Starting a new life, Australia
Discussion
Hi all,
just a tentative post looking for info on people who have done it to see if its at least possible?
Background, married couple were both 36 going on 37, wife has 1 kid who she has 50% custody of, hes 13 (more on him below) and we have a 3.5 year old. I'm a train controller and have worked for the railway now for 17 years (since my failed attempt to move to NZ), wife is a self employed wedding cake maker.
My mum is terminally ill and will be lucky to make 2026, both me and my sister have cut ties with whats left with my dads side of the family, my dad died a few years ago. Mum has a step brother left who shes not seen for 10 years and, family in Adelaide! My wife has her mum and dad still but to be honest, despite seeing them occasionally and my relationship with them being great, her relationship with them isn't as good. They also decided to move 2.5 hours away as soon as we announced a baby so shes said lets think about us and nobody else.
Back in 2000 my parents wanted to up sticks to OZ but decided not to, because of the disruption it would cause me with school, I wish they had done it.
So both my wife and my sister keep mentioning OZ once Mum has gone, my sister is a district nurse so she would qualify, her husband has a few degrees in stuff such as IT but hes currently working for DEFRA. This has been spurred on a little more this week by my 2nd cousin and her kids visiting from Adelaide, my 2nd cousin is actually a British citizen as well thanks to her dad being born in Lancashire.
Back to the step son, This move if it ever did go ahead would be 2+ years away by which time he would be 15/16/17. Wife thinks he would come with us, but I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't stay with his dad. Hes a mummy's boy but very much like his dad.
I've done a little searching online there seems to be lists of professions but its all a little confusing, mentions of points scoring etc, does anybody on here have experience of this and can guide me to good but straight forward resources?
Having had a failed attempt to move to NZ in 2008, I know the grass isn't always greener so we would be going to stay out there a few times to check it out, probably base around Adelaide but I'm open to other areas, as to be honest my 2nd cousin is a little full on, so a few days with her is enough.
just a tentative post looking for info on people who have done it to see if its at least possible?
Background, married couple were both 36 going on 37, wife has 1 kid who she has 50% custody of, hes 13 (more on him below) and we have a 3.5 year old. I'm a train controller and have worked for the railway now for 17 years (since my failed attempt to move to NZ), wife is a self employed wedding cake maker.
My mum is terminally ill and will be lucky to make 2026, both me and my sister have cut ties with whats left with my dads side of the family, my dad died a few years ago. Mum has a step brother left who shes not seen for 10 years and, family in Adelaide! My wife has her mum and dad still but to be honest, despite seeing them occasionally and my relationship with them being great, her relationship with them isn't as good. They also decided to move 2.5 hours away as soon as we announced a baby so shes said lets think about us and nobody else.
Back in 2000 my parents wanted to up sticks to OZ but decided not to, because of the disruption it would cause me with school, I wish they had done it.
So both my wife and my sister keep mentioning OZ once Mum has gone, my sister is a district nurse so she would qualify, her husband has a few degrees in stuff such as IT but hes currently working for DEFRA. This has been spurred on a little more this week by my 2nd cousin and her kids visiting from Adelaide, my 2nd cousin is actually a British citizen as well thanks to her dad being born in Lancashire.
Back to the step son, This move if it ever did go ahead would be 2+ years away by which time he would be 15/16/17. Wife thinks he would come with us, but I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't stay with his dad. Hes a mummy's boy but very much like his dad.
I've done a little searching online there seems to be lists of professions but its all a little confusing, mentions of points scoring etc, does anybody on here have experience of this and can guide me to good but straight forward resources?
Having had a failed attempt to move to NZ in 2008, I know the grass isn't always greener so we would be going to stay out there a few times to check it out, probably base around Adelaide but I'm open to other areas, as to be honest my 2nd cousin is a little full on, so a few days with her is enough.
Go on the aus immigration site and see if you qualify first of all. The older you get the more points you lose. From what I remember 39/40 is a line where you drop down a level.
We moved to nz in 2020.
We are staying until 2027 to get citizenship then possibly moving to aus or back to uk?.
We always said we would try it and if didn t like it can always go back. Thats the best part of uk citizenship you can collect as many passports as you like gives you options for the future. Go for it.
