Move to OZ help

[Verydisco]

Hello mates, not really an introduction to the forum as I have been here for quite a while ;) but i am not sure where to put this.

Anyway, I am seriously considering a position in OZ, moving away from Europe.

I have intensively searched information through the web and contacted migration agents.

Now I am looking for serious first hand experience.

Did some of you moved from abroad to OZ using a 457 or an ENS S/121 Visa?

I would tend to go with the ENS as I could stay longer but again am not aware if this long term visa lowers my chance to get the visa compared to a 457 (2 to 4 years working Visa that could lead to a 121)

Anyway, first hand experience very appreciated.

Looking forward to read you all, via PM if wanted.

Cheers

[Ivan]

When we migrated here originally (1996) I had been offered a working visa. However, given my age at the time and the fact I had enough points I went for the permanant residents visa. It took a bit longer to get (18 months) but that was due to Australia having an election and all visa applications were put on hold for 6 months. Once we had arrived and had stayed the required amount of time (2 years back then, I think it's 4 years now) we applied for and got our Citizenship. This was quite handy as I had to go back to England (family health problems). I ended up staying in the Uk longer than I anticipated (10 years). But, when I spoke to the Australian consulate in the UK asking them if we could return, they said no problems you are Australian citizens. So we applied for new Australian passports and here we are.
We never used Migration agents as it's quite simple (if not time consuming) to do it all yourself. When you apply for the application to apply for a visa they tell you all the documentation etc you will need to produce.

HTH

Ivan

[Verydisco]

Thank you Ivan,

It seems it is much harder to organize the visa now, hence the important amount of immigration agents.

Cheers

[juddy]

We first came here in 2006 for interviews, spent 3 weeks over xmas, and loved it. Went back to the Uk, within 4 months we were all sold up, the animals were on a plane and we were here, because we wanted to get out of the uk quickly we went for a 457 visa, that took, about 10 weeks to get, we did all the paper work ourself s very easy, sure use a agent, but you will not get it done any quicker, it will cost your thousands of pounds, and you will still have to fill in paper work yourself, we now have permanent residency and will be applying for citizenship later this year..

good luck to you..

[100inch]

I guess the agents only give you a run when your chances are good and you got all the boxes ticked. Otherwise, they would step away, because they can only support you and not make some points up.
I went for the skilled permanent visa. Took 11 months, 200 hours of running around and 8 grand worth of cash. Official translations, certified copies, english exams, medical...the list goes on and on.
Was it worh? OF COURSE!

[Aussiebean]

We came here in 2006 as well, but we used an agent that was based in Australia, it worked out alot cheaper that using agents that are in Europe, we came out as skilled job in demand, and it is the best think we ever did, we love the lifestyle, We are now living the Dream
Good luck
Karl
(Aussiebean)

[Verydisco]

Hello

Indeed the 457 seems the best way to get started quickly even though, in the long run it seems more expensive as I need to then apply to an ENS 121 and pay fees again.

Then again, what is this compared to heaven on earth ?

The job sounds fantastic and I know a thing or two about OZ from various trips there ;)

Cheers you all.

[blackbuttdisco]

My parents only paid 10 pounds each.Brother and I came for free. Best money parents ever spent.

[WhiteD3]

VeryDisco,

I think 457's are a lot harder to get these days, but of course it depends on your qualifications. What do you do for a crust?

Cheers.

[Disco44]

Congratulations to those on here who have become Australian Citizens.It is annoying to me that a few refuse to do so.With dual citizenship around these days,why not become an Aussie.This country has a lot to offer IMHO

[dullbird]

Yep we came in 2005 Ian came in on a skilled visa and I piggy backed him in....it took 9 months and cost around 1000 dollars ares was much cheaper because we did everything ourselves of course that's not including the importation of our car and possessions.

