Hoping to emigrate to Australia [Archive]

megawatt

25-01-2015, 07:02 AM

Tony Nitrous

25-01-2015, 10:11 AM

Have you spoken to immigration ?

It's hard to get in without a sponsor once your past 40.
It's expensive to get in as a retired person.

Happy to help out (I've been though it) but don't get too excited unless you have
a permanent residency OK. I know the AU gov had conditions and clauses and wanted
$13,000 (i think) per person in the past from folk retiring here,
and the visa had a time scale not permanent residency.

stiffsimon

25-01-2015, 12:02 PM

This link may help mate.

http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/405.aspx

When I chose to emmigrate here in 2009 I chose Melbourne. Apart from it being voted as the worlds most liveable city on several occassions it actually has weather rather than a climate. Melbourne weather is fantastic as it rarely gets below about 3 degrees C in winter and can get up into the forties in summer. The weather in Melbourne is famous for it's changeability and unpredictability. Victoria is a beautiful state to live in. Phillip Island is just over an hour away from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley,etc., etc., etc. It doesn't have that hot sticky 'kin uncomfortable humidity other places do.

Another thing I still can't get my head around is that THEY NEVER HAVE TO SALT THEIR ROADS IN WINTER :)

A guy I know from Newcastle has started his on motorcycle repair and recovery business and seems to be doing quite well from it.

As far as I'm concerned living in Australia is definately worth the effort, time and money needed to make it happen. Good luck with things and pop in and say Hi if you ever come to Melbourne.

Tony Nitrous

25-01-2015, 02:37 PM

I was in Melbourne and Canberra recently, regularly visit Sydney.
Seen a lot of the East half of the country. Came here 4 times before I migrated,
chose Brisbane and don't regret it. Haven't seen a frost in 10 years.
We get a bit of heat and rain sometimes but the good stuff makes it worth it.

I work out doors all year and I'm over 50, its not a drama if you man up.
Hate the cold, couldn't wait to get out of Melbourne.

South of the country seems more English, if I wanted that I'd be in England.

Just booked my 10th trip back to the UK in 15 years ( to see the GP )
every time I return the place gets worse. I never regret leaving.

hyofighter

25-01-2015, 06:07 PM

Come over unannounce on a boat those cunts have no dramas staying and have quiet a nice holiday resort to stay in up the hill from me . No need for money all expenses paid ....

serously but do your research i have a few mates with backpacker girlfriends that have had to jump through hoops to stay in australia just pisses me that people try to do the right thing and get fucked over but come the other way its with welcoming arms

Tony Nitrous

25-01-2015, 08:32 PM

You could try and sneak in under the radar and claim asylum,
but to be honest being deported to Papua New Guinea doesn't look that appealing.

We did have a French bloke on here, even he got a ticket to stay,
they just thought it was funny to string him along for a few years for a laugh.

megawatt

26-01-2015, 11:03 AM

Thanks for the replies guys . Keep em coming. Any help or advice gratefully received. I think I'm at a major disadvantage, being 56, but I do have around $600,000 dollars and a good pension to support myself. As yet I can't find the right part of the Au Gov website to tell me if I can stay or I have to work.

Tony Nitrous

26-01-2015, 03:32 PM

I went through an agency. I had no skills on paper but they still got me permanent residency.
Unfortunately the agency in Manchester is no longer there. Shame, great to deal with.

Mine (permanent residency) was done on a point system,
Whilst you got points for skills, money, health etc, you lost points for age.
Being past 40 the points dropped of quick, they work on the theory you have less time to be a benefit
before you become a drain on the system.

I didn't want a short term / limited time visa. I only moved for permanent residency.
Didnt want it on my mind that the future was uncertain.

Not sure about retirement, in the past you could "buy" yourself in, but few ever did as
it was quite expensive.

Many UK migration agency's do a free assessment over the phone.
Maybe do a couple and compare the results ?

Good luck.

Tony Nitrous

26-01-2015, 03:40 PM

I'm not that familiar with the different visa's,
but can't see anything suitable under retirement or retired investor...

