Some thoughts about migrating..

[Guest mingmen]

well, i have been reasonably active on this site for a while now, reading mostly posts, gettin the general "vibe". So, i thought i would share some of my own experiences regarding the migration process, and why I have chosen NOT to migrate to oz, simply as it may help someone else, who may be in a similar situation and that yes, truely, the grass is greener..even if there is a water shortage, which, as it goes, is pritty much the situation in the city i have chosen to migrate to, with my family.

 

Firstly i would say...dont put your eggs in one basket. If you are really thinking about oz, then consider another place too, perhaps europe..where, if your a pom, like me, then you wont need to go through the hassle of the somewhat stupid emigration procedure, which, costs money, and is, really, just jumping through hoops that keep the civil servants employed who keep the system running and who are probably decent folks, but......

 

anyway, i did apply for state sponsership, got all the information, really thought about it, got my documents certified, showed i had the right dosh to finanace my venture and, after a long wait, got an email back saying it was regected, which was fine at the time till i checked why, and it turns out, they want to see only 10,000 AD liquid assets as my application was based solely on my flat in london ( i dont actually live in the uk, im based in asia ). I felt it was really stupid to ask this, simply as the strenghth of my application was that i would really go for it and actually, if i chose SA, then i would be a kind of expert in my field there, a huge benefit for a very low risk to SA who would only offer a 2 year, temporary provisional visa! Well, i could swallow my pride?? NO! i have worked very hard in my specialist field, and to me , its worth alot more than simply having to prove, by way of capital, that i can or want to move to SA...anwyay, the good news is, im very happy with my alternative option in Europe ( I was there when i got the rejection email ) and when i really think about it, I am ( you too ) really lucky to have the right to reside in the EU and, i dont have to justify it to some stupid bearcrats..so, what can i say, but up yours SA? no!, actually, thats not what i want to say, its a very nice place and I think it has a lot going for it, i lived there 15 years ago when i was on a working holiday visa, i have some fond memories, and fond they will remain.

 

please consider your options my friends and thank you to all who have been a great help, be it indirectly:D.

[orrelljet]

Interesting post but I'm struggling to see its relevance to this site.

 

P.I.A was started (correct me if I'm wrong) so like-minded individuals could talk about their experiences, mostly gained getting to and living in Adelaide and, quite often, help others along the way.

 

Many forum members, myself included, have worked long and hard in their careers but still find themselves offered only a temporary visa, whether that be due to age or other criteria - the difference between us and you is...we don't care! It's taken some literally years to get here and they're not put off by the lack of permanent status; if you get yourself a job and work hard you're here for life...if you want to be.

 

I agree, Europe might be an interesting option, for some, but the overwhelming majority of members on this site have chosen to move themselves and their families to the other side of the world and I think they deserve some credit for making what I believe to be the right decision. My family and I looked at Europe too, especially as it would have been a far easier option for us; my wife is French, I speak French and I'm the only member of my immediate family that has a UK passport - still we chose what we thought was best. Yes, it's bloody hard to get in but surely that's the whole point?

 

So, I'll wish you Bon Voyage and the best of luck in Europe, but I bet you'll always be wondering...what if...

 

Justin.

[Guest caoimhe]

Interesting post but I'm struggling to see its relevance to this site.

Justin.

 

My thoughts exactly

 

maybe I have missed the point of the threat :wacko:

[Guest Django]

I dunno, I think its quite relevent for all coming out to read. You have to be committed as an individual/family to make the move and have to want to live in Australia. If Europe seems appealing the easy option (which it is) then you don't really want to make the move downunder. You probably just want out of the UK. If you do want to live in Australia, and I mean really want to, then you will do whatever it takes to get there. Sacrifices may have to be made. I have already given up my job, which took a lot of time and money to qualify for, so we can make the move.

It is the sort of post that reminds me just how much I want to live and bring my children up in Australia.

 

Pete

[Guest Guzzler&Sas]

Firstly i would say...dont put your eggs in one basket. If you are really thinking about oz, then consider another place too, perhaps europe..where, if your a pom, like me, then you wont need to go through the hassle of the somewhat stupid emigration procedure, which, costs money, and is, really, just jumping through hoops that keep the civil servants employed who keep the system running and who are probably decent folks, but......