We applied for our citizenship as soon as we were allowed which at the time was after 2 years (I believe its changed now) and became Australians. We still have dual citizenship as it make sense too however if we were forced to give up a passport I would give up my British passport in a heartbeat so not to lose my Australian one :)

[streetlander]

Congratulations to those on here who have become Australian Citizens.It is annoying to me that a few refuse to do so.With dual citizenship around these days,why not become an Aussie.This country has a lot to offer IMHO

It's a shame you feel 'annoyed', ppl have their own reasons why they don't become Ozzy citizens, I'll never be an Australian citizen, cos Im a Kiwi and proud of my heritage, also dont need to become a citizen, I can live and work here as a resident.

Biggest bonus is I dont vote - cos I cant!! Love that! :D

[100inch]

For me, coming from a non- english speaking country, the whole translation process of documents was pretty expensive.:mad::mad: Anyway, not looking back as I said.

[juddy]

Cost wise it was around 3000 pounds, the bad thing about the 457 was when we went for permanent residency we had to pay for all the medicals again, even thought we were within the 4 year visa window. think that was another $1500.

As for becoming a citizen of Australia, i cant wait, i intend to live here for the rest of my life, and being a citizen is part of that for us, i will always be English, and iam proud of that, but iam also proud to become a Australian citizen, its unfortunate that being English theres days is less important to the new generation, and there not as proud as the Australians are in there identity.

And for me that is something i respect a lot, just because you become part of a new culture does not mean you have to give up your identity or believes, it just allows you to get a different prospective on life....

[jerryd]

I thought they send dodgy poms home after six years juddy ;)

[bob10]

Biggest bonus is I dont vote - cos I cant!! Love that! :D



Sorry, mate , don't mean to offend, but if you are not prepared to participate in our democratic process, are prepared to take a job here, but not prepared to involve yourself in the political process, it doesent say much for your character, and is an insult to those who have decided to make this country home, and have dual citizenship, and care enough to get involved. Democracy depends on all citizens being involved in the political process, if only to keep the b------s honest. Bob

[bob10]

, just because you become part of a new culture does not mean you have to give up your identity or believes, it just allows you to get a different prospective on life....


Good on you Cobber! My dear old departed Dad said it's not the colour of a man, or his religous beliefs, but what is in his heart that matters.We have plenty of room here for people of good heart, who are prepared to work hard for themselves, family and the Nation.No-one expects anyone to forget the country of their birth, all we ask is , if you come to live ,respect the people, and the country. [ besides, how are we ever going to win the soccer- oops- football World Cup without some help from abroad] Bob.

[streetlander]

Sorry, mate , don't mean to offend, but if you are not prepared to participate in our democratic process, are prepared to take a job here, but not prepared to involve yourself in the political process, it doesent say much for your character, and is an insult to those who have decided to make this country home, and have dual citizenship, and care enough to get involved. Democracy depends on all citizens being involved in the political process, if only to keep the b------s honest. Bob

No offence taken ..... just dont wanna give up my 'Kiwi status' just so I can vote, I dont wanna encourage the bastards!! lmao :D

I got a job here cos they asked me! Couldnt get an Ozzie to do it at the time, and I had the experience they wanted, thats the benefit of being Kiwi, I dont need to become a citizen to live and work here (vise versa for Aussies living in NZ)

I understand why immigrants want to be a citizen, it's just not that important for me. Each to their own.

oh Btw character has nothing to do with not voting, its a choice!!

[bob10]

oh Btw character has nothing to do with not voting, its a choice!!


Mate, I appreciate your situation, and I know Kiwis are good workers, but life is ALL about choices - good ones and bad.I just think yours is a bad one. Have a look around the world , see whats happening in countries where people dont have the choice to have a say in the way the country is run. I am old enough to remember the stories of Germany pre war that my Mum and Dad spoke about. When the s--t hit the fan then, it took the deaths of Millions of people to put it right. Your right to vote may not be important to you, but it certainly is important to them, or at least their memories. Bob

[streetlander]

A bad decision!!??? lmao

If you look around in Australia my vote isnt needed!!

I dont live in the 'other countries' , that was my choice (and a pretty damn good one I think). How can my vote here influence the political scene in another country? It cant!

If I did choose live in a country that needed the Govt changed radically then yes I would (probably) choose to vote, however the situation doesnt warrant it, as I choose to live in Australia and not in one of those 'other country's'.

