Vicky87

i hadn't thought about the costs if we had to try somewhere else - def worth considering.. Thanks for the advice ? really appreciate it..! I'll keep an eye on seek to see where he would most likely be in demand and aim for there, NSW is looking more promising.

if getting a job wasn't a concern we'd be heading to Perth without much of a discussion!! he's a pipefitter/ metal fabricator so may be better going to Newcastle as looks like it's on the up rather than on the down! I'm trying to think jobs are essential and moving to Perth won't work if he can't find employment! That's what i meant about staying for 4 years+ - its too expensive in Oz to stay without work so we're just hoping he finds something x

what made you make the move? I've looked briefly at Perth house prices.. I think we could afford a decent house within 30 min commute to the centre..

i also had not thought sun could change your plans?! Typical Brit i guess lol

i never thought of Newcastle..We're not against looking at towns rather than cities, its just whether my husband can get work. he may have to start working away from home here soon which we don't want, and don't want the same thing happening over there we're hoping to find somewhere we can provide a better lifestyle for our daughter and future children.. and also open up opportunities for them. Even if it doesn't work out for us, I'm hoping we can stay long enough to get citizenship for their future (big hope given the cost of living!) you've definitely put me off Sydney, that doesn't sound like my idea of fun!! We didn't like Brisbane at all and figured sun all year round wouldn't be for us.. I guess its looking where seems to offer the most employment prospects as well, is seek.com.au the best for this?

i live in wales, its wet! I think Cornwall is the same - lots of rain usually. there are other reasons we want to move that's just one of them.. I am aware we would still be in hibernation in Jan - just because of the sun not rain lol especially in the early years while we get used to the heat I'm surprised Sydney is more humid than the sunshine coast! you have made me think of jobs prospects for children though, in that respect maybe Melbourne would be better as there's definitely more opportunities.. Back to the drawing board!!

you are right, weather is a huge factor as its one of the main reasons we are looking to move.. i loved Sydney as a place, we visited in winter and i still loved it! I just wonder whether its more a place to visit than a place to live.. my husband preferred Perth and i did really like it too, i could see us as a family settling down there as its more laidback Could be because we were there longer than Melbourne though which is why i didn't like to rule it out.. I just know Perth is struggling with work and worry it could end in a disaster! I guess whereas we decide its going to be difficult it begin with!

that's an interesting article, thanks for sending it over.. It does make me think it might be too changeable for us. i like seasons but not a fan of the wind/ rain for too long! Although i imagine having a hot summer you may appreciate the cold more...! a lot to consider as we only really want to move once and make a go of it.. i loved Sydney when we were there but the fact we could never afford to buy a house has put us off! X

hi guys just wondered what the weather is really in Melbourne? We are torn between Perth and Melbourne - Perth because the weather and beaches, and we really liked it when we visited... and Melbourne because of job prospects and proximity to other places.. one of my main hates about the British summer is the that you can't plan anything in advance as you don't know what the weather will be doing - is it the same here?

i would double check with the agent you used but i wouldn't have thought so? i had a skill select open that expired and remember they do email you about a month before to let you know its due to expire good luck!

that is very handy - thank you! Sorry only just had chance to see the link.. Love that it gives you earliest and latest dates ?

yeah UK to Oz, ok thanks both that's really good to know. I'm a bit ocd and like to know when to get everything sorted! X

wow good job i asked now, best get him to the vets to start the course! thanks xx

Hi guys, just wondered how far in advance do you need to start thinking about vaccinations etc for a dog? thanks Vicky x

Hi Brian i don't have any advice, just might be in the same boat with my husband if we come to Perth so interested to hear what you decide.. We were out there a few years back and he managed to get a job through hays working for a British company.. Have you tried adapting your CV to say metal fabricator rather than pipefitter as this seems to be the closest job description we found? Do you mind me asking how you got a visa? there's a shipping place in henderson/ kwinana. Have you tried there?

fab thanks all, will check out those agents.. I am all for using one, but as a quantity surveyor I like to get value for money!! I've started doing some research and will continue, just wondered whether an aussie agent might have some on the ground insight.. On the other hand I guess a lot can happen within 12 months that it could take to get a visa!

Hi All My husband and I have decided to start the ball rolling to obtain a 189 visa but we're unsure where/ when to start the process and hoping you all can help with a few queries: Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced, good migration agent? I've had a quote for £1,800 - is this about the going rate? Are visa agents able to help with where to go in terms of where the best job prospects are? I have looked at skillselect and this seems relatively straight forward, is it the application for the actual visa that is more complicated? I understand the English tests are valid for two years, is that two year to obtain a visa or two years to enter Oz? Hope that makes sense... We have been discussing whether or not to make the move for years, my biggest fear is not making any friends.. Have people found this is ok once arriving? Thanks Vicky

Thanks all.. I have asked what visa and after all your comments I don't think I would risk going over on a 457.. if they offer me PR it will make my decision harder.. if we did go I would wait a couple of years before trying for baby no2, I would feel guilty for letting the employer spend so much money otherwise.. I've been looking on seek I can expect a salary of around $130k, not sure how far this will go!? My husband is a pipefitter which we know they don't recognise in Oz, he is due to complete a H&S qualification but is happy to be a stay at home dad initially and sort everything out.. he is also happy to complete a course if he needs to when we get there.. It definitely a head and heart conundrum, my head is saying wait but my heart is saying you only live once and would we regret it if we didn't go.. I will let you know when I hear back from the agency!!

Hi, thank you for your reply.. sorry to hear you have been in hospital, it does sound stressful not having anyone close by. This does worry me also.. Thanks for the au pair suggestion, I will look into prices. Especially for if we have another as it would prob work out cheaper.. we also have a dog so at least he wouldn't be alone! I have asked what visa I will be offered and whether a relocation package will be included, I'm expecting a phone call tomorrow so will start crunching numbers following that! The agency mentioned a companies in CBD and also south Sydney so I'll push for south Sydney!!! Thanks for your comments xx

Hi everyone, I'm new here but just after a bit of advice.. I've recently been contacted about a possible job in Sydney, I'm a quantity surveyor and apparently they are struggling to hire looking and looking to sponsor candidates.. My partner and I would love to live in Australia, I loved Sydney but he preferred Perth.. anyway, we have a 6 month old baby girl who hasn't been the easiest to look after and I have relied on my family a great deal to help out.. we would both love another child in the next year or two. I guess my question is whether you would suggest going for this opportunity now and having a second child over there, or waiting until we've had baby no2 and looking again then, albeit a job may not be available and we would have to pay for visas.. I am still waiting for more detail about the job etc, and both avenues come with a string of pros and cons.. If anyone has any stories to share it would be really appreciated.. thanks xx