew at some point i was going to have to leave for 3 months to do the regional work we all just agreed that i pay my share of rent to one of the housemates (split rent 4 ways) and he would send it off.

 

The only proof i can think off that i have living there is transfers of rent to him and the other housemates writing a stat dec saying i lived there at that time and was in a relationship with my gf at that time. All the bills were set up before i moved in so although i paid them (by transferring money to the same guy again) my name isnt on any of the bills.

 

Do you think i am best waiting till Jan 2016 then when i will have around 6 months of evidence we have been living in our new flat together (bills,lease etc) plus the 18 months prior?

You must have had some post to the house? Even your own bank statements? Anyway I personally would be nervous about claiming this time together without any proof of address and also living with other people might make this look like a shared house amongst a group of young people rather than a couple setting up home. So lots of alarm bells here, but I really can only give you my opinion, but don't take my opinion to be fact because there will be a lot of judgement and interpretation going into this. It might even be worth a quick consultation with a migration agent?

The main thing you must take great care not to overlook is the bridging visa situation and your travel plans. It is imperative you get that right or you could inadvertently cause yourself to go out of legal status.

Hi,

 

Thanks for your reply. Regarding the photos i presumed the application would be done online but i have just seen that it has to be posted in,im guessing just printing them off facebook with the time and date on them will suffice? I was under the impression that the photos and plane tickets help the case that we are in a relationship. We have Stat Decs from both parents in NZ and UK stating we were in a relationship when we both visited and the circumstances around it.

 

I'm guessing should get a Stat Dec from our previous 2 housemates who lived with me and my Gf before when i wasn't on the lease (June 15-16) saying that i paid rent (with evidence) and that me and my Gf were a genuine couple?

 

My 2nd WHV runs out on Jan 16th 2017,i have booked to go to NZ on the 23rd Dec-8th Jan 2017, if i apply before that will they automatically put me on a bridging visa so i am not allowed to leave the country?

What you need to understand is that you are not trying to prove you are "in a relationship". You need to prove you are married all but for attending a ceremony and photos do not do that. Joint address and joint finances do. Most people chuck a few photos in, that is fine, but it will not substitute for the high quality evidence that you appear to be missing at this point in time.

So you lived with your girlfriend since June 2015 not July 2016, apologies I had not focused on that subtlety in your first post. Well if you can prove it then that is a game changer. What you need to do is collect lots of evidence that you were at the same address over the same time period. Not photos, same address...

Even if you apply before the trip, you will still be on your WHV when you travel and when you come back into the country. The bridging visa would only be in the background ready to kick in upon the WHV expiry. The thing is, once you leave the country the bridging visa in the background is going to be cancelled and so you will return in January on the WHV but then there will be no bridging visa when the WHV expires. So what you would need to do is upon your return, get the BVA reinstated. Very important that you do this or you are going to become illegal. If that sounds like too much hassle, then don't apply until after your holiday.

The 489 is sponsored by state OR family. There is no such thing as "family sponsored from Victoria". So which do you mean?

My advice would be to hold off applying for as long as possible as you do not appear to qualify for a visa based on relationship at the moment. Do you know if you live in a state where relationships can be registered? If so do that as soon as possible and put this off until much nearer your WHV expiry (obviously not too close).

Organising hundreds of photos into months is not only pointless but also will probably be slightly irritating to a case officer. They are not interested in trawling through your photos, or travel tickets as they are not interested in establishing whether you knew each or or even where dating. They want to know that you are a defacto couple. An application needs no more than one or two examples (if that) of that type of evidence. It can be supplementary to an application, but definitely not the main component of it. The quality evidence is in proof of joint address and proof of joint finances, something which you only seem to have a few months of, which is why I would suggest you hold off.

I would predict some problems if you apply now. When exactly does the WHV expire - you could do with utilising as much time as possible.

We are planning to move in February and will be needing to find a rental somewhat near Burwood (Ferntree Gully, Rowville, Ringwood and the like is within distance)... BUT I have been told its very competitive to get a rental so now I'm a bit worried.

 

We have two young kids and are looking to find a house (not apartment) around $400/week in a good area. Will this be difficult to do in that price range and area? What should we plan to expect?

 

We can't really be without a place to live, as we need to set up, keep the stress down for our kids and start uni shortly after arriving.

 

 

 

The Australian rental makets have always been very competitive. All the PomsinOz before you have managed to secure one though and so will you. Most people are sorted within a few weeks. It is important to be very organised, have a "rental pack" ready with your documents, pre-fill in the application forms for the houses you think you might like and hand in promptly if you do so.

