I am currently studying for a HND in computer studies and my boyfriend is quitting his job to train as a plumber.

Obviously we wont be qualified for at least 3 years in my case and possibly 4 in his case.

However we have recently been considering the idea of going to work in Australia when we are both in a position to do so.

My question(s) is/are, has anyone done this? Do you know anyone who has gone to work in Oz? Is it has hard to get in as it would seem?

Even if you have only been on holiday there I would still like your opinions.

We haven't actually ever been to OZ but obviously we would go on holiday there before we consider moving.

We are both fed up of this country, the weather, the standard of living etc..and would really love the experience of living a different life even if it was only for a few years.

Any opinions/advice greatly appreciated.

Do it. Whatever your reasons if you don't do it you may well turn into one of those people who whinge on about 'I should have done this or that'.

I lived in NZ for 8 years after my parents emigrated there and would recommend the experience to anyone. I'd say visit both Oz and NZ before you make up your mind.

Go to the Oz/NZ immigration websites and you can download a document where it will show you what points you can expect/need.

My great aunt emigrated years ago - they have done very well for themselves but it was difficult initially.

We have a friend who has come to live over in Sheffield from Freemantle. :loopy:
He found it extremely hard over here.

I expect it is difficult because not only are you adapting to a completely new culture but you are having to learn about the way things are done - tax, medical insurance

The look of complete disgust on his face - when he got a new flat after leaving our home - when we explained he had to pay council tax ontop of all the other tax he was paying!!

Moon Maiden

If you get a working holiday visa you're allowed to stay in the country for 1 year and you can work 9 months of that but only 3 months in any 1 job. If you plan on making the stay permanent you'll either need a job sorted before you go or you'll have to prove you have a skill that is needed in the country e.g. teaching, nurse etc. You shouldn't have much of a problem getting a year visa but it can be a bit awkward if it's longer. Anyway good luck - I would have been out there now working for my cousin in Adelaide but it all went pear shaped at the last minute :rolleyes:

Thanks for that Max.

I have filled out an online asessment to see if we qualify and according to the results, we do.

I don't want to regret not doing something. The way I see it is if we go for say 2 or 3 years it will be something to talk about. We will have done something worthwhile with our lives instead of doing the run of the mill, buying a house in Sheffield, getting married, having kids etc...

I get the feeling I am more keen than my boyfriend. I think he will miss his family but to be honest I wouldn't really miss mine.

He is far more cautious than me whereas I'm the sort of person to just go for it he would really have to think about for ages. I just think you get one life which can be ended at anytime, you have to try things, if they don't work out then you can always come home and start again.

For some reason the prospect of doing this doesn't scare me at all. I am so excited just thinking about it.

I think it would be a great goal to aim for. I am starting to seriously think if he doesn't want to go then I may go on my own.

Say if I'm qualified when I'm 26, I would have to gain at least a years experience so that will take me to 27, if i came back at 30 I'd still be young enough to start again.

I never dreamed I would feel like doing something so radical as this but just lately looking round at all my friends I'm thinking what am I really going to miss by staying here? There has to be more to life than this!!

Roll on the next 4 years :D

Always remember one thing, you can always come back.
The trouble is this time of year we get sick of the weather and the winter has not even started yet and we all get ideas of being in a warmer climate.
In the Spring though these thoughts slightly diminish and suddenly everything is Ok again, longer days and some sunshine.
What i would say to you is if you do go to Oz then go in there Winter time and our Summer as that will test you to wether it really is for you because if you can be happy there in an Australian Winter you will be happy all year round.

hi,
i emigrated to australia with my family we lived there for 8 years, when i first arrived i hated it i just wanted to come home because i had left all my friends. it,s a different way of life but i was a teenager then once i made new friends i had the best time of my life , i am just so glad i experianced life in oz, i have been back here a while now but there are things i miss but you carn,t have everything.



bye.
:banana:

Where's the website to see if you qualify I wanna go and I already work in IT

Lived there for a year. Had no problems getting visas or arranging bank accounts from UK before leaving... Fantastic country - do it!!! (sometimes wonder why I came back)

Miss 60 try this:https://secure.liveinaustralia.com/home/default.asp

I can't remeber if its the same one I used but it does have an online visa asessment.

Yup, we are in the process of emigrating at present and it all seems pretty straightforward. There is a list of Australia's most wanted jobs, and if you or yr man's job is on there u can get in quicker. Call Martin Beveridge at the Immigration Visa Bureau on 020 7384 2840 for a chat. He does the late shift and is in til 11pm. He is a kiwi and is very helpful. he used to work in IT so will be a good place to start. My bro and sil moved ther last Setp and really really don't wan to come back. they got jobs there within 3weeks We travelled there for 6 months on 99/2000 and we cannot waitto get bak there. Going to buy some land (so much cheaper) and build our own place out of wood, try doing that over here, you'd have to have won the lotto and you'd never get insurance. People are much much much more laid back, dead cool nothing's a poblem and there is soooooooooooooo much beach. Do it and let us know how you get on.

There's a few people on the forum from Australia, they may be able to give you some more information.

From what I can remember, the working holidaymaker visa is for young people (up to the age of 25) in the Commonwealth, to be able to work part time to fund their holiday (up to 2 years).

Before you decide whether or not to move over there, why not try it out without any commitments?

My cousins went over on the whm scheme and loved it. They are back now and settled in jobs over here. Everyone I know who has been to Oz have spoken possitively about their experience. The trains/buses run on time (!) there is no litter about, people are relaxed and friendly. It sounds a wonderful place and I'd urge you to go whilst you are still young enough and don't have too many ties at home.

Like you said, if it doesn't work out, you can always come back can't you (make sure you have some kind of contingency money on one side).

Have fun, life's too short to be miserable. :thumbsup:

Hi, Steelblade. I came out here in 1969 and never regreted one minute. Friendly people, fantistic climate. You must do your homework though. Not a good idea going to Queensland if you don't like hot weather or Tasmania if you don't like cold.The place is'nt all roses. Public transport is a mess. I'm a plumber,if your boy friend wants to start his own business he will have to go on a trade course to qualify for a licence, but he should be able to get a job ok.
JUST DO IT :clap: :clap: :clap:

Hi,
I have one son already Australian and a son in the process of emigrating. The one already there has never regretted it, he went to university in Australia and has a good life in the sun.
And the other one is going to join him with a view to summering in each land.
hazel

I amone of those who wish i had done it.!
I left the british Army in 1988,then got a job here as per usual.
Then came the g/friend house etc. I then applied to join the Austrailian Army.After sending them my records of my service and they had checked me out through the Army contacts i was offered a job. All i had to do was to fly to Sydney,and they would meet me there,and the rest was a formality. I talked over with my "THEN" g/friend and decided not ot go...We split,i applied again, only to find out that they were only accepting applications from Austrailian citizens....Alwys regretted that 1st discion not to go.

jt

I intend to move there next year. Try britishexpats.com and you will find it very useful for everything to do with immigration etc issue for Oz and other places.