Hello, my name is Bev and I am new to this forum. I have looked at BIB for a few months now and I have finally got round to joining. We have got a 176 visa lodged and are waiting for a case officer but we have been told we could be waiting for 3 years which is really depressing. I have a hubby who is a joiner and 2 daughters aged 11 and 9. We have got family who live on the Gold Coast so we would really like to move somewhere there maybe Pacific Pines or around that area. It would be really nice to be able to talk to anyone who is going through or has gone through the same process as us. Thank you for taking the time to read this message.

 

Hi there,
I have just joined too and just started our visa app with a migration agent...they didnt mention 3 years....now Im depressed too. We too have family living in Gold Coast, but would probably have to be nearer Brisbane airport due to Hubby's occupation. The Sun was shining all day today in Manchester and my kids have been playing in the Garden ALL day with no squabbls or tears....I asked myself...is this what it would be like? What are your reasons for making the move?

 

Hi BevnClive,

Welcome to BIB,

Please feel free to ask anything and we will try to find the answers for you. The possibility of the 3 yr wait is depressing and I really feel for you guys and the others caught up in this mess while the government decide what they want. But knowing Australia that could all change overnight?

Hi Deelydog,

You are probably right about the kids and sunshine, they do seem happier when they can get out and play (thank god mine have grown up). When you say you will have to live nearer the airport because of your husbands work, the best thing is to decide what your husband would consider a reasonable time to commute to work, you will find that you have to trade off the convenience of living close to work and costs of living a commutable distance and the lower housing costs outside the city, together with the better lifestyle of having beaches and areas for the kids to explore and play in. There are some great districts in and around Brisbane and some folks opt for living near a train station and commuting into the CBD.

When it comes to you both moving over here, Cal and Rudi and other posters on here have far more expertise than I do on what are the best areas to live in and the best schools for the kids, I am sure they will be only too willing to share with you their knowledge.

Remember a three year wait is only 36 months, and then next month it will be 35 months, before you know it you will be down to 12 months and you will be starting to panic about getting everything sorted out. And hopefully by then the exchange rate will have improved and it will give you a better start on your journey than moving over now could.

Good luck to both of you with your applications. :biggrin:

 

Thanks guys for your replies. It's really nice to talk to other people who can relate to what we are doing. Don't worry Deelydog about the 3 year wait it depends on what visa you are going in on and what trade you have. The reason we are making the move is for a better life for our children and ourselves. We have visited Oz quite a few times and we love it. We just wish things would start moving again for us. We lodged our visa in Feb 2009 and then the DIAC deceided to change things around which has put us lower down the processing line. We are just keeping our fingers crossed that things will start to pick up. anyway thanks again and look forward to speaking to you again.

Bev.

 

In hindsight,,, i wish id had 3 years to prepare,, well by prepare i mean , get hubby working harder so we saved more funds whilst i shop to stockplie things that you cant get here,,lol.

Seriously 3 years will fly, not to mention the interest rate will probably improve giving you a better deal on your savings when you move. It also means you aren't panicking and trying to sell the house quick so you can leave.

As for Pacific Pines, its very popular with English family's and the accent is two a penny around the estate,lol, the kids certainly wouldnt ''stand out'' at school anyway,lol.

Good Luck with everything
Cal x

 

Hi Cal, thanks for the info. I know your right, 3 years will fly by and it does give us time to save some pennies. We will also be morgage free this year so thats also a great bonus for us. We just can't wait to get out there! Hope to talk again soon. Take care.

Bev.

 

Best of luck guys We have just over two years to go so lots of saving and organisising for us too!

Hi Bev, Pacific pines looks lovely thats were i've been looking at

 

Hi Ste and Lisa, so glad I joined BIB forum. It's great to talk to other people who are in the migration process just like us. It's also great to talk to people who have already made the move and who are willing to help with any questions that we might have. Good luck with everything. Hope to talk to you again sometime. Take care.

Bev.

 

And you will have to compare notes on the application process, good luck with your new journey