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CASE STUDY 7
Duncan and family, instrument tradesperson, WA state sponsored visa
Why did you want to migrate to Australia?
We decided to migrate to Australia for a better quality of life. WA has as strong economy where as the UK is still suffering from the global financial crisis with a very uncertain future, we thought WA would offer better job security and of course the weather was an added bonus :-)
How would you describe the process?
The process was slower than we expected as the criteria for processing priority kept changing. That said we were in good hands as we were kept up to date by our agent.
Why did you use a migration agent?
We decided to use a migration agent as we did not want to make any mistakes on our application. We did not want to cause delays in getting our visa. Having an agent also saved time as we had someone we could ask question of, and get support from, throughout the process.
What advice would you offer other Brits planning to migrate to Australia?
If you want to make sure that your application is correct the first time you submit it, we reckon you have to work with a migration agent. Also do lots of research into the cost of living in Australia so you are prepared when you arrrive.
CASE STUDY 6
William and family (four children), Scottish bricklayer, general skilled visa
I have wanted to migrate to Oz since I was15 years old when I started my bricklaying apprenticeship. I had all these plans to serve my apprenticeship and when I was time served I would migrate to Oz.
I just liked the look of the place and the laid back way of life and the outdoor living. I also like the great weather and the oppurtunities that were available - many things that Scotland is not. Don't get me wrong... I love Scotland and i will always be Scottish through and through, but Oz really appealed to me and more so now for my kids. I know they will have more oppurtunities in oz. Luckily, my wife also wanted to move to Oz and now that we are finally going, we can't wait to get over there and neither can the kids.
I think the migration process is quite long and drawn out to be honest. I knew there would be a bit of red tape involved but didn't realise how much. That is why I am glad I used True Blue Migration as i think i would have gave up if i tried to do it all myself! People need to know that is an expensive process but worth it as I look at it as "Well, now we have our visas!" so it has all been well worth it as we are starting a new life.
Advice i would offer others is make sure you have the money to do it, especially if you have a large family like I do. It can be a drawn out process so you need to be patient! Not always easy. I put it down to True Blue Migration who managed the paperwork, dealt with immigration, sorted out trades tests, visas etc... they made the process possible. Finally all I can say to anyone who has the chance to emigrate to Oz is ... just do what we did and just go for it! Life is too short and if you don't, you will always be full of 'What ifs?"
CASE STUDY 5
Why did you want to migrate to Australia?
I fell in love with a wonderful Australian guy!
How would you describe the process?
It is a long process, as we went through a few visas to get here such as a working holiday, tourist, prospective spouse and temporary spouse. The process is complicated and we couldn't have done it on our own.
Why did you use a migration agent?
I was told that the Australian Immigration Department preferred case where an agent had managed it. I personally felt that I needed professional advice as I really wanted to stay. I couldn't bear the thought of getting it wrong and not being able to be with my partner.
What advice would you offer other Brits planning to migrate to Australia?
Australia is a wonderful country and I am so happy to be here. The process can take time but its definitely worth it.
CASE STUDY 4
Stephen 40, Stephanie, 40 and kids: British, motor mechanic, granted skilled visa
Stephanie:
Why did you want to migrate to Australia?
We decided to migrate to Australia as my hubby went there for a year when he was 18 (A long time ago!! I could not ever even think about it as I was such a home bird and got homesick on a 2 week holiday. But at the start of 2010 I thought why not??Life is too short, so we started the process and haven't looked back since, we can,t wait to start our new life!
How would you describe the process?
The process has been rather stressful as we have had a few changes from DIAC that have been brought in, so this has meant a lot of waiting. However, thanks to Vic, our migration agent, we found the forms easier to fill than if we'd faced it alone!! It has been fantastic to have an agent though as any little problem, query or question has been answered immediately by her! Its been so helpful, and we can't thank Vic enough.
Why did you use a migration agent?
We used a migration agent as the whole process seemed like such a big task and we wanted to get every step of it right. We are so glad we used True Blue, they have been great, especially our agent Vic!!! The "no visa no fee" promise was also a great as it gave us reassurance that True Blue were confident that we would get our visa.
What advice would you offer other Brits planning to migrate to Australia?
We advise other Brits wanting to migrate to Australia to RESEARCH and PLAN! Work with a good migration agent, and be prepared to commit time to your application (it took over 15 months for us to be granted our skilled visa). It isn't an easy process, but we are so glad that we've now got our residency visa.
Steph xxxx
CASE STUDY 3
British couple Matt, 26 and Laura, 25 teamed with True Blue Migration to manage their skilled visa. Matt is an accountant and Laura is a secondary school teacher. They currently live in East Sussex.
Why did you choose to migrate to Australia?