Food wise, Australia isn't dominated by chains like UK so a bit more interesting. At the fine dining end it probably isn't as flash however and service more laid back. Going out for breakfast is a big thing, get used to eating a lot of avocado.

And beetroot. I was amazed at th popularity of beetroot.

The main thing that I missed was daylight. It gets dark much earlier in Australia, no long summer nights, even in summer it was getting dark by 7.30pm. I guess it would stay light for a bit longer in the winter, but I would still be at work anyway so wouldn't feel that benefit.

Food and stuff, well it is different and I would say slightly less choice of produce but I wouldn't go so far as to say I miss it, I can't see th repoint in missing foods, just adapt. I will never understand why people will pack their suitcases with their favourite biscuits or get food parcels or whatever.

:smile:

I agree with the above poster that Medicare is an absolute joy compared to the NHS. So easy to use, no queues, no waiting around, less beurocracy. Expect to pay for some things at the point of use - it isn't always possible to find bulk billing and to be honest I always understood this is intended for people on low incomes so I did not seek it out.

I enjoyed the work place in Sydney more than workplaces in London. Found it much friendlier and more time was spent on networking, it was quite normal to just go out for coffee with someone, to spend time developing work relationships, in London it can be heads down bum up all day. That should not be tqken to mean that everyone clocks off early to go to the beach however, on the contrary! Working hours and leave entitlements are likely to be less favourable.

Very sad news indeed. RIP Gill. She was a real asset to the forum in the day.

Hi all, - another post seeking reassurance and opinions. Looks like husband is going to offered a job with start date of 9th January in oz (non negotiable) this gives us around 10 weeks to pack up our lives and go! Is this possible and what things would we need to consider? We have sold house and are living in rented but it still feels overwhelming! Job offer is a good job and will cover first months rent.

 

Im not sure if we should be singing for joy as we didn't expect to be able to secure employment from U.K.

Ten weeks is loads of time. We had our visas but we're thinking of leaving it a couple of years, them a job came up and we packed up and moved with four weeks notice. Fortunately the cats were already vaccinated for rabies. They were the hardest thing to organise.

I have been put on strong antidepressants for the past 3 months and was seeing a shrink for 2 months until we hit a wall and couldnt move forward from there so i stopped going back.

I have less friends these days then i started with when i first got here, thry either moved away or met a girl and turned there back on friends.

 

I was in bunnings a few weeks ago looking at the rope after learning to tie a noose.

I have applied for jobs and i either hear nothing back or i turn into a sweaty anxious mess in the interview and i keep looking at the door just waiting to leave. I have some sort of work/interview phobia now from the bullying ive suffered and im the first person to doubt myself.

When i talk to girls and they find out im on the dole with a dodgy back that is about as attractive as syphilis. I havnt been laid in nearly a year and im a good looking young guy.

 

My family all live in the uk. I cant go back there,too many bad memories froms violent upbringing.

There is nothing unusual about not hearing back from jobs. Apply and forget about it, it is quite normal. In 2016 to not hear back,don't take it personally. Do your best for every job, by tailoring your application but then don't worry about it. We all get ignored or knocked back. Personally I find being ignored more palatable.

And please don't worry about girls. They are not your priority, get back on your feet first. Having said that, as I mentioned, my OH met me whilst downtrodden so it is by no means out of the question. I met a wonderful, kind, humorous, intelligent and gentle individual that also happened to be unemployed and without prospects. I was a 34 year old chick in 2005 commanding a six figure salary and he was unemployed but I could not have been more lucky to bag this man. He is so wonderful he deserves better than I could ever give him.

I don't really know what to say to you, but didn't want to read and run. My younger sister took her own life and we always suspected it would be the case, but I never knew what to say to her either, to make her demons go away that is. But she gave no warning (other than an attempt 15 years earlier) and that you mention the s word makes me think, and hope, that you want somebody to talk you out of it. I think you are someone that doesn't want to end their life but wants to fix it and simply does not know where to start.

Do you have family in Australia or in UK even? How about friends and have you confided in them? They will want to know. Please confide if you have not already.

You mention a number of issues, physical health, mental health, employment, women. Why not break them down and tackle one at a time. Forget about employment and women for the time being and focus on your physical and mental health. Address the alcohol immediately, find an alternate and less damaging vice to make you feel better. Whenever you feel like opening a bottle turn to the alternate vice instead. I know after my sisters first attempt alcohol was absolutely forbidden and not something we would ever consume in front of her.

