Southchick

Just wanted to update that we are here!! I did fly at 27 weeks and had my baby girl in Sydney 5weeks ago. We are now living on the central coast but i just wanted to put it out there if anyone thinking of doing the same thing or needed any support or advice. Definately the hardest thing I have ever done so far but we pulled it off so it can be done! Love to all you PIO who offered such great advice throughout our migration journey and all my ups and downs!

Thanku for reply! I think after checking it won't be worth shipping the bike, it's not worth enough so better to sell it and buy again out there. Waiting for the removals man to make a decision on the washing machine but will check out those home stores in the meantime.... Exciting! Thank u

Hi everyone, 1. Just wondering has anyone shipped a motorbike and what are the costs involved/ things you need to do? Trying to work out if its worth it or to sell it here. I have white and co coming to quote to move our stuff.... which isnt much... more sentimental things rather than furniture. Only furniture really is my sons bed and bits for our new baby due in april. 2. Should I bring our washing machine? again not sure whether to bring it or sell. Thats literally the only big thing other than the motorbike as we are in a caravan awaiting our move. Thanks in advance for any advice :-)

Hi, I sat the academic for my skills assessment and then general for extra visa points, and yes both the listening and speaking parts are te same for both tests. For the listening my best advice would be to do a few practice tests so that you are familiar with the timings and format. Avoid simple mistakes by reading the test paper instructions eg it may say "in one word only, or in no more than two word answers". You can practice speaking by getting some practice from the IELTS.org website, they have a free practice section and advise on common mistakes. That will get you thinking about subjects you will need to describe. Eg where you live, a holiday you enjoyed , your opinion on how different cultures may live well together. The the reading and the writing are the trickiest in my opinion, and again use the IELTS official website and practice so you know what to expect and within the time provided. Reading is picking out information from a text.. Again look out for how they want the answers to avoid mistakes. Writing is in two sections, and for the general test it is a mini essay where you are expected to discuss a subject, so for that it's a good idea to jot down your ideas then write with a intro, body then conclusion. Then task two is iusually in the form of a letter to someone. Mine was to write a letter to a friend arriving in the country explaining to her how to get to my house and what we were going to do during her stay! The general is a lot simpler than the academic for writing and reading sections , but still to do some times practice tests would be my best advice, as it's costly to have to re-sit! But you will do it, best of luck!

Just to keep a balanced viewpoint Southchick,I've spoken to people I know in Australia (my son,family,and friends) and also listen to talk shows via radio on laptop in Australia and some people also say Australia is going to the dogs.(I too lived in a caravan years ago in Australia,with a newborn baby,but that was my choice) For sure, people will feel that way about Australia too, and again sorry they feel that way about where they live. I am very grateful that I don't feel that way about either countries. I just loved living in oz and am excited to get back there......Simples!

People who love Australia are usually a combination of thick skinned, materialistic, lack good taste, don’t appreciate culture/the arts/history (indigenous history is not aussie)/architecture or have come from a lower socio economic background/place in their home country which they resent/blame (chip on shoulder type - say home country has "gone to the dogs" , etc). The latter are the aussies' favourite immigrant because they don't challenge them and actually (and I think it really demonstrates a weak mind). All in your opinion and opinion is all it is. It baffles me why you would make such statements in an attempt to cause a stir. How may I appreciate your post when you have written it in this tone. Otherwise we would all wish you well, advise on any questions you may have, follow your progress etc. I am not leaving because I hate England, but I am leaving because I love love love Australia. So many colleagues from surgeons to porters, patients and people I meet in my work.... when I say we are moving to oz respond with exactly that "I don't blame you.... This country has gone to the dogs". Im just sorry they feel that way about where they live. Good luck in finding what you are looking for on your return. from southchick (nurse, history of art degree, living in a caravan and driving a clapped out fiesta as we await our move date..do I meet your criteria???!!)

