Blogroll

I’ve been blogging since 2009 now and I’m supposed to be making friends in the blogosphere. So that’s another new skill I’m going to need to acquire.

But I really like this lot, all have helped me along the way……

Blog Tech Guy – Joel runs it. He knows everything about blog. He knows everything about tech. He is the guy. What he doesn’t know about WordPress ain’t worth knowing. He’s helped me loads. Thanks Joel!

DogWalks.com.au – This website is run by the most fantastic and wonderful person on the planet. My wife! If you are bringing your dog or cat to Australia, check it out. She provides an awesome service. Well she did, until she was forced to close down her service. To find out what happened and why and also how she can still help you if you are bringing a pet to Australia, visit Thinking of Exporting Your Pet to Australia?

Entreprenuers Journey – is Yaro’s blog and it was his free PDF, Blog Profits Blueprint, that convinced me to become a blogger. I’m a slow reader so I grabbed the free audio version,. It’s awesome. Thanks Yaro!

Travel Australia Planning Guide – is Tina’s blog. I caught the “camping in Australia” bug sometime in 2009 and I needed camping and travel advice. Actually, lots of camping and travel advice. Tina has it in droves. Thanks Tina!

Run to Win – is Blaine’s blog. He’s another guy who knows tons about WordPress and blogging and he has helped me enormously. But what he loves doing is running marathons. I won’t be joining him on that! Thanks Blaine!

Web Design – if you need cutting edge web design, the whole team over at silverpistol.com are probably the worlds leading design team, yes, seriously! I am privileged to know them. And if you don’t want web design, visit their site anyway, turn the sound up and become hypnotised by the innovation.

We Build Your Blog – is run by Andrew and not only is he a blog building expert, but he knows a good deal about search engine optimisation (SEO) and creating a blog income. He’s also been quick to help me when I’ve needed it. Thanks Andrew!

I’ll add new friends as I make them. Well, you never know!

Visa Assessment Service
{ 102 comments… add one }
  • Celeste B Waters August 14, 2019, 12:42 am |

    Hi Bob
    I haven’t see my question on your blog. I did receive an answer from you through my email. But I was hoping I could get answers from other people as well.

    • BobinOz August 15, 2019, 5:42 pm |

      Your question is still on my blog, it’s in the comments on the page you posted it on about South Australia.

      My answer to you is below that comment on that page, and hopefully at some point somebody else will answer it as well, it’s just that they haven’t yet. I’m afraid I cannot control that one.

  • Stephanie May 8, 2018, 7:44 pm |

    Hi Bob, we are New Zealand citizens, any insight regarding immigration to Aussie? Is it easier and do we need to go through the same process as other immigrants? As NZ citizens we are allowed to live and work in Aussie indefinitely, only not to have the same rights as Aussies such as unemployment benefit (say you loose your job) etc. Look forward to your reply.

    Cheers, Stephanie.

    • Stephanie May 8, 2018, 7:49 pm |

      P.s. we are both zoo keepers. I don’t think our jobs are on the skill shortage list nor to receive extra points for it. Also my hubby is 50 yrs old.

      • BobinOz May 9, 2018, 7:22 pm |

        Yes, it is easier for New Zealanders to come here and for some of them they will not get the same rights as Aussies, as you’ve mentioned. The rules are changing all the time though and there was a bit of an update last year, you can read about it on the following post. Be sure to check out that update at the bottom of it..

        https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/13793/new-zealanders-in-australia-whats-the-problem/#comment-50739

        As with any kind of visa, it can be complicated, so it might be worth you speaking to a MARA registered migration agent to find out how best to go about this for you and your husband.

  • Christel July 21, 2017, 6:30 pm |

    Hi Bob

    We want to use a migration agent called ThinkingAustralia with the founder Darrell Todd. Have you perhaps heard of them before?

    Thank you
    Christel

    • BobinOz July 21, 2017, 7:55 pm |

      No, sorry, I really don’t know anything about him, other than he has posted a few YouTube videos. The only MARA registered migration agent I fully recommend is the guy I work with, I know him very well and I’ve been working with him for over 3 years now.

      He is honest, conscientious and hard-working. Bit like myself 🙂

      Anyway, you can read about him and his service on my Visa Assessment Service page.

      • Alvin April 25, 2018, 11:35 am |

        Dear Bob,

        May I ask you on whether the following address is prone to flood and bush fire?

        123/ LOT 128 HARWOODS ROAD, Tara QLD.

        How the place fare? May I know your comments ?

        Thank you very much.

        • BobinOz April 26, 2018, 9:37 pm |

          I don’t know, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it has flooded there in the past. I know Chinchilla just above it flooded quite badly. Bushfires can happen anywhere really, especially in rural areas like Tara.

          If you want more information I’d try and speak to somebody from the local council.

          • Alvin April 27, 2018, 11:36 am |

            Hi Bob,

            Thank you for your reply. Please assist me by finding out more on that place.

            Please advise me on any other area (cheap) and relatively suitable for farming.

            Thank you.

            • BobinOz April 27, 2018, 8:24 pm |

              If you want more info, I think you’ll have to Google it, but I’m not sure you will find much. Looks like it’s a very small rural town to me, we have lots of those, but what it’s like I just don’t know.

              I don’t know anything about farming either, so can’t help you that.

              • Alvin April 28, 2018, 12:52 am |

                Hi,

                Is it possible that you tried to speak to the local council? (I’d try and speak to somebody from the local council).

