We are thinking of emmigrating to Australia - would like to hear from people who have done it already!?

Question

Hi, my parents are wanting to move to Australia and we are thinking about going to. We have 2 children (aged 6mths and 3 yrs). We don't know anything about Australia! I'd like to know why we should move, what the education is like and how easy it is for us Brit's to settle in. We think we'll have enough points for a visa (my fiance could prob transfer within the company he works for), but I dont know whether to move before or after finishing my degree (Biomedical Science). Are there any good websites to look at? Any info appreciated! Thanks

Answer 1

G'day,

I am an immigrant in Melbourne. Arrived in 1990 and have been enjoying the move.

This is what I can say about Melbourne:
1. First of all... some people do not like the weather in Melbourne (you can have 4 seasons in one day). However, if you read the first article from The Age newspaper, you will find out that the weather is still more preferable than the other cities. Sure you can have 42C day like last month, but almost immediately you'll get a much cooler weather pretty soon afterwards. It is very rarely that you got 2 or 3 consecutive days of hot weathers (unlike Sydney, Brisbane or Perth).
2. Melbourne is a city of diversity. If you are a newcomer, and you do not look 'Anglo-Saxon', you do not feel like an 'alien', since you can find almost every race in the world walking in the city. They are both immigrants and overseas students.
3. THE FOOD!! Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Thai, All-you-can-eat, African, Lebanese, Mexican, Sea Food... anything else? All available and lots of them in a very-very-very affordable price
4. Pretty good public transport system. With one ticket, you can switch from train, tram and bus. They do not always come on-time, but still reliable and improving (www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au).
5. SHOPPING!!! Original branded clothing sold very cheap. There are even shopping tour, where the participants are taken to retails outlets just for shopping. Big temptations for ladies.
6. Crime rates... just read the second article on the bottom.
7. Cost of Living... I'll say it's second most expensive city after Sydney. Altho I have to say that some cities in Queensland can be more expensive to live.
8. Tourist attraction. This is the area that I think Sydney is better than Melbourne, since it has most of it's attraction within its suburbs. Most Melbourne attraction are pretty much out of Melbourne, such as the gold mines in the cities of Bendigo and Ballarat, The Great Ocean Road, Lakes Entrance, Grampians, skiing in Mt. Buller etc.

In regards to schools there are 3 choices: Public/Government, Christian/Catholic and Private. Public schools have pretty much the same standard wherever you go and they are the cheapest alternative. You usually just enrolled to the one closer to where you live. The list of government schools are here: http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/schoolsonline/Browse.asp.
Private are the most expensive, since on top of the tuition fee, you will still have to buy books, uniform, etc. The list for non-government schools are here: http://www.isd.com.au/

In regards to your education, I strongly suggest that you finish your degree if possible. If not, I know that you can do a credit transfer from the units that you have completed in UK to Australian Uni. Just don't forget to bring the original copy of your transcript.

For jobs, these are some job websites for your reference:
www.seek.com.au
www.mycareer.com.au
www.careerone.com.au
Your fiancee has a terrific idea by using the connection that his company has to transfer work here. It is the best way to get the first job in Australia. I did that too.

I certainly hope this helps. Yes, there will be some time needed for adjustments, but there will be helps and supports along the way since Australia is built by immigrants (yes, this include the Anglo-Saxons & Aborigins, since I've just been told by one answerer that Aborigins came from Asia).

Welcome to Australia and enjoy.

Answer 2

I emigrated to Australia in 2006 from the UK and have had no regrets at all. The climate is great, the cost of living is much lower than the UK and the crime rate is lower as well. I think the education system is comparable to in the UK. As a brit you will have no problems settling in as the culture is pretty similar and Australians are generally very friendly so you'll make friends easily.

I would recommend that you finish your degree before you come over. I did a degree in Biomedical Sciences myself and found a job no trouble at all.

The main immigration website is http://www.immi.gov.au which will give lots of info about visas and life in Australia. Good luck!

Answer 3

read this:

http://www.escapeartist.com/e_Books/Immigrating_To_Australia/Immigrating_To_Australia.html
Everything You Need to Know About Immigrating to Australia By Simon Chen

a page that states the following:

I could´t believe it when I heard that the Immigration Department might want to see romantic letters or emails that I wrote to my wife when we were dating. Or that they could ask to see wedding photos . . . review our joint financial statements . . . or even demand statutory declarations from family members vouching for our genuine love for each other.

Why One of Australia's Top-Rated Immigration Lawyers Helped Write This E-Book

The 67 Most Important Answers about subjects such as: Are you of "acceptable character" - here are nine situations in which the Australian government says "NO!"


I think Australia sounds great but they seems they now disapprove of many things Americans do (government but not the people, seems Australian governments quite stuck up)


Applying for a "LRV" - you can subsequent to grant apply to sponsor him as a fiance. It all comes down to "how it was" at the time you stated a fact. These situations can be problematic and you really should consult and experienced MARA registered AGENT. www.themara.com.au for someone near you.


You British should fare better than us Americans to do so in the area of "acceptable character".