wattsy1982 Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 Hi all. My wife and I are currently going through the motions of applying for visas. Back in 2008 as a newly wed couple and child free we decided to get a years working visa for Australia and have a year to remember before starting a family. After that year and seeing New Zealand too we fell in love with Australia, especially the gold coast but as always with a working holiday visa we had to return back to the UK....in January 2009, in the snow, in the middle of the recession....BACK WITH A BUMP! After the initial 2-3 weeks of seeing family and friends the novelty soon wore off and we started looking into emigrating on the back of my wife's job as a Midwife. We put the house on the market and then found out she was pregnant with our first child, Charlie, due to be 3 in October this year. We decided to hold off a while and just enjoy new family life and with all the excitement time flew and before we knew it OZ was now on the agenda once more. During this time my wifes brother and his fiancee (a paediatric nurse) had moved out to the gold coast on a years holiday visa just like we had....jealous much! By this time Charlie was 1 1/2 so we decided to brave it and all go on holiday back in June last year to visit 'uncle tom and auntie lizzie at the beach!' for a month. It felt right being back there and Charlie loved the beach and outdoor life and when we flew home to the UK it felt wrong to leave OZ. To try and combat the post holiday blues we re-ignited the emigration candle and contacted an agent and put wheels in motion....we seemed to be heading in the right direction. STILL WITH ME?? Anyway, back in october last year my wife fell pregnant with our second son, Jack, now 9 weeks old! We have decided to continue with the application but looking to hold off for a year until we actually move out and with my wifes brother now on a permanent visa and due to get married on the beach in sept 2013 we now have a deadline to be out there by! We have sold our house, banked the money and now renting so we have no ties when 'the time' comes. We have been out to oz twice so know the area very well, we all loved it and know jack would too and we know it would be great for the kids.........but we still think is it the right choice?!?!? I doubt Im alone here. Its only natural to have doubts about this MASSIVE move with 2 young kids but we still feel we need to try it and 'get it out of our system' My friends and family say"so thats where you want to live for good is it" and I reply with..."i dont know but will only find out by trying" I would rather regret doing something than regret NOT doing it. We have decided to give it 2 years (initially forever is a long time) and after that time we will be in a much better place to decide long term, by which time im sure we will be settled and love it. Apologies for going on and on in this thread and I dont know what Im trying to achieve or what replies I want but just felt I would put down our entire situation and thoughts and see what comes back and who else is in our situation. Looking to move to Robina/Varsity Lakes area of the gold coast as we believe them to be good family areas, so anyone whos already done this in that area I would very appreciate any replies. If you are still reading and still awake thanks for your time! I look forward to your replies. Dan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Levimouse Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 Hi wattsy From what you write it certainly seems the right move for you and your family. As you say, give it 2 years and re-evaluate and hopefully by then you'll be settled and not looking back. My husband and I are exactly the same. We'd rather try it and not like it than not try it at all. I say good luck to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted July 31, 2012 Author Share Posted July 31, 2012 Thanks Levimouse thats re-assures us. Where are you moving from and looking to go? Have you been to oz before? What do you do workwise? Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jassop Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 We are doing the same and saying to ourselves we will do 2 years - at the best we will love it and stay, at the worst we will have had an amazing adventure and experience and can come home knowing we experienced something magical - what's there to lose? We also have two kids aged 3 and 6 and I think now is the time to go - so long as the kids have a loving family nothing else matters. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 Hey Dan, sounds like it would be a good opportunity. You can only give it a shot for a few years! at least you've been out and know that you love it, although i know being on holiday is different from actually living there. Just give it your best shot, im sure it'll all work out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted July 31, 2012 Author Share Posted July 31, 2012 Thanks Guys re-assuring to know we are doing the right thing. The way we look at it is that we are currently renting a house in the UK so if we hate oz, we come back...rent (like we are now) and my wofe will eaisly get another job back here....nothing to lose really. We will either love it and wont even contemplate coming home or hate it and come back, win win all round really. Scottishstacey, we did work out there on our years working visa so know roughly what to expect and know its not all BBQs and beach partys. Unfortunately!! :-) Albeit not with kids so not experienced the Aussie lifestyle as a working family but atleast we have a much better background and understanding than most emigrating. It wil either be easier this time as we have 2 kinds so in theory our family is with us meaning homesickness wont be as bad OR because we have 2 kids it will be worse as they are miles from grandparents, cousins and aunties. We aren't really worried about missing family for our sake but I do constantly worry that our sons wont grow up with their loving grandparents like myself and my wife both did. Do we take them away from things and family they know and love to give them a life we know they would like but they dont know it. Tough but got to be done. Kids are so resilient i think we are worrying more about it than they will! