Unfortunately this avenue to ACS no longer exists.

BCS membership can no longer be used to aid immigration to Australia.



Buzzy

Wow! That's a kick in the teeth for the BCS. Standards not high enough hey? Guess I was very lucky with my timing.

Thanks Buzzy

Yeah sounds like I missed out there.

Thanks for the info though, I'll check up on the ACS website.

I would like to have a job offer before I make the move, but I guess thats being a little optimistic.

I have relatives in Melbourne, one of which is a recently retired IT professional. Assuming I can make it to Australia, he might be able to help me network a little, could improve my chances perhaps.

Is Melbourne a popular choice for Brits?

We're going to Perth, but I was told there is a lot more work in Melbourne and Sidney. The OH is a nurse, so if I can't find work she can support me while I learn to surf

You could try a PM to steve99. He's an agent in Perth but should be able to give you a contact in Melbourne.

Do it but DON"T SELL YOUR HOUSE!

And read the moving back forum... Forewarned, forearmed...

I second this. DO NOT SELL YOUR HOUSE. DO NOT SELL YOUR HOUSE.

Hi we just arrived in Melbourne in November - my H is in IT (a senior analyst programmer) and has been offered a job already, there seems to be a fair amount of work available in IT.

I would say go for it! I'm originally from North Yorkshire (Scarborough) though we were living in the North West before we came here. We chose Melbourne as my Sister in Law and family were here, also as we like living in cities (used to live in London a few years ago)

Why not try and get some unpaid leave from work and go on holiday for a month or so to check it out. Its often supprised me how many people emigrate completly blind to the place the're going. You just got to make up your own mind, its not for everyone but you cant make a life changing decision from watching a few episodes of Neighbours!

Sounds like a great idea, however I know what the answer would be if I asked that from my current employers.

However, I am travelling to Melbourne in March where I will spend a week, then I'll have another week in Sydney.
Not much time I know, but better than nothing.

As a single person you may find it easier, I went there initially on my own and I survived. The positive thing is that if you like it you can stay, if you don't you can go home. I wouldn't sell you house for the moment, unless you have to due to your separation. If you can rent it out and you don't have a mortgage you can use the rent to pay for wherever you are. So that keeps the costs down. I would also rent it furnished or find some farmer to store it in his barns if you don't. A cheaper option than using storage places.

I would also ring some of the companies that may employ someone of your skills and arrange to meet them when you are over. I rang up the main companies in my field when I wanted to stay in Oz and was able to get the sponsorship done whilst I was in Oz so didn't have to leave. But that was a few years back now.

I went with an open mind and didn't have any long term views on how long I would live in Oz. Like anywhere it's who you meet. Having an relative there with contacts should be of help to you as well as introducing you to people from a social point of view. If you leave it too long, you will find it harder to get work. You are just about the right age not to be viewed as being old. I was warned when I was 30 that the Australian employers didn't like people much over 35. I was a manager then, and all off us were 30, the older guys were viewed as has beens. So if you are going to do it, I would do it now, or you may also find your age will go against you if you leave it longer and it will be tougher for you. But as said don't totally let home go for at least a couple of years, and then review your situation then. In that way you don't burn your bridges if you decide Oz isn't for you.

Best of luck.