 

 

 

Shame some other countries don't have stupid immigration procedures,

 

Guzzler

[orrelljet]

It is the sort of post that reminds me just how much I want to live and bring my children up in Australia.

 

Pete

 

When you put it like that, I'll concede the relevance...just. ;-)

 

J.

[cormcvcr]

I think everybody has made a fair point, including the original post itself.

 

If you really want it then let nothing stand in your way, but it was good to hear a different side to the story and also that they had other options.

 

We didn't have a plan B, this was all or nothing for us, but I'm sure if we weren't fortunate enough to get our 3 year temp visa, we would have looked at somewhere else.

 

So I'll take my hat off to you for having the guts to try out somewhere else. This is all about adventure and trying something new, trying to get a different experience, just because it's not Australia doesn't mean it's a bad thing.

 

So thank you for your post and your opinions and I wish you the very best of luck in your chosen adventure x

[orrelljet]

...I'm sure if we weren't fortunate enough to get our 3 year temp visa, we would have looked at somewhere else...

 

But that's my point exactly...the OP was offered the same visa as you (and me).

 

J.

[Guest melbourneben]

Glad your happy with where you've settled.

 

Although I would disagree that the emmigration procedure is stupid. Surely its good to have a robust system in place to filter out people who dont want to fully integrate and contribute to society. It also seems reasonable that you would require $10k AU to fund your move when you consider housing and periods waiting for jobs etc...

[Guest mingmen]

thanks for your comments regarding my post. Actually, I do have 10K of Aud liquid assets and could re submit my application, if i wanted to and i agree that its a usual amount. However, the point I am making is that I made the application based on my assets AND my pure intention to set my self up there, which , put simply means I would need money and yes, I would liquify some of my assets if the gave me the thumbs up, but, now, they want to see my assets first, before they offer me sponsership and i will have to make the application all again with a statement of my asstets. Its fine if i really wanted to go to OZ, but i dont now, so it doesnt matter anyway and i wont look back and wonder in the future as I think Europe is better for me in the long term anyway. I do however think certain aspects of the immigration are stupid when you really think about it and is it robust? Maybe? Oh, and the person who I inspired to really want to go for it, excellent! Good luck to all who venture. Respect.

[Guest mingmen]

thanks for your comments regarding my post. Actually, I do have 10K of Aud liquid assets and could re submit my application, if i wanted to and i agree that its a usual amount. However, the point I am making is that I made the application based on my assets AND my pure intention to set my self up there, which , put simply means I would need money and yes, I would liquify some of my assets if the gave me the thumbs up, but, now, they want to see my assets first, before they offer me sponsership and i will have to make the application all again with a statement of my asstets. Its fine if i really wanted to go to OZ, but i dont now, so it doesnt matter anyway and i wont look back and wonder in the future as I think Europe is better for me in the long term anyway. I do however think certain aspects of the immigration are stupid when you really think about it and is it robust? Maybe? Oh, and the person who I inspired to really want to go for it, excellent! Good luck to all who venture. Respect and yes, if its difficult, its worth doing.

[cormcvcr]

But that's my point exactly...the OP was offered the same visa as you (and me).

 

J.

 

 

I know that, that is exactly why I put it in.

 

One week after we submitted our application for our temp visa, my OH job went onto the MODL list, we had the option of withdrawing the application and resubmitting for a full PR visa, but we decided to leave it as it was, just in case they said NO.

 

We didn't want to take that chance, as we wanted a visa so badly even if it was a temporary one. You either want it or you don't, the other person had other options, we didn't.

[Guest Libby1971]

I know I haven't had much sleep for about a week but I am the only one who is 8 steps past confused!!!

 

Totally befuddled in fact.

 

Mingmen, I understand totally that you were irate for want of a better word that you had to prove certain facts before getting a visa but do you know what? We all did. And while you may not be prepared to swallow your pride, the rest of us have and therefore feel we are in a somewhat better position.

