B_D_J

Hi everyone,

My wife and I are in the very early stages of planning a move to Australia, preferably NSW. We have 2 children and have heard the school fees can be quite expensive, I've heard there is a possibility of reducing or waiving these fees on certain visa's. Any help would be appreciated NSW would be our first choice as we have friends there (who do not have children).

Thanks

quoll

If you arrive in NSW on a temporary visa (457) then you pay $4.5k per child pa up front. Waiving is usually if you are totally impoverished or have a real tribe of kids. If you get a permanent resident visa then schools are free (well, as free as any citizen is charged ie voluntary contributions, excursions, specialist teachers, visiting performers, stationery etc etc)

B_D_J

Thanks for your reply,

I had an idea that was the case, we have been looking more to Brisbane recently as Queensland has no crazy fees.

Bermudashorts

If you are just looking into a move, then why not look into skilled migration. Then no school fees.

B_D_J

I looked into that too but the website immi.gov.au website stated I would only be eligible for the 457 visa due to not having a skills assessment.

spottydog

Do you have an employer lined up already as if you are unable to meet the skills assessment requirement you may find it difficult to find someone to sponsor you anyway (particularly in a location of your choice)?

B_D_J

Hi, thanks for reply.

I am a heavy plant engineer by trade I wouldn't struggle to find a sponsor and my wife is a hairdresser so I think we would be fine skills wise, how would I go about obtaining a skills assessment is it done by prospective employers? As I said we are in very early stages I'm just trying to gather all the info I can before making decisions on locations etc.

Grayling

It is not that easy to find a sponsor.

No point in thinking about where to live until you actually find someone who may sponsor you.

Bermudashorts

Can you not get a skills assessment? You apply to the skills assessing body for your particular occuaption and as named on the SOL / CSOL.

paddyo

The 'Hairdresser' route is not as easy as it was years ago.....I would search the job sites for your trade and find a job first and THEN worry about the schools. Oh, in NSW, Catholic Schools can be cheaper than Public Schools on a 457.

paddyo

+1

B_D_J

Thank you for your help everyone, I maybe should have done some more reading! I'm going through the TRA skills assessment process now although I think I may seek a 457 visa to QLD anyway to keep costs down and get a feel for the place then look to permanent residency. Time to get job hunting!

paddyo

Good luck!!