Melli

I filled in with pen and scanned them in 8 pages at a time as they don't allow the files to be too big for upload. Just put a title on each upload. Like form 80 part 1 part 2 part 3 etc. they accepted mine like this Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

My wife and I are moving to Sydney in September and will be renting our house out in the uk. We won't be shipping anything over apart from and extra 2 suitcases We're flying with Thai so get 30kg each to start off with. What do you guys recommend taking for the immediate hassle and expense that will save time and money? We will be using air BnB for 2 weeks then looking to rent immediately. We don't mind sleeping on air beds and using camping stuff but should we take a knife fork and spoon each and some bedding/ sleeping bag? A multi point power lead? Photos? What would you do if you did it again? Sent using Poms in Oz mobile app

Go to the bank and ask for 7 years worth of statements. Highlight your incoming and blackout anything else. As long as they see you've had a regular income for 7 years it should be ok. At least it was when I did it for my 189. Hope this helps Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

I did a 189 myself and it was relatively straight forward. I think it depends on your circumstances and time you have available. Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

Nice weekly wage that Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

They also only really look at post qualification time. So I'm guessing that would be 3/4 years for yourself. Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

Na mate off to Sid ney due to the wife's international scholarship Sent using Poms in Oz mobile app

Are you in Australia already? Sent using Poms in Oz mobile app

That's great news I hear they can be a bigger to get. Ideally you need to have expressed interest and been given a case officer before getting medicals and police checks as they have a time limit and if it runs out then you have to pay again Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

You need to sit your physio exams first or you won't get anywhere Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

I'm thinking of bringing my power tools over from the U.K. But I am wary of the cleaning process they have to go through to pass customs. How clean do they have to be? And how do you go about doing it? They aren't covered in mud just dust and concrete and paint etc. does anybody know the process if they ain't clean enough? If it's not worth the hassle I'll sell them here and re buy over there if it's easier. Thanks Sent using Poms in Oz mobile app

No, visa will only be granted if medical checks and police checks are ok ( or supporting evidence is provided ) from what I gather everybody needs a health check. You will need police checks for every country you have resided in for the last 10 years ( I think) Police check comes back in around 10 days. You have to use a medical examiner from a list on the immigration website. There will be plenty in London. Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

Just wondering if it's worth taking a few thousand dollars worth of cash with me so I can start getting things sorted before setting up my bank accounts etc. how much would you reckon is enough to get me going. Hoping to have bank account set up within a few days of arriving. Sent using Poms in Oz mobile app

Heading over in October. I've been offered work in several places as Sydney seems to continue to grow. It is a big decision me and my wife have had lots of ifs and buts. But We agreed as should you that if your going to do it you need to give it 100% otherwise the doubts will creep in. What's the worst that can happen you get there give it a go and decide you don't like it ( which you won't, hopefully) and go home again?? Boring old saying but it's better to regret what you've done on your death bed that regret what you didn't do. Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

I'd Use UK as long as they are a reputable registered Mara agent. Time difference and expensive phone calls abroad can be very frustrating from what I hear. Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

You get given a time frame to go to oz. my 189 ( carpenter ) was gained in feb and I have until December to enter oz. only apply if your serious about going as it's certainly not quick and it's certainly not cheap!! Sent using Poms in Oz mobile app

I didnt bother with a agent and went it alone for reasons like this. It probably took a bit longer but at least fate was in my own hands

Hmmm yeh it is hard to pop over to Melbourne to have a word. I would also take it up with MARA. Maybe if you tell them your thinking of doing this then they may buck up there ideas as I'm sure that is not what they want??

Get your English test done if I were you. Will only hold things up if you submit later and that's only if you pass first time ( which you will )

Maybe go to there office and talk to them direct. Might be a bit of a trek but it's so easy to fob somebody off by email rather than going down there and confronting them with what there contract says and the emails they've sent.

Cheers mate, maybe it happens when I finally land? Green and yellow carpet with dancing koalas playing digereedoos? A big pat on the back and my picture in the paper. Or maybe I'll re join the real world and realise that it's just "in the system" and that's that. Maybe I'll make myself a badge.

Ok I've spent thousands of pounds and hundreds of hours over 12 months getting my 189 visa. Do I really just get a email saying I'm successful? No paper work or certificate posted to me? How do I even know it's real? Not really a massive issue I was just wondering if I should be expecting anything in the post? Seems a little disappointing after all the graft that's gone in!

Been offered a couple of jobs in Sydney and the wife has her place at Sydney uni. So that will be the area we're heading to

Initially lodged it in November but they then required more info. So re sent end of Jan . Once you have all te stuff it's pretty quick

Finally!! I got my 189 today! Been a long slog but I've got there !! Thanks for the help and advice I've got from people on here. If anybody needs any info then feel free to ask. I didn't use a migration agent and in the words of old frank I " I did it my waaaaaay" not sure what to do with myself know though! Maybe a beer.