Oh I do hope I don't end up living next door to miss future Aussie..... Without my sense of humour my three year old would have finished me off months ago! A little but of humility wouldn't go amiss either :-)

Really enjoyed reading this, so refreshing to read and made me think once again how lucky we are to have this oppurtunity :-)

You did really well to get 8.0 on the writing, I thought that and the reading were definately the hardest. I scraped through first time but I did so many practice tests where I timed myself, but then I still had to sit the general after my academic for extra visa points! Youve got the writing and speaking in the bag so whatever you did there do it again! I would just get the practice materials from IELTS so you have the format and timings well rehearsed and you know the easy mistakes to make... so frustrating but you will do it and then you are one step closer!! Best of luck

Hi our medicals were £270 each :-)

Hi Lara, Im a nurse and used Veronika at sortoutmyvisa.com, cannot recommend her enough. She is an australian citizen but lives in the UK. Always got back to me really quickly and knows her stuff. Best of luck!

Thanks bungo yes you are quite right and lots of things to think about, appreciate the post :-)

Thanks for your positive reply CaptainC! yes that's a very good point, most airlines fly you up to 28 weeks and If you are med fit then you can fly with some up to 36 weeks (no way) but that is a bit much long haul if you flying economy, but you have made me realise... on 3rd jan (earliest I can take sml) I'll be 29 weeks+ so I'll have to fly before that which I'll have to re work out with annual leave when I know baby's exact due date. Looks like we might have to fly in December after all (ouch £££££££££!) yes adelaide to sydney drive a long one, but we will be in great need of the holiday by then so going to take our time and do it over a couple of weeks atleast ... Don't really have much choice as our car needs to get from a to b. I could fly but would feel abit mean husband doing it on his own, we will just have to make it all part of the adventure! my friends think I'm more insane moving to a country with no big support network/ job or house! But we have each other, husband really positive about work and we all work hard when we need to. The home will come, I'm sure of it, all seems a bit much right now but it's all going to work out. i had a lovely private msg from someone who did it at 29 weeks so good to know, advice was to register ASAP with Medicare and go so can get hospital booked. Exciting! Just got got to believe it's all going to work out. Off to get husbands CV updated now and get this show on the road :-)

I know I wont be the first slightly insane person to emigrate whilst so pregnant, but was hoping to hear from anyone else thats pulled it off! Also thought it might be helpful for anyone else in the same boat. We are moving at 28 weeks as i dont want to fly any later (know i going to be totally knackered as its a hard enough trip not pregnant!) Not an ideal time but we have wanted another baby for ages so Feeling more grateful than anything else. Also as thats the earliest i can leave work with annual leave so I can claim statutory maternity pay ( ive checked with smp people who say I am still entitled even if I leave the country- this suprised me) dont want to fly before christmas mostlly because its the most expensive rime to fly! I do not have to return to work either as I will only be claiming statutory MP. We are in a very fortunate positon in that our very good friends have said we (me, husband and three year old) can have a little flat in their garden for the first 4 months (rent free but will of course pay bills etc). This has taken a little pressure off, its not where we want to be but will allow us to have a base whilst husband secures work and we sort our own place. SMP isnt much but ot would be daft I think to fly before (forfeit SMP) as it will contribute significantly to groceries atleast. We have lived in oz before for a year so im not a complete newbie, although we will be setting up again somewhere new so im under no illusions its not going to be a challenge! Most of my friends think im nuts but we travelled with my husbands job ever since our son was born so im used to finding my feet in new places. We are flying into adelaide to pick up our car before driving up to our friends in sydney. Our things will arrive long after us when we have decided where it should be shipped to! We just want to get out there now as soon as possible and will be flying into the heat on the 3rd jan, again slightly bonkers. This may change as I have my dating scan next week. Im fit and healthy so all being well, puling this off will be alot down positive mind set and staying stress free. So the ball rolling now with getting things ready to rock. I wonder if anyone else has done it and could offer advice as to what to do first when we arrive regarding prenatal care. I know I will need a fit to fly note from my doc and my notes from england. Never had a baby in Australia before!!! Grateful for any replies :-)

I think referred means it is being checked as it is something extra requested. Try not to worry....they will be in touch soon if they need anything else.

