Leighbee98

It’s got to be 50/50 holiday and reccy we would like to see the worst of the weather just to see if we can handle the heat rain etc. It would be good to see if there are any small local IT firms about see if any fancy a volunteer when we move. very much like to see places we could live and reccy the commute to work (places of work) schools etc

Hello all So Wifey has agreed to my plan of a month in OZ For those that dont know we have started the permanent visa process but have never actually visited. So we thought February in OZ would be a good starting place. We would like to spend a couple of nights in Singapore visiting friends then the rest is TBD, we have a 2 year old with us so that/it/her needs to be considered. Ultimately we fancy the warm lifestyle, if we can emigrate all year round so a trip to Queensland is certainly on the cards (it was 29 here in the UK today and the misses said... "im a bit chilly" I admit it was 8pm!!) Where would you go/suggest? ... so far we thought London to Singapore...to Sydney...to Brisbane... home.. What about Newcastle, Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Sunshine coast? any dream spots?

But fish are friends Bob..poor snappy. Looks like ill have to have a go at fishing rather than keeping

We found a migration agent (on this forum) who has helped us through each step. Well worth the money in my opinion. It's a big journey all this so having a knowledgeable advisor takes the heat out of it. Wish you all the best

Alright for some!! Do you need someone to carry your bags next trip? me me me me (jumping with hand in the air)

I personally avoid Dubai airport now as I have missed connecting flights and found it just too busy (queues upon queues). I was delayed out of LHR and the captain said.."dont worry they know your on your way" well the flight left while i was trying to make it to the gate. The i queued for 3 hours to rebook along with everyone else. 7 hours later off I went. I have made connections in that time, just if there is a delay its a stress. Abu Dhabi on the other hand with Etihad was like a day at the spa. Superb service throughout and no queues.

https://tollfreeforwarding.com Just an idea for anyone needing to get a Oz number prior to moving... worth a go

We are planning a trip in Feb to visit 4 areas over 4 weeks... even then that wont be enough to see what we want to. For the record... have you seen the film "Little Nicky" he sleeps in ski clothes, in a sleeping bag on top of the radiator.... that's my wife I on the other hand am built like a seal (unfortunately not a navy SEAL)

We are still investigating to be honest but QLD would be top of the list (subject to work) i want to be warm, bigger home than in the uk, and near the ocean (fishes reef etc)

Wow @Bobj I suppose there really is no need to keep them at home when you have that on the doorstep. I hope our visas work out ... id love this so much.

Is anyone keeping Marine fish and or corals? Anyone using natural sea water too? Show us your tanks.

This is actually going to be my plan, even volunteering if needs be to make contacts and gain that local Aussie experience. Although I should still be able to able to earn from my UK work remotely (a bit)

@Brucolino and im an IT professional too..eeeeek

Wish you well Jon. We are just starting out on the visa journey and my wife is an accountant. Be great to hear how you get on. All the best buddy

UPDATE 30th April 2018 We have found a Migration agent that suits us perfectly.... They were instructed today to begin the process. Here we go folks.

That’s exactly what we are doing right now the information is there may as well use it

Thank you all for your messages. There are some really interesting points of view here that have been very helpful. I think we will book a trip sharpish and start the convos with family. Just waiting on the other two agents to reply so can compare opinions and costs.

Im noticing that from the real estate listings. Ill need to narrow down a bit based on work opportunity and lifestyle and then research homes. A friend lives in Warriewood NSW that looks lovely (google maps and street view).

Thanks folks, fingers crossed as its a real party pooper for me in the summer (I have to sit inside with the ac on)

I was wondering if anyone suffered badly from hay fever in the UK and what was it like now your in Oz? Mine always completely disappears when I leave the UK. Where are you living (so i can judge city, sea air, bush). All the best.... a .... a..... a choo

I usually google terms im not familiar with.... Redgum... and music band?

Luckily no smoking for me.... too tight to spend all that on smoke... bbq smoke now thats a different matter!!!!

I best brew me own then the rate i get through it!!

Is it bad but personally I just like a change and a new challenge, experience new things and meet new people. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Im sure i would miss things from time to time, but its about filling those gaps with new things i love (somone said Singapore for $129 each way... apart from the beer cost in singa eeek)

So folks it seems it is now time for us to really make this decision.. Are we going for it or not? We have heard back from 1 of the Migration Agents (we contacted three one is pending reply and the other we still need to provide more details to) and it would seem we have a couple of options. I wont go in to all that just yet as we would like to hear back from all three first.. but we seem to have the ability for either of us to be the lead applicant under either a 189 or 190 (and I could also have the option of a 489) As Wifey is an accountant we either need her to be the main applicant (high points) or I need her 5 points as partner skills as im lower in points as an IT bod. And with accountants there is the possibility we would loose her position from the list thus couldn't use her as the main or claim the desperate 5 points i need. (Thats my understanding) So we need to commit and get started with skills assessments and English tests in either case. So decision time. Do it? or not? We haven't yet been to Oz and try telling an accountant to "take a punt"!!!! What do you think? Did you give up a lot in the UK not knowing what would happen? did it turn out ok? no regrets?