Stepdaughter under 18 on student visa

[Brissybear]

Apologies think I've posted this before.

 

long story short my right to return (PR) runs out in Feb (how do you find out exact date btw?).

 

Myself, my partner and my 3 year old daughter arrive in Brisbane on the 28th Jan. My partner and daughter will just be on a 3 month holiday visa as we are going to apply for the onshore visa for them when we get there.

 

The massive issue is my step daughter. She is 16 be 17 in June next year. Her life revolves around her bf and has chosen to live with her dad for the last 2 years.

 

Ive been told that once my partners visa has been submitted she has the right to go back and forward until the visa is about to be granted.

 

Here is my main question? How do we get our step daughter or partners daughter over to Oz if she is under 18 and changes her mind ? Could she come on a student visa for example under the age of 18 or does she have to wait until she is 18?

 

My partners dad is an Oz citizen and she has a half sister there. I don't want to lie to my step daughter and frankly it will break our hearts, I'm not convinced her mum can do it but she is desperate to get out of the UK as financially it's a mess for both of us.

 

Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated X

[Quoll]

First off, they run the risk of being turned back at the border of there is any indication they are not bone fide visitors so why not get all their visas sorted offshore - that may mean you spend time apart while their visas are processed. Your stepdaughter will then have to validate but can come and go until the travel portion of her visa expires. It will look dodgy to Immigration if you all rock up on a one way ticket looking like you are all going to stay but two of you are just going to be tourists! Will your stepdaughter 's dad allow her to be a dependent on her mum 's visa?

 

Actually, she's at a bad age to move right now anyway and would be much better waiting until she's done A levels, they travel quite well to Australia. You can get student visas for any stage of education and you pay through the nose for that education but it doesn't lead to permanent residence automatically as you are expected to go home at the end of your study

Edited November 2, 2016 by Quoll

[Bungo]

Apologies think I've posted this before.

 

long story short my right to return (PR) runs out in Feb (how do you find out exact date btw?).

 

Myself, my partner and my 3 year old daughter arrive in Brisbane on the 28th Jan. My partner and daughter will just be on a 3 month holiday visa as we are going to apply for the onshore visa for them when we get there.

 

The massive issue is my step daughter. She is 16 be 17 in June next year. Her life revolves around her bf and has chosen to live with her dad for the last 2 years.

 

Ive been told that once my partners visa has been submitted she has the right to go back and forward until the visa is about to be granted.

 

Here is my main question? How do we get our step daughter or partners daughter over to Oz if she is under 18 and changes her mind ? Could she come on a student visa for example under the age of 18 or does she have to wait until she is 18?

 

My partners dad is an Oz citizen and she has a half sister there. I don't want to lie to my step daughter and frankly it will break our hearts, I'm not convinced her mum can do it but she is desperate to get out of the UK as financially it's a mess for both of us.

 

Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated X

 

Firstly on the plan for you PR partner and young daughter, this is not the correct use of a tourist visa and whilst you might get away with the plan, you should know that there is a risk attached. There is a risk that they are turned away at the border on account of not being genuine tourists. Anyway if they do get away with it, no they cannot come and go as they please - when the tourist visa expires they would be on bridging visa A which does not have any travel rights, they would have to apply for permission to leave and renter Australia. The correct approach would be to apply for a visa offshore and move whe it is granted.

 

The other daughter is pretty straightforward and I am not sure why you are over complicating things. Simply put her on the partner visa application form, along with the younger child. Getting her a student visa later is a truly horrendous idea when this simple options is available now.

[Brissybear]

Firstly on the plan for you PR partner and young daughter, this is not the correct use of a tourist visa and whilst you might get away with the plan, you should know that there is a risk attached. There is a risk that they are turned away at the border on account of not being genuine tourists. Anyway if they do get away with it, no they cannot come and go as they please - when the tourist visa expires they would be on bridging visa A which does not have any travel rights, they would have to apply for permission to leave and renter Australia. The correct approach would be to apply for a visa offshore and move whe it is granted.

 

The other daughter is pretty straightforward and I am not sure why you are over complicating things. Simply put her on the partner visa application form, along with the younger child. Getting her a student visa later is a truly horrendous idea when this simple options is available now.