                Thank a lot

  • steve January 27, 2017, 10:51 pm |

    Please please email my daughters to get them to emigrate to oz now, they will not budge and moan they want to do it. ahhhhh. Help… haha

    • BobinOz January 29, 2017, 8:13 pm |

      Steve, I’ve phoned them, I’ve emailed them, I’ve written letters to them, I even hired a plane to fly over their heads and write the words ‘Move to Australia’, but they are just not listening.

      I don’t know what to do either? 🙂

      • Steve January 30, 2017, 12:10 am |

        Haha nice one bob, got them to come xmas 2017, Melbourne, Sidney, Gold Coast, hopefully it will persuade them!!

        • BobinOz January 30, 2017, 6:41 pm |

          That’s good news, once you get them out here, surely they will not be able to resist! Hope it all works out, Bob

  • Thomas August 5, 2016, 10:51 pm |

    Hallo Bob

    Thank you for the best site on the web regarding moving to Australia.
    I have just moved to Melbourne and seak advice on your site.
    Br thomas

    • BobinOz August 7, 2016, 8:39 pm |

      Thanks Thomas, glad you like it 🙂

  • Vikas May 2, 2016, 5:15 pm |

    Hi
    Just wondering if something changed about the layout of ur website. As it’s difficult now to find everything while using Nexus Android. OK on PC though.
    Thanks
    Vikas

    • BobinOz May 3, 2016, 6:16 pm |

      Hi Vikas

      I have tested it on a Nexus 10 tablet, it looks fine on that, so I assume you are talking about a smaller device like a mobile phone? In that case you will hopefully be seeing the mobile friendly version of my website, Google kind of forced us to change to that about six months ago.

      The navigation is better when you can get used to it, are you seeing three horizontal bars in the top left corner of the website? Click on that and it opens up a menu to all the other pages.

      If that does not solve the problem or if you are seeing something different, please let me know as I would really want to fix it. Cheers, Bob

      • Vikas May 7, 2016, 1:00 pm |

        Hi Bob
        Thanks for coming back and opportunity for the feedback. On PC you have a horizontal bar with tabs on menu, States, migration advice etc. From them you have dropdown options. But Nexus the horizontal bar is arranged vertically. That’s fine. But then the dropdown options are not hidden like on PC. That takes a lot of space on small screen. After you click on something eg Adelaide you have to scroll all the way down to get to the article. Hope I have made some sense.
        Kind Regards
        Vikas

        • BobinOz May 10, 2016, 6:09 pm |

          Okay, I’ve been looking into this and what you have been seeing on your Nexus is not the mobile friendly version. I saw the same thing on my Android and on my wife’s iPhone, it’s pretty ugly and I’m not surprised you found it difficult to navigate.

          Not sure how this happened, but I think it may have been a caching issue my end and it could also still be a caching issue your end. I have now fixed it on both mine and my wife’s phone, so please check again on your Nexus to see what it looks like. If it still looks bad, you may need to go to settings – apps – more – then scroll down to Chrome and delete your cache and probably your data as well.

          This will clear all history and probably sign you out, but as long as you’re happy with that, it should fix the issue. Thanks for letting me know about this, I appreciate it.

          Let me know how it goes.

          Cheers, Bob

          • Vikas May 25, 2016, 7:17 am |

            Hi Bob
            Till now I was seeing both versions on my Nexus. .Probably they were mobile and PC versions on my Nexus without me realising it. I have changed the settings on my Nexus and it has opened well this time. Thanks for the solution. Now ready again to enjoy ur site. ?
            Vikas

            • BobinOz May 26, 2016, 12:33 am |

              Ah, that’s good news, and funnily enough I have experienced the same thing, sometimes seeing the mobile version and sometimes seeing the desktop version on my mobile devices. That’s the joy of ‘caching’ for you. Although sometimes it’s not a joy, but rather a webmasters irritant.

              Please to hear you can enjoy my site again 🙂 cheers, Bob

  • Kate February 9, 2016, 1:06 pm |

    Hi Bob

    Stumbled across your blog and thought, boy that all sounds familiar. We emigrated in 2007, applied for our visa February and got it 5th July 2007, packed up and shipped out 3rd September 2007. We’d sold our house, so just had to quit our jobs, pull three kids aged 9,13 and 16 out of school and took off for HK first then NZ before landing in Melbourne with 10 suitcases a 20ft container en route, no job, no house just a two week holiday let. We literally hit the ground running.

    Our blog of the trip can be found here http://www.heathcotesonline.com/?page_id=3419

    Coming to Australia for a holiday is so very different to living here. So many people say to me, oh I love it there I could live there. They seem to forget we still have to work, play bills and and shop in this wonderful but at times very hot country.

    5 years ago we moved with work to Launceston Tas, my husband was lucky he got work in the first week of us landing in Melbourne, although he had moved employers a couple of times, he is back with the first company he worked for when we first arrived in Australia. Prior to us moving he was offered jobs in Ipswich as well as Launceston so we flew out to both before deciding on Launceston (it was a heat thing!).