"This visa is closed to new applicants."
http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/410.aspx

or

http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/405.aspx

Hagarr

26-01-2015, 05:41 PM

My eldest daughter is currently living and working in Brisbane. I am flying out with her younger sister on June 28th. Doing tourist stuff with both daughters for 3 weeks , then seeing Australia's east coast until end of August, then spending a few months in New Zealand. When we get back to Oz, I am hoping to live in the southeast in NSW, Victoria or Tasmania . I am retired at 56 years old and can live on my pension and money invested from sale of my house. Can anyone advise me on property prices, climate and if I need work , what skills are required in these areas and whether I could easily set up a small bike servicing, fabricating business without too much hassle or red tape. Any advice or help welcome. We'd love to meet up with some of you guys while we're in the area too?

Well probably shouldn't say anything other than good luck.

Sorry don't see how we can help!

Retired at 56 with Income, spending a few months in N.Z, Live on your pension .............(Long Pause) wow congrats, no really I mean that but shouldn't you expect to have to jump through some fairly large hoops to retire in Oz.

Sorry if I offend but really mixed emotions on this post (Note massive jealousy on my behalf from 54yr old who has flogged his guts in the "Lucky Country" employed lots, failed business etc etc etc).

Anyway best of luck with your dream!

Klapparbaver

26-01-2015, 08:15 PM

me and the missus had been married for 10 years with 2 kids and it still took 18 months for her to get a visa. Immigration department are no longer on my xmas card list

Tony Nitrous

26-01-2015, 08:51 PM

I have a list of dramas with them,

Including a trip to AU from the UK because they only gave me a set time for a AU TB medical
or they would cancel my visa, and when I arrived they said they didn't have time to do it but
thanks for making yourself available, I then returned to the UK to sell my house then returned again !
I had to enter AU within a set time of receiving my visa (and get the medical) but working out my
notice at work and selling my house went past this, so a pointless flight was $4000 for my partner and I.

After passing my Medical / Aids / TB, Police, Finance, Skills and every other test, and seeing my school and college
paperwork, and working in the UK print trade for 22 years, and being for a very old English family,
Someone in Adelaide froze my visa as they had no proof I could read or write English !

Ask Joules how he likes the Migration department here... LOL

stiffsimon

26-01-2015, 09:22 PM

There is a process for obtaining a visa. I chose the skilled visa thing. Yeah I had to go through a shit load of hoops, investigations,tests, examinations, etc., etc. Took me 14 months from beginning to end but I researced it at the beginning andknew what was involved so wasn't too bothered. The ex was another thing all together though :(

There are a lot of websites out there to help people considering this little jaunt. My advice is do your research, ask lots of questions and you'll end up knowing whether or not it's feasible. Albi may be along at some point to say a few things but er, em...............

megawatt

27-01-2015, 10:02 AM

Thanks again gents. Really do appreciate any and all advice , good stories and bad.

Gix11

27-01-2015, 10:58 AM

There is also another angle to consider that nobody has mentioned here. We had one guy move over from the UK and managed to set up his life in S.A. - he lasted about 18months before he was back in the UK. Australia is not for everyone, even my brother doesn't want to live here. If you are coming by yourself then it is only you that you need to convince, but if you are bringing family (especially a wife) make sure she really can leave her friends and family behind.

Another major thing to do is spend some time in different areas and avoid the tourist spots, as more than likely you won't be living there. If you need a city lifestyle then you are going to pay big for property, if you don't give a shit about that and could handle country life, well fuck, you could pick up 50 acres for around $250,000 out in some rural country areas.

Up here on the Gold Coast you won't get anything below $300k these days (and that's just units and duplexes). People are paying high 3s into the 4s for a decent size starter house.

Also, at this time of year you will hear every man and his dog complaining about the heat and humidity, but that's what you get for the sub tropics. One season of heat and sweat is well compensated by 3 seasons of exceptional weather, plus aircon and swimming pools save the day. You won't drop below 10 degress on a winter night that often and can enjoy dry cool 20 degree days all winter, perfect riding days.

If you are handy with your hands, you'll enjoy Australia.

Tony Nitrous

27-01-2015, 01:08 PM

There's plenty here to moan about, and plenty to be happy about. Some folk come here to "give it a try". I sold everything and made sure I had nothing to go back for. I wanted to be committed to what
I was going and didnt want any temptation to bail.