 

Thanks for the replies.

 

I'm still confused though. How does my partner apply for an 'onshore' visa if she is not in Oz. Do you just tell them at customs she's not a tourist and is here to apply for residency?

 

Also my partners dad has booked her a 3 month return flight so technically she wouldn't be able to apply offshore until she was back in the UK adding possibly 12 months to the whole process. I couldn't go 3 weeks without seeing my daughter never mind 3 -6 months at a time, she is only 3.

 

As for getting the stepdaughter on the visa as she is under 18 she needs permission from her Dad and he wouldn't do it in a million years and I don't blame him. Plus she will not leave her BF and follow him around wherever he goes until it fizzles out but she chose to live near her BF rather than live with her Mum which personally I couldn't believe.

 

To put things into perspective we are in the Highlands, I work in IT and have managed to get a job, but it's incredibly stressful and they are paying me a pittance (<24k) where I could earn double that in any other major UK city and much, much more in Oz.

 

I guess what I need to clarify is that can my partner apply for an offshore visa while she is on her 3 month holiday in Oz? If not then I think I will need to pull the plug as I just couldn't be stuck out in Oz with my right to return expired waiting on them lodging it etc.

[Guest]

So your partner was intending on applying on shore for a partner visa and then including your 3 year old as a dependant on this? Have I understood this correctly?

 

And then a student visa for the step daughter.

 

I'd run your case past a reputable MARA registered migration agent to see what they say about your plan.

 

An off shore application is lodged off shore. On shore is lodged on shore. There is no lodging an off shore while in Aus.

 

I must admit, if its the partner visa on shore you are looking at, it could well be iffy to rock up on one way tickets but then plenty of people do this it seems and lodge partner visas on shore. I'd discuss with a decent agent to see what they advise and so you can work out a plan that you are happy with and understand fully. An on shore partner visa would then see a bridging visa issued while waiting for a decision and it would come with work rights.

 

You don't however tell immigration at the airport they are on tourist visas but plan to apply for the partner visa on shore, as that is not the intent of a tourist visa IYKWIM. If a return flight is held for your partner it would probably see less questions asked, if you are asked any at immigration. You would be on a one way flight, your daughter also and so questions may be asked. They may not. Depends on the day, the staff working and other things of course. Having proof of funds for return airfares is perhaps something to consider?

 

If a partner visa could be applied for off shore, why didn't you do it earlier? As in within the time you had already to enable them to have the partner visa in place before you move? Its the same price and means no bridging visa etc, it would be all in place and you'd be good to go without the worry.

 

I'd not go into panic mode yet re the on shore application. Discuss with an agent and let them give you some feedback about your case. And read up in our partner visa thread and perhaps post there as lots of people have applied on shore for a partner visa, some while on tourist visas.

Edited November 2, 2016 by Guest
eta

[Brissybear]

So your partner was intending on applying on shore for a partner visa and then including your 3 year old as a dependant on this? Have I understood this correctly?

 

And then a student visa for the step daughter.

 

I'd run your case past a reputable MARA registered migration agent to see what they say about your plan.

 

An off shore application is lodged off shore. On shore is lodged on shore. There is no lodging an off shore while in Aus.

 

I must admit, if its the partner visa on shore you are looking at, it could well be iffy to rock up on one way tickets but then plenty of people do this it seems and lodge partner visas on shore. I'd discuss with a decent agent to see what they advise and so you can work out a plan that you are happy with and understand fully. An on shore partner visa would then see a bridging visa issued while waiting for a decision and it would come with work rights.

 

You don't however tell immigration at the airport they are on tourist visas but plan to apply for the partner visa on shore, as that is not the intent of a tourist visa IYKWIM. If a return flight is held for your partner it would probably see less questions asked, if you are asked any at immigration. You would be on a one way flight, your daughter also and so questions may be asked. They may not. Depends on the day, the staff working and other things of course. Having proof of funds for return airfares is perhaps something to consider?

 

If a partner visa could be applied for off shore, why didn't you do it earlier? As in within the time you had already to enable them to have the partner visa in place before you move? Its the same price and means no bridging visa etc, it would be all in place and you'd be good to go without the worry.

