Hello, new to here! Im Lou and me and my hubby and kiddies are just in the initial thinking stages of going from Kent, Uk to somewhere down under.
I have passed the online points test and waiting for a call.

Thing is, I'm so green to it all, have no clue about Aus at all or even why I want to be there. Things that worry me in Uk are The Chavs, Drugs, Money, Small Houses, Childrens secondary schooling, health and food issues etc. Probably all the usual.
I'm currently 39. Worried that if I leave it too long it will be too late and want to set life up nicely for us all now.
There is nobody to leave behind except mum and dad who would have to come with us.

I would life proper facts please, like the down sides aswell. I feel really unsettled and want to look forwards and go in the right direction. We have a good life really but no chance to live it as we are working so mad right now! And its still not enough to afford a house with a garage or to keep the bank manager happy!!!! lol
For info, I'm a hairdresser and like to work from home, and hubby works as a techhie for BT (communications). WE think he can get a transfer but not sure and we think that I could hopefully continue my self employment as a hairdresser.
Currently we have no money to bring........hmm.....not sure of the way out of that one but would take some doing!

Please help in anyway you can, thank you thank you thank you

Lou x

There are a lot of threads which discuss the many questions you have in some length to say the least. Have a good look through and you'll see a lot of comments on UK-v-Aus, some good, some bad.

One thing which did stick out is that "Mum and Dad would come with us". Do you have a visa plan for them or do they have residence status in Australia already ? They can't be included in your application and a parent visa takes YEARS to apply for, unless is contributory which takes a lot of $$$ (think $40k+).

And Welcome to BE !

Thanks so much for the welcome!

CAn't seem to find where you suggested for me. Tho the parent issue would be an issue. Thank you for that. If there is one big reason not to go then that's my answer I guess but I would like to find out more

Can you please post a link?

Thanks again

Lou

Hi Lou,
First of all look online at www.immi.gov.au
Check out the visa section for Migrants and there is all the info you need on parent visas. As previously mentioned, it's not cheap. And I think you will have to be Australian residents before sponsoring your parents to come out.

My (ex) hubby (but married at the time) was working in telecoms and had to have his skills assessed by the TRA which is an assessment body. To get through this part he will have to submit a huge amount of info about his skills and experience. Alternatively, you can have your skills assessed as a haridresser, again through the TRA. Again all the info is on the above website, so check it out first. (Go to the Workers section of visas).
The main applicant needs to apply before the age of 45.
Why not speak to a migration agent or go to an Emigrate fair to get all the info you need. An agent will charge a fair bit but they are worth it.

The job situation in Oz seems to be just as tough there as it is here in the UK, so bear that in mind.

Search the net for all the info you need on housing ( www.realestate.com.au ), Schools etc. And ask away on here about areas to live in. You'll need to decide what state, whether you want to be near the beach, the city or a more rural area.

As far as money is concerned you will probably need to sell your house here to get the funds to support yourself over there. A few manage on very little but it's not recommended, especially if you find it awkward to find work when you first arrive in Oz.

Expect the visa application to take around a year (ish) and then you'll need to sort out your house sale too.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.
Julie. x

P.S. Welcome to BE by the way

I dont want to sound negative in any way, but there all all those problems here and possibly more. Expect to work harder, things are expensive here, If you dont have much capital then it will not be easy. If your close to your parents then it will be doubly hard. Hey I love it here but its a struggle.

Lou. Welcome to BE. To help you, at the top of the page is a search button. Type in any word you want and it will bring up info for you but be warned, your head will be swimming so take your time and cut the wheat from the chaff. Happy reading and ask if your not sure. Good luck.

Thank you all so much. Seems tho after a conversation with visa ppl that hubby has to get a job transfer for us to be able to proceed!
Lou x

Hi Lou,
How long have both you and hubby been in your respective careers?
My ex was in telecoms as I mentioned earlier and passed his TRA assessment under the "Communications Linesperson" heading on the SOL list. He didn't have to get a job transfer to get a visa. Hairdresser is also on the SOL list.
Julie.