James and Alison

Still in the UK!!! Ill parents, slow house sale, crap exchange rates..... Is it possible to get an extension for the final entry date? Ours is 23rd Nov this year. If so what factors apply.... anyone.
JAWK

Bermudashorts

What is happening on 23rd November? Is this the validation date or is this the end of the initial 5 years?

If it is your validation date then I would say no chance. If it is the end of the 5 years then we would need to know more information.

James and Alison

We validated our visa april 2006 this is the end of our 5 years. As we are now both over 45 chances of re appying are nil!

Bermudashorts

If you have not spent two years in Australia and have not got any substantial ties, then you really need to make your move before November or lose the visa. They are not going to extend it because of what amounts to inconvenience or the wrong time for somebody for personal reasons. (And just to say, I sympathise with you, but DIAC will not).

James and Alison

Thanks loads. It is as I expected. Nov 23rd is going to be a very sad day as I doubt we will make it. With 2 kids it is too big a risk to leave secure jobs etc in the present climate.

Bermudashorts

Have you thought about one of you going and one following later with children? The one who goes might be able to put a foot in the door so to speak for the rest of you.

James and Alison

That is a good idea which we have considered but will need to look into the viability of it. James has applied for yet another job (we are teachers) fingers crossed. If he gets it he will go and I will follow on hopefully at Xmas with the kids.

Bermudashorts

For most people it is pretty hard to get a job from UK and being on the ground is invaluable, you might have to bite the bullet and just give up one job so that person is free to go over and give it a real shot. Or perhaps try during UK summer school holidays?

Also just to the possibility you mentioned, having somebody there before November does keep a route open to you but if you are planning to go at christmas then bringing it forward another month to before 23rd November would make things somewhat easier.

James and Alison

As teachers contractually we agree to only leave at end of terms - hence the Xmas date for me. Giving James time to get a job for start of Aus academic year in Jan. Appointments in Aus are usually made by Oct so I would know and be able to resign for Xmas OR James could say it is a no go and return!
You are correct it would be easier for us all to go before Nov - we could actually go end of July as we would have finished work then. It has also been imnpossible to get a job from the UK. Plenty of jobs appear but no appontments as schools see the risk as too great.

We just need to bite the bullet as you said - but are we brave enough is the question really, only we can decide!
Thanks again for taking an interest.

Bermudashorts

Ah OK, didn't know that about leaving only at term times. I see the dilemma.

You know, there are two sides to this. If you really want to go to Australia then you might need to be bold and take the plunge. Lots of people do this and survive. So will you.

On the other hand, once you have the visa there is a lot of expectation from others around making the big move and it also takes a lot of bravery to say you know what, we have a nice life, we are happy with our lot here and we are not prepared to jeopardise that.

Good luck with whatever you decide.