We wanted to try something different. We were keen to spend more time outdoors, and felt restricted with the British Summer (s!) We enjoy swimming, snorkelling, playing tennis and exploring new places.
Did you face any challenges during the visa process?
We first applied for a skilled independent (175), visa as we had enough points. However our True Blue Migration agent advised us that the Australian government were prioritising state sponsored visas. We were told that if we switched to a regional sponsored visa, the visa would be processed much faster. Without an agent, we would still be in the queue!.
How did you handle these changes?
We found out we could be sponsored by South Australia and live in Adelaide. The more we researched Adelaide, the more suitable it seemed to be. We liked that it was more affordable that other cities, renowned for festivals and known as the food and wine capital!
What advice would you give to would-be Brits wanting to make the move to Oz?
We would advise using a migration agent to manage immigration communication and application completion, saving you many hours and much confusion. Ensure that you understand the cost of the emigration process, and be realistic about the timeframes for each stage. For us, a colour scanner was invaluable in terms of sending key documents.
CASE STUDY 2
Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm British, 36 and living South Australia. I'm a registered nurse and specialise in Intensive care and High dependency nursing. I have a brother and parents back in the UK and I keep in touch on Skype, with all friends and family. I have made some lovely friends out here. I also have family here who helped me settle in to Aussie life.
When did you first move to Australia?
I moved to Australia in May 2008 and have never looked back!
Why did you decide to stay?
There are lots of reasons!! The lifestyle, quality of life, spaciousness of housing, warm weather, safety - and the people are friendly and welcoming. I visited before and just knew I would come and live here, it's an amazing life.
Tell us about your visa process.
I chose True Blue Migration, after I researched all about Australia. I read the testimonials people gave them and although I read about other agencies, True Blue stood out. I was assigned an agent, Maryanne, who was beyond fabulous, any questions no matter how small they seemed were answered on the day, communication and updates were frequent and nothing was too much trouble. The whole process was made simple and stress free. The whole process took just under 8 months from signing up to getting the golden call to say "Congratulations, you got residency!" I'll never forget it.
Any tips for other Brits thinking about migrating to Australia?
Don't hesitate to call True Blue. Seriously, I am not one for advertising but these guys went beyond 100%, they made the process seem effortless and stress free. I would highly recommend them I've had friends who did the on their own to save cash, and it took twice as long due to paper work not being completed incorrectly, and caused so much anxiety. True Blue Migration make sure everything is right the first time. It is more than well worth the money to achieve your dream.
CASE STUDY 1
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am 31yrs old and I am a sports massage therapist. Prior to moving to Oz, I worked in different countries around Europe, culminating in working as a massed therapist in Morzine, France.
Why did you decide to migrate to Australia?
My sister emigrated to Perth two years ago, with her husband and two children. She asked me if I would be able to come out for a couple of months to help out. I knew at some point I would like to go to Australia, so I took this as an opportunity to go on my Working Holiday visa. As I was enjoying life here, I did my three month rural work in a fruit orchard to get my 2nd Working Holiday Visa. I moved to Mandurah (WA), met my current partner and got a job in a massage clinic.
Tell us about your visa process. What were the challenges and the positive elements?
Once I had been living with my partner for a year we were able to apply for defacto visa. This was a stressful period as I only had a few weeks left on my second WHMV and there is so much information needed for the defacto visa. Applying for a visa is time consuming but True Blue Migration (Murray was my agent) made sure all the "i's were dotted and the t's were crossed and within six weeks I had my visa through. What a great moment!!
I would definitely advise using a migration agent as there is so much red tape and unless you have an insight, it would be extremely difficult to prepare and have everything that is needed to pass. For example, it was not possible for me to be listed on all the bills to our house, due to shared ownership of the house, but True Blue Migration was able to help us build our case through other information from friends, photos, statements, etc.
What is life like for you in Australia?
I love being in Australia. I have a great outdoors lifestyle that is what I want. For my massage profession the career opportunities out here are fantastic. I can work as a sports trainer for sports teams, in a physio or chiropractic clinic or work for individuals. It is great to be able to plan a BBQ weeks in advance knowing full well that you are not going to have to end up cooking in the garage undercover and all heading for cover under the nearest tree due to the rain!
Do you have any tips for others thinking about migrating to Australia?
Use a migration agent when applying as they really know what they are doing. Make sure you have a realistic dream - you will get to do the things you imagine – eg surfing, taking walks along the beach, spending more time with friends and family etc – but you are also starting a life in a different country so you need to think about jobs, getting kids in school, etc. However, you can certainly look forward to the weekends or time off here as this is when you do get to do the things you envisioned as the weather and lifestyle is perfect for it. As the evenings are longer you are able to spend a few hours down the beach with the children or be out in the garden when you get home from work.
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