so my occupation has turned up on the new Australian skills shortage list....

[pestooneverything]

...and I want to go!

I have wanted to do a trial stint of working abroad all my life and it has never been the right time. (marriage, DS, TTC DC2 which isn't happening).

My understanding is that applying for a visa this way can take about 2 yrs and cost £2.5K. We're thinking of just applying for it and then if it turns out we don't want to go in 2 years we have only lost £2.5K? (a lot of money but affordable vs a lifetime of wondering 'what if'?)

Does this timeframe/cost sound about right?

Can anybody recommend any forums specifically dedicated to moving to oz?

Thank You in advance

[Sunnydelight]

That sounds about right. It took us 18 months (but we had all the paperwork together and were just waiting for DH's job to come back on the list do that's a good few months worth) and I think the cost was just under 2 grand (nearly 7 years ago).

Look on Britishexpats for lots of good advice.

[SummerRain]

It's gotten quicker, lots of people round here got visas in 6 months or less. They were mostly single young people but one family I know also got a visa very quickly.

(I'm in the west of Ireland, thousands have gone already)

[WrestlesBadgers]

Where in australia were you thinking of going? Try essential baby for things like what suburb, schooling system and stuff.

I think you should make the move we're nice, but watch for drop bears.

[Mosman]

We've been in Perth for 4 weeks now and I am glad we came, I don't think this is forever but I wanted to give it a go.
My advice is get the paperwork in asap, the skills list changes quickly.
I got a 457 visa in 2 days

[pestooneverything]

Thanks everyone Mosman - i guess you got a job and the company sorted the visa then? I feel like you really, i just feel like it's something i'd like to do in my lifetime...we're only here once after all!

wrestles My ideal would be Perth/Brisbane but I think for my job I'd be more likely to find work in sydney/melbourne.

I'll check out those 2 forums - thanks.

If anyone else can make any other recommendations it would be much appreciated

Thank You

[pestooneverything]

p.s. once the visa comes how long is it valid for?
we would hope to rent out our house...

[kelly14]

totally depends on what visa your going for!

I went for Permanent Residency, which you have to validate (take a trip or move to oz) within a year of it being granted, the visa is valid for 5 years.
If u are in oz for 4 years you can then apply for citizenship.
If (like me) u leave oz befor qualifying for citizenship and your visa is due to expire you can apply for another RRV (return residents visa) valid for another 5 years (sometimes less, depends on different factors)

My and dds visa is due to expire in may 2013, so i will be applying for RRV in january as do want to move back to sydney after living there for 3 years, my dds dad still lives there and he is getting citizenship in oct so when we do move back our dd will be able to apply.

[pestooneverything]

well i have spoken to a migration agent who tells me my role will only take me to ACT and I'll have to stay there for 2 years - this wasn't my dream but i don't think it's a deal breaker...

Anyone have experience of life in canberra?

[Mosman]

Yeah they say you have to stay there for 2 years, in reality you don't and nobody ever does hence why they are still having problems populating these areas.
Until the government invests in places like ACT and WA properly (WA is getting a lot better) then nobody will want to live there.
My DH's profession is on the skills list for WA so we've come there, we will get PR and then when the children are older probably move to Sydney or the UK.
I'm keeping my house in the UK too, there's no way I would buy property here it's crackers.

[hazchem]

Canberra is a great place to live. I'm about to return there are after living in London for 9 years. I grew up there and think it is a fantastic place to raise children. Great parks, great swimming pools, 2 hours from the coast in summer 2 hours from the ski slopes in winter. Good bars, music, food but as it's a city built on neighborhoods it can take a little time to get to know it.

Mosman not sure what you mean about Canberra not being invested in. Large new suburbs are being built. Civic and Belconnen town centers have had major redevelopment in the last couple of years.

Pestoon the rental market in Canberra can be brutal! If possible get a reference or two here before you leave. Oh and it possible but quite hard to live in Canberra without a car.

[pestooneverything]

Hi everyone, thanks for the advice!

mosman - what do you mean about no-one actually staying in their sponsored state for 2 yrs? can the authorities not keep tabs on this?

hazchem - great that you think canberra's a good place to bring up littlies! I am certainly more interested than I was a week ago!

We need to make a quick decision as to whether to apply for the visa - i'm kind of tempted to take the gamble and go for it - you only live once eh?!

Anyone else know anything about life in canberra - good or bad??

Thanks!

[crabb]

Hi Pesto
I'm a long term Canberran (although I've now moved over the border into rural NSW) so happy to answer any questions.

I'm in the grandmother demographic now so don't have much recent info about schools but my DGD will be starting pre-school in the ACT next year, if that helps.

Briefly, the ACT is a fab place for families, but is expensive for housing. Have a look at Allhomes to get an idea, it's the best real estate website for Canberra.

I'm a MN ring-in being an Australian (but I did live in the UK for a couple of years), so my opinion may not be as helpful as that of an expat, but happy to answer any questions.