    It is certainly a better country to live in, there is heaps of red tape and money for old rope (particularly if you move states) but the super is better, the sun shines 90% of the time, the people are more optimistic and the aussie lifestyle is definitely the way to go, who doesn’t want to BBQ at 4pm on a Friday or go surfing rather than spend the day in the office. We have found the funny side of things… pepper – capsicum, aubergine – eggplant and to root as we Lancashire people say has now left my vocabulary for obvious reasons!
    Its a small world too, a year after moving here I bumped into a guy I didn’t know but it transpires used to go to the same school as me and lived just up the road from me in my home town in Lancashire.

    We became citizens on Australia day 2011. Kids love it here, eldest is engaged to a Tassie girl (so no inbreeding there).

    Tasmania isn’t cheap, food and petrol is more expensive, even house prices are rising and to get off the island means flying or sailing. Though I would like to think that if anything happened to the world we would still be safely bobbing around in the Bass Strait doing our own thing.
    Only draw back to moving here, my qualifications didn’t covert well which left me with the only option to retrain at my own cost.
    Other than that I think Tasmania in particular is one of the most beautiful places to live in the world.

    • BobinOz February 9, 2016, 9:04 pm |

      Well, yes, where have I heard this story before? Oh yes, it’s the same as mine 🙂

      It sounds to me though that you and your family are having as much fun in Tasmania as me and my family are here in Brisbane. We don’t mind the heat here, in fact we love it, otherwise I reckon we might possibly be living in Tasmania.

      I’ve only been once, but it’s a beautiful island and reminds me of the Lake District. You are right, most qualifications don’t convert very well and there’s lots of retraining being done by all sorts of tradespeople and professions here.

      Once you get through it all though and get on your feet, Australia really is a great country to live in. Let’s hope we both remain happy here for years to come, I certainly have no intention of going back.

      We might still have to do the shopping and go to work, but I’d much rather do it here.

  • Trent Dickinson January 15, 2016, 1:43 am |

    Hi Bob,

    I’m looking to move from Ireland with my family, ( very young 3 kids, 5, 3 and 2 months) Basically want to get an idea on areas in Brisbane close to great schools and the beach, and also easy accessible by bike or transport into city centre.

    Also wondering what’s the average rent in Brisbane, been looking and paying 3K per month seems the norm, is this right? Also do you know or happy to hear from anyone who has relocated would love to hear their story and how they are finding it?

    Thanks in Advance
    Trent

    • BobinOz January 15, 2016, 9:22 pm |

      Trent, you need to be looking at my page about Brisbane, it has links to rental properties and if you look in the comments, lots of people are talking about the various suburbs. Your questions have been asked many times, you can see all the different answers there. Good luck, Bob

  • antonia charala January 9, 2016, 2:58 am |

    Hey Bob,
    I am from Greece and I want to move to Australia.
    I have big experience in retail,fashion.

    Can I apply to a job there,and the employee will sponsor me?

    Thanx!

    • BobinOz January 11, 2016, 5:49 pm |

      Have a good read of the pages in my Migration Advice section, and if you’re not sure what to do, see a MARA registered migration agent. Good luck, Bob

  • Pablo December 1, 2015, 5:16 am |

    Hi Bob !!,

    Hope you are doing fine!!, Me and my wife and children planning to move for her study English, so She will apply for a Student Visa and we´ll go with her, then if we like it may be we will apply for a PR VISA.
    But right now I´m wandering if I can open a small uni-personal company or something similar to work as a Freelancer or small business ?, if I go with her. Is this possible ?, the government will allow me to “Exist” and invoice my work to others while i´m in OZ as a partner of my wife that is studding ?
    Hope I had been clear enough…, thanks in advanced !!
    Pablo.

  • Jason pare August 26, 2015, 1:33 pm |

    Hey Bob!!
    I am from canada and have a background in oil and gas and also in mining looking for a new challenge and a new life where would be the best place for me to go in oz been wanted to live there since im 18 im now 26 and this will happen this year !! Thanks!

  • Sam May 4, 2015, 9:37 pm |

    Thanks
    Will have a read

  • Sam May 3, 2015, 10:19 am |

    Hi Bob,
    We r planning to move to Melbourn next year and want to buy a house there. Would you be able to tell me what areas to watch out for as I have two teenage boys and am quite concerned about which area or suburb we should move to.
    I would like to be closer to the cbd but not too close.
    Also I’m an Interior Designer and a university graduate, and have completely failed to get a job in my field here in Cairns. What are the job opportunities for me in Melbourne?
    Looking forward to your reply
    Regards
    Sam

    • BobinOz May 4, 2015, 6:29 pm |

      You need to read my page about Melbourne, and in particular the comments, and also my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

    • kate February 9, 2016, 1:13 pm |

      Sam. Melbourne CBD is vastly expensive. If you have a million to spare you may be OK, otherwise I would suggest Greensborough, Geelong, Croydon, Bayswater areas, they are in commuting distance. The best way to price up houses is realestate.com.au, checking these areas will give you a better idea. Brighton, Sandringham, Beaumaris are all very expensive suburbs but beautiful if you can afford them. Waverley is OK, Sunshine and Collingwood I would steer away from.
      Job opportunities wise I am not sure, I guess you’ll need to contact the universities and ask or a job agency like Hayes.

  • Bob Smith February 19, 2015, 12:52 am |

    Hi Bob,
    Thank you for your reply. Yes we do have our Daughter, Son-in -law and Granddaughter living in Brisbane and they should be able to help us through the maze.
    I must keep a log of my progress as it may be useful to others in the same boat.
    The visa system changes year on year so may be my log won’t be current for long.
    The resident visa is now on your passport electronically, that is the information in my letter. I will know next week if it works!!! when we validate.
    I am sure we will be ok, the people in Australia are very friendly. We have visited Australia in the past 10 years and during our visits to our family we have made many friends..

