The next step.

This post contains a condensed version of roughly 6 weeks of effort in researching and understanding the various issues involved in planning our trip to Oz.

Once the decision was taken to research the possibility of our adventure, it became clear that we would either need to travel as tourists or get a proper visa. Anyone reading this can get the necessary info from www.immi.gov.au - it's a comprehensive site as far as I know.

Fortunately both Mary and myself have skills that appear on MODL (Migration Occupations in Demand List). Hairdressers, gravediggers, and many others appear on said list. From what I can tell, if you have enough points you can apply for a visa. Points are allocated according to age, skills, English language proficiency, health, and a few other factors. You can check your own points score online at the site. 100 points get you into the 'maybe' pool, 120 points and above get you a big Yes plus a possibility of fast-track entry. Depending on which type of visa best suits your circumstances, you can expect to pay between 100 and 2000 (ish) British Pounds for entry, plus travel, possibly a medical, and possibly having to prove a bank balance and return air fare. I've got a feeling that a big bag of money might ease the rules a bit.

Mary scores 140 points as a Mental Health worker, and I somehow score 135. I was surprised by this, I expected to travel in the wifes luggage. As it is, we have been told that the quickest we can arrive on a working visa would be 3 months. They say plan for 6 months. So 6 months it is. That means the end of June or mid July 2008, which suits us.

Having spoken to employers in Australia, it looks like the easiest and cheapest way to arrive is via a 457 visa (long stay business visa). This permits a stay of between 1 to 4 years, with an easy transfer to Australian citizenship. This sponsored work visa means that the main applicant can bring along immediate family members, access basic health care, and work freely. It is a requirement that you line up a job in advance though - the employer acts as a sponsor. The rules vary a bit but this one is definitely worth researching for anyone who intends to work in a professional capacity.

So we have opted for a 457 visa. As a Health worker, my wife will have a limited range of options (ie hospital locations) whereas I will be ok almost anywhere (construction industry). For that reason Mary will be the primary applicant.

So now we must choose which region of Australia to search for work...

I've always wanted to spend some time in Melbourne, Victoria. This place often tops the list of 'worlds most liveable cities'. My brother toured the East coast of Australia recently and said that Melbourne was the most enjoyable part of his trip. We have a friend there at the moment who loves the place. Living expenses are a bit less than Sydney I'm told, but there are plenty of things to do. It's on the coast and has a cafe culture. Also said to be the sport and live music capital of Australia. Population is 3.5 million - certainly large enough to support active sub-cultures and to provide a good variety of more mainstream entertainment. Due to its popularity - even despite the skills shortage - there are less jobs to choose from in the city (in nursing at least), but plenty available for anyone wishing to live in surrounding population centres or remote rural areas.

So we have opted for Melbourne, and are aiming to live within 10 miles of the city centre.

A nurse is required to register in the state in which they will be working, a process which includes obtaining original copies of qualifications, proof of identity (both signed by solicitor) and an application form. You may also need a medical (blood tests and a chest x-ray) by an approved doctor. This is to screen for illnesses such as TB, Hepatitis and others. Inter-state registration transfers are easy by all accounts.

For a nurse or other health professional, provided that you are definitely going to travel to Oz, it probably makes sense to register early with the relevant Nurses Board. Having a registration looks likely to to add weight to any job application.

The next post will deal with our 'first contact' with Australian employers.