astera

That's the scary part - and ending up in OZ might make things a lot worse and turn a bad situation into a nightmare.

But most importantly I would like to find out from the OP on what basis his wife is applying for citizenship.

Alfresco

Indeed. We need more info.

brits1

Firstly can you wife "migrate" to Australia? does she have a visa or Australian Passport if not then sadly she cannot just go and live there and your worries might just amount to nothing especially if your wife does not have the skills to apply for a visa. I would be very upset though if my partner is just not considering my concerns and yours sound very justified. Perth is a very expensive place to live, IF you do not have good jobs it could be a backward move for you, ie you have a home of your own, a job etc and to leave a close family behind is not something I would take to doing easily. Good luck and hope all turns out well for you all.

leejo

Why not try and find some common ground with the missis?

Negotiate with her if you're in sales!!

Go to Australia for a couple of years and see if it works out. Rent out your house in London, which will have increase in value on your return. There is always plenty of work in London.

Look at it as a holiday....this way you don't feel so scared at the thought of it's for good. No return, etc...

If you need your UK fix then jump on a plane for a few weeks. We have booked flights the night before and fly out 12 hours later. Not like the old days of sitting on a boat for 8 weeks.

Throw the dice give it ago!!

Pulaski

There are many issues with this, and looking past the issue that neither the OP nor his wife have any apparent way to get a visa, one major issue would be that if the marriage breaks down in Australia and his (ex) wife wants to stay in Australia, the OP won't be able to bring his children back to live in the UK even if he is granted custody.

leejo

Alternative being...

They divorce in London he gets to live near his parents on his own.

She then goes to Australia with the child - Where there's a will there's a way...

or she stays in London and is bitter.... making his life a misery.

Talk it through, life is for living go explore!!

Pulaski

But she CAN'T take the child to Australia (out of the UK) without the OP's approval, or a court order, which no court is going to give against the wishes of an engaged parent.

leejo

Where there's a will there's a way...

scot47

Does she think that you just go and live there ? Immigration to Oz is a bit more complicated than it used to be.

Pulaski

Posting poetic platitudes doesn't alter facts.
Petty larceny used to be sufficient.

spouse of scouse

Not really, not unless you find a way to work around many legislative barriers.

It's my understanding that if two parents share equal custody of their child, it's illegal for one parent to remove that child from the UK without the other parent's consent. The UK and Australia have an extradition agreement in place.

It really is a moot point though. I've seen nothing to indicate the OP's wife, or the OP himself, would be eligible to apply for any visa but a visitor one.

spouse of scouse

Oi you! That's my ancestors you're talking about

Pulaski

This, all of it.

spouse of scouse

It's ok, it's quite fashionable now to have convict ancestors.

BritInParis

Given that the OP hasn't returned it appears that someone has had a reality check.