  • Bob Smith February 18, 2015, 4:38 am |

    Hi Bob,
    The visa has been granted and we are on our way to validate our visa.
    My wife and I are pensioners, we have found somewhere we want to live in Brisbane and we are in the process of selling our UK home.
    We would be grateful to hear from any new bee pensioners from the Uk to give us some idea of the steps taken to register with all the different departments and in the correct order.

  • Rachel February 4, 2015, 3:05 am |

    Myself, husband and 3 kids are considering taking a break from the ratrace and spending a couple of years down under. While we are not looking to permanently re locate there (we won’t be selling our home just renting it out and renting a property in oz) I’m wondering if there is only a working holiday visa for those under 30 and if so what is the best visa we should be applying for? Many thanks

    • BobinOz February 4, 2015, 5:24 pm |

      Sorry Rachel, I’m not able to answer questions about visa options, you need to speak to a MARA agent or, if you prefer, go through my Visa Assessment Service.

      There will probably be other options, assuming you qualify for them, but you would have to talk to a MARA agent to find out what they are.

      Good luck, Bob

  • JAIME February 3, 2015, 4:46 am |

    hi, we want to live and work in the northern suburbs of perth and want to take with us my parents who are both 65, do you know what we have to do to get them in with us and if itwill cost them. thanks.

  • Lilium January 25, 2015, 4:07 pm |

    Hi bob,

    I need to learn more and more about Australia’s skilled migration. My husband has more than 15 years of technical experiences. Now he’s doing job in Qatar/Doha as an executive engineer. Pls let me know how he can take the opportunities to migrate in Aus.

  • Andrew Thorley October 21, 2014, 10:06 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    Nick Tart has advised me to contact you regarding making the move out to Australia.

    You have done a great job with your website and many of my questions have been answered based off the information listed.

    However if you do ever get 5 minutes, there are a few other questions I would like to email about, rather than ask publicly.

    Any time time spared is appreciated.

    Regards,

    Andy

    • BobinOz October 22, 2014, 2:24 pm |

      Hi Andy

      Glad to hear I’ve already answered many of your questions, if you want to send me a private email you can contact me through my contact page, there is a link in the footer. Not sure I will be able to help you, but if I can’t, hopefully I can point you in the right direction.

      Cheers, Bob

  • Anuj September 4, 2014, 5:26 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    I’m back with another query .. Maybe you and other regular knowledgeable participants on the blog can help me out..

    Scenario: Me & my spouse are mid-way in the PR (under state sponsorship) process. We’ve applied on her profile of University Tutor (ANZSCO code 242112). We have the skills assessment in place (and positive) as well as the IELTS in place.

    Problem: As of now no state has 242112 listed in their occupation in demand list.

    Question: Should we still go ahead and do the EOI and wait for the occupation to appear in one of the state lists; OR
    Should we wait till it shows up in one of the state lists and then do the EOI with that particular state selected in our EOI application.

    Also, how frequently is the state occupation list updated? And how long does it take to get an invitation after an EOI.

    That’s a lot i have asked.. Hopefully someone can reply on the above..
    Thanks, in anticipation. Will highly appreciate suggestions & guidance.
    Cheers,
    Anuj.

    • BobinOz September 5, 2014, 12:25 am |

      Anuj, you should check out my page EOI and read through all the comments there, I’m sure you will find the answer to these questions, but if any are not answered, ask over there, hopefully someone who understands the process better than I do will be able to help you out.

      Good luck, Bob

      • Anuj September 5, 2014, 4:55 pm |

        Hey Bob,
        Appreciate your prompt response as always. Will look at the EOI page, although i know it would be a slightly daunting task.. 🙂
        In case I’m still not clear, then will post my questions there.
        Weekend is almost here.. Cheers,
        Anuj.

  • Dan April 25, 2014, 2:15 am |

    Hi Bob – I’m a relatively new reader of your blog – it’s superb!

    My question is sort of related to this page – do you have any personal recommendations for blogs other than your own on the topic of migrating to Australia?

    Thanks again for the superb resources, they’re hugely appreciated.

    • BobinOz April 26, 2014, 3:47 pm |

      It’s a good question Dan and the answer is “I should have”, but the reality is I simply don’t get the time to read other people’s blogs. I’m sure there are many, many other good websites out there about moving to Australia, I just can’t name them.

      I am a bad Bob!

      Cheers

  • Tanvir March 27, 2014, 9:44 pm |

    Dear,
    This is Tanvir from Bangladesh. I am trying to migrate to Australia in the occupation of Financial Investment Adviser (222311). I am yet to receive my assessment outcome. Recently I gave IELTS, band scores are (6.5, 6.5, 7.5 & 9) . My occupation is listed in the CSOL but not in the SOL. As of now, my occupation is not available in any of the states for which I can apply. I have seen that in the occupational ceiling there are 3060 occupations for Financial Investment Adviser & Manager out of which none applied since this occupation does not fall under 189 visa category.
    Now my query is, as there are 3060 occupations available in the occupational ceilings, will it be included in the SOL in the 2014-15? If i am not wrong, my understanding is that these vacancy can only be filled with 189 visa subclass for skilled workers like us. Otherwise, how can we apply for these vacant occupations since the occupation is not available in any states?
    Thank you in advance.
    Regards,
    Tanvir

    • BobinOz March 28, 2014, 2:30 pm |

      I don’t think anyone can predict what will or will not be on the SOL in 2014 – 15, as for your other queries, you really do need to be speaking to a MARA registered migration agent for advice.