Citizenship in aus or nz gives you the right to live/work in the other as well so if qualify for aus you could come here if wanted to after.
We moved to nz in 2020.
We are staying until 2027 to get citizenship then possibly moving to aus or back to uk?.
We always said we would try it and if didn t like it can always go back. Thats the best part of uk citizenship you can collect as many passports as you like gives you options for the future. Go for it.
Citizenship in aus or nz gives you the right to live/work in the other as well so if qualify for aus you could come here if wanted to after.
Can’t add anything on the immigration side I’m afraid, but what I can say though is that if you are keen to go, go for it if you can.
We got as far as visas and one way flights booked about 10 years ago, and then as a family decided not to. We moved in the U.K. and that has worked out well, but I still wish we’d done it.
We now travel out here as much as we can instead (posting this from the Whitsundays).
We got as far as visas and one way flights booked about 10 years ago, and then as a family decided not to. We moved in the U.K. and that has worked out well, but I still wish we’d done it.
We now travel out here as much as we can instead (posting this from the Whitsundays).
Reading your post I didn't see anything about why you want to move to Oz. Why are you wanting to move from UK and why to Oz...there's loads of other possible countries. I'd start there, head out a few times fact finding, spend a week or so in a few places that you fancy then come back and really think whether it offers what you're looking for.
I'm a Brit and, in addition to UK, spent nearly 15 years in total living and working in USA, Switzerland, Finland and Australia. They were all work assignments and, whilst I really enjoyed all of them, I enjoyed Oz the least. Depending where you are the climate can be brutal, there's not really a can do attitude (more an it'll do tomorrow attitude) and its super expensive, Just saying, it's worth really thinking about what you want and whether Oz offers that.
I'm a Brit and, in addition to UK, spent nearly 15 years in total living and working in USA, Switzerland, Finland and Australia. They were all work assignments and, whilst I really enjoyed all of them, I enjoyed Oz the least. Depending where you are the climate can be brutal, there's not really a can do attitude (more an it'll do tomorrow attitude) and its super expensive, Just saying, it's worth really thinking about what you want and whether Oz offers that.
The language barrier of other countries, I speak Italian badly. I wouldn't want to throw my son (3.5) into a school in a non English speaking country. Then there is the weather, I'm not saying Oz is a heaven but where we live (MK) its become very unsafe, No way I'd let either of the kids hang around the shopping centre these days, I didn't grow up in MK but I was allowed to hang around town as a teenager, very small chance of getting robbed at knifepoint by some other kid, but seems to be common here these days.
We have very little family left here now, wife isn't that bothered about her family, we do have some family in Oz, that was the main drive.
We have very little family left here now, wife isn't that bothered about her family, we do have some family in Oz, that was the main drive.
Work out whether you qualify for a visa or not.
Then work out where the sort of job you want is available, what it pays etc. The mines also operate their own railways for example, although mine jobs are usually FIFO (fly in, fly out) because nobody wants to live where the mines are.
Then work out where you want to live. Consider that there is basically nothing outside the main cities, and that they all have bad bits, and not so nice bits.
Do your research and you’ll be fine.
Seek.com.au is a useful website for jobs, realestate.com.au for houses.
Then work out where the sort of job you want is available, what it pays etc. The mines also operate their own railways for example, although mine jobs are usually FIFO (fly in, fly out) because nobody wants to live where the mines are.
Then work out where you want to live. Consider that there is basically nothing outside the main cities, and that they all have bad bits, and not so nice bits.
Do your research and you’ll be fine.
Seek.com.au is a useful website for jobs, realestate.com.au for houses.
Ezra said:
Reading your post I didn't see anything about why you want to move to Oz. Why are you wanting to move from UK and why to Oz...there's loads of other possible countries. I'd start there, head out a few times fact finding, spend a week or so in a few places that you fancy then come back and really think whether it offers what you're looking for.
I'm a Brit and, in addition to UK, spent nearly 15 years in total living and working in USA, Switzerland, Finland and Australia. They were all work assignments and, whilst I really enjoyed all of them, I enjoyed Oz the least. Depending where you are the climate can be brutal, there's not really a can do attitude (more an it'll do tomorrow attitude) and its super expensive, Just saying, it's worth really thinking about what you want and whether Oz offers that.