They are expensive! At £300 a pop I would wait until they are requested, you should be able to get an appointment and results within a couple of weeks but then you have a year to enter Australia, you never know how long it will take to get an invite so I wouldn't worry about medicals yet, rather concentrate on everything else is right for your EOI and visa submission :-)

That's a difficult one. I think you may have to answer the question honestly when you complete the health declaration depending on the question wording, I cannot remember, but it shouldn't be anything you have to declare if she is well and has not been treated or diagnosed for any mental health disorder. From what I remember, you tick the boxes to say you are not on any regular meds/ had recent surgery/ long term health conditions etc and then the physical exam comes after, I can't see a reason why this would be brought up and why any clinician would ask to see medical notes.

Hi itchy feet, It is such a difficult decision to leave family isn't it. Especially as your hasn't been well I am sorry. It's difficult to imagine being away from family for so long, it's something that needs a lot of consideration. You only one have shot and I am in the go for it camp as we are only here for a short time. It's not that easy though, it costs a fortune to emigrate and is never easy when you get there, that's not to say it isn't achievable but I believe you've got to be committed 100% to make it work. its very different though living an hour away and 27 hours away, and more costly to visit. It's a reality that you might not be able to see your dad much and would that be ok? Skype has made communication so much easier but the time difference can be tricky calling whenever you want to. Also from a practical point of view.... Do you and your boyfriend qualify for visas? If one of you eligible then it sounds like the other would satisfy defacto criteria as you have house together/ been together so long etc. its naturally difficult for your boyfriend too being away from his fam, so it seems one of you is going to have that as a reality. I know how tough it is living away from family although in Australia it would be great to have his family to help you feel part of theirs. if you would love to live there as you say and you have that option then of course you could come back if unhappy, but it's a massive financial task and not one to be taken lightly. perhaps research the practicalities and costs of visas and movin etc whilst you are still going through the emotional battles, and I think your answer will come to you. Definately talk to your boyfriend though!

If you get an invite to apply, it means that based on your expression of interest, your application is likely to be successful based on the information provided in your EOI. It's not guaranteed though, you then need to satisfy the Department that all the evidence is correct and you meet all the criteria for the point you have claimed for. You should be fine if your EOI is accurate, we got an Invite to apply after one week with 60 points, but it depends on the visa type up are applying for and our occupation. Its ts such a nerve wracking time I know, wishing you all the best :-)

A lot of people have successfully completed their applications without an agent, but I would definately recommend using one if you are unclear on anything or your case not straightforward. We used one and I am so pleased we did. It is so expensive that it would be silly to make a mistake that would mean your application delayed or rejected. our visa agent cost 2100 in total and she took instalments of £370 each time so it was less painful! And she did everything for us, we just had to provide the evidence she needed. there are lots of agents tried an tested on here that people have every faith in, such as 'go Matilda' and 'sort out my visa' good luck!

Ok thank you both of you, will get on it then as soon as we land :-)

Hi everyone, not it sure I in the right section but hoping someone would be able to tell me how you change your drivers licence from uk to Aussie and if it's possible before you land (we have a temp address there). Only wondering as I was advised by service SA to get drivers licence converted so we can rego our expired car as soon as we land and the company has lost previous document which throws abit of a spanner in the works... Hope that makes sense!

ANMAC now won't assess your skills with a diploma and no degree now either, I can only empathise how frustrating that is for you as I would be devastated!

"IELTS is a doddle to get all 9's" love it

Finally that champagne can be popped!!!!! Thank you sooo sooo much for all your support my lovelies as the visas have finally arrived in our house!!! Sooooo soo happeeeeeeeeeeee!!