Considering moving to Western AU from the US

[Dylan]

Hello All,

This may be an odd topic however I am looking for any advice that I can get. I've worked for years in the Corporate lifestyle here in the U.S. and am looking to go a different direction with life. I'm looking for somewhere I can go where english is the main language, not a huge populace but enough to where it won't be completely impossible to find employment, warm to hot weather, and close to the ocean... but no longer in the states. From the research I've been doing Western AU seems to be a good option but I haven't got a clue as to where to start.

I've applied for my passport, saved a bit over $10,000US not including the flight, and am now just looking for where the best starting point would be. I have no problem working hard as long as I can get by. I understand I'll be starting completely over and actually look forward to the adventure of it all. Might sound crazy but it's what I want to do. Right now I'm looking at Karratha but am not quite sure what the job market is like in the various cities along the coast. I've got experience in Social Media, Customer Service, IT, Graphic Design, Cooking, even DJ'ing nightclubs.

Any and all advice that can be offered would be greatly appreciated. I just want to know as much about the area before I decide to make my attempt to dive in.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Welcome to AULRO.COM

The west coast of OZ is a big bit of coastline.
There is probably room for one more

Having said that,, it is a VERY remote part of OZ, you need to understand how big this place is,, and how few people live outside our cities, especially on the west coast!

It appears cyclones are a yearly occurance but,,,
the fishing is excellent!

also due to the mining industry house prices will be,,, interesting.

[Distortion]

Hi,

Bit of an odd place to put a question like this but all good.

First thing I'd do is look at Department of Immigration & Citizenship and work out what you want to do in Australia and what visa you'll need

You haven't given a time frame for how long you want to be in Aus, is it a permanent move or just something you'd like to do for a year or 2 you'll need to apply for the appropriate visa.

[Dylan]

I would be completely happy fishing and living away from the larger cities the rest of my life as long as I can find a job that will support a modest lifestyle. I grew up in a small town and do enjoy it. Looking for at least 4-5000+ population but nothing too huge.

This would be a permanent move.

[Distortion]

For permanent residency you need one or more of a particular group of skills on the website I linked earlier

The fact you want to go somewhere regional may help your chances but you'll need to give them a call regarding this. Regional Initiatives - Workers - Visas & Immigration

My suggestion would be to look at getting a 12 month work and holiday visa then try and get work somewhere that will sponsor a long term visa.

Had a mate who ended up going to the USA as it was easier for him to get a permanent visa there than it was for his girlfriend to get one here which might give you an idea of the process

[Sully]

What a random thread!

Good luck getting here with only 10k, no employment prospects, no sponsors, no idea where to live, e.t.c.

They'll let you in on a holiday visa with 10k and a solid plan of what you'll be doing here during your holiday stay, but not someone who intends to live here without any particular prospects.

You'd be better off coming for a holiday first, to see if you like it. Then, go about applying for citizenship. It will take a long time to become a citizen.

[rockyroad]

Your on the right track, forget about the populated states. You should also take a look at regional Queensland, very similar lifestyle and climate with possibly a better chance of gaining employment but closer to the major services should you need them.

A town like Bowen or Proserpine would be worth considering, small populations each with two hours of major cities but within the Whitsunday region so perfectly situated for all the fishing, boating and hot young backpackers you can handle

[richard4u2]

pop an email off to the american consulate here in perth , nice bunch of peoples . my understanding with the visa if you come here on one type of visa you have to leave the country to apply for another type . dont go to a immigration agency they will only rip you off deal with immigration department they will help you to the max

[cartm58]

From a lifestyle point of view go Tropical Queensland not WA for starters more towns closer together if you want to move after arriving and see somewhere different. More towns is more job opportunities especially with your skill set and visually Queensland prettier countryside than Far North WA and cheaper to live

Karratha is a mining town and basically FIFO of population due to geographically limitation housing is limited and in demand expect rents of up to $3000 week

[Nero]

From a lifestyle point of view go Tropical Queensland not WA for starters more towns closer together if you want to move after arriving and see somewhere different. More towns is more job opportunities especially with your skill set and visually Queensland prettier countryside than Far North WA and cheaper to live

Karratha is a mining town and basically FIFO of population due to geographically limitation housing is limited and in demand expect rents of up to $3000 week

Work out what you mean by warm its autumn here I live south of perth and it will be a mild 31 degrees celsius today (88F) in during summer in Karatha 115 F is not unusual. If you are prepared to fly in fly out (FIFO) plenty of work if you have a rigid truck license although you will have to look at the skills set/ what immigration wants. Queensland is a bit of a double edged sword its alright but its full of people who will are certain its is absolutely wonderful most of them have never lived anywhere else I found it to be crowded and overrated tourist trap.

As others have suggest might be worth coming out and having a look around before making the big move.