      If you were to go through my Visa Assessment Service you would get a full written report detailing all of your options and offered advice on how best to proceed.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Katie February 15, 2014, 4:03 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    I am applying for the State Sponsorship to WA under category of HR Adviser. Has got the positive skill assessment with the overall scores of 55 ( the passmark is 60 !). In my current circumstance, the only way to get the extra 5 scores so that I could apply for state sponsorship in WA is to start to get a job with the same position ( HR Adviser) or equivalent in Australia for 20hrs/week for at least 12 months and above. I have solid working background in HR job in oil and gas companies in Vietnam. Currently I am studying the Master degree in HR Mgt in Melbourne. I just want to ask if you know any companies that really need an HR professional like myself and recommend me ?? I am actively seeking for the job…have been trying for 4 months but it seems no lucks so far.

    Many thanks & Regards
    Katie Tran

  • Bob Smith January 28, 2014, 7:34 am |

    Hi Bob, just found your website, great helpful info.
    We are at the Police check stage and because we have spent 12months in Australia over the past 10 years we have to have an Australian Police check.
    That aside I would like some advice regarding UK passports. Our visa application refers to our current passports, they will expire 2018 this will not give us the 5years should we need it. ( hopefully we won’t need the 5yrs)
    Do you know if we can renew our passports now and use the new passport numbers on them for the rest of the checks and visa validation or will we need to advise immigration department that we have new passports.
    If the visa is validated within the first year can you get a new UK passport after that date and get the visa transferred to the new passport.

    • BobinOz January 28, 2014, 5:33 pm |

      I don’t know Bob, is the short answer. I think it’s all changed since we came here, they used to emboss your passport with the visa, now I think it’s all done electronically on the computer.

      You still have a long time left on your existing passports, my guess is not to change them now, it might only serve to complicate your current application. Once you have (hopefully) been given the go-ahead, you can ask your case officer how to go about renewing your passports if you need to.

      As I say though, I’m only guessing, maybe you might want to ask your case officer now for the absolutely correct answer.

      Cheers, Bob

  • Chisha Mwansa January 19, 2014, 4:07 am |

    Hi Bob great blog you have here. Can i have the email address of your mara agent? i would like some migration advice. I should be coming to Oz in july this year. Thanks in advance

    • BobinOz January 21, 2014, 12:57 am |

      My MARA agent can’t give advise without knowing your full situation, that’s why we offer the visa assessment service. If you want help, pay, complete all of your information in the questionnaire, return it to my agent and ask any specific questions you have in your email and he will then be able to give you accurate advice.

      If I published his email address online, he’d get bombarded with requests for advice and never get any work done 🙂

      Cheers, Bob

  • Gavin Greenhalgh September 26, 2013, 1:05 am |

    Hi Bob,

    Stumbled across your website and spent the last hour clicking around. I run a UK based recruitment company and a sister site for jobs in Australia in my specialist area of Asbestos/Hazmat. I have also recently returned from a month combined holiday/business trip to Oz taking in Noosa, Brisbane and Port Douglas and some of the bits inbetween – a month just wasn’t enough. Went whale watching up at Hervey Bay but spent most of the time hanging off the side of the boat but we won’t go there! Fraser Island was the highlight for me as were the Glasshouse Mountains and generally just relaxing on Main Beach in Noosa. Australia certainly gets under your skin and it’s left a lasting impression on me. Have downloaded your ebook, liked you on Facebook and will add you as a resource on my website. Will keep my eye on your site and maybe spend the $100 on your recommended migration agent to see what he thinks my chances are of a perm move over there….

    Bye for now…

    Gavin.

    • BobinOz September 26, 2013, 6:17 pm |

      Hi Gavin

      Yes, it’s a fine country Australia, and you just happened to be in one of the best places to chill, the Sunshine Coast. I’ve been here six years now, you couldn’t drag me back to England, I love living here.

      If you do make the one-way trip someday, I’m sure you won’t regret it. And keep sending over those boys to get rid of our asbestos here, man, that stuff is lethal!

      Cheers, Bob

      • Gavin Greenhalgh September 26, 2013, 6:36 pm |

        Will do Bob. Although the sponsored visas have dried up a bit, there are still one or two trickling across plus I’ve been doing a bit over in NZ linked to the rebuilding of Christchurch after the quakes. Without wanting to sound morbid, Australia has the highest death rate per capita from asbestos related diseases so something has to be done. I’ve also put a link to you on my site as I regularly get asked lots of questions you cover well on your site.

        I am also thinking of contacting the migration agent you recommend…can I double-check that he is pretty thorough and will explore in detail my chances and options of getting over there if that’s the route I decide to take?

        Thanks again,

        Gavin.

        • BobinOz September 27, 2013, 3:43 pm |

          That morbid statistic about Australia doesn’t surprise me, we still constantly hear a lot of things about asbestos in the news, and during the floods the other year there was a good deal of concern about volunteers coming into contact with asbestos as they helped people clear out their flooded homes.