Ex member on here (Spondon Ash) is now back in the UK, as Si said, its not for everyone.

I travel home about once a year and seeing the UK regular really doesnt tempt me to return.

I miss the UK's history, castles etc and although I now ride all year round the UK bike scene had something the AU one doesn't, its shows, but nights, modified bike parts etc the stuff you get with a big population on a small island.

I just booked a week in Cornwall, my Mrs loves it there.
She'd move to the UK tomorrow if I agreed, my step son loves the US and step
daughter wants to move to Paris. 3 born Aussies all happy the leave.

megawatt

28-01-2015, 10:02 AM

Thanks for that Tony and Gix. My story is that I retired in July 2012 at age 53 with a good monthly pension , a pension lump sum( both by contribution of 6% of my salary for 37 years) and a generous severance lump sum. In April 2013 my wife left me , taking my two daughters and all my lump sum investments and cash. I kept my house and my pension. I have gone from near suicide and homicide to getting my life back together. My eldest moved to Brisbane with her boyfriend in September 2014. She has worried me recently by saying that she may leave her boyfriend to see Australia, New Zealand and parts of southeast asia. The main reason for me visiting her is to give her some support, spend time with her little sister and at her invitation , explore Australia and New Zealand together and hopefully stay together or close in Australia. I have nothing to keep me in the UK now, I see youngest daughter for about 5 hours a week. How difficult do you think it would be for an ex pat to set up a small business servicing motorcycles and carrying out fabrication work. Doesn't look like I'll be able to stay unless I work, despite the fact that I will be self financing and won't be taking a penny out of the Aussie welfare state?

Gix11

28-01-2015, 11:30 AM

Here's some light reading for you mate:

http://www.business.gov.au/business-topics/starting-a-business/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.australiaforum.com/business-investment/19746-start-company-sole-trader-temporary-resident.html

You will need an ABN (Australian Business Number) to run your own business. These are apparently available to temporary Residents (Visa holders).

wackyrider

28-01-2015, 08:01 PM

I've been here for 8 yrs and only just got my permanent residency. I traveled, studied here and got sponsored from work and still took me a while. In saying that i know people that managed to get PR in 2 yrs (following a 457 visa which is sponsored from work).

What I mean is that every case is different. You need to do you research on immi.gov.au as regulations change every couple of years so what worked for someone 5 yrs ago may not be applicable now anymore. The alternative is as was mentioned to speak to a migration agent, have a look online and see what reviews they have received. Just ensure they are a registered MARA agent.

You will need to ensure you have a visa that allows you to work and of you want to relocate here then Permanent residency is what you need. There may be options available but it's not something I ever looked into as I'm in my mid 30's.

If your daughters got their PR here in Aus, then you could try for a Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115) as an option.

megawatt

31-01-2015, 07:57 PM

Thanks again guys. Looks like I need to do a lot more research and talk to a few people. I'm hoping to spend a lot of time in Au, even if they won't let me stay permanently. Hope to meet up with some of you from mid July onwards?

Jockney Rebel

06-02-2015, 08:29 PM

mate i came here with 1200 quid a wife and kid no wife now ..lived in NSW and QLD but i dont really get on with the summers up here [I am a Scot after all lol] so im moving back sth to the snowies ..i concur with everything everyone here says i will add this do your own immigration stuff.. i did ...its a but involved but the immigration agents are just a rip off .
I met some wicked mates here and run my own business for about 3yrs doing bike recovery and transport so ive seen a fair bit of the eastern sea board ...4800 kms a week im back on the tools now ..but im looking to retire after 65 to the country and go off the grid ..mate do it you wont regret it ..this is the safest country on the planet [cept for all the beasties trying to eat you lol ]...any help i can give you just yell ..good luck matey

Tony Nitrous

07-02-2015, 01:55 PM

For me using an Immigration Agent was 100% money well spent.

I had nothing on paper, no official qualifications at all.
Everything I had done for 20+ years after leaving school was hands on unofficial training and personal experiences.
The paperwork was overwhelming and would have been my nightmare,
I was close to 40 and not on the "desired skills" desired A-list.

