apart8

Hey Bal67, We completely understand what you are going through. We obtained our Visa in 2011 and went to Oz in Aug '11 to 'validate' it. We more or less had to drag our 15yr old son on the flights. Anyway, we all went and on our return the house went up for sale and sold in 2 days. the plan was that we would let Connor do his GCSEs and then make the move. I, then in the meantime had a change of heart and in agreement with my husband gave backword on the house and took it off the market so we could save more money up. Connor still was adamant that he would not be going. After a bad year with him dipping in and out of college and pushing the boundaries with us we now are still in the same position. My husband and I are visiting again in Feb 14 for a decider trip. Connor is not coming with us, he is 17 now, 18 in June'14. Financially our son cannot support himself as he is in full time education. I do not know what the result or answer will be. The visa expires in 2016...time is ticking by! My husband is extremely keen still, I have reservations and my son says no under any circumstances will he be going. I wont go if my son wont but then I don't want hubby having regrets, I wont stand in his way either. I don't want him to turn round in years to come and say you held me back..... can see this splitting my family?

Thank you for the info. We were told we would need at least a 30% deposit.

Hi all, Can anyone help please. What sort of deposit would we need to put down on an aussie property? Do you need to be employed for a certain amount of time before you can get a mortgage? How do they work out what amount you can go for etc? Just some of the many financial questions we are unsure of....Thank you Regards Allison and Alex Part

Hi Paul, We had no probs bringing in with galaxy chocolate and jammy dodgers but the angel delight was more of a prob ...however they did let us bring through in the end! A form is given on the aircraft prior to landing which you fill in and show to each check point on arrival at the airport, from passport control to items to declare etc. But as all advice says....declare everything! Regards Allison

Hope it comes soon for you Sharon. Dont know what I am complaining about......We accepted an offer 4 days after our house went on the market and now am in panick mode as they want us to complete by 1st week in December! We are having to go into rented in the UK for 6 mths so our son can complete his GCSEs. All come abit TOO soon but should feel lucky compared to most who cant get a viewer let alone a buyer. Our estate agent was very good though...he sent the shop staff up to see our house so they could describe and really sell our house.....Worth a try. I thought it was a great idea. Good luck, Allison, Alex(Welder), and Connor 15

Thank you everyone........ You all sound like good friends to have. Fed up of the neighbours asking where we are going, who is moving into the house etc. Never known such nosey people. One even asked if the buyers were the first people they saw coming round! They havent been told of our plans but will be shocked I am sure when we are renting down the road! They are driving me mad. Just doubts going through my mind....have we enough money, what if we cant get jobs, we will never afford another UK house, what about our pensions etc etc. My mum is absolutely gutted and now has said she may not cope with the flight, then changes her mind and says she may only be able to visit once. Sorry to go on again! Sure things will turn out and it is only the start of our migration journey....Thanks again, Allison x

Have a great trip. Good luck with it all, Regards Allison, Alex and Connor Part

Great to know we are not on our own. Hate feeling like this though. As some of you and my OH have said, selling the house is the dream maker or breaker so to sell so quickly is a blessing. Thank you all for your comments and help. Keep you posted, Regards Allison, Alex and Connor xxx

Hi everyone, just need a listening ear really. We have accepted an offer on our UK house today and my head is all over. Its been on the market for less than a week! The people buying need to complete by the 1st week in December so we cant have our last big family christmas with parents etc. Got real mixed feelings and could easily change my mind over the whole migration thing. I feel really scared too. Got that much to sort out as we need to stay in the UK til our son completes his GCSEs and we need to find a rental here as well as furniture storage here, Oz rental, dog transporting etc etc the list goes on and on............could scream. Where do we start................. I should be over the moon as its 2 years in the planning but feel upset. Any advice please....... Allison

Hi All, Just got home from work and the for for sale sign has gone up!!!!!!! We knew we were selling it but what a shock to see the sign still, especially as the kids on the road wanted to know where we were going!......Told them all not to be so nosey. Bet the curtains will be twitching tonight and we will be the subject of many a conversation!. Anyway here's to a speedy sale................ Allison(42) physio asst, Alex(41) welder and Connor coming round to the idea(15) West Yorkshire