Again surrendering my Kiwi status is not worth it just to cast a vote! I value it more than that.

[Disco44]

It's a shame you feel 'annoyed', ppl have their own reasons why they don't become Ozzy citizens, I'll never be an Australian citizen, cos Im a Kiwi and proud of my heritage, also dont need to become a citizen, I can live and work here as a resident.

Biggest bonus is I dont vote - cos I cant!! Love that! :D

You are taking from Australia everything it has to offer you.That means your reasons for being over here are not what Australia needs in it's immigrants.Australia is what it is today from what it's immigrants have offered and been given by Australia.To me your attitude is to take all give nothing back.An attitude adopted in the main by Kiwi's .Sad very sad as you can have dual citizenship too. In the recent floods here in South Qld one NZ lady had been here for 25 years working all the time but when it came to citizenship she would not take it out with the result that when monies from our Government to help flood victims was refused to her because she was not an Australian citizen ( rules sol ) she bleated like a stuck sheep.In the end she got it when a deal was worked out between Aus and NZ but the ****ling that lady got in letters to local newspapers and online was a battering indeed.

[streetlander]

Gawd!

Everyone take a chill pill ffs!

I've been here since 1995. Paid my taxes, worked my way through all sorts of jobs and established myself here.

Just cos I choose not to become an Australian citizen doesn't make me a heretic, it's a very legal thing to do.

I dont sponge off the Govt I've been fully employed ever since I arrived here.

I pay my way and no amount of bullboy brow beating will change my mind that I have made a 'bad decision' or that I'm 'not giving anything back' as Ive had 2 Aussie's go bankrupt on me (owing me more than $20,000) but I continued to survive financially without Govt assistance.

I suggest ppl get off their 'holier than thou' horses and step back and realise that having Aussie citizenship isnt the be all and end all!

........ the only single one advantage is you can vote!

again not enough to sway me to become one!

[bob10]

You are taking from Australia everything it has to offer you.That means your reasons for being over here are not what Australia needs in it's immigrants..

I agree entirely .Bob

[streetlander]

As a matter of curiousity what am I actually 'taking' from Australia since Im paying tax?

My choice to vote?

Please advise .......

[juddy]

I thought they send dodgy poms home after six years juddy ;)

Thats so funny, your new Avatar..... now come are you saying you have a very rare Dormobile???

[bob10]

Mate, I am old enough to remember the stories of Germany pre war that my Mum and Dad spoke about. When the s--t hit the fan then, it took the deaths of Millions of people to put it right. Your right to vote may not be important to you, but it certainly is important to them, or at least their memories. Bob

YOU HAVE MISSED THE POINT ENTIRELY. Bob

[streetlander]

Bob ....

it's not 1945 and Hilter is dead!

There is no Dictatorship in Australia.

....... and you are right I fail to see your point cos you havent made one!

[Ratel10mm]

I'm married to an Aussie so went with the spouse visa. However, I got more points than a Lawyer or Doctor at the time, so I could have gone that route - as I occasionally have to remind the missus!
A couple of mates got headhunted over here by the local branch of our firm. Both on 2 year work visas. Both have ebnded up marrying locally. One moved company, his new co. agreed to take on his sponsorship until he qualifies for Permament Resident. The other moved to the same co. when our old employer was dragging their heels renewing his visa.
So in summary, once you've got a visa as long as your skills are in demand you'll find work & be able to stay.

On the Citizenship thing, I don't find any of the politicians I can vote for worth my vote. So really what's the point in getting the bit of paper, other than donating a bit more money to our government?
In fact I'm a civil servant now (ok, let's hear all the civil servant jokes & digs! I'll just say that few of us are skiving sods, despite the rumours, and yes I could earn considerably more in the 'real world') & doing what I can to contribute to this country. I pay the same tax, I tolerate your snags (but miss real sausages. And beer) and I enjoy taking the mick when we win the Ashes. The way I see it, I'm doing my bit & trying to fit in, like an Aussie expat does in the U.K.
If ever an honest politician appears on my local voting card, I may well take out citizenship then.
Ok?