I chucked everything I had at the agency and they returned a Permanent Residency Visa with no
conditions or strings attached.

The agency I used is now closed, but the beauty of it was the two women were both
ex-Australian Consulate staff with a life times experience and they had "been there-done that"
with every scenario you could have imagined.

I doubt I'd be sat here today without them.

For some folk the right agency is a god send.

megawatt

08-02-2015, 01:48 AM

Thanks again Jockney Rebel and Tony. Got any contact details for those agents Tony?

Tony Nitrous

08-02-2015, 05:30 AM

As I said the one I used is now closed (they retired in 2012) but if you can find
a good one it can be money well spent in some cases.

megawatt

10-02-2015, 07:29 PM

Thanks Tony

megawatt

16-02-2015, 05:21 AM

Sorry Gix, I can't seem to PM you anymore ??? I'll be free to meet up from July 19th until September 1st. I'm near Hastings until June 28th, so welcome to drop in or stay over when you visit?

BillyWhizz888

21-02-2015, 12:28 PM

Marry an aussie chick bingo you get in,
look at like a prison sentence just do the hard yards for a few years get your PR then jump ship....

megawatt

23-02-2015, 03:59 AM

Thanks mate, I may just do that.

Gix11

23-02-2015, 11:17 AM

Sorry Gix, I can't seem to PM you anymore ??? I'll be free to meet up from July 19th until September 1st. I'm near Hastings until June 28th, so welcome to drop in or stay over when you visit?

Sorry mate, I did reply. It must have got lost. All good, keep this post alive and we'll get a group togerther in Brisbane for a few beers so you can meet a few guys in one hit.

megawatt

24-02-2015, 05:02 PM

Thanks mate, was hoping I could meet some of you guys.

Tony Nitrous

24-02-2015, 05:07 PM

I'm around up until the last week of August, them I'm overseas.

ozzy1100

24-02-2015, 05:54 PM

If this goes ahead I'll try and be there....
Or prob sometime this yr I'm tring to have a asf beer time in the shed :-)

megawatt

27-02-2015, 06:20 PM

That's great Tony and Ozzy. I'll be with my eldest daughter from July 18th until early September. We are thinking of flying to Cairns, if there's plenty to see, then on to Sydney to pick up a vehicle and do a road trip through NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. Driving back to Sydney and probably fly from there to New Zealand for a few months. I'll get in touch as soon as I can when in Brisbane, probably mid July.

Tony Nitrous

27-02-2015, 06:36 PM

Heaps to see in Cairns. Lots of backpackers and Chinese but still OK.
Port Douglas a little further up is a quieter and more upmarket.

Steam Railway and Cable Car up to Karanda, Croc farms, the Great Barrier Reef,
Quad bike adventures, The Gillies Hwy (my favorite Rd) dozens of other stuff, heaps to do up there.
Cairns really is geared up for tourists.

Tony Nitrous

27-02-2015, 06:47 PM

If you have the time, drive down from Cairns.
I've done it a few times. 2 days if you want to be sensible and legal,
2 weeks if you want to see the East Coast.
Airlie Beach is a Backpackers town but a good place to get a boat out to Hamilton Island
or the beautiful Whitehaven Beach. Heaps of other odd stuff to see like Paronella Park etc.
Cairns to Brisbane is about 1700K's and then its another 930 to Sydney.
No everyone's idea of fun but you'll get a better idea of the real Australia than you ever will
sitting in an airport or hotel.

slingy88

27-02-2015, 09:07 PM

Have to agree with Tony. We used an agent and it was money well spent. They new exactly what aspect to push etc to make sure there was no doubt of us getting in. Very good, just followed their instructions and bingo, full residency visa. They were called Ian Harrop and associates. Don't know if they are still going. Anyway, do it. The only thing that sucks is how anal all the rules are about modding vehicles. Really annoying!
Other than that, great weather, great people, great opportunities

megawatt

28-02-2015, 10:05 AM

Thanks for the tips gents, keep em coming. I'd sooner drive than fly and we do have loadsa time. Slingy, what sort of money did they charge you for their services?

