Post: #1

With the US dollar on the decline and American culture already in the pits I figured it might be best for me to look for a safe haven. I've been reading a lot about the economic potential of Australia and New Zealand for a while and I've been wondering how I might go about moving there if I ever feel the need to go.

I hear the best way to set up a new life there is to find a US company that has operations over there and transfer over. As a guy with no skills, however, this could prove challenging. I spoke to an Aussie recently and she told me that Costco is currently building over there. I thought Apple might offer some opportunity as well.

Any other ideas on companies that I might be able to use to sponsor me?

Post: #2

To be blunt, without skills you dont stand a chance. Immigration law is very strict. If you have skills that are on the national skills shortage list, then you need to find a job with a company that will sponsor you. If you have skills on the permanent migration list (medicine, engineering, high level sciences, trades like electricians, drillers, etc) then you can apply for full blown immigration.

Your best options based on your current situation from what I can see are as follows

1 - Working holiday, which at least gets you here and maybe you get lucky in landing a sponsorship visa when you are here. Your best bet is the remote and rural areas where there is a real shortage of people, in particular mining sites which are always looking for people. You are under 30 and possibly elligible. Gives you a chance to get to know the place too and see if you like it

http://www.jobaroo.com/australia-united-...ligibility

2 - Join the US army, after which you can transfer her to the Australian Army. The army sponsors trained allied forces for immigration if they wish to move here

3 - Get yourself a trade and then try hit up offshore and mine sites

4 - Land a job as a labourer on an off shore rig.

Other than that, without skills, your only way in is through marriage or family sponsorship. Im sure you are a good looking guy, but I am not ready for commitment just yet.

Post: #3

My sites are set on Brazil but OZ is a close second. I know two cats from the U.K. that just migrated down under, both making six digit salaries. One is in mining, working 2 weeks and 1 off. The other is stuck near Alice Springs, with no pussy in site. Both recommended contacting an immigration lawyer. I think the cost was about Last time I checked the immigration hot job list, just about all my job skills were in demand. The cost of living is probably the biggest turnoff.

Post: #4

Cost of living is not bad when compared to salaries, so its relative. Average salary in Aus is about $65k a year

Mimimum wage is $18. Not sure about USA, think its about $8?

Biggest cost is rent and cars.

The strength of the Aussie dollar has skewed things a bit when running comparisons, and inflation has been a bit high the last couple of years, but its hardly Sweden or the UK IMO.

Post: #5

(09-02-2011 04:47 AM)Aliblahba Wrote:  I know two cats from the U.K. that just migrated down under, both making six digit salaries. One is in mining, working 2 weeks and 1 off.

Where do these guys work? In OZ?

There's a mining business I'm involved with in Indonesia. The bulk of the workers are from OZ. I'd be interested in hearing anything about what this friend of yours is doing.

If anybody plans on getting into that, understand that it's very hard work in very hardcore places. Those two weeks on are probably tough as hell.

Aloha!

Post: #6

(09-02-2011 01:47 PM)Kona Wrote:  

(09-02-2011 04:47 AM)Aliblahba Wrote:  I know two cats from the U.K. that just migrated down under, both making six digit salaries. One is in mining, working 2 weeks and 1 off.

Where do these guys work? In OZ?

There's a mining business I'm involved with in Indonesia. The bulk of the workers are from OZ. I'd be interested in hearing anything about what this friend of yours is doing.

If anybody plans on getting into that, understand that it's very hard work in very hardcore places. Those two weeks on are probably tough as hell.

Aloha!

The Brit is doing maintenance on mining equipment in the outback. I doubt he's required to go underground. It might be hard, but we're conditioned to working 72-84 per week for months on end. Two weeks is a cakewalk. He landed the job through Acorn People. A lot of jobs are opening up in the Western part of OZ.

I think immigration is easy for Americans, but hold me to that. The Aussie gov't hot list had skills all the way down to a motorcycle mechanic. The requirements were certifiable training and 2 years in the profession.

Post: #7

(09-02-2011 02:32 PM)Aliblahba Wrote:  

(09-02-2011 01:47 PM)Kona Wrote:  

(09-02-2011 04:47 AM)Aliblahba Wrote:  I know two cats from the U.K. that just migrated down under, both making six digit salaries. One is in mining, working 2 weeks and 1 off.

Where do these guys work? In OZ?