[jerryd]

Thats so funny, your new Avatar..... now come are you saying you have a very rare Dormobile???

Who me :angel: I'm saying nothing.......

Surely Australia benefits from the "millions of dollars" that us immigrants bring to the country, do I need to be a citizen to vote for Ms Gillard :eek:I can't think of a better reason not to become a citizen.
However, when I get time to study the citizenship book and remember all the questions, have a few $$$ spare to pay ms gillard to become a citizen then I'll be up there with the rest of them.

Getting back on track I'd recommend that you go through an immigration agent, they know how to correctly word all the forms and deal with the authorities. You put one word out of place on the forms,or a word that is not recognized, then your application goes back to the bottom of the pile.I know this from experience as our application got delayed six months.

[Disco44]

As a matter of curiousity what am I actually 'taking' from Australia since Im paying tax?

My choice to vote?

Please advise .......

The tax you pay is a drop in a bucket compared to what Australia is giving you.You would not be here if the same was offered in your homeland.Another thing Australia is giving is, because you are an NZer,terms and conditions to come here as a resident and work unimpeded.No other country has those priveleges, it is special for NZers only.I just hope,at least, you appreciate that.

[Ivan]

Guys and Gals
Can we get back on topic here. The bloke was asking for help/information in getting a visa. He does not want you lot bickering about whether you have become a citizen or not.

Thanks

Ivan

[streetlander]

The tax you pay is a drop in a bucket compared to what Australia is giving you.You would not be here if the same was offered in your homeland.Another thing Australia is giving is, because you are an NZer,terms and conditions to come here as a resident and work unimpeded.No other country has those priveleges, it is special for NZers only.I just hope,at least, you appreciate that.

You're making no sense!

I pay the same tax as an Australian citizen.

I came here because of my experience in my trade, that exact same trade I was doing in NZ.

The 'terms and conditions' work both ways (Aus to NZ as well)

.... and your right NZer's are special, we are a proud country, a kiwi passport is invaluable, one of the best in the world.

Hence my passion to hold onto it

[Disco44]

Guys and Gals
Can we get back on topic here. The bloke was asking for help/information in getting a visa. He does not want you lot bickering about whether you have become a citizen or not.

Thanks

Ivan

Sorry Ivan,I'll desist.It looks horribly expensive for Brits to get here,doesn't it.
Cheers,
John.

[Verydisco]

Please, please, please, let's get back to the topic, this is not leading anyone anywhere is it :eek:
;)

[Disco44]

Please, please, please, let's get back to the topic, this is not leading anyone anywhere is it :eek:
;)

Sorry mate I made a simple comment and it blew out of all proportions.From the comments here it appears that getting here is not easy.On the lighter side get on a boat,that seems to work.

[Verydisco]

On the lighter side get on a boat,that seems to work.

No worries.

Getting to Oz is not really the matter, staying is though :cool:

[sashadidi]

edited not applicable

[TerryO]

The tax you pay is a drop in a bucket compared to what Australia is giving you.You would not be here if the same was offered in your homeland.Another thing Australia is giving is, because you are an NZer,terms and conditions to come here as a resident and work unimpeded.No other country has those priveleges, it is special for NZers only.I just hope,at least, you appreciate that.




Sorry for going off topic but I feel this needs to be addressed.

After reading these bordering on racist comments I can see why Ms Hanson was so popular around the Ipswich area for a while.

Both the Australian and New Zealand governments decided long ago that as both countries people are so close and friendly and have so many common interests that there is a special relationship between the two countries. So each government has given the other countries citizens practically equal status in their own country, apart from voting rights which was stopped in the early eighties if I remember rightly.

If this bilateral relationship was not such a positive for both countries then I'm sure one or both governments would have stopped it by now.

If you think it is so important that everyone votes then why not accept the decision every federal government that has been voted in for decades has continued to support amd maintain? That being if a Kiwi wants to live here then they don't have to become a citizen or vote, vice versa for Aussies in NZ.
The government you voted for allows this to happen so I guess you get the governent and the polices you voted for, so why not accept them?

