MrTee

9 hours ago, can1983 said:

There has to be some mechanism when one parent is absent and not contactable.....

I can get her permission

13 hours ago, Marisawright said:

Of course they do.  They know how hard it'll be for you to get a visa.  They know most people want a permanent visa, so they think you'll change your mind when you find out how slim your chances are.  They're not going to waste time talking to you when they think there's not much chance you'll follow through.   

If you can convince them you're genuinely just looking for contract work, you might get a different reaction.

As Tulip1 says, I'd also check up whether you need the wife's permission to remove your daughter from the UK.  As she's not living there herself, I don't think it should be an issue, but it's important to be sure. You don't want to go through the whole visa process then find they don't allow your daughter into the country when you arrive.

Cheers for telling it how it is.

When the Gorgon project was being built, they were desperate to get Brits out there ... was offered work frequently with offers of arranging a visa ... seems its not so busy out there now.

 If i could go out there with my equipment and job about as a contractor that would be my preference, though my understanding is the sponsored visa is only for work with the one company.

I am happy to pay for the visa out of my own pocket.

14 hours ago, not a hillbilly said:

I’d look at NZ or Canada (if you like the cold). Many UK police, firies & ambos moved to NZ. Here in Oz I’ve found Kiwi managers are much more competent & professional.

If its just you & daughter, then a modernish 2-bedroom unit should suit. They are rare & go for around $450,000 in regional areas & climbing.

Depending on what work you want, TIG welders are in demand.

The ship-submarine building industry in Adelaide SA would be a good choice. Incat in Hobart, Tasmania also uses several & is a good employer – worth an email enquiry. Tho I wouldn’t classify Tassie as anything other than a hillbilly state despite the nice southern-UK style weather.

Australia will soon start building more armoured vehicles (for Germany) in Brisbane Qld.

I’ll ask my workshop supervisor (engineer in the Mt.Isa mines for years) & a friend in the aircraft industry about their use of TIG these days – probably good.

Wages in Oz are higher than UK & living expenses (while climbing) are also lower.

I'm a welding inspector and Phased Array/ToFD ... id expect to take a huge cut on day rate to move to OZ, as id be going from contractor who hires out equipment .. to PAYE employee.

Best wages and conditions are in Norway, nowhere else on earth comes close. 2 weeks on 4 weeks off, for full yearly pay, on rigs that can be like hotels with masses of fresh food to choose from ... and no sharing rooms. Yet just a few hundred metres away in UK sector its 3 on 3 off so people are shattered ... and always sharing rooms, often with someone on he same shift ... and can be 3 to a room .... plus deep fried everything served by a grimacing Glaswegian.

On 02/04/2024 at 21:48, Quoll said:

I note you are a single parent - will your daughter's other parent allow her to leave? That's often an issue that single parents have when trying to move their kids. 

I agree that talking with an agent is your best bet - but some of the pathways are going to put a serious dent in your £450k (especially private international school fees!)

Yes no issue on that score ... she moved back to her country of origin without even telling us! (had separated years earlier)

8 hours ago, Steve Elliott said:

Mr Tee

Based on the limited information you have provided, there are potentially some pathways for you and your daughter. 

I would certainly suggest a modest investment in having a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent who can determine your eligibility and potential pathways for you both.

With the potential to earn a higher annual income, this potentially presents more options to you.

Once you know where you stand from visa perspective, you can work on developing your strategy incorporating housing, schooling etc.

I hope this helps.

Thanks, for that ... and thanks to all others offering advice.

Wil search for a migration agent.

On 24/03/2024 at 04:53, InnerVoice said:

A quick fact check; $870,000 would be sufficient to buy a home in any Australian city with the exception of Sydney. In Melbourne and Canberra you're going to be living in suburbia, but they're still affordable on that kind of budget. One assumes that the OP could obtain a mortgage too, which would further extend his budget. He also mentioned that he can earn over USD $1,000/day, which is a fantastic income. Blimey, I wished I'd become a welding inspector instead of a teacher!

https://www.domain.com.au/research/house-price-report/march-2023/

£450k is some solid coin and a lot more money than most migrants arrive on these shores with, so I don't see any problem for the OP financially. However, his pathway to PR is going to be a lot harder, and as others have said, consulting an RMA should be his next step.

@MrTee I'm 100% behind your reasons for wanting to leave the UK. Have you considered any other countries? I believe it's a fair bit easier to get PR in NZ, although don't quote me on that!

Hi thanks for all your replies.

I can move to Thailand as my daughter has a passport for there ... but its too hot most the year, and i couldnt imagine spending the last 1/3 of my life there .. plus the opportunities would be limited for daughter.

Can move to the USA, but its too violent. Canada is too cold.

NZ is too far if i need to work in Europe, the extra few hours are a killer.

Northern Europe is less fun than England, and has similar problems, plus Brits don't move to Europe at working age even prior to Brexit due to not speaking the lingo.

Basically Australia as the language / climate / job prospects for kid/ safety to live an OK life.

Contacted several companies, since i initially posted, a few have got back to me .. but as soon as i said im 49, they go quiet ... not sure why as it was only a short time ago that i was 25!

I'm not too fussed about getting PR for myself, its more a case of getting my kid out there, and getting her settled whilst she is almost young ... as she is academic, id imagine in time she could get PR, after studying at Uni, then the 2 year working holiday visa ... at which point i can pay for the parental visa which i see is very expensive.

More a case of getting the 4 year work visa for myself, which just about sees her finish pre uni education.

Im one of the many who has had enough of England, and looking to OZ as a possibility.

Though, it seems my age is against me (49), and i'm a single parent to a soon to be 14 year old girl.

My qualification as a Welding Inspector/NDT tech seems to be on the list for skilled immigrants.

Is it viable to move out there with a Student visa for my daughter and put her into private school ... and initially get the relevant parental visa to allow me to stay in country .... then attempt to get a temporary visa for 2/3 years to work as a Welding Inspector/NDT tech?

Ive a fair chunk of money i.e. best part of £450,000, so can afford to buy a house, and have some spare to tide us over ... plus I can work overseas on short contracts earning 4 figures in USD a day.

Realise as im coming up to 50, there is no chance of permanent residency, more a move to give my kid some fun in the rest of her childhood, and to put down roots for her so she has a better place to live in the future.

IMHO England/UK is screwed and is only going to get worse, so desperate to get out.