Tony Nitrous

28-02-2015, 10:32 AM

First time I ever came here as a tourist, I did 1 week in Sydney, 1 week Gold Coast / Brisbane
and I week in Cairns. All 3 have heaps to see and do, all 3 are very different.

megawatt

28-02-2015, 11:14 AM

Yep, 3 weeks in July with both daughters. Brisbane, Barrier Reef and Sydney. Then once youngest goes home, Road Trip !!!

K6Thou

28-02-2015, 11:24 AM

If you do decide to drive from cairns, I'm in rockhampton which is about 700ish klms north of brisbane I'd be more than happy to show you around here.....

megawatt

28-02-2015, 10:06 PM

Thanks mate, I'll probably take you up on that. I will have my 20 year old daughter with me.

slingy88

01-03-2015, 11:16 AM

Thanks for the tips gents, keep em coming. I'd sooner drive than fly and we do have loadsa time. Slingy, what sort of money did they charge you for their services?

Mate from memory about the 400 quid mark, then you still have to pay for all the bullshit police checks (can't be a crim anymore lol) and medicals etc. Think they had offices in London and the Cotswold 's.

megawatt

02-03-2015, 06:05 AM

Do you think they can find out stuff and do stuff that I can't do myself?

Tony Nitrous

02-03-2015, 04:07 PM

They know what the AU immigration want to hear, and what they don't.
They know the best way to put your case across, and how not to.
They know whats important and what's not.
Stuff I was concerned over they brushed aside, other stuff the made sure was spot on.

Mine cost a lot more than Slingys, but they arranged police checks, medicals, financial assessment,
my work history, my AU TB tests, etc etc.

Best money I've ever spent. I'd never have done the mountain of paperwork on my own.
I gave them money, they gave a guy with no proven skill or work training, permanent residency.

The amount of money I've wasted on piss, holidays,vehicles and women... It was a bloody bargain
and the best I've ever spent.

Maybe someone with a more straight forward case than mine could have done it them self,
but I wasn't a Mr / Mrs / 2 kids / desired skill with a good documented training history case.

No way would I have the life, house and toys I have now if I'd stayed in the UK.

slingy88

02-03-2015, 06:44 PM

Agree with Tony.
We just figured, if we were going to give a go, let's give our best shot at getting in, if they say no after that than it obviously wasn't meant to be. We had 2 sets of friends who tried before us, both well edjumcated professional types, did there own applications and failed. So we thought fuck it, we using an agent and like Tony said, very good. We just did and gave them what they wanted when they asked untill the process was done.
Then we were told once the application went in we would be waiting 12 month's to find out. Got a call like 3 weeks later, "I don't understand how, but your application is approved and your visors are here! "
Fuck yeah, all systems go, sell the house, furniture, cars, trike, get married, have a fuck off huge party and leave the country, all in 6 weeks. Fun times :-D

megawatt

02-03-2015, 11:05 PM

Thanks a lot guys, you've convinced me. Just waiting of them eMailing me back.

megawatt

08-03-2015, 05:17 PM

Well I contacted Ian Harrup associates and had a nice free chat with one of their solicitors and basically he said NO CHANCE !!! Mainly because I'm 56 years old. Oh hum. He did say there was a very slim chance if I start a business, but there were a lot of obstacles in my way. Looks like if I want to stay , I will have to marry an Australian lady.
He did say I could only spend 3 months in Au with a visitors visa, not 12 months like my 20 year old daughter. I didn't know where from or when I would be flying back to UK , so I bought a one way ticket to Brisbane from Etihad. He did advise that I buy a return ticket or imigration wouldn't even let me in !!!! Etihad had no problem selling me the ticket, so I'll be having words with them soon. Oh well, looks like it will be a 2 month holiday in Au and hopefully I won't need a visa to stay in New Zealand for the 6 month max visitors visa.

Gix11

09-03-2015, 12:09 PM

I'm aware of the Return Ticket thing, this is for real. If you don't have a return they won't let you in.

Bit of a bugger hey? I was only 26 when I did it, so I had no issues. I do remember the Police station in Cheltenham telling me they had around 2500 people a month getting clearance checks in the hope of emigrating to Australia. It's not an easy game and there are a lot of people trying.