There's a mining business I'm involved with in Indonesia. The bulk of the workers are from OZ. I'd be interested in hearing anything about what this friend of yours is doing.

If anybody plans on getting into that, understand that it's very hard work in very hardcore places. Those two weeks on are probably tough as hell.

Aloha!

The Brit is doing maintenance on mining equipment in the outback. I doubt he's required to go underground. It might be hard, but we're conditioned to working 72-84 per week for months on end. Two weeks is a cakewalk. He landed the job through Acorn People. A lot of jobs are opening up in the Western part of OZ.

I think immigration is easy for Americans, but hold me to that. The Aussie gov't hot list had skills all the way down to a motorcycle mechanic. The requirements were certifiable training and 2 years in the profession.

So they stay in Australia. What are they mining?

Aliblahba, are you thinking about doing this??

Aloha!

Post: #8

@Kona- Not sure what the one is mining. I'll find out. The Scott is working on the trucks that haul good through the outback. Both positions pay between $80-120K AUD.

I've been in the defense industry way too long. It's dying out and spending months in Afghan or Iraq has gotten old. Working a 9-5 never held any appeal. I like a little excitement on the job. A company just offered me enough to head back to the desert though. I'll suck it up for 6 more months, then finish some certs, like Nebosh, Project Management, six sigma, ect, learn some Portuguese, then start another world wide tour. During that time I'll start applying to jobs in Brazil as a primary. If that falls through Aussie is the next option. I've been down under, and enjoyed it. Aussies are generally great people to be around.

In the end, the U.S. doesn't hold anything for me anymore. The world's a big place.

Post: #9

Im processing a visa to Oz now. So far it hasnt been too bad.

Post: #10

Would an American with IT skills be able to get a sponsorship there, or are there enough Australian IT guys to pick up the slack?

Post: #11

I did a one year working holiday in Visa in Australia, had the time of my life, Sydney is a fantastic city to live.

These days I would rather harness the Aussie dollar through freelance work I do, and live somewhere dirt cheap.

Post: #12

(01-18-2012 04:47 PM)Deb Auchery Wrote:  I did a one year working holiday in Visa in Australia, had the time of my life, Sydney is a fantastic city to live.

These days I would rather harness the Aussie dollar through freelance work I do, and live somewhere dirt cheap.

The Aussie dollar is a bitch when you live there but get paid for your online work in USD. It was trading for US$1.04 this morning, fuck me gently with a chainsaw.

@CupCake and ea303: If your coming to Australia, Sydney and my hometown Melbourne are the biggest and most cosmopolitan. Sydney's a bit more expensive though. Cheap cities like Adelaide or Brisbane are lacking in nightlife and quality even compared to somewhere like Perth (which is hella expensive due to the mining boom). Being completely objective, Melbourne is where it's at unless your working in resources.

My Massive Melbourne Datasheet:

/thread-8900-p...#pid131045

Anybody moving to or visiting Australia PM me, especially if you come to Melbourne. I'm sure HH would be more then happy to help out anyone heading to Sydney as well.

Post: #13

(09-02-2011 03:18 PM)Aliblahba Wrote:  @Kona- Not sure what the one is mining. I'll find out. The Scott is working on the trucks that haul good through the outback. Both positions pay between $80-120K AUD.

I've been in the defense industry way too long. It's dying out and spending months in Afghan or Iraq has gotten old. Working a 9-5 never held any appeal. I like a little excitement on the job. A company just offered me enough to head back to the desert though. I'll suck it up for 6 more months, then finish some certs, like Nebosh, Project Management, six sigma, ect, learn some Portuguese, then start another world wide tour. During that time I'll start applying to jobs in Brazil as a primary. If that falls through Aussie is the next option. I've been down under, and enjoyed it. Aussies are generally great people to be around.

In the end, the U.S. doesn't hold anything for me anymore. The world's a big place.

(01-18-2012 04:40 PM)americanInEurope Wrote:  Would an American with IT skills be able to get a sponsorship there, or are there enough Australian IT guys to pick up the slack?

Six Sigma. Did not think I'd hear that word here

I am thinking we got to start a Partner/Employee owned Global company with multiple offices together that allows intra company transfers (work permit / visa thing becomes easy) and lets us work wherever we want.

Oz companies seem to be posting on SEEK that they applicants need to have Authorization to work.

Anyone? Any experiences?