 

I'd not go into panic mode yet re the on shore application. Discuss with an agent and let them give you some feedback about your case. And read up in our partner visa thread and perhaps post there as lots of people have applied on shore for a partner visa, some while on tourist visas.

 

Thanks Snifter, especially the PM.

 

The biggest issue we have is MONEY :-((.

 

If I had the 7K to lodge the visa form just now I would. My partner has been going through a divorce for about 5 years and at last has reached some sort of settlement that might, just might get us the money to apply offshore before we leave.

 

Yes they are on return tickets but I'm on a 1 way, bit suspicious maybe?

 

I would love to get an agent all over this but again we have no money just now. Her dad has paid for the flights and luckily I have a good friend who could get me into contracting again. This was the original plan. But atm we literally have no money come the end of the month.

 

My partner will not consider Glasgow as we tried that and as a Highland girl she found it terrifying. She is very close to her Dad who is getting older and really doesn't want to miss this opportunity. Her adult son is moving there as well as an engineer when he graduates so all roads point down under.

 

We live on the isle of Skye which is beautiful and has a lot for me but she hates it and winter here is brutal. So it really is now or never.

 

The killer with these visa's is paying up front. I mean even if they let you pay in installments would be a huge help. Anyway I'm rambling I guess we just go but I think the offshore visa is best option. Ultimately I will be stuck and unable to travel due to not meeting RRV requirements although I do believe after around 6 months with a job, house etc I should be ok for short term RRV that would allow me to travel back and see my daughter.

 

Many thanks x

 

Btw the student visa wouldnt be until my stepdaughter was ready, which may be never or until she is well over 18.

Edited November 2, 2016 by Brissybear

[Quoll]

It does sound like things are really confused there! I'd suggest your wife and daughter apply now off shore and you just bite the bullet both financially and temporally and they move when their visa is granted. It's going to cost you money no matter which way you cut it. If your step daughter's father won't allow her to be part of that visa package then, sorry, too bad, she will basically have done her dash.

 

Bit of a worry though if your wife can't cope with Glasgow, how on earth is she going to cope in a big city on the other side of the world?

[Joji]

i just want to wish you good luck in all your plans and decisions , we had a very complex visa application involving my teenage daughters with their non emigrating father and both had boyfriends . We also had on the application two younger siblings to my husband the main applicant on our PR visa . It was a very emotional and extremely expensive process but it has all come good in the end . Considering money is tight and your short time frame to Februrary I would say you might have to defer your consideration for a student visa for your step daughter until she is 18 as I'm not sure but think you will have to apply for a jurisdiction for removal to the courts if her dad won't agree to a sworn declaration to allow to you take her to Australia before she is 18 years .All the best to you and your family sometimes you've just got to try with your given lot and hope for the best , do what you can and give it your best shot so you have no regrets trying

[Brissybear]

It does sound like things are really confused there! I'd suggest your wife and daughter apply now off shore and you just bite the bullet both financially and temporally and they move when their visa is granted. It's going to cost you money no matter which way you cut it. If your step daughter's father won't allow her to be part of that visa package then, sorry, too bad, she will basically have done her dash.

 

Bit of a worry though if your wife can't cope with Glasgow, how on earth is she going to cope in a big city on the other side of the world?

 

The only way we can get our hands on 7K is if her money comes in before Jan 28 we just don't have it. One thing I cant seem to find on the official visa site is would she be able to come and go while waiting on an offshore spouse visa? For example could she still get a 3 month tourist visa?

 

Anyway the Glasgow thing lol. It was more the people she was afraid of. We lived next to a park and there were often running battles with gangs and she even witnessed a shooting. She has been to Brisbane before (her Dad and half sister live there) and loves it. The only thing is she was there in winter and she is in for a shock arriving in summer because in the 5 years I lived in Brissy it rained (or felt like) it rained every single day from Jan up to the end of March.