          Thanks for putting a link to me on your site, that really is appreciated 🙂

          As for my agent, yes, he is extremely thorough and kind of prides himself on finding options for people to come here. If there is a way in for you, I’m sure he will find it.

          Cheers, Bob

  • Zeeshan June 5, 2013, 4:47 am |

    Hi Bob,

    I got the state sponsorship from ACT. Logged my visa application and case officer is assigned. I got verification from Vetassess. My question is I submitted my experience in which one employment which I submitted with wrong dates, the employment was from June 06 to Sep 07, but I submitted Sep 06 to Sep 07. This employment is not relevant to my relevant occupation I got state sponsorship for and my EOI points are not changing due to this. I have submitted same documents that I submitted to Vetasses. Can you tell what should I do if case officer asked about it. I’m afraid this wrong dates experience is also submitted in EOI and state sponsorship application.

    What should I do now, really appreciate your help!

    Many thanks
    Zeeshan

    • BobinOz June 5, 2013, 6:50 pm |

      Hi Zeeshan

      Sorry, no I can’t tell you what you should do, but I also can’t imagine that this will cause you a problem as you have actually worked in the employment for slightly longer than you claimed and, as you say, it doesn’t affect your total points.

      I think your case officer will just accept it as a small error, nothing more. You might get some comfort if you were to read my page about EOI and, in particular, the comments which are from many people who have made similar errors to yours.

      Cheers

      Bob

  • Patrick November 12, 2012, 8:26 am |

    Hi Bob, I was wondering if I could mention and link your website on my new blog? The one linked on my name is my travel blog, mostly road trips, the new one is AussieOzLife.blogspot.ca
    I’ll use the new one to talk about how I plan my trip, and how I live once there…

    • BobinOz November 12, 2012, 9:56 pm |

      Hi Patrick, go for it, I have no problems with that. Thanks for asking, I appreciate it. Hope the countdown goes well. Cheers!

      Bob

  • Jemma October 26, 2012, 6:37 am |

    awesome thank you 🙂

  • Jemma October 25, 2012, 2:59 pm |

    hey bob,
    I already live in Australia but I want a change.
    I am looking for a place that has work left right and centre but isn’t anywhere near as busy as Sydney. Canberra is also out of the question lol. can you help me?

    • BobinOz October 25, 2012, 6:01 pm |

      I suppose it depends what you do for a living, but they say Western Australia is the boom state right now. That’s where all the work is apparently.

  • Rob October 11, 2012, 9:15 am |

    Hi to Bob and all contributors

    I have a question but firstly let me say
    Thank you for such a wonderful website and blog
    It is a massive help to so many of us dreaming of the great lifestyle that Australia offers thank you thank you thank you

    Now my question !!!
    Where is the best climate in Australia ?
    My wife does not enjoy severe heat and here in the S.E of the UK(Kent) if it gets higher than 25c she complains mainly as we are not geared up for heat (no AC etc )

    I understand that nearly everywhere in OZ has AC is this correct .???

    Anyway any help with this question would be greatly appreciated

    Kind regards and thanks again for the great blog and website

    Rob

  • IMRAN May 17, 2012, 3:40 pm |

    Thanks for your prompt and generous response Bob. I really feel highly obliged.
    You have quite nicely addressed the core of the issue i-e quality of life. I do agree with your recommendations. There is no problem of the continuity of my current job if I take the chance to come to Australia since I can obtain 3 month paid leave or a two year without pay study leave from my current employer. Even then just tempted to come in Australia will cost me at least $10000. Oh God, there is NO FREE LUNCH in this World.
    But would you please comment or compare the provisional visa with permanent one? Does it have any impact on the prospective job opportunities? What sort benefits I must surrender if I got provisional rather a permanent visa?
    Thanking you again for extending a helping hand Bob.
    Regards.

    • BobinOz May 18, 2012, 10:07 pm |

      I couldn’t really give you a full temporary visa versus permanent visa comparison, it would require too much research. All I can tell you is, anecdotally, I have been told it can be harder to get a job sponsorship than it would be for someone already living here with permanent residency to get a job.

      That said, much depends on your skill and how much it is in demand.

      Good luck!

  • IMRAN May 15, 2012, 5:42 pm |

    Sorry, there is a little correction in my IELTS scores,

    Attempt-1 Attempt-2 Attempt-3
    Listening 7.0 Listening 6.5 Listening 7.0
    Reading 7.0 Reading 7.0 Reading 7.0
    Writing 6.5 Writing 7.0 Writing 6.5
    Speaking 7.0 Speaking 7.0 Speaking 7.0
    Overall 7.0 Overall 7.0 Overall 7.0

    Mean I was having one 6.5 band in either Writing or Listening in three attempts.

    Thanks.

    • BobinOz May 15, 2012, 10:06 pm |

      Imran

      It sounds like you have a big decision to make, and as much as I would love to be able to help you, I feel it is not a decision I can make on your behalf.

      Seems to me your main dilemma is whether or not you would have a better quality of life here than you have currently in Pakistan. The thing is, nobody can answer that because nobody can possibly know. On that basis, if I were you I’d be tempted to come over here on a state sponsorship, assuming you can get one, and see how it goes on a temporary basis.

      If, having given it a go, you feel your lifestyle is worse here, you can always return to Pakistan, then your task would be to find another reasonable job to allow you to continue to make those monthly savings.