Employment and women can be dealt with later. You actually sound quite versatile in the employment space and you are probably reading things into women's reactions that are not there.

I met my husband 12 years ago when I was a high flying career woman and he was unemployed. I had taken a sabbatical to travel Asia and he was travelling Asia because he decided after umpteen job rejections that he needed to get away. I never thought the worst of him because he was (is) a good, gentle and kind person. When we got back to the UK, I waltzed back into a high paying job and he continued to struggle and I will never ever forget an email I read from a recruitment agent that said "I don't want to waste my time or yours". It was the cruelest email I have ever read in my life, sent to a man who was already down. To this day I would love to take that guy on and tell him what I think. It sounds like you have also met some cruel people in the work place. But it is their issue not yours, it is them that should be ashamed. My husband went on to forge a new career for himself and twelve years on we are mortgage free and he has a six figure salary in London. Yoh just don't know what life has in store for you, ride out these bad times. I am sure there is better round the corner.

At the moment, Sydney. Probably, planning to settle in Noosa, Sunshine Coast maybe in a couple of years if not earlier.

A move to Noosa is going to make things even harder for your dad than it already was.

I never thought I'd be in the MBTTUK forum, but here I am, after almost eight very happy years in Sydney. We are currently on holiday in the UK, and I am dreading going back to Australia. In fact I cried this morning at Culloden battlefield, when the lovely staff member asked if I was enjoying my holiday in the UK. Because it is a holiday. And I have to go back, although I don't want to. I don't belong there. I feel like a square peg in a round hole. I just don't know what to do. All our children know is Australia. Eldest has Autism (Asperger's) and severe anxiety problems and I just don't know how she'd cope with a move back. But at the same time I don't think I can stay.

 

Not really sure what to think or do. Just wanted to say some things out loud.

 

I'm not sure if it's the holiday talking, or a genuine feeling.

A visit to UK can be emotional, to determine whether it is just the holiday talking or something deeper, park it for now and head back. You have always seemed content in Sydney and once you get back I am sure you will soon be in the swing of things again. Then in a month or two, when post holiday blues have passed look at this again and discuss with the OH. What does he think now?

I am sure that best thing for your daughter is a happy mum.

Hi there I know everyone's completely different. And that goes for circumstances and the individuals.

I keep saying to my wife about possible recce once and if we get the all clear but she says she does not want to waste the money going on a recce.

She would like to just go for it even though this is all going on my trade. Would you say a recce helps you ALOT or can confuse the matter. So far I've move from different cities/states to decide on probably queensland /Brisbane area.

Who's done a recce and are glad they did or who went for it and moved around as they never did. Silly questions I suppose but every little helps

I dont get why you would do a reccie after already shelling out thousands on a visa, surely the time to do a reccie would be before you apply (if at all). As it is, I would agree with your wife. You would spent thousands more on a reccie that might be better used in getting set up and a holiday will not give you any real sense of what it is like to live in a place anyway.

I really don't think it is in the UK's interest for the EU to fall apart, and I really don't understand why you are so gleeful about it.

 

Yes, I would like some restructuring. Yes, I would like a redefining of the euro, and removal from those countries where it clearly doesn't work.

 

But a messy breakup of the EU on top of an already fragile world isn't desirable even though it obviously appeals to you for some sad reason.

I don't know what you are reading that I do not see. Banbury didn't sound remotely gleeful. I despise the EU and voted to leave, that should not be interpreted as wishing ill upon the countries remaining in it. Nobody benefits when other countries suffer, it is better that we all prosper.

Haha ok I didn't mean prisoner in that sense, but if I left to see family should there be an issue at home I'd be unable to return and therefore my job will be lost as well. That's my biggest fear to be fair.

 

So what you have said clarifies what my thoughts are. As I'm not in Aus then Australia will have no reason to give me a rrv which to be fair is understandable. I will have to find out if nz will be able to offer me a similar temporary visa or like you suggest go out there and look at other visa options.

 

Thanks for your help

Yes you should look into NZ visas. You can go to NZ and start work on the back of the Australian visa but once the five years expires you would not be able to travel to and from NZ any more and it is doubtful you could secure an Australian RRV. Obviously you will not get a NZ RRV (if they have such a thing).

Thank you. Probably won't bother then.

No I wouldn't bother getting a UK passport for a baby if you intend to reside in Australia. Total waste of money.

you will need to evidence that you have been living together for 2 years... that's showing joint names on utilities etc, plus things like joint banking or transactions between your bank accounts helps.

Two years for a 457 visa is definitely way more than required.