[Brissybear]

i just want to wish you good luck in all your plans and decisions , we had a very complex visa application involving my teenage daughters with their non emigrating father and both had boyfriends . We also had on the application two younger siblings to my husband the main applicant on our PR visa . It was a very emotional and extremely expensive process but it has all come good in the end . Considering money is tight and your short time frame to Februrary I would say you might have to defer your consideration for a student visa for your step daughter until she is 18 as I'm not sure but think you will have to apply for a jurisdiction for removal to the courts if her dad won't agree to a sworn declaration to allow to you take her to Australia before she is 18 years .All the best to you and your family sometimes you've just got to try with your given lot and hope for the best , do what you can and give it your best shot so you have no regrets trying

 

Thanks. The stress is unbearable. X

[Joji]

Thanks. The stress is unbearable. X

It can totally imagine it to be unbearably stressful as I relate it to our experience and we saw brick walls many of times , hopefully you will eventually have a positive outcome like we did

[Bungo]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I'm still confused though. How does my partner apply for an 'onshore' visa if she is not in Oz. Do you just tell them at customs she's not a tourist and is here to apply for residency?

 

Also my partners dad has booked her a 3 month return flight so technically she wouldn't be able to apply offshore until she was back in the UK adding possibly 12 months to the whole process. I couldn't go 3 weeks without seeing my daughter never mind 3 -6 months at a time, she is only 3.

 

As for getting the stepdaughter on the visa as she is under 18 she needs permission from her Dad and he wouldn't do it in a million years and I don't blame him. Plus she will not leave her BF and follow him around wherever he goes until it fizzles out but she chose to live near her BF rather than live with her Mum which personally I couldn't believe.

 

To put things into perspective we are in the Highlands, I work in IT and have managed to get a job, but it's incredibly stressful and they are paying me a pittance (<24k) where I could earn double that in any other major UK city and much, much more in Oz.

 

I guess what I need to clarify is that can my partner apply for an offshore visa while she is on her 3 month holiday in Oz? If not then I think I will need to pull the plug as I just couldn't be stuck out in Oz with my right to return expired waiting on them lodging it etc.

 

Commenting on all your posts so far not just the one quoted.

 

so I am somewhat puzzled by where this money will come from if you are in Australia versus now when you are not, you do seem to be saying you can't apply offshore because of cost but somehow you will be able to apply onshore. As far as I know the cost is the same? Actually it used to be more expensive to apply onshore but I think it is equal now. Emigrating is enormously expensive, it doesn't usually help with financial troubles, it normally adds to them.

 

Amd yes it would be HUGELY dodgy for them to turn up on one way tickets amd even for you, travelling with them, to be on a one way ticket. It flags that they might not be genuine tourists. So they also cannot turn up with all their worldly goods or out of season clothes and so on, just in case.

 

To your query on the onshore partner visa, well it simply is not intended for people suchas your wife. Sometimes people move legitimately on a working holiday visa or a temporary employer sponsored visa, but then they meet an Australian and become a couple. The onshore visa is intended for these people. The proper visa for your wife's circumstances is the offshore visa. As I mentioned, she may very well get away with sneaking on shore and applying, but it is a risk that you / she needs to assess.

 

Back to the daughter. In the UK, 16 year olds have the right to choose where they live. If step daughter is willing to undergo a medical and take a validation trip there is nothing the father csn do to stop her. It would be wise to implore her to get on the visa even if to simply keep her options open for the next five years. If I had a pound for every stroppy teenager that refused to go on a visa application but then changed their mind I would be very rich indeed.

Edited November 2, 2016 by Bungo

[Brissybear]

Commenting on all your posts so far not just the one quoted.

 

so I am somewhat puzzled by where this money will come from if you are in Australia versus now when you are not, you do seem to be saying you can't apply offshore because of cost but somehow you will be able to apply onshore. As far as I know the cost is the same? Actually it used to be more expensive to apply onshore but I think it is equal now. Emigrating is enormously expensive, it doesn't usually help with financial troubles, it normally adds to them.

 

Amd yes it would be HUGELY dodgy for them to turn up on one way tickets amd even for you, travelling with them, to be on a one way ticket. It flags that they might not be genuine tourists. So they also cannot turn up with all their worldly goods or out of season clothes and so on, just in case.

 

To your query on the onshore partner visa, well it simply is not intended for people suchas your wife. Sometimes people move legitimately on a working holiday visa or a temporary employer sponsored visa, but then they meet an Australian and become a couple. The onshore visa is intended for these people. The proper visa for your wife's circumstances is the offshore visa. As I mentioned, she may very well get away with sneaking on shore and applying, but it is a risk that you / she needs to assess.