      If, on the other hand, you find that your lifestyle here is much better, you then do everything you can to change your temporary visa into a more permanent one. Having been here a while, you will have improved your English speaking skills and probably proved yourself to an employer. Changing your temporary visa to a permanent one should therefore be easier.

      But this is just me guessing, I really don’t know and I really can’t guide you on this one. Only you can make the decision. Follow your heart.

      Good luck!

  • IMRAN May 15, 2012, 5:33 pm |

    Dear ROB,

    You have really impressed me with such an amazingly helpful site for all who are aiming to migrate to Australia. I have searched alot on various search engines/website but your website is simply the best.

    I am a Professional Chemical Engineer and planning to apply for immigration. Unfortunately I am not qualifying for permanent visa class (175 or 176) because I do not have 7 bands in each module of IELLTS. So far I have taken 3 attempt but I always been awarded with following consistent result.
    Attempt-1 Attempt-2 Attempt-3
    Listening 7.0 Listening 6.5 Listening 7.0
    Reading 7.0 Reading 7.0 Reading 7.0
    Writing 6.5 Writing 6.5 Writing 6.5
    Speaking 7.0 Speaking 7.0 Speaking 7.0
    Overall 7.0 Overall 7.0 Overall 7.0

    This is really the irony of fat that despite my best efforts, I always fell meagerly short of getting 7.0 bands in each module.
    Now people are advising me to let the permanent visa go way and apply for temporary three year provisional visa 475 (with State Sponsorship of Western Australia) for which I qualify with existing score of IELTS. I have came across such information that with 3 years provisional visa the immigrant has inferior chances of getting a good professionally relevant job. Moreover, since certain health and other benefits are not covered under the temporary visa, it ultimately becomes difficult for person to survive in Australia.
    I am hanging between these arguments. Albeit, I have now applied for State Sponsorship of Western Australia under visa class 475 and waiting for their response, I am still doubtful whether I should go for this choice or I should keep on trying to improve my IELTS score to get permanent visa 175/176.
    Last but not least, I am having a quite reasonable job here in Pakistan and able to save around $250 per month. I feel myself in a Catch 21 situation. Because if I would let this opportunity go, I will feel in future that I missed an opportunity. On the other hand, if I opt to leave Pakistan and my existing job and choose 475 visa class, I may feel in future that in Australia I am not having such opportunity that may come my way if I would have improved my IELTS score and have obtained permanent 175 visa class.

    Please help me out because the time is running out and the eligibility criterion is getting stringent day by day. Waiting for improvement in IELTS score, I may not disgruntle the existing opportunity of getting temporary 475 visa.
    Thanks for bearing my lengthy question. I have opened my hear here and I believe your advise will change the game all around.

    Best Regards,

    Muhammad Imran.

  • Afton March 13, 2012, 11:08 pm |

    Hi Ricardo, When looking for somewhere to live in Sydney, the nicest places are on the North Shore, both upper and lower. Also the Eastern suburbs.

    If you are looking at quiet tree lined streets, my suggestion would be Wahroonga, Turramurra, Pymble, Gordon, Killara, Lindfield. There are also many beachside suburbs such as Manly and Dee Why just google adjoining suburbs … peak hour traffic there is horrendous though, as there is only one main thoroughfare Warringah Rd. Mosman and surrounding suburbs are nice, but quite built up. Eastern suburbs are Double Bay and adjoining. Take a little google satellite tour or check stats on Wiki.

    Can’t comment on work though, without knowing your profession … Personally, I’d move to Brisbane or the Gold Coast … less of a rat-race. But really it depends on lifestyle preferences.

  • Ricardo February 9, 2012, 9:47 am |

    Hi Bob!

    I just wanted to tell you that finally I have the VISA 175 Granted!!
    So, my wife and I will be arriving in Sydney on September 2nd 2012 to start a new life!!!

    It will be a huge challenge to deal with a second language and the biggest one will be to get a job of my profession. Therefore, I have a mix of fear and excitement.

    I hope to meet you some day over there during the next Spring hahahaha!!!

    Kind regards.
    Ricardo from Buenos Aires, Argentina

    • BobinOz February 13, 2012, 12:38 pm |

      Very excited for you Ricardo, and all challenges you can succeed in, I hope. I also hope you get to like Australia as much as I do.

  • Paul February 8, 2012, 6:20 am |

    Hi Bob

    I am a 46 year old bricklayer how would it be possible to obtain a working visa for 12 months or more
    Thanks
    Pau

    • BobinOz February 9, 2012, 12:44 am |

      You need to find out if your skill is in demand, or if it’s the kind of skill for which an employer can sponsor you.

      Take a look at my page about Getting a Job or a Sponsorship

      I wish I could help you more, but that’s all I know. Cheers!

      • Paul February 9, 2012, 5:59 am |

        Thats great thanks Bob For your help….
        Paul

  • Maria November 19, 2011, 3:17 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    What a great site you have here but after reading most of the questions and answers, couldn’t find an answer to mine.
    I’m from the UK currently on a 457 employer sponsership which ends in March 2012. I’ve been here for 3 years in March and 2 of those years I have been working in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre for young adults. I have been working in the social sector for about 8 years but have no formal qualification although lots of training and certificates. I’ve have now been relocated up to northern QLD to help run a new project with the indigenous people but doing the same role. I think my employers would like to keep me on but I’m worried that without a diploma I wont have enough points to apply. As I am not a PR I can not apply for any grants to be able to do a diploma and the orgainisation I work for is a not for profit so dont have a great deal of money to pay for it. My job as a welfare worker is on the wanted list. I guess all I really what to know is if I can become a PR as a welfare worker without a diploma but with 8 years experience in the same field. Please help. Maria

    • BobinOz November 22, 2011, 2:42 pm |

      Hi Maria

      I can’t really answer your question in detail, see Would I Qualify?