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 Thanks Guys re-assuring to know we are doing the right thing. The way we look at it is that we are currently renting a house in the UK so if we hate oz, we come back...rent (like we are now) and my wofe will eaisly get another job back here....nothing to lose really. We will either love it and wont even contemplate coming home or hate it and come back, win win all round really. Scottishstacey, we did work out there on our years working visa so know roughly what to expect and know its not all BBQs and beach partys. It wil either be easier this time as we have 2 kinds so in theory our family is with us meaning homesickness wont be as bad OR because we have 2 kids it will be worse as they are miles from grandparents, cousins and aunties. We aren't really worried about missing family for our sake but I do constantly worry that our sons wont grow up with their loving grandparents like myself and my wife both did. Do we take them away from things and family they know and love to give them a life we know they would like but they dont know it. Tough but got to be done. Kids are so resilient i think we are worrying more about it than they will! I cant really comment on the kid part, i dont have any but im sure it sounds like a good age to move. when theyre at school i think it becomes harder. Better to give it a go rather than regret not going. Thats what i try tell myself anyway! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted July 31, 2012 Author Share Posted July 31, 2012 Are you looking to go out too Scottishstacey? where too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 well my OH had a job interview for perth a few weeks ago so we're just waiting to hear the outcome. It's a fly in fly out job and the roster is quite harsh but we've been trying for well over a year to find a sponsor with no luck and this is our first one so if he gets this job we're going to give it a go and hopefully he'll be able to get a better shift roster after a year. but havent even got the job yet and im having cold feet! im a nightmare :unsure: its best to give it a go for two years tho! what sort of visa are you going to come out on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted July 31, 2012 Author Share Posted July 31, 2012 erm.....to be honest my wife is the one clued up on the visa...before it changed on July 1st it was the 457 i think. We are looking to come out based on my wifes occupation but not linked to a job or sponsored by anyone so pretty flexible once we are in the country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benoli Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 We're doing the same thing. Hubby and I are both nurses and got 2 boys aged 4yrs and a 1yr old. we feel now is the best time for us to go as the kids are so young so should adapt quickly to wherever they are. We also want to get over so the the eldest starts primary school over there rather than here. All being well we intend on going over in early December this year. We've decided that whatever happens we'll definitely stay for 4 yrs and get citizenship. Our plan is to go to Adelaide first as we have a friend there. Thought it made sense to start where we have someone to help guide us while we find our feet. We'll give it 2 yrs and if we don't like it then we'll try another state....we don't intend on giving up and coming home just because one state doesn't suit. Its a massive country so we'll just try another state as they are all different. Hopefully Adelaide suits us fine but you never know what happens. Either way, we intend on being in Oz for the long haul :biggrin: totally agree with you in that I'd rather regret trying than not at all! good luck with your journey, I hope its all you dream of x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 erm.....to be honest my wife is the one clued up on the visa...before it changed on July 1st it was the 457 i think. We are looking to come out based on my wifes occupation but not linked to a job or sponsored by anyone so pretty flexible once we are in the country. well you'll still have the 457 visa, you can either go on that one which is much more quicker i think or you could go for a independant one which takes longer and is more expensive i think. even if you go on the 457 visa you'll be able to go for PR eventually once your over there. The good thing about it is it gets you out there quickly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted July 31, 2012 Author Share Posted July 31, 2012 well you'll still have the 457 visa, you can either go on that one which is much more quicker i think or you could go for a independant one which takes longer and is more expensive i think. even if you go on the 457 visa you'll be able to go for PR eventually once your over there. The good thing about it is it gets you out there quickly Oh really...we were under the impression (give by our agent) that the 457 is no longer available after this whole 1st july shake up with the new EOI system. How does that work...chosen on a points basis or occupation basis? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 Oh really...we were under the impression (give by our agent) that the 457 is no longer available after this whole 1st july shake up with the new EOI system. How does that work...chosen on a points basis or occupation basis? as far as i know its still available, we were under the impression that was the visa being used for oh's job interview and i've saw other people mentioning it on here. I'll see if i can find out for you though tomorrow! for the skilled independant visa (think the number is 175) its a points basis, you fill in a application and then if your chosen you start your visa. but for the 457 you just have to find a employer whos willing to sponsor you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Levimouse Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 Thanks Levimouse thats re-assures us. Where are you moving from and looking to go? Have you been to oz before? What do you do workwise? Dan I'm pleased you feel better. My emotions go up and down everyday thinking whether this is the right thing to do for us and the kids. We're in Surrey and either gonna go to Perth or Melbourne. My husbands best friend is in Melbourne but we'd get sponsored for WA and I think the lifestyle will be better. Never been to Oz before - must be mad I know. I'm a qualified accountant but work as an external auditor. Yes it's as exciting as it sounds. How about you? Kim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted July 31, 2012 Author Share Posted July 31, 2012 as far as i know its still available, we were under the impression that was the visa being used for oh's job interview and i've saw other people mentioning it on here. I'll see if i can find out for you though tomorrow! for the skilled independant visa (think the number is 175) its a points basis, you fill in