 

Back to the daughter. In the UK, 16 year olds have the right to choose where they live. If step daughter is willing to undergo a medical and take a validation trip there is nothing the father csn do to stop her. It would be wise to implore her to get on the visa even if to simply keep her options open for the next five years. If I had a pound for every stroppy teenager that refused to go on a visa application but then changed their mind I would be very rich indeed.

@Bungo

 

Cheers.

 

I have confirmed with the missus that we are all on return tickets.

 

The reason I have no money in the UK is because of the low wages I am on (due to location). However my partner is expecting some money from a divorce settlement but we can't rely on that.

 

I have around 5K in credit cards that should tide me over until I get a job, preferably contracting. One of my best friends is a Test Manager in Brissy and he is confident he can get me out there in no time. I also left my last job on great terms however would prefer to get as much money asap. The market is also very buyount out there for my profession.

 

We have decided on the offshore visa however I'm not 100% if my partner can still come on a 3 month holiday (her dad will look after her until I get work) or does offshore mean she has to stay in the UK until the visa is granted.

 

I thought that 16-18 year old's need permission from both parents or a court order to get on the visa? We could definitely talk her into it and she will come out to validate it. It's her Dad I feel bad for although she will be gone wherever her bf is regardless, maybe not the other side of the world though.

Edited November 2, 2016 by Brissybear

[Quoll]

The only way we can get our hands on 7K is if her money comes in before Jan 28 we just don't have it. One thing I cant seem to find on the official visa site is would she be able to come and go while waiting on an offshore spouse visa? For example could she still get a 3 month tourist visa?

 

Anyway the Glasgow thing lol. It was more the people she was afraid of. We lived next to a park and there were often running battles with gangs and she even witnessed a shooting. She has been to Brisbane before (her Dad and half sister live there) and loves it. The only thing is she was there in winter and she is in for a shock arriving in summer because in the 5 years I lived in Brissy it rained (or felt like) it rained every single day from Jan up to the end of March.

 

You do have to be careful about applying for a second visa whilst one is in the process - there are some visas which become superseded by the second visa but I think the spouse visa is ok as long as you don't intend to spend the entire waiting time on a tourist visa. You'd need to run that past your case officer and be sure to be out of the country when the visa is issued.

 

What a shame you chose that part of Glasgow, there are loads of other great places where the population isn't nearly as scary.

 

You might just have to bite the bullet and get out to Australia where you believe you can earn mega bucks, pay the visa fee and cope with the distance apart for the short term but for a longer term gain. Whichever way you go about it is not going to be cheap

Edited November 2, 2016 by Quoll

[Brissybear]

Quick update.

 

We are def going the offshore route. My partner thinks the form will be submitted before we go on holiday. Now does that allow her to travel on 3 month holiday visas while waiting on it being processed? Even at the border if she has return ticket and is honest saying she has applied offshore would she be okay?

[Bungo]

Quick update.

 

We are def going the offshore route. My partner thinks the form will be submitted before we go on holiday. Now does that allow her to travel on 3 month holiday visas while waiting on it being processed? Even at the border if she has return ticket and is honest saying she has applied offshore would she be okay?

 

The two visas are unconnected, so having a partner visa application in has no bearing on a tourist visa.

 

The issue is the same as before, that the tourist visa is for tourists. With return tickets unlikely she will be stopped. However the three month ETA likely to expire before the partner visa is granted, what is the plan then?

[Brissybear]

The two visas are unconnected, so having a partner visa application in has no bearing on a tourist visa.

 

The issue is the same as before, that the tourist visa is for tourists. With return tickets unlikely she will be stopped. However the three month ETA likely to expire before the partner visa is granted, what is the plan then?

 

Just reading the 40sp form there and it seems I have to prove I can financially support them as an obligation as a sponsor so during the holiday I will have to get a job which was essential anyway and provide payslips as evidence. So the plan is what I feared most she will have to submit both forms when she gets home which means a 12 to 15 month wait possibly until it's granted. The only saving grace is that an agent has confirmed they can travel out again during this period once the visas have been lodged. I know it might not take that long but Jesus I hope it comes as quick as it does for some people I've read on here.