      All you can really do is apply, and maybe ask your employer if they are willing to sponsor you. Your skill is on the list, you are already working here and you are in an area where there are skills shortages. You do have a chance. Start the process here… Visas

      ….and good luck!

      Bob

  • Shawn August 25, 2011, 1:42 am |

    Bob,

    I saw the DogWalks site; that’s exactly what I was hoping would be available for my 11 year old GSD pup when I move to Australia.

    My question is, are you familiar with dog sitting options in Brisbane? In the US there are many people who will come to the house to walk, give company, etc. for an hour or so, while one is at work.

    Thanks.

    • BobinOz August 26, 2011, 6:29 pm |

      Yes, there are plenty of companies and people around here who will do pet sitting. Me and Mrs BobinOz do it a bit, but just locally around our Western suburbs.

      Pets, especially dogs, are very popular out here so you won’t have any trouble finding someone.

      Cheers

  • Jack | Camping around Aus July 28, 2011, 1:34 pm |

    Great blog Bob, where r some of the photos of the places you have visited?

    So, u r barracking for pomies or aussies during the cricket now that you are in Aus???

    🙂

    • BobinOz July 29, 2011, 2:20 pm |

      There are plenty of photos around, but I do have more. I’ll put it on my “to do” list.

      Anything England versus Australia, I back the poms. It’s all part of the fun of living in a multicultural society 🙂 the Aussies wouldn’t want it any other way.

  • Marianna May 17, 2011, 7:44 pm |

    Great comments about the dangers in Oz. I used to have a campground in FNQ, and when tourists asked me what they should be careful of I always told them the most dangerous thing they will do in Oz in get in their car. They never really believed me though, so then I told ’em about the drop-bears and bunyips to keep ’em happy 🙂

    • BobinOz May 18, 2011, 8:32 pm |

      That’s funny, I like it! Got to give the customers what they want.

      Got many drop-bears and bunyips up that way?

  • Another Bob May 14, 2011, 6:43 am |

    Hi Bob
    Only came across your site last night. Have been in Australia since 1972, first Melbourne. Wondered why I’d travelled 12,000 miles to get just as bad weather and traffic, so moved to where the sun shines in 1978- Brisbane. Unfortunately the bad traffic seems to have followed me.
    Have gone back to the UK numerous times, my advice to anyone contemplating comparing wages and cost of living is to completely disregard the exchange rate, that only worries you when on holiday or initially settling here.
    Invariably for every pound you spend in the UK you need two dollars here and you won’t be far wrong. e.g Little Chef beef lasagne £7.49, Toscani’s $18.50. Chicken fillet burger Little Chef £6.99, Toscani’s $14.90 and similarly in the supermarkets.
    So my advice would be to double you UK salary number to be on a par here.

    • BobinOz May 16, 2011, 9:11 pm |

      I won’t disagree with you on that Another Bob, I could only really think of one notable exception, although I’m sure there must be more.

      Petrol, currently about $1.40 per litre here in Australia is around £1.36 in England at the moment. So you won’t be needing to double that one.

      And the really good news is that more often than not, your salary here in Australia for doing similar work as you were doing in England is probably going to be more than double in Australian dollars then you were earning in English pounds. Check out my chart on my post about salaries compared.

  • BobinOz February 2, 2011, 4:40 pm |

    Hi Kirsten

    Sounds really scary, it’s certainly stayed in your memory for a long time. Unfortunately it is exactly the sort of scary conditions the people of north Queensland are going to have to put up with tonight, with the arrival of tropical cyclone Yasi.

    cheers

    Bob

  • Kirsten February 2, 2011, 1:07 pm |

    Hi Bob, Just stumbled on your website while I was googling about a Tornado. I was 6 and living in Nathan (Salisbury) when the worst tornado in Australia’s history hit our house in November of 1973. I remember everything, the windows exploding, hiding downstairs in the garage while listening to our furniture and belongings fly around upstairs. We lost our roof. We lived opposite Toohey Forest and the house across the road had a huge tree fall on their house, straight through their dining room. Alot of people don’t believe me when I tell them we had a tornado in Brisbane and I was surprised to find so much about it on google.

  • BobinOz December 29, 2010, 8:46 pm |

    Hi Tina

    Thanks for the compliment, I always welcome those. Just checked out your website too, some great travel tips for those wanting to visit Australia. Anyone thinking of doing that should click on Tina’s link.

    Cheers

    Bob

  • Tina December 24, 2010, 2:27 pm |

    Hi Bob, love your blog, always interesting amd entertaining and I live in Australia. Great to read you have been travelling this beautiful country.

    PS. Have a wonderful Aussie Christmas and an even better New Year!!

  • BobinOz September 4, 2010, 9:58 pm |

    Hi Charlotte

    Thank you, I’m flattered! Pop round for tea anytime.

  • Charlotte September 3, 2010, 8:38 pm |

    Great blog Bob, an inspiration to us al!. Bloggers and prospective Oz residents that is! 🙂

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