Hello :biggrin:

My name is Nicola and I am from Guildford (Surrey) in England.

I would like some advice regarding emigrating to Brisbane. I am 25 years old and currently in my 2nd year of a 3 year Nursing Course and have been working as a Health Care Assisstant at my local hospital for the last 12 months.

I have always hoped to live abroad while growing up. Australia has always appealed to me and specifically Brisbane; which has the glorious weather, career opportunities and its great to meet other expats. However, when I was 18; I was convicted of Theft and therefore have a criminal record.

As it was 8 years ago and would be over 10 years ago when I qualify as a Nurse, does anyone think it will be a problem when I want to apply for emigration to Perth (my preferred choice).

Also, when is the best time to start the ball rolling for my application? I hope to qualify in July 2012, would it be beneficial to start researching now?

I look forward to any advice given.

Thanks
Nicola :laugh:

ps: Does anybody recommend any good Migrant Agents?

 

Hi Nic,

It does not automatically mean you will not get a visa.

When you apply for a visa you are asked if you have a criminal record. Obviously you will have to say yes. Your best bet is to explain what happened and how you have changed your life now and that was in the past. get a couple of friends to do a character reference for you to explain how they feel you are a good person. The main stumbling block is when people have been sentenced to more than 12 months in prison (its the sentence not time served that counts). I presume if this was your first and only offense then you did not get a prison term. If for some reason yours is a complicated case, then it may pay to get the advice of an agent as they know how to phrase these things to gt the best results from the visa application.

I think you need 12 months post qualification experience to register in Australia, but not 100% sure, perhaps one of our nurses can help with that

http://www.gomatilda.com/ and http://www.visabureau.com/australia/default.aspx

These are two well respected agents (I used visa bureau so can personally vouch for them)

 

Hi Nic
There are a few good agents out there, Visa Bureau, Go Matilda, Cheryl Bird,, all carry a good rep on the forums and have helped lots of familys get here.

I wouldnt worry about your criminal record, make sure you declare it but unless it carried a custodial sentance or was a recent crime its unlikely to affect your chances of a visa.

There are a few different visa's avail for nurses, so have a chat with an agent ,explain your trade skills and history and they will inform you of the best route forwards.

Good Luck with everything
Cal x

 

Hello Colin - Thank you for your reply! My conviction was a one time foolish thing which I did when I was young and I was Fined, no prison sentence at all. I think I agree with you: all I can do is be honest from the offset and see what happens.
If you don't mind me asking: are you living in Brisbane? Are you enjoying it, What is it like? I apologise to keep asking questions, but I am bery new to this. Thank You again.

Hello Cal - Also, thank you for reply. I take it that it is alot easier to go through an agent like Visa Bureau and they seem very good: but in your personal experience (and Colin as well) are they very expensive?Btw: I have looked on your Brisbane-Relocation Website and even though it is very very early days for me, I would be very interested in contacting you for securing one of your packages as they look invaluable.

King Regards
Nicola

 

Your conviction should not be a problem, Just be honest with them. I am not living In Brisbane, I have lived on Bribie Island about an hour from Brisbane. But I currently live miles from anywhere LOL. I am 4 hours from Brisbane. cal will be in a better situation to help with info on Brisbane. What you have to remember is Brisbane is a very big city and its impossible to tell you what its like because it is a big diverse area. Depending where you work will really determine what type of area you can live in.

You will find that there are hospitals in all major towns and cities and depending where you find work will govern what areas you can consider for accommodation.

Do not apologize for asking questions, that is what these forums are for. and if we cannot help, we may know someone who can .

Agents fees will vary depending on what they have to do for you and what visa you are applying for, you can contact a couple of agents and get a quote, make sure the agent is reputable, we have had members who have lost money with some poorer agents. make sure they are registered with the Australian immigration service.

 

Hiya

We used an agent and even though i spend most of my time on the forums ,lol, i would still use them if i had to apply all over again. Its a few years ago now we used Visa Bureau but they were great, Im not bad with paperwork but OMG there is loadsssssssssssss and just having them to explain exactly what i had to write then check over everything was a godsend. I would have died if i submitted everything and it was returned because id forgotten to sign something,lol

As for Brisbane,, you can read till you can see no more ,lol, but its impossible to pick an area to settle until you are here and can see places with your own eyes. Have you ever been over here? Its massive and thats the first thing that hit home with me,unless you are real innercity it is so spread out. Hospitals public and private are everywehere , there are also quite a few Dr's surgerys that do minor procedures, a bt like our walk in centres so i wouldnt worry to much. A few familys i have met this year have secured work at one of the hospitals relatively easy enough, all made contact whilst in the UK but didnt do interviews until they arrived so that could be something to look into.

Good Luck with everything and you know where to find myself and Colin if you have questions,lol, we will do our best to help or point you in the direction of someone/somewhere who can

Cal x