quoll

No car? It isnt easy living in Aus without one especially in the suburbs and if you are trekking round looking at rentals it will be a nightmare.

Your 16 year old will have to be in school iirc (think Vic also raised its school leaving age to 17 recently in line with the other states) although it is a horrid time to be enrolling him - he could do the second half of year 11 but that would disadvantage him with respect to uni entry so you could argue and enrol him in year 10 and he can see out the year there. Your sons wont get any support at uni unless you are citizens in which case they may be able to apply for HECS HELP but that is means tested against your salary so expect to have to front up for fees and living expenses. Uni fees are going to be between $5k and $10k pa depending on the course they want to take - and those are the domestic rate fees.

I think your figures are definitely on the tight side and you will have to be very careful with your expenditure - one family of 4 I know spent $10k in the first month they were here and ran out of money even though they only bought a cheap car. Short term rentals until you can find something permanent are going to be at lest double the price of a long term rental at least and it can take you some time to get a long term rental. I dont know that an agent is going to be too happy at putting a family of 6 into a 2 bed unit - not when they will have the option of a whole load of nice professional couples vying for the same places.

Good luck, it is going to be a challenge

ABCDiamond

Our cost for one child in year 9 is about $6,000 for the full year, in private school, and not the cheapest one either.
$4,428 was for annual fees.
$183 was for the books for the year.
leaving $1,400 for something else.

ABCDiamond

The FTB is for families with Children, and is one of the few things available without needing the 2 year residency.

However, although paid fortnightly, it is calculated annually, so if your income by the end of the year exceeds the threshold, you must pay it back.

coolshadows

you can change your income online and it is reflected in the next payment.

coolshadows

Are we talking $12k or in GBP?

We brought $20k for a family of 4 and spent that over 3 months (including buying a 7 hr old Falcon for $7k). We used On Arrival accommodation ($200/wk all included) during that time. though we spent wisely, we did have several days out with the kids (if we hadn't done that I don't think we would have settled in as quick!!!). The rest went on deposits, buying furniture and white goods.

I also found job (on crap money) after a month or so, and then another one about a month after that.

elice_in_oz

I believe the OP is from Sri Lanka so talking in AU$. And no UK income tax

jan&co

We arrived with about 20k with 4 kids of similar ages as yours. Bought a used mpv ($14k) and set them up at public schools for a total cost of $1600. There was no way to househunt and send the kids to and fro school and do grocery without a car. Do not underestimate the startup costs. The FTB was a tremendous help.

coolshadows

Sorry, wrong assumption on my behalf.

shafanm

Your post enhances my courage to proceed with 12k that is available with me and face the consequences.

Thanks a lot

coolshadows

PR status can make a huge difference.

Once again, good luck.

sydney_oz

Hi, If you r PR then with four kids u may be entitled to receive $1500 /month(approx.) depends on your estimated income as FTB Part A and B payment rent assistance included and u can apply for Tax File No. online even if you are not in australia.

All the best.

shafanm

Can we apply for a tax file online before validation and without Oz address.

canadaeh

No

sydney_oz

Hi,
Yes You can apply for a tax file number (TFN) online if you are currently in Australia and you have a valid permanent migrant visa.

ABCDiamond

You can also get one on a temporary visa.