 

While comments are always appreciated to draw attention to alternative points of view, I cannot for the life of me see why you would want to post on a forum devoted to people who have given their all in trying to get here. And for those who are here, we're trying to help those on their way. You appear to be neither of those categories and therefore the relevance of your posting/ thread is lost on me.

 

 

Libby

[Guest caoimhe]

I know I haven't had much sleep for about a week but I am the only one who is 8 steps past confused!!!

 

Totally befuddled in fact.

 

Mingmen, I understand totally that you were irate for want of a better word that you had to prove certain facts before getting a visa but do you know what? We all did. And while you may not be prepared to swallow your pride, the rest of us have and therefore feel we are in a somewhat better position.

 

While comments are always appreciated to draw attention to alternative points of view, I cannot for the life of me see why you would want to post on a forum devoted to people who have given their all in trying to get here. And for those who are here, we're trying to help those on their way. You appear to be neither of those categories and therefore the relevance of your posting/ thread is lost on me.

 

 

Libby

 

:notworthy: Libby you are so good at putting into words what I can not

[Guest Rachael]

I too am confused slightly by this post. It just seems to be a vent of anger really.

I cannot even begin to list the reasons why we want to leave the UK but mainly due to what England has become and that's not want I want for my new baby.

The state of immigration in the UK is appalling, with so many immigrants coming in and sponging off the state. We did have to work hard for our visa but I'd do it a hundred more times if it meant Australia kept out the illegal immigrants who are turning England into what it has become.

My opinion, very honest, but that's just how I feel right now. If the DIAC see fit to put in such stringent rules, it can only be for the good of Australia and its people.

R

[Guest lynne]

This is a good post to start a debate.

 

In fact we had a house in Spain for seven years and seen what Europe means. A lot of the countries within Europe have actually gone down since joining the EC.

 

My 16 year old son got mugged on a Saturday afternoon in a main shopping area in Spain. And it was not Spanish young people who mugged him. When you go to the police station they have photos of criminals in books according to the country they come from!!!

Grandad also got mugged by gipsys in our local area. Five women with children followed him to the bank and than once he was in a quiet area surrounded him and took his money. They did not physically hurt him but obviously this distressed him.

 

Yes we were going to live in Spain permanently but alot of English people are coming back to

England. One of our neighbours had lived in Spain for 20 years. Her daughter got married in Spain had her children in Spain but all of them have now moved back to England for a better quality of life.

 

I have nothing against the Spanish people. They are lovely people but because EC have open borders with each other they do get some of the not so nice people going to Spain.

 

So I am very happy that Australia make a lot of check and make restrictions on what type of person goes there. The number one thing to intergration is about everyone speaking the language of the country. Australia seems to take on broad some of the good thing that have worked in England but leaves behind the bad things.

 

None of us regardless of what country we are in want people who are continually taking benefits from the government or esculating the crime figures.

 

In the area I now work in we have people who speak about nine different languages but they do not speak English. This only creates lots of additonal difficulties with health, educaion integration etc.

 

I was happy to wait for our visa to be granted and we will be going to Australia to validate our visa in August.

 

I have a good life in England and live in a beautiful area, but what will this country be like in 50 years? So I am prepared to try life in Australia and see if it is right for our family

 

lyn

[Guest happy feet]

couldn't agree more Lynne, well said..

 

Cara

[orrelljet]

...the relevance of your posting/ thread is lost on me...

 

Thanks Libby

 

Justin.

[orrelljet]

My thoughts exactly

 

maybe I have missed the point of the threat :wacko:

 

Cheers.

 

J.

[Guest mingmen]

Actually, in response to your responses, I could say more on this, but im really happy that some of you have reached an agreement that you cant see the relevance of my post, how its　not going to help anyone etc. etc. I was watching a the news this morning, I thought it was a pity that a small town called Camden in NSW rejected the building of a new Muslim school, saying it wasn’t relevant in their town, it seems they couldn’t relate to the context, or see how it would help educate Muslims within a western culture. I wonder what the Muslim community will make of it all?

Libby1971, please feel free to remove my post from the site, bearing in mind its irrelevance.

