Another step closer!
 

Well what a good way to end 2003. After submitting our Skilled Ind to DIMIA on 25th Nov we got the letter requesting the meds and police checks today. Its a good job really because we have already had them and sent them off.

Luckily Muzzwoman is a nurse so we are on the Ministers list - you expect it to be quick but still a bit of a shock when it actually is.

All the best to all and hope the New Year brings with it everything you want.

Muzzman

Good on ya!

Most excellent!
 

What a great way to end the year!

We are going the Skilled Indy route. It took the 50 weeks quoted, almost to the day, for the letter of acceptance to come back. Indeed, it was waiting on the doorstep for us when we got back from holiday in October.

We wondered if anything was happening for the 6 months before we were asked for Crim records and medical reports. Once we were asked for them, we really felt buoyed up and knew things were on the move.

We fly out to Melbourne on the 17th Feb. Can't wait. Just exchanged on sail of house. Removals and Dog's flight booked.

Where are you going to?

Good luck!

Wilf :) :) :) :) :)

Hi Wilf, we are going to Brissy, we've got family there. Hopefully we will be ready to go by Aug/Sept. Visa shouldnt be too long now, we need it quick because teaching jobs come out soon and so it could mean Ive got no job for Sept if no visa granted. Can't see a problem though we are all healthy and Dr said he couldnt see any problems. We are really tempted to book flight as they are quite cheap at the moment for Aug/Sept.

Good look for Feb, you must be really excited.

What do you all think about booking flights??

Hello Muzzman,
Great news on your meds request. Ours took about 8 weeks from submission of meds to receipt of grant letter and that seemed a long time compared to other nurses at the time, so it shouldnt be long!

We were tempted to book our flights before receipt too but we found that the cheapest offers did not allow you to change dates if necesary so waited in the end, just in case!

Good luck with whatever you decide,

Michaela

flying to our (new) home
 

Yo Muzzman!

We just searched this and other sites for info on best carriers. Qantas didn't do too well. Best reputations seemed to be from Singapore, Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Malaysian Airlines.

We chose Singapore (they also have some of the longest leg room) and two one way trips from Heathrow to Melbourne (no stopovers) cost us around £900.

Incidently, when we opened our accounts with the Commonwealth Bank in Oz, we were offered extra luggage allowance on Qantas we were emigrating.

Our friendly telephone travel agent, whom we've used for a few years now, did a bit of digging and found that most airlines will give extra allowance for emigrants on one way tickets. She asked for us when we booked and now have an allowance of 40KG EACH. PC in one bag and TV, DVD, video in t'other!

We waited until we had exchanged on our house sale before booking, mainly as we didn't think that Feb would be too difficult to book.

Have a great 2004

Wilf

Re: Another step closer!
 

What a great start to 2004
best wishes for your future
rach & family