a application and then if your chosen you start your visa. but for the 457 you just have to find a employer whos willing to sponsor you As it goes I think its the 175 as its a points basis with an IELTS test etc...yes its the 175 im sure....ish! We are at the skills assessment stage at the moment and then if thats goes ok we then submit an expression of interest and wait to be invited to lodge our application...at which stage I dont think there is any hitches as they have already decided that we are good enough and that my wifes job (midwife) is it demand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted July 31, 2012 Author Share Posted July 31, 2012 I'm pleased you feel better. My emotions go up and down everyday thinking whether this is the right thing to do for us and the kids. We're in Surrey and either gonna go to Perth or Melbourne. My husbands best friend is in Melbourne but we'd get sponsored for WA and I think the lifestyle will be better. Never been to Oz before - must be mad I know. I'm a qualified accountant but work as an external auditor. Yes it's as exciting as it sounds. How about you? Kim I work in sales for a company who organise business conferences and exhibitions.....not on the skills list but hoping to still do it from oz...I have a very understanding boss! My wife is a midwife so 'should' be no problem...hopefully. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest toriat22 Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Hi there After looking at this website for the last year I finally decided to register. My hubbie and I have thought about coming to Oz on and off for 10 years after we did a years working visa over there. We now have 2 boys aged 8 and 6 and have kind of decided to give it a go again. I am in 2 minds as my mum has MS and is currently in hospital, I feel that I would be abandoning her! She is really keen for us to do this for our family though but its so hard to make such a decision.. I think the give it 2 years idea is the best one! Its good to hear other people are in the same boat as me!! Toria Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cronemeister Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Hi Wattsy Sounds like you and the missus are both on the same page with your thoughts, and since you have sold your house then what is there really to lose ? There's nothing wrong with going into this with the mindset that if you don't like it after 2 years you come back. You won't have lost anything. Friends and family will still be here, the UK economy will still be fkked etc etc. Don't think your OH would struggle to get a job back here if you did come back, but I'm sure that 2 years will be enough for you to decide that you love it. We're going through a similar thing. Coming out there in a couple of months on a 457 visa. Our mortgage is really low so renting our UK home out. Selling our cars and using the money from that and my redundancy settlement to cover costs and getting set up. Initially we've said we'll give it a year at least (if I leave before then I have to repay relocation costs to the company), but I reckon a year will be long enough for us to be able to make an informed decision on whether or not we stay or come back home. I look at it from the aspect that I'm being paid to be on holiday. Our kids are 11 and 13 and they are super excited about it and I'm sure that once we're there we'll all realise just how amazing it is and that it was so the right decision to make. Good luck ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sioban Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 We arrived in Brisbane 5 months ago and have to say that it's the best decision we ever made, our kids who are 6 and 8 settled in immediately and it feels like we've been here years. Like yourselves we have done Oz minus kids and then came here when they were young before making the choice and know that it's the right one for us. I love getting up and seeing the sun, I work inside all day but I still feel better for seeing the good weather and knowing that we can spend our weekends in the sun at the coast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TobyJD Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Do you want to spend the rest of your life wondering 'What if?' We hadn't even considered Australia until I was offered a job there in mid-April - now we're flying out the end of this month, never having been to the country and not knowing anyone (but leaving behind a lot of grief from people who would rather die of boredom). I knew I couldn't say no to going. I have a good career here but for how long? I have opportunities put my way by work, but nothing that gives me the nervous excitement in my stomach like going to Australia. One day I'm going to wake up, be old, and look back on my life. I intend to do it knowing that I made the most of the opportunities that came my way, and that I have a long list of adventures to tell my grandchildren about. There's a great Mark Twain quote that I love: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted April 8, 2014 Author Share Posted April 8, 2014 Hi All, Juts looking back over some of my old posts to gauge feelings/thoughts before migrating and came across this thread. Im curious what people are doing now, did you make the move etc? We have been here since July 13 and having mixed feelings if Im honest..everything that I expressed in my older posts before migrating are becoming issues. Anyway, love to hear whos done what and where you are living now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Finalproof Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Hi All, Juts looking back over some of my old posts to gauge feelings/thoughts before migrating and came across this thread. Im curious what people are doing now, did you make the move etc? We have been here since July 13 and having mixed feelings if Im honest..everything that I expressed in my older posts before migrating are becoming issues. Anyway, love to hear whos done what and where you are living now. What issues? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted April 8, 2014 Author Share Posted April 8, 2014 Missing our old life, not having grandparents and other family around for the kids etc. All the things/concerns we had in mind before we came out are cropping up......hey ho....see how it goes I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elizabethkolo Posted April 11, 2014 Share Posted April 11, 2014 Edited as I missed the context... sorry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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