Getting ahead of myself

Post new topic

Member since 09 May 2012

ItdennisMember09 May 2012 21:13:49

My wife and I have seriously been talking about a move to Australia and up until this point I have been doing all the researching regarding Visa's, Work, Living, etc... You know, all the essentials. The thing is neither of us have ever traveled over seas. We are both born and raised in Edmonton, AB Canada and still live within a 50km radius of where we grew up, this is what we want to change.

We both just hit our 30's and feel we missed out on a lot of the experiences our friends had in their 20's since we had other obligations. No kids or pets but both focused on our careers. I am an IT Professional and my wife is a Teacher.

Keeping in mind that we have not even visited Australia or any other Continent for that matter we are making a trip to Sydney and Melbourne this July and hope to take a look around at the day to day life style and work scenario. Since this move is aimed to be a life move without sponsor we will both need to apply for Skilled Independent Visa's but that is just what I have read so far. I am also interested in finding the right income vs expense mix that will sustain us and my wife is curious about the school year schedule since we don't believe for 1 sec that it follows the same months and holidays that are here in Canada. I hope to get more information to these questions and many more here on expatblog.

Aurélie ViP

Member since 02 May 2012

Follow Expat blog on Facebook, Twitter and Google+

AurélieViP10 May 2012 06:20:36

22735

Hello Itdennis.

Welcome to Expat.com.

You could have a look at the Visas in Australia guide? It can be useful.

Thank you,
Aurélie

Itdennis Member

Member since 09 May 2012

ItdennisMember11 May 2012 21:26:22

Yes that resource is where I originally started before looking deeper into the government website.

regulatorychaos Member

Member since 25 March 2012

regulatorychaosMember26 May 2012 14:45:42

Hi

I am in IT (Software developer) and my wife is a teacher, both early 30's and we landed in Melbourne 4 months ago from South Africa

I was sponsored so had work but my wife didnt have when we landed, what do you want to know?

jb09 ViP

Member since 09 November 2009

jb09ViP27 May 2012 11:10:43

133

Hi ltdennis,

I would suggest you visit the official website immi.gov.au to read more about it. There is a big change to the skilled migration program which will make it more competitive to get one. The new program is called Skilled Select and will be implemented this coming July. Right now the process is that you apply for the specific visa. In your case, I'm assuming you are looking to choose Visa 175?

Under the Skill Select program, you will submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with your information and put into database. You can only apply for the visa if you are invited by the Australia's Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC). I haven't read too much in detail what the requirements are for being chosen to apply. Please check it out.

I think you and your wife will like Australia. I can compare it to being like in the US and Canada. But of course, the culture is different and different laws,etc. However, do the research in regards to cost of living. It has been stated by many people that the cost of living in higher compared to other countries. But the salary doesn't necessarily reflect this. In comparison to US salaries in my particular occupation, I feel that Australia has about the same salaries or a little less. However, the cost of living is higher than what I am used to.

Some online job websites to check out is mycareer.com.au seek.com.au

Articles to help you in your expat project in Melbourne

Finding accommodation in Melbourne
Accommodation in Melbourne can be expensive, both for renters and buyers but with a bit of research, you can end ...
Finding work in Melbourne
Melbourne or Naarm is Australia's second-largest city, after Sydney, and is actually on track to grow even ...
Study in Melbourne
Melbourne has most of what makes the Australian lifestyle so appealing – beautiful beaches, a Mediterranean ...
Discover Melbourne
The vibrancy and excitement of Melbourne resonates through its arts, food, and creative scene. Melbourne's ...
Developing your social circle in Melbourne
Melbourne's popularity with international students and expatriates is proven. However, its relatively remote ...
Gastronomy in Melbourne
It is no secret that Melbourne is very famous for its excellent food and first-rate coffee. A deeply multicultural ...
Melbourne's neighbourhoods
Melbourne's Neighborhoods Melbourne is a great city with a multitude of beautiful neighborhoods to live ...
Outdoor activities in Melbourne
Melbourne is a city with a busy calendar, and no matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something ...