[Nemesis]

Just reading the 40sp form there and it seems I have to prove I can financially support them as an obligation as a sponsor so during the holiday I will have to get a job which was essential anyway and provide payslips as evidence. So the plan is what I feared most she will have to submit both forms when she gets home which means a 12 to 15 month wait possibly until it's granted. The only saving grace is that an agent has confirmed they can travel out again during this period once the visas have been lodged. I know it might not take that long but Jesus I hope it comes as quick as it does for some people I've read on here.

 

Spouse Visa processing is currently 12-15 months Don't bank on it being any less.

 

You really,REALLY need to think finances.$7k for the visa. Medicals,police checks, flights, shipping..... You may take longer than a couple of months to get a job, many people do - what will your family live on? Rent, new home set up costs like electricity and gas, car/s, day care for the little one. whats the older one going to do if she comes? TAFE? Uni? Don't even consider a student visa, hideously expensive

 

You will have bigger financial issues than just the visa fee.

[VERYSTORMY]

I want to give you a few things to think about.

 

First, money. I do understand your financial position and I have been there more than once myself. In fact that is the reason we left Australia.

 

But, you need to be very aware that things like the visa are actually the least expensive aspects of making the move. It is all the other stuff that costs the most. For example, shipping or buying furniture and household items, temporary accommodation, long term accommodation - they will want to see either a signed employment contract or a healthy sum of money that would allow you to cover the rent and live for a number of months. Then there is living. You will need enough to live on for a period of time until you get work. You need at least three months of this with enough to pay the rent, pay bills, eat, and all the usual day to day things. Also, when you first arrive, you leach cash like it was going out of fashion and will also need one off things like a car and second hand cars hold their value well in Oz, meaning they are expensive to buy. So, what I am saying is, you are going to need to have a fair bank balance AFTER the visas and things

 

Then, after all that, you say that your partner finds the idea of Glasgow terrifying, but to work in IT you are going to need to live in one of the capital cities, the most IT work is in Melbourne and Sydney, both of which would be like taking her to live in London. Even Brisbane is a lot more daunting than Glasgow.

 

Then, even if your partner finds she can live in a big city, how will she feel if her daughter doesn't come over - which from what you have posted seems the likely outcome

[Brissybear]

Thanks again.

 

The problem with Glasgow was although we lived in a nice area there was still a lot of violence. My Dad lives in Govan and she saw someone get shot outside the house. I love Glasgow and it's no worse than anywhere else (no seriously) imo.

 

I think I need to clarify we will be living with her Dad and her half sister. Her Dad is really driving this (and is loaded, he paid for our flights). Shipping we aren't taking anything other than suitcases.

 

My partner is very confident she will get part of her divorce settlement in the next few weeks which is quite a bit of money but we don't want to fizzle it away. I lived in Brisbane for 5 years and was working within a week of arriving with my ex wife. I know this doesnt mean the same will happen again however I do have very good friends in the IT industry over there.

 

The biggest dilemma is the step daughter. I believe we can get her on my visa as long as we have an official letter from a lawyer saying over 16 year old can choose who they want to live with. However I don't think she will as she is so wrapped up with this guy.

 

I find it hard to even consider going and leaving her behind but as so many people have said, that's really up to her Mum I also have a daughter where I feel will have a much better life in Oz than here. In fact after Brexit or even worse independence, I reckon more and more youngsters will look to move away from the UK, especially Scotland. I've tried to weigh up the pro's and con's of just staying here but apart from being more expensive (the wages more than compensate for this though imo), Australia really is much, much better in every department than the UK.

 

The 3 month holiday visa's could be our lifeline with my step daughter as she has agreed to come out after she has finished school. If we go offshore then hold back submitting the visa's until she has been herself and then she would have 5 years to decide.

 

What we don't want is to be sitting skint in a few years in the same miserable grey place regretting that one chance we had as a family to be in a much better place with myself trying to support my 21 year old step daughter who has long finished with this current BF as well as my own daughter and partner.

Edited November 3, 2016 by Brissybear

[VERYSTORMY]

Thanks again.