I may have something relevant to say another time, i may still want to emigate to oz and this site has a weath of very good informaion, I still have time, and actually, have been considering it for some time over the years . These days, my self expression isnt that great, and im not so intouch with western culture, and it isnt my intention to offend, or misguide likeminded people.Decide for yourself, remove it if its really an annoyance.

[Guest Django]

I was watching a the news this morning, I thought it was a pity that a small town called Camden in NSW rejected the building of a new Muslim school, saying it wasn’t relevant in their town, it seems they couldn’t relate to the context, or see how it would help educate Muslims within a western culture. I wonder what the Muslim community will make of it all?

 

Well this is Oz for you. The UK has become a place where people can come over and demand that they can do what they like to make them 'feel at home' and if someone complains they scream 'racism'. Oz on the other hand has quite clearly stated that Oz is Oz. It has its own culture and way of doing things. If you want to live in Oz then you conform. If you don't like it don't come. They like their country just the way it is and don't want it changed by migrants.

Its a shame this country is getting to the point where there is no identity. The reason St George's day isn't celebrated is because of this or because everyone is affraid of upsetting the non English. This country is pants because it hasn't held onto its identity and I for one want to live somewhere where there is a norm, where everyone can speak the same language and isn't affraid to say 'no we don't want that here' without the racisn card being played.

I'm going to Australia to be australian. I fully intend to become a citizen and have no intention of trying to change it by introducing things from the UK. If we follow your arguement through to its conclusion every country will look the same and there would be no point in travel. I will lobby the Oz MPs if they ever start allowing foriegners to enter the country and then try to change it.

 

Just my opinion

 

Pete

[cormcvcr]

Well this is Oz for you. The UK has become a place where people can come over and demand that they can do what they like to make them 'feel at home' and if someone complains they scream 'racism'. Oz on the other hand has quite clearly stated that Oz is Oz. It has its own culture and way of doing things. If you want to live in Oz then you conform. If you don't like it don't come. They like their country just the way it is and don't want it changed by migrants.

Its a shame this country is getting to the point where there is no identity. The reason St George's day isn't celebrated is because of this or because everyone is affraid of upsetting the non English. This country is pants because it hasn't held onto its identity and I for one want to live somewhere where there is a norm, where everyone can speak the same language and isn't affraid to say 'no we don't want that here' without the racisn card being played.

I'm going to Australia to be australian. I fully intend to become a citizen and have no intention of trying to change it by introducing things from the UK. If we follow your arguement through to its conclusion every country will look the same and there would be no point in travel. I will lobby the Oz MPs if they ever start allowing foriegners to enter the country and then try to change it.

 

Just my opinion

 

Pete

 

OOOOOHHHHHH Pete, that wasn't very PC of you!!!

[Guest Django]

OOOOOHHHHHH Pete, that wasn't very PC of you!!!

 

Like I have always said. I'm not PC. :biglaugh:I have nothing against any race, creed or religion. What I object to is that people moving to another country and then try to make it resemble the place they left behind. Move on and blend into your new enviroment rather than change the landscape to suit you. If you don't like where you are moving to don't move.

 

Again just my opinion.

 

Pete

[Guest caoimhe]

Like I have always said. I'm not PC. :biglaugh:I have nothing against any race, creed or religion. What I object to is that people moving to another country and then try to make it resemble the place they left behind. Move on and blend into your new enviroment rather than change the landscape to suit you. If you don't like where you are moving to don't move.

 

Again just my opinion.

 

Pete

Excellently put Pete, but I will still have a celebration on St Paddy's day even when I'm in OZ

[Guest jax]

Having lived in Spain for 5 years I can tell you that it isn't easy to live there. Work is limited, the pay is very low, the cost of living is very high and in general the 'x pats' leave a lot to be desired. And if you cant speak the language well....I won't go there! Even if you can, if you don't speak it like a local...well, what can I say. I wanted to go to Australia before going to Spain but we were not able to meet the criteria at that stage of our lives. However, we returned to England and submitted our application and after a long wait - it took us 2 years to get our visas - we have finally got them. We did a rekkie last year and I could not believe how friendly the people were. We can't wait to go and just know that it will be the place we spend the rest of our lives in. We also can't wait to meet up with some of the PIA gang. So, looking forward to our move and to meeting up with you lot!