I agree about the depends where you want to live bit.I'm a Brit and, in addition to UK, spent nearly 15 years in total living and working in USA, Switzerland, Finland and Australia. They were all work assignments and, whilst I really enjoyed all of them, I enjoyed Oz the least. Depending where you are the climate can be brutal, there's not really a can do attitude (more an it'll do tomorrow attitude) and its super expensive, Just saying, it's worth really thinking about what you want and whether Oz offers that.
The super expensive bit is also dependent on the first part and has improved recently compared to home imho. I’m currently sat by a pool in Queensland having a beer that cost me the same as it would in the U.K. I’ll caveat what I’m saying by mentioning that I live in the south of the U.K. and spend a lot of time in London so my idea of cost of living is based on those facts. Australia isn’t inherently expensive unless you pick an expensive spot like my sister did when she moved to Sydney. Dinner tonight will definitely be cheaper than it would be at home. I’ve not had any expensive shockers yet but then again I’ve not made it to Sydney….
Mate of mine moved to Brisbane from Manchester 37 years ago when he was 35, His wife was a nurse.
He loves it, retired about five years ago, and goes on two or three (long) cruises a year.
He moved to New York for two years when he was about 30, but had to return to the UK when his work visa expired.
He loves it over there,
However if you don't like MK, there are plenty of wonderful places in England to live.
He loves it, retired about five years ago, and goes on two or three (long) cruises a year.
He moved to New York for two years when he was about 30, but had to return to the UK when his work visa expired.
He loves it over there,
However if you don't like MK, there are plenty of wonderful places in England to live.
Shnozz said:
Depends what you want from your environment, but for me personally Adelaide wouldn t be it. Like moving back to the 50 s. That can be good or bad depending on your viewpoint.
Honestly ignore the above it's such a trope, Adelaide is a great liveable city with lots to do. Is it as exciting as Melbourne or Sydney? Of course not! but people moving to Adelaide aren't looking for that.The downside is real estate has got very expensive and there is no sign of a slow down.
As others have said, figure out what you need to do to be eligible for a visa - and you might want to get some advice from an Australian immigration specialist.
Then figure out where your jobs could be - other than mining companies (as Jader says) not sure where else outside of the main State capitals you would get work as a train controller.
But you def need to take a look, and not just at Adelaide, and not just in the summer - one of the great secrets of travel is that south of Brisbane gets cold in the winter.
Oh, and distance. Everywhere outside the major cities is a long drive away. Mel-Syd is 900km, Syd-BNE also 900km, ADE-MEL is 700km. Perth is just somewhere on the west coast - it’s a 5hr flight from Sydney. You get the gist.
But, after 22 years here I can’t think of anywhere in the UK I’d move back to
Anyway, good luck - just keep asking if you need to
Then figure out where your jobs could be - other than mining companies (as Jader says) not sure where else outside of the main State capitals you would get work as a train controller.
But you def need to take a look, and not just at Adelaide, and not just in the summer - one of the great secrets of travel is that south of Brisbane gets cold in the winter.
Oh, and distance. Everywhere outside the major cities is a long drive away. Mel-Syd is 900km, Syd-BNE also 900km, ADE-MEL is 700km. Perth is just somewhere on the west coast - it’s a 5hr flight from Sydney. You get the gist.
But, after 22 years here I can’t think of anywhere in the UK I’d move back to
Anyway, good luck - just keep asking if you need to
Wacky Racer said:
However if you don't like MK, there are plenty of wonderful places in England to live.
I know I grew up in Cheshire, my commute is 6 minutes on my motorbike and they are dragging us back in for 60% of our shifts so moving away in UK isn't an option at moment. This idea is more "long term" 2+ years
So i lived in Auss for a year when I was 25, (about 25 years ago) I was based in Sydney and lucky enough to live in Darling Harbour.
for me I missed the seasons and just didn't gel with it.
Ive since lived in Singapore, Slovakia, Switzerland and spent the last 13 years or so happily in the US.
So with the above my advice, firstly, as others said, at least see if tis a possibility (its hard to move into as I understand) then take a vacation to the location you fancy living in but don't do a tour of Aussie, just spend the 2 or 3 weeks in that place and see how bored you might get living there (this was another of my issues) its surprising how isolated it can feel form the rest of the world.