 

The problem with Glasgow was although we lived in a nice area there was still a lot of violence. My Dad lives in Govan and she saw someone get shot outside the house. I love Glasgow and it's no worse than anywhere else (no seriously) imo.

 

I think I need to clarify we will be living with her Dad and her half sister. Her Dad is really driving this (and is loaded, he paid for our flights). Shipping we aren't taking anything other than suitcases.

 

My partner is very confident she will get part of her divorce settlement in the next few weeks which is quite a bit of money but we don't want to fizzle it away. I lived in Brisbane for 5 years and was working within a week of arriving with my ex wife. I know this doesnt mean the same will happen again however I do have very good friends in the IT industry over there.

 

The biggest dilemma is the step daughter. I believe we can get her on my visa as long as we have an official letter from a lawyer saying over 16 year old can choose who they want to live with. However I don't think she will as she is so wrapped up with this guy.

 

I find it hard to even consider going and leaving her behind but as so many people have said, that's really up to her Mum I also have a daughter where I feel will have a much better life in Oz than here. In fact after Brexit or even worse independence, I reckon more and more youngsters will look to move away from the UK, especially Scotland. I've tried to weigh up the pro's and con's of just staying here but apart from being more expensive (the wages more than compensate for this though imo), Australia really is much, much better in every department than the UK.

 

The 3 month holiday visa's could be our lifeline with my step daughter as she has agreed to come out after she has finished school. If we go offshore then hold back submitting the visa's until she has been herself and then she would have 5 years to decide.

 

What we don't want is to be sitting skint in a few years in the same miserable grey place regretting that one chance we had as a family to be in a much better place with myself trying to support my 21 year old step daughter who has long finished with this current BF as well as my own daughter and partner.

 

I would just say try to do some research. For example, this year, we moved from Australia to near Glasgow. We are significantly better off financially.

[Brissybear]

I would just say try to do some research. For example, this year, we moved from Australia to near Glasgow. We are significantly better off financially.

 

Genuine question VS.

 

Are you happier?

[VERYSTORMY]

Genuine question VS.

 

Are you happier?

 

Oh god yes. I cant remember the last time I was as happy. Life isn't perfect, but it is pretty good and I am very optimistic about what the future holds, even though I think it will involve more very big changes!

[Brissybear]

Genuine question VS.

 

Are you happier?

 

That's great to hear. I'm up on the Isle of Skye and do love it WHEN you can get outdoors and do stuff, especially fishing.

 

But I just can't get Oz out my system, every day for 5 years I think about it constantly but it's my partner and her Dad that are really pushing for this now like I said earlier. I can see a lot of tears and heartbreak. If my company paid the going rate for my trade I would def put the brakes on.

 

However the thought of taking my daughter to Southbank, Straddie, Moreton Island etc while I fish for bull sharks at night just beats everything.

 

I think my partner will get a shock with the amount of rain in Brissy in summer, I don't even class it as summer as it just rains every day. The rest of the year is beautiful for the most part though. Also she will be stuck in Chelmer for a while and not being able to work I can see her getting bored even though her dad has a pool. Time will tell but there is no changing her mind.

[Nemesis]

That's great to hear. I'm up on the Isle of Skye and do love it WHEN you can get outdoors and do stuff, especially fishing.

 

But I just can't get Oz out my system, every day for 5 years I think about it constantly but it's my partner and her Dad that are really pushing for this now like I said earlier. I can see a lot of tears and heartbreak. If my company paid the going rate for my trade I would def put the brakes on.

 

However the thought of taking my daughter to Southbank, Straddie, Moreton Island etc while I fish for bull sharks at night just beats everything.

 

I think my partner will get a shock with the amount of rain in Brissy in summer, I don't even class it as summer as it just rains every day. The rest of the year is beautiful for the most part though. Also she will be stuck in Chelmer for a while and not being able to work I can see her getting bored even though her dad has a pool. Time will tell but there is no changing her mind.

 

The heat will tell you its summer.

doesn't rain every day - even the tropical north doesn't achieve that, but when it does rain its often heavy. The place gets so dry that you spend the time when it isn't raining sacrificing stuff to the weather gods for the next downpour to hurry up.