Well still scared, still single and still waiting!! Trying to be patient. Cant decide if I should continue waiting for my 175 (permanent residence) or if I should get sponsorship and get out there sooner.

In MY humble opinion, working with, and knowing people who are on sponsored visas I would recommend hanging out for the Permanent residency! There is all sorts of predicted job losses etc etc and havin PR allows you so much more freedom in where and who you work for

Thanks for that! Nice to hear from you again. I think I have reached that decision as well for mainly financial reasons. Though am feel disappointed because just so want to have this new start and am feeling a little impatient. Have waited this long tho!! How are things going with you? xx

Hi Jane - thought of this thread again today when there were big discussions going on with people at work about perils of being on temporary or sponsored visas. I understand your impatience - I remember posting so many threads whilst waiting for my visa but its honestly worth the wait Things here are good thanks. and dont tell anyone else but .................... I bagged myself a goooooooorgeous fella

Yes thanks, have decided after thinking long and hard to wait for my 175. Tho would SOOOOO love to get away from her!! At least January is almost over. Its been so cold here.
Good for you!!! Has he got a brother!!!!

Jane xxx

Just thought i would restart this thread and see if there are any other single Mums out there? and to catch up with others that have already responded.

I have already made friends with 2 single Mums who are in the process of settling in Sydney and Adelaide. Both nurses. They are finding that child care is the biggest stress and expense.

I am still waiting in sunny Suffolk!! But have a job offer so will be coming out initially on a 457, not sure how wise that is as wont get any benefits initially but just need to move my life on. My son and I are finding that the not knowing when we are going to be the worst thing.

Hi Flowerfairy (long time no speak!!) and all the other single parents that have moved or are in the process of moving!!
Myself and Charlie (my 9 year old son) have been here for 8 months now and overall we are really happy.
Im working full time as a nurse at the Royal Brisbane Hospital and they're great with flexible hours as i'm working on the relied pool. It means i can choose my own shifts and get to work all over the hospital.
My sister and her partner moved out a couple of weeks after me so we have been living together and supporting each other. However, out tenancy comes to an end in July and we'll be moving into our own places, then the challenge will really start as my sister has been looking after Charlie whilst i have been doing pretty much permanent nights!!
I've spoke to my boss about doing earlies monday to friday and starting at 7.30 instead of 7am as this allows me to use the school club at both ends of the shift and she thinks that this will be fine. Its not ideal as it means Charlie will have a really long day too but i need to work full time and if i'm organised im sure we can make it work.
My sister is great and offers to help as much as she can but i dont want to rely on anybody so this is the only way!!
Anyway, i thought i'd mention that just in case it gives anyone else any ideas. The beauty of being a nurse is we are in short supply and so employers are generally pretty accomodating. Well, that's my experience.
So other than the ongoing challenge of work we love it here.
I've just booked Charlies flights as he is returning home to spend a month with his dad in June. Im a little nervous as he's flying solo but he's so excited!! We'll do the trip together next year when i've had more time to save!!
I've not been on here for months so its nice to catch up with where evryone is at! Good luck to all you single parents, its so worth it and you're giving your kids the most amazing opportunity!
Bobbie

well done - sounds like you have settled in really well Must be great having your sister for support.
Hope Charlie has a great time back in UK and you find somewhere to call home very soon

Good on you! im a single mum too and i move to perth in august with my 10 yr old boy. unlike you my ex would not sign the stat dec however a letter from the family courts and solicitors enable immigration to grant my visa. I am so excited but also terrified at the thought of being somewhere i dont know and where i dont know anyone with just my son for company but as long i keep the fact he will have a better life at the forefront of my mind then i will put my all into this move! I am an ODP that works in the operating theatres and coming on a 457 visa, i am lead to believe i will not be entitled to benefits for the first 2 yrs. Good luck with the move xx

Thanks for that Bobbie. Good to hear that its going so well for you!

While on a 457, you will never be entitled to benefits.
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/457_Visa_Restrictions

I am a recovery nurse. Have a friend who is a theatre nurse in Perth and loves it. Good luck with everything. My son is 11 and very excited. Was very glad that I didnt have to go to court, tho it got close to it. My ex didnt want to pay solicitors fees!! I am going on a 457 although I have also applied for permanent residency. It is correct we wont get any benefits until we have PR.

Good luck and keep in touch on here to let us know how it goes.

ive been saving and saving so hoping i can get by with what i have anyway and will apply for PR asap. would be good to stay in touch and find out how you both get on, the only thing that is worrying me is settling Zack into school as he is quite shy but he loves his sports so im relying on that to make him feel at home x

Sorry Hannah, only just noticed your reply. Dont always get the email link. Yes please do keep in touch. I am sure your son will settle in quickly. Kids make friends quickly and the sport will certainly help out there. Am currently waiting for my certified copy of my nursing registration to arrive with my sponsor by post before my 457 application is lodged. Praying that the permanent residency will also be processed quickly.

OMG!!!! Its really happening!! Got a CO for my 175 0n 30th April, just requesting police clearance, that has since arrived in Oz.

In the meantime I have my 457 too!! I finish work on 30th June, fly on 10th July, start my new job end of August.

Have 101 lists of things to do, am a bit stressed and nervous but SOOO excited now. Cant decide what to take and what to leave behind!!