And before the that old chestnut about bludging unemployed Kiwi's gets brought up the last time I saw any research on employment versus unemployment for different nationalities in Australia, New Zealanders had the second lowest unemployment rate after Germans if I remember rightly. I think if you added Australians into the employment mix they were about fifth per capita. This is old data now so maybe it has changed but I'm sure if it has changed dramatically someone will know.

As for Pauline Hanson I hope she gets ignored down here in NSW where she is chasing to be voted in just as it would seem the majority of her own people around Ipswich have turned their backs on her.

Again I apologise for taking this thread off topic.


cheers,
Terry

[Hamish71]

You missed the point. Please become an Australian Citizen so we can vote AGAINST the ranga! :)


Who me :angel: I'm saying nothing.......

Surely Australia benefits from the "millions of dollars" that us immigrants bring to the country, do I need to be a citizen to vote for Ms Gillard :eek:I can't think of a better reason not to become a citizen.
However, when I get time to study the citizenship book and remember all the questions, have a few $$$ spare to pay ms gillard to become a citizen then I'll be up there with the rest of them.

Getting back on track I'd recommend that you go through an immigration agent, they know how to correctly word all the forms and deal with the authorities. You put one word out of place on the forms,or a word that is not recognized, then your application goes back to the bottom of the pile.I know this from experience as our application got delayed six months.

[Hamish71]

and it also our given right to hang **** on kiwis.....:) and vice versa.

So, given this thread started on the topic of giving visa advice to a prospective Australian, one who must be of good character given his choice of vehilces, , perhaps we should leave the thread on that....and not show him how biggoted some Australians can be.

We like all types...that is all types who respect the country, its people, its (multi) culture, its flag.




Sorry for going off topic but I feel this needs to be addressed.

After reading these bordering on racist comments I can see why Ms Hanson was so popular around the Ipswich area for a while.

Both the Australian and New Zealand governments decided long ago that as both countries people are so close and friendly and have so many common interests that there is a special relationship between the two countries. So each government has given the other countries citizens practically equal status in their own country, apart from voting rights which was stopped in the early eighties if I remember rightly.

If this bilatral relationship was not such a positive for both countries then I'm sure one or both governments would have stopped it by now.

If you think it is so important that everyone votes then why not accept the decision every federal government that has been voted in for decades has continued to support amd maintain? That being if a Kiwi wants to live here then they don't have to become a citizen or vote, vice versa for Aussies in NZ.
The government you voted for allows this to happen so I guess you get the governent and the polices you voted for, so why not accept them?

And before the that old chestnut about bludging unemployed Kiwi's gets brought up the last time I saw any research on employment versus unemployment for different nationalities in Australia, New Zealanders had the second lowest unemployment rate after Germans if I remember rightly. I think if you added Australians into the employment mix they were about fifth per capita. This is old data now so maybe it has changed but I'm sure if it has changed dramatically someone will know.

As for Pauline Hanson I hope she gets ignored down here in NSW where she is chasing to be voted in just as it would seem the majority of her own people around Ipswich have turned their backs on her.

Again I apologise for taking this thread off topic.


cheers,
Terry

[Verydisco]

So, given this thread started on the topic of giving visa advice to a prospective Australian, one who must be of good character given his choice of vehilces, , perhaps we should leave the thread on that

Indeed, thank you.

I appreciate you all come back to the original topic, even though it is interesting to count points on each side :D LOL

[FFR]

Hi,

I arrived a month ago, under a 457. Compared with other people, mine was a really easy move (I joined the Australian branch of the company that I was working for in Europe). Visa took four weeks, even with the xmas in between. I'm still dealing with some time-consuming logistics, nothing major.

A great improvement in lifestyle/job compared with Europe. Oz and Aussies are really great, believe me. You'll adore the country. Good luck with your visa.

[mick88]

I wonder how long the convicts had to be here before they could apply for "Citizenship"?......No doubt they didn't have any trouble getting their "Work Visa's!" I think they were already organised before they sailed from the UK for Port Arthur in Tassie. My Multi-Great Gandma was one of them. She must have liked the place, as we are still here a couple of centuries later! :p

Mick