Apollo

It's human nature to want to be around people who are as close culturally to you. Just like this site is for poms and not Bulgarians. Doesn't mean you don't like other groups of people. Sent from my SM-G800H using Tapatalk

One can still be Chinese, eat only Chinese food, not celebrate Australia day, not say 'good day mate' etc and still be happy to be in Oz. This whole idea of assimilation is rather dictatorial. You can be English born and not celebrate St George's day (not many do anyway) and other made up holidays like Christmas, Halloween and others. There is a difference between integration and assimilation, and I believe in the former. You can't force a culture on a person that becomes meaningless. As long as the way you live doesn't interfere negatively on the society you live in then there is nothing wrong with it. This is different from someone who keeps banging on about how great their original home is. You don't have to agree with everything about a country to enjoy living there, people aren't a monolithic group by nature. If I lived in the US I'd still hate guns, in Oz I'd still not celebrate so called Australia day, or here in England I don't really care for Christmas. Doesn't mean I hate the said countries but I just don't buy into the particular political stances I mentioned. It's about respecting differences something many people on this forum don't do. Someone mentioned above about 'wearing strange headscarves' what does that got to do with integrating with others? No one is forcing you to wear one! Sent from my SM-G800H using Tapatalk

'Don't be Chinese first' Did you seriously type this? Why shouldn't be her ethnicity first , Oz after? This is pathetic.

Yeah but that is what I said though. I am comparing the chance of SW being taken off in comparison to other professionals. For example IT is always at risk because of the number of people that apply for it every year. Your argument about trimming of visas is neither here nor there because it affects every single profession. From my own experience SW is as safe as safe can be but not a guarantee and I never said it was. By the way not all doctors are GPs.

Hi BottleandaHalf, welcome. I will offer some positive light on it in case everyone disheartens you here. While it is inadvisable to plan on doing a course with hope of getting sponsorship in subsequent years, I feel if you're going to have a chance then social work is one such occupation. I'd say do the course ONLY IF you enjoy it and if you were willing to do it irregardless of the move. It's highly likely the profession will stay on the shortage list in two years. Also if you were looking to get state sponsorship on a 489 (regional or family) you will get 10 points which could bump up your points total. Keep an eye on the immigration changes as it seems like they will probably tweak visa types by the time you apply. Oh and, like someone above mentioned your achilles heel could be lack of experience which is normally a prerequisite for sponsorship. Good luck and happy studying. Apollo

I completely get what you are saying. I have decided to just sell my present car here with a bit of a heavy heart. It performs like new with only 46k miles on the clock and full dealership history. The worry is always that I'd part with this and end up with some lemon over in Oz and will start comparing. I understand about parts my uncle in Perth had to park his car for 6 weeks when his tyres wore off to illegal levels as they were being shipped from Korea. What I will probably do is buy a run around and use it while I sus out what the cars over there are about. Can $5k get me a decent motor to use for about 6 to 12 months?

The

True. Especially in light of applying for a mortgage in future. Thanks Sent from my SM-G800H using Tapatalk

I hadn't thought about it that way. It seems if you are working there and buying there you are okay. The worst thing is bringing UK money over to spend on a car there. I guess I may just have to by a banger for a bit when I get in until I start earning Oz $. Sounds about right?

Hi there, Just wanted to say whatever you do make sure you try to be as accurate as possible because if you can't evidence what you've put on a EOI you automatically get rejected and application fee isn't returned to you. You mention you are 33 with 17 years experience, that means you have been working as a nurse since you were 16! Is this correct?

I am looking into a Asian luxury car like the Lexus I have back here and nothing for $15k. I however am leaning to jut sell it here and see what I can get over there.

Thanks. Will browse through and see. Thing is if I sell my car here I won't get very much for it probably GBP6k but can get similar car over in Oz for AUS20k. That's a whopping GBP5.5k difference. I am sure shipping will be cheaper no? Also, I read an article saying imported cars are hard and often expensive to insure so this must mean they are also hard to sell right? In your opinion, is it even worth it bringing it over?

Well that's an idea but struggling to see if there's even a point bringing a car that has a sat nav that won't work if I can buy one that has and works there for similar price when I include shipping.

I don't mean to be up myself or anything but why would you just sit back and watch Xmas ads? Is this supposed to be an enjoyable pass time? Maybe I am too old (early 30s) to get it. I mean I don't particularly like any form of ads but why the big deal of Xmas ones. I was laughing when I read 'UK Xmas ads are the dogs bollocks...' Am I missing something?

Hi R&N. Just thought to give you a helpful pointer. If you are on Facebook there is a group on there called 'UK Social Workers Wanting Oz' that you will get pretty much every single one of your questions asked. A really good bunch of people there who are super helpful and quite a lot of them were offered Victoria sponsorship (457) so they will be in a good position to assist. Make sure you state that you are from the UK (assuming that you are) as the group is only open to UK social workers. All the best with everything.

Checked the car. It does have all European countries there and nowt else[emoji26]

Ouch. That's quite steep! It's almost like buying another sat nav.

I have just bought this car and haven't collected it yet. Will have a thorough look at it at the weekend. I am under the impression that European models would not include Australia maps on them.

Sounds like a fuff. Thanks though. Will see if someone has been in the situation.

Not sure. I will check ta. I think it does not have it though.

Hi everyone. Hope you are all doing well. Quick question, does anyone know (preferably first hand) whether a UK sat nav can be converted to work in Oz? This is an inbuilt one in a Lexus IS model UK. Thanks heaps.

State nomination invitation in exactly 14 days/social work.

I'd probably say NSW myself if you are wanting to get the 190 visa. I have heard from members here that NT doesn't offer 190 when you apply and offer you a 489 instead. Plus the other requirements for nomination for NT was proof that you can get a job which is hella difficult to do as MT jobs are non-existent. They will almost certainly offer you the 489 which is not too bad. I am also a MLS but couldn't be bothered to sit the AIMS exam. Just applied for a 190 SA visa through my wife.

Thanks IC for the informative advice.

Thanks ArrowsEng. Looking like I will be taking the old lady. It's scary to just come over and buy a local motor without any verifiable history whilst leaving one here with full dealership one.