We have just returned from Oz with Malaysia Airlines and we could not fault them at all. The staff couldnt do enough for you. If you want for anything just ask and they will bring it for you. We were sat behind a family with a baby and they were provided with sky cot etc. Milk was up and down the aisles loads of times being warmed up by staff. The food was great but then we love malaysian food but there was a non curry option too. I would definately fly with them again. In flight entertainment was good with lots of variety for kiddies and games etc. We pre booked our seats without charge. In fact if you go onto a website called seat guru or seat genie(cant remember which) you can see your allocated seats and they say whether they are near toilets etc and will advise you whether these are good seats or not......you can do this for most airlines....Hope I helped a bit, Regards Allison

Hi there, We were really quick from the meds stage.....Visa granted within 2 weeks of the meds being done, and we had a bank hol in between too like yourselves. I think I would be asking a few questions to your agent. Good luck with it all it'll come right in the end. Regards Allison

Nice one........think that matter is all cleared up now.. Thank you everyone! Allison x

Hi there, Can anyone help with immigration rules.........we are wanting to bring over some chocolate, biscuits etc on a trip soon. Is this ok? Where should we pack etc. We have emailed immigration but no reply as yet.... Thanks Allison

Hi Chrisfen, We too faced the same problem. My parents (Mum especially) took a long time to talk about it. Mum still doesnt ask us things but waits for us to tell her, We leave fro our reccie trip this weekend and she was tearful on the phone the other night. I know my mum and dad are proud of what we want to achieve but it will always be hard for them to wave us off with a hug and a kiss and say enjoy your life....on the other side of the world. We want to change our lives and theirs but they do respect what we are doing and support us all the way. Take Care xxxx Allison(42) Alex(41) and Connor (15) Visa granted May'11

Hi Paul, Looks as though we will miss eachother whilst there.....we dont land in Adelaide until the 22nd. Still it will be great to hear how you all get on......... Regards Allison and Family

Thank you....that will be really useful. Allison

Hi All, Dont know whether anyone can help me. We have our Visa granted and gained this under my OH's profession but just wondered if I want to persue the same career as in the UK, Physiotherapy assistant and have already gained my NVQ 3 in this (Jan 11) will I need to go through SA to have this officially recognised or will my UK certificate be suffice to gain employment as we already have our visa granted.....Did that make sense? Thanks Allison

Hi Andy and Co, Stating the obvious here.......but why not phone the airlines direct then you can hear it from the horses mouth? Allison, Alex and Connor Part

Dont forget...........Take medical records with full medical history, dental records, and the all important pension and how it will be transferred and paid in Oz and at what rate!!!!!!!! Allison

Hi there, Let us know where you are staying when you are all booked. We are hiring a car so hope to get around the various subs as well. Would be useful to swap mobile numbers if you like so we can all meet up and maybe have a drink etc. May be good for us to have a contact we can chat to whilst there and speak with another family who understands what we are going through! Anyway........exciting isn't it!......6 weeks to go...... Regards Allison and family

Hi there, Well done on the visa. We too are going out there in August for our reccie trip and fly to Adelaide on the 20th. We are staying 2 nights in a hotel in Adelaide and then go on to Moana. We have rented a house there. It was much cheaper to do the rental as the hotel costs were pretty expensive. We are a family of three, OH is Alex, myself Allison and Connor our 15 year old son. Connor is extremely reluctant so we are hoping to sell it all to him. What are your plans when you get there?

Thanks HG, We will look the club up. We did contact one club who said their season had ended by the time we get there due to the Rugby in New Zealand? Anyway I am sure we will pass our time somehow. We are packing the woollies, thanks. Allison, Alex and Connor

:chatterbox:That sounds brilliant, thank you. Does your workplace have a physio dept? I may visit some and have a chat with them etc and take my CV. We cant wait. Only family know we are thinking of the move so far just in case things go belly up but we are excited to get there. We will keep in touch and let you know our plans. Few weeks to go yet but counting down! Thanks again! Allison, Alex and Connor Part

Hi All, Yes, we are lucky ones too. Our 176 Visa was granted 11 May 11. We have booked our flights for our reccie trip to travel 20 August.......cant wait. We are renting a house in Moana from Acacia rentals. Good price, lovely accomodation and 3 mins walk to beach! See you all there! Allison 41, physio Asst, Alex 41, welder, and Connor 15,reluctant