If you do make it there, the first 3 months will be 'this is best ever place ' followed by 6months of 'what a hole, nothing works how it 'should' and want home back' after this it will reach a stage where it will stay, somewhere in-between, so you have to give it at least 2 years before you know how you will really feel.
for me I missed the seasons and just didn't gel with it.
Ive since lived in Singapore, Slovakia, Switzerland and spent the last 13 years or so happily in the US.
So with the above my advice, firstly, as others said, at least see if tis a possibility (its hard to move into as I understand) then take a vacation to the location you fancy living in but don't do a tour of Aussie, just spend the 2 or 3 weeks in that place and see how bored you might get living there (this was another of my issues) its surprising how isolated it can feel form the rest of the world.
If you do make it there, the first 3 months will be 'this is best ever place ' followed by 6months of 'what a hole, nothing works how it 'should' and want home back' after this it will reach a stage where it will stay, somewhere in-between, so you have to give it at least 2 years before you know how you will really feel.
Personally speaking as someone who has moved Oz/UK/Can I m not sure your motives are strong enough . Seen it far too many times where a good idea can turn sour within roughly 18 months when the novelty wears off and any issues previously that were swept under the carpet rise to the surface. Company moves are a piece of cake , financially as well, compared to selling everything then shipping your worldly goods half way around the earth. Take your time and think long and hard before committing . If you then are still convinced it s for you and yours I wish you bon voyage and best of luck Bruce .
Edited by fttm on Sunday 28th September 01:44
If you have any strong connections with family/friends in the UK then Oz/NZ will feel like a very long way away (hint, it is)!
I have lived in several European countries and in the Middle East - never that far from the UK if you need or want to go back to see people, have a holiday, or in the likelihood of an emergency. Heck, you can pop back just for the weekend.
That’s not an option (realistically) if you move Down Under…
I have lived in several European countries and in the Middle East - never that far from the UK if you need or want to go back to see people, have a holiday, or in the likelihood of an emergency. Heck, you can pop back just for the weekend.
That’s not an option (realistically) if you move Down Under…
the-norseman said:
Hi all,
just a tentative post looking for info on people who have done it to see if its at least possible?
Background, married couple were both 36 going on 37, wife has 1 kid who she has 50% custody of, hes 13 (more on him below) and we have a 3.5 year old. I'm a train controller and have worked for the railway now for 17 years (since my failed attempt to move to NZ), wife is a self employed wedding cake maker.
My mum is terminally ill and will be lucky to make 2026, both me and my sister have cut ties with whats left with my dads side of the family, my dad died a few years ago. Mum has a step brother left who shes not seen for 10 years and, family in Adelaide! My wife has her mum and dad still but to be honest, despite seeing them occasionally and my relationship with them being great, her relationship with them isn't as good. They also decided to move 2.5 hours away as soon as we announced a baby so shes said lets think about us and nobody else.
Back in 2000 my parents wanted to up sticks to OZ but decided not to, because of the disruption it would cause me with school, I wish they had done it.
So both my wife and my sister keep mentioning OZ once Mum has gone, my sister is a district nurse so she would qualify, her husband has a few degrees in stuff such as IT but hes currently working for DEFRA. This has been spurred on a little more this week by my 2nd cousin and her kids visiting from Adelaide, my 2nd cousin is actually a British citizen as well thanks to her dad being born in Lancashire.
Back to the step son, This move if it ever did go ahead would be 2+ years away by which time he would be 15/16/17. Wife thinks he would come with us, but I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't stay with his dad. Hes a mummy's boy but very much like his dad.
I've done a little searching online there seems to be lists of professions but its all a little confusing, mentions of points scoring etc, does anybody on here have experience of this and can guide me to good but straight forward resources?
Having had a failed attempt to move to NZ in 2008, I know the grass isn't always greener so we would be going to stay out there a few times to check it out, probably base around Adelaide but I'm open to other areas, as to be honest my 2nd cousin is a little full on, so a few days with her is enough.
