DarrenD

Ironically, you may have more success based on yor wife's experience - going and setting up a business.

Its not easy to emigrate, despite appearances on soaps and tv emigration shows.

Permanent Residence - standard takes 40 - 50 weeks (can be quicker for skill in demand routes or sponsorship).
Once you have taken your PR, then emigrated to Oz and lived there for 2 years, then you can take up citizenship.

There is a list of skills in demand, typically this includes nurses, medical practitioners, teachers, chefs, and hairdressers (no, i'm not joking).

I believe its the same for the army. You may find a limited exchange programme, but from what I understand, there is no open ended 'life swap if you dont like the police force youre serving in'.

Many people dont qualify to go to Oz. There are a number of emigration agents who contribute to this forum. Suggest you try contacting forces direct, but dont hold your breath. Alternative is to go on business visas, run the business in Oz, then gain citizenship and apply to the police force.

I believe its a similar situation with working for police in UK ?

Alternatively, change careers and become a hairdresser ;-) .....

SimonA

currently working in the middle of Manchester, exitement can be an over-rated commodity, trust me. but i gladly take on your comments. friends of ours live just outside Perth and were due to visit - i think i'll get my barings then, but ive never been over.

how do you compare it to over here - i know thats a very vague question that could have you typing forever, but is it worth the move as much as people say?

BKate

Thats a difficult one, its all lovely when visiting for a holiday, but is very different when you live there.

When on holiday you have the advantage of the exchange rate and you think wow everythings so cheap! When earning dollars it is different.

It's like this country there are good and bad points. For me the weather is a big factor as it allows you to have more of an outside life which is what I want!

Bit of a generalisation but attitudes are alot better than this country in my opinion. You have to travel alot further to get places.

You also can't under-estimate the emotions of leaving your family, it is so far away. Also for me I have my b/f there and friends and family.

Do a search on the lifesstyle forum you'll find hundreds of different opinion.

SimonA

thanks darren, that sounds like the voice of experience talking?

i will start contacting forces direct i just needed to test the water.

looking through the list of skills & points - there is no mention of Police but there is probation officers and some sort of prison warden, and they arent a million miles apart.

But we will be giving it a shot and if all else fails - i'll take darrens advice and start practicing my perm!!

nice to hear a sense of humour. thanks.

George Lombard

Hi Simon,

Just to add to all the helpful comments about joining the police here, I think you should also think about a) undertaking some tertiary study here or b) taking a working holiday visa here if you're still eligible (no kids, under 31). You will find lots of information about these two options on the www.immi.gov.au site.

Cheers,

George Lombard

www.austimmigration.com.au

SimonA

leaving family isnt a problem because, lets be honest, straightforward families are in short supply, disfuncionality rules i believe.

We arent blessed with perfect families unfortunately and as sad as it is to admit that is one of the reasons we are moving.

of course there are people we will miss, but as we've not yet had any kids (and we will be doing) this move would be a fresh start of sorts and, hopefuly work out for the best for bringing kids up etc.

BKate

I know, mine isn't perfect by any mean either!! That would be one of my reasons too, by far a better place to bring up kids in my opinion.

SimonA

thanks for the advice george, we can get career breaks in the police over here for upto 3 years, so i could tie that in with the working holiday visa, i assume?

its very helpful to have all of these useful web addresses because i was playing this game yesterday without this forum to help and getting no-where, but im making real headway today now, thanks.

SimonA

although i think ive got the best job in the world, at times i dispare with what i see, and its not just on the poorer estates or the inner city schools anymore.

its everywhere and its getting worse. to be completely honest, i would be dissapointed in myself if i brought a kid up in this country - especially when i look elsewhere and see how it being done properly.

<<<<< dont i sound a grumpy arse !

i may start crying...... lol

Grayling

Simon
Sorry to complicate things further but I've just noticed that you refer to your 'Partner'.
I assume this means you are not married.
I am not sure how this would affect your application.

Does anyone else have any thoughts about this?
You may have to provide proof of relationship if it is a joint application.
Best wishes

G

SimonA

ah,, panic not dear friends.

the 11th of June sees an end to her happiness for ever, as she is to be wed to a very handsome chap, if i do say so myself.....

But a good call, nonetheless !!

Keep throwing them curveballs because im writing them all down so i know where im up to... thanks

JAJ

Before you can even think of moving to Australia you need visas allowing you to do so.

Start at http://www.immi.gov.au
and look under 'migration'.

The first problem you will have is that neither police officer nor beauty therapist are acceptable for the General Skilled Stream.

An Australian police force might be able to sponsor you for employer nomination, but don't hold your breath (unless you're very specialised). Usually Australian employers don't want to sponsor for visas.

Maybe look at business skill migration to see if your partner's business track record gives her a chance of meeting the criteria. Business migration is only probationary - a business in Australia must be developed and targets met - and it's not a do it yourself area. Contact a competent migration agent if you feel there's any chance here.

Jeremy

SimonA

wow, coming down to earth sure does hurt.

i was expecting it to be difficult if not impossible, but god loves a tryer.

the queensland website seemed very positive and appeared to be actively encouraging overseas police officers??

im sure i will get the full SP when they reply to my email.

JAJ

Sorry if it hurts (and I mean that in a genuine sense) but it's better to find out these things at the start rather than be led by false hopes to waste time or money.

For example the Queensland police service website says:
http://www.police.qld.gov.au/pr/join...html#residency

"You must have either permanent residency status in Australia, or New Zealand citizenship. Proof of permanent residency or citizenship is required when submitting your application."
[Australian citizens automatically meet these requirements]

They may well be keen on hiring those with overseas policing experience, but only those who meet the requirements above. For example, those from New Zealand, or Australians who have served overseas in policing, or those coming as family migrants or partners of skilled migrants.

If you do happen to come across an Australian police force or other employer keen to hire you then a visa solution might be possible, but there are no guarantees and you would need professional advice.

You've had it suggested already that your partner's business may give a better chance, but business migration is complex.

Jeremy

SimonA

thanks for that jeremy (no honestly).

you are right - i have to remain realistic about it all and remember that ultimately we may be told to get lost.

i will be reading through the webpages you've pointed me towards and contacting Police forces direct.

someone suggested we seek advice from a MARA migration agency, which i will be doing, do you think thats a good idea??