I am thinking of immigrating to OZ and was wondering if there are any other British Armed Forces personnel here who have moved and are now permanent residents. I have just completed a full 22 year career as a Supply Specialist and was wondering how the process went .

Hi,

A big welcome to the forums mate, you've come to the right place for info and advice on moving to Aus.

I'm ex RAF....14 years in the mob. It would have been 22 this year but I PVR'ed, moving to Adelaide next month....house sale permiting! My brother is also in Adelaide, also ex RAF...25 years, he's been in Adelaide nearly 8 years now, and he was also a supply specialist, mainly on the computer software/hardware side of it.

Process is loonng and drawn out, bit like waiting for a gen app. to come through!!! but worth waiting for!!!

Good luck with it.....

My OH was a RAF copper for 9 years We met when he was based in Cyprus.
We've been in Perth since November and love every minute of it.
Tracie

Hi and welcome to the site.
I served 9 years in the Army as a control equipment tech. I fly out to Sydney on monday.
Theres plenty of information here and alot of very helpful people to help you through the whole process. Good luck and I hope it all works out for you.

Cheers Mark

Hi

My OH did 22 years in the Royal Signals, had a couple of years with a "real job" and then we decided to emigrate.

We got our PR visa granted last June and moved here in November. So far things are going well and we love it.

I must say our kids were used to moving around so they have had no trouble so far settling in, and neither have we (yet). I know it's early days but I do think that because of the Army lifestyle you are better prepared than some are.

Shirley

I only have 6 years service behind me (RAOC as was) and that was in the 60s and it stands as no consequence in coming to Oz.

There is an agreement betwen UK and Oz for a any person in the services to transfer into the Aussie forces - contact Australia House London..or get your admin to sus it for you.

If a transfer is not your question and I have misunderstood you.... moving to Oz requires a visa..and they are pretty mean with them.
Your visa entry will depend on many factors and even with 22 under your belt you may still be aged about 40 and maybe intend to carry on working.

If you are not looking at a forces transfer..contact an immigration agent ( do a search on the forum for a wagon load of comments) and discuss your options.

23881673.... no I dont use that any more do I!

Loads of ex Brit Army over here now. Email [email protected] with a brief outline of your career and they'll take it from there.

Up here in Darwin there are bucket loads of us, all enjoying it a great deal.
Feel free to PM and I may be able to put you in touch with a few loggies.

Nige

A Stacker!!

A blanket stacker

I'm also ex RAF, 12 years as a sootie came out in 97

Ian

Come on lads!!! its quilts now,

Garry

Small world......us sooties get everywhere..!! also joined up in '85..out in '99

What are you doing in Aus now?.....still in aircraft work? or had a change of heart.

Hi,

Just wanted to welcome you to the site as I see this is your first post. You will find everyone on here fantastic help if you decide to apply for PR. The process is long on average I think most people would say it takes about a year but is obviously worth it in the end. We have applied, my hubby (who has commented above!) will finish his 22 years this November. Do you have any family over there? as that can help with applications if you do not have enough points. We are hopefully off to Melbourne we started application process in January with skills assessment and application was received beginning of June 06 and we have just had meds and are awaiting the final bit.
Keep in touch and I am sure we will all help you through the process.

Cheryl

Which bloomin' army did you join mate? Certainly cant have been the one I was in??

Can just imagine them making bed blocks out of a quilt!

Yes its not the same bloomin army I joined either cannot wait to leave after 24 years!

Garry

Cant quite say I did 24 years (left several ago after 8 n a bit) but t'was quite amazing to see the HUGE change to the army even during my short service!

Gone to the dogs!!