Johnnyboy

Thanks a lot for all your replies so far, really helpful. If you don't mind, please PM me with some facts about the monthly cost (food, utilities, etc) so we can have a better understanding of what to expect if we make the move. THANKS

Better weather so we can spend more time outdoor (if we can afford it!), less stress at work (at least that's what I hope!) and a different world all together. Hopefully amazing things to see and experience.

@ScottieGirl, 2k for the bills seems way too much, I could be wrong obviously as you should know better. Can you get into details, please? I'm a telecoms engineer. Thanks

Less stress, better weather, most people say it's a better lifestyle than in UK. If you can afford it obviously. We'd like to hear different views so we can have a better understanding and then more doubts we'll have [emoji4]

We've never been to Melbourne [emoji53]

If we make the move, it's not for the money, hopefully lifestyle will be better. If we can afford it, that's a different matter.

I'd rather listen to different opinions than to plunge into unknown. 100k is achieveble for me in short term, not sure how long will take me towards 125k though. We don't intend to live in CBD proximity, 1hr is reasonable enough for us.

From our research, renting would be around $2k/month, if we're lucky we might find something cheaper. Don't know how to budget for all the other things.

Hello, The more we think about it, the more we're wondering if it's worth it. Waiting for visa at the moment but we're still unsure about the move as Mebourne seems to be much more expensive than UK. Our mortgage is £770 for a 3 bed detached, I doubt we can find something similar for same money... My salary in UK is £50k, in Melbourne I'll get $85k (plus super). Would that be enough for the same living standard? Utilities around £300/month, food £5-600/month (family of 4). Still enough left from our income to afford what we wish for: going out, clothes, holidays... and save for rainy days. My wife is very reluctant about the move, I would still like to have a go and try a different lifestyle. Thanks a lot

Funilly enough, we can't wait to make the move from UK to Melbourne...

@ThePomQueen, Thanks a lot!

Within 1 hour commute of Notting Hill, I can have a look for prices (up to 2k/month for a 3 bed) but the school is a headache to consider.

@Quoll, You're right... I'll wait until the visa is sorted then I can ask for help. Thanks

What are the affordable areas (not in CBD) with good state primary schools? Thanks

Updated on the border.gov.au website today: http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/186- And looks like they are making progress...

Gumtree could be a good place too...

Tell me about it! It's so annoying but I know people who came on 457 and can't apply for 186 PR anymore because of the age ceiling. I work in IT (senior position) and found already a job, my 457 nomination was approved in 1 month but due to the new law (and the sake of 6 months older than the new requirements), I had to abort it and apply for 186 DE. The employer has to wait for about 12-18 months now until I can start to work for them. Is that fair for both sides ?! If the PM was thinking more about this and not about posting pictures on social media then we would've been in a better position to move our life forward.

Hello, I might've posted this in the wrong forum section so I'll try my luck here as well... Can someone advise us what's the difference between a Standard CDR and Relevant Skilled Employment Assessment through Engineers Australia, please? My understanding is that Relevant Skilled Employment Assessment is required only if I need to gain points (which I don't!). I'm going to apply for 186 Direct Entry so I presume there is no need Relevant Skilled Employment Assessment... Thanks a lot

Hello, Can someone advise us what's the difference between a Standard CDR and Relevant Skilled Employment Assessment through Engineers Australia, please? My understanding is that Relevant Skilled Employment Assessment is required only if I need to gain points. I'm going to apply for 186 Direct Entry so I presume there is no need Relevant Skilled Employment Assessment... Thanks a lot

Mine is with Engineers Australia

Which organisation you had it done with?

Hello, Can I ask if anyone did a CDR through Engineers Australia, please? Thanks

Hello, Can I ask if anyone did a CDR with Engineers Australia, please? Thanks

Hello, Can I ask if anyone had to provide a CDR for IT or Telecoms, please? I'd like some advice on it, please. Thanks a lot

Just to be aware, from March 2018, the age limit for 186 will be 45. So if you'll get 457 now and after 2 years you're over 45, you can't apply for 186 anymore. Or for any other visa...so after 4 years in Oz on 457, it's the time to head back to the UK.