Just some observations from the perspective of someone who had some close friends move out to Australia (Sydney) 10+ years ago.just a tentative post looking for info on people who have done it to see if its at least possible?
Background, married couple were both 36 going on 37, wife has 1 kid who she has 50% custody of, hes 13 (more on him below) and we have a 3.5 year old. I'm a train controller and have worked for the railway now for 17 years (since my failed attempt to move to NZ), wife is a self employed wedding cake maker.
My mum is terminally ill and will be lucky to make 2026, both me and my sister have cut ties with whats left with my dads side of the family, my dad died a few years ago. Mum has a step brother left who shes not seen for 10 years and, family in Adelaide! My wife has her mum and dad still but to be honest, despite seeing them occasionally and my relationship with them being great, her relationship with them isn't as good. They also decided to move 2.5 hours away as soon as we announced a baby so shes said lets think about us and nobody else.
Back in 2000 my parents wanted to up sticks to OZ but decided not to, because of the disruption it would cause me with school, I wish they had done it.
So both my wife and my sister keep mentioning OZ once Mum has gone, my sister is a district nurse so she would qualify, her husband has a few degrees in stuff such as IT but hes currently working for DEFRA. This has been spurred on a little more this week by my 2nd cousin and her kids visiting from Adelaide, my 2nd cousin is actually a British citizen as well thanks to her dad being born in Lancashire.
Back to the step son, This move if it ever did go ahead would be 2+ years away by which time he would be 15/16/17. Wife thinks he would come with us, but I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't stay with his dad. Hes a mummy's boy but very much like his dad.
I've done a little searching online there seems to be lists of professions but its all a little confusing, mentions of points scoring etc, does anybody on here have experience of this and can guide me to good but straight forward resources?
Having had a failed attempt to move to NZ in 2008, I know the grass isn't always greener so we would be going to stay out there a few times to check it out, probably base around Adelaide but I'm open to other areas, as to be honest my 2nd cousin is a little full on, so a few days with her is enough.
It's a LONG way from anywhere, especially if you like travelling to different countries/cultures. Coming from the UK it is difficult to appreciate how far places are even within Australia. We are spoilt in the UK, being so close to other countries.
You don't say whether you've actually spent any time there at all. I don't mean a 2 week holiday. Our friends initially worked out there for a couple of years, before actually deciding to emigrate.
If/when you move out there, your friends will promise to visit. Until they realise how expensive it is to get there and how far it is. Don't expect them to ever visit. If they have small kids, it is a massive trip. If they have teenagers, they will have to juggle fitting in a holiday of 2/3 weeks between GCSE's/A-levels/School holidays.
If you ever have to come back to UK, it is a day travel AT LEAST. No just popping in the car and a 3 hour drive.
Housing can be expensive. Especially in Sydney, which I guess must be near London prices now. They've both got really well paid jobs so not a problem for them. But, obviously something to think about.
Their kids are now late teens/early twenties and I've heard rumblings of them wanting to come to the UK for work, which I'm quite surprised at.
On the positive, it's a lovely place, amazing countryside, mainly great people and generally better weather than the UK. They've managed to make a success of it. It's also great to spend Christmas Day morning on the beach!
We spent 6 weeks out there, but I was 10 at the time. We will however be going to see my Cousin(S) maybe next year.
Friends wise, I have 2 "close" friends but to be honest we dont see eachother than often anymore so wouldn't be any different, my wifes best mate, her brother lives in Sydney so shes actually looking into doing a similar move herself.
I think we will just go there once or twice first and see how it is, and then see if it is possible. Cousins husband is a real estate seller so I have been looking at properties on and off, I will potentially be mortgage free in the next 2 years as well.
Friends wise, I have 2 "close" friends but to be honest we dont see eachother than often anymore so wouldn't be any different, my wifes best mate, her brother lives in Sydney so shes actually looking into doing a similar move herself.
I think we will just go there once or twice first and see how it is, and then see if it is possible. Cousins husband is a real estate seller so I have been looking at properties on and off, I will potentially be mortgage free in the next 2 years as well.
Take a look at this, you will realistically need a minimum of 65 points. You will get 10 points fewer for age when you hit 40. I have heard lots of reports that the 20 points for superior English is not as easy to get as you would think!
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-vi...
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-vi...
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