Post: #14

Most Resource rich places may take a dip as the USA goes south. Even though OZ trades heavy with China and the rest of Asia USA demand still plays a big part of their pie, something like 10% I think. A sizable dip in USA demand will send OZ into a nose dive like the rest of the top tier G8 world. IMO the only places which will weather USA decline somewhat decently are in Latin America, Africa or parts of Asia or Eastern Europe. Nations that don't have their economies directly tied to America will obviously weather decline a lot better.

I've never been to OZ but I hear things such as food cost a shit load over there and until recently housing costs we're foolishly high also. The trend you may see is that with USA decline money will flood into resource rich areas like Canada and OZ as a safe haven, this can be a good thing or bad thing depending on how you look at it and plan to benefit.

Post: #15

(01-18-2012 07:01 PM)kosko Wrote:  Most Resource rich places may take a dip as the USA goes south. Even though OZ trades heavy with China and the rest of Asia USA demand still plays a big part of their pie, something like 10% I think. A sizable dip in USA demand will send OZ into a nose dive like the rest of the top tier G8 world. IMO the only places which will weather USA decline somewhat decently are in Latin America, Africa or parts of Asia or Eastern Europe. Nations that don't have their economies directly tied to America will obviously weather decline a lot better.

I've never been to OZ but I hear things such as food cost a shit load over there and until recently housing costs we're foolishly high also. The trend you may see is that with USA decline money will flood into resource rich areas like Canada and OZ as a safe haven, this can be a good thing or bad thing depending on how you look at it and plan to benefit.

If the U.S economy tanks, so will China's. Which has a huge impact on Australia. The United States economy affects the entire world either directly or indirectly.

Housing in Australian cities is expensive, buying them is becoming more and more unaffordable for the middle class. It's impossible to find a 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre of Melbourne for less than $1200 a month. Sydney around $1600 a month. According to expatistan.com Melbourne has the same cost of living as New York City, I can only imagine what Sydney and Perth are comparable too.

On the upside, when I escape the land down under, even "expensive" places like Sweden and Finland will be a little cheaper in comparison. Can't say the same for bloody Norway though.

Post: #16

Ya Canada and OZ share a lot in common, Toronto rates are going up the ass as well. Money is flying in here and tacky condos are going up left and right that nobody is moving into. Huge bubble.

Nobody even trying question it here though because they think they are cashing in, smart money moved out of this market long time ago.

Post: #17

(01-18-2012 07:36 PM)kosko Wrote:  Ya Canada and OZ share a lot in common, Toronto rates are going up the ass as well. Money is flying in here and tacky condos are going up left and right that nobody is moving into. Huge bubble.

Nobody even trying question it here though because they think they are cashing in, smart money moved out of this market long time ago.

Ohh shit your from Toronto. You should've said so. Get the fuck out of there bro. I compare notes with torontokid everyday, there is something wrong with your city is all I'm saying. Its sounds almost as bad as Washington D.C.

Post: #18

How about rental vacancy rates in places like Perth and other resource towns?

A friend of mine moved to Perth last November; arrived on a Thursday, had an interview on Friday and started working on Monday, he LOVES it there and is trying to get me to move too (we're in the same trade).

Finding an apartment for himself and his missus was a lot harder though, took them about 3 weeks to find a decent place to rent in Perth and he's paying a lot for it (making VERY good coin though, better than what he was making in Canada).

Post: #19

I made the move and so far so good. I would do alot of research though. Coming over on a work and holiday didnt help me much because my field doesnt really allow for temporary placement. I also came at the absolute worse time to get a job lol. Luckily I had a skilled migrants visa being processed as well. Things are picking up now that summer holiday is tailing off. Let me know if you guys have any questions. I am based in Melbourne, and P Dog we definitely need to meet up sooner or later.

I would check the state website for state sponsorship if you have an in demand skill - it, accounting, medicine, ect.. You can apply for state sponsorship for free and if its approved can have a visa before you land. Once you have a visa finding a job should be bad as long as you have your details sorted, and have a good resume.

Melbourne isnt that expensive except for food and housing compared to the US. Its feels akin to New York without the cheap eats. Back home I had my own place (none top tier city), and here I share with 2 people and pay the same amount. Its not bad once you get used to it, but beer is also quite expensive. It feels like everything is 20% more, but salaries 30% - 40% more depending on what you do (especially on the really low end or really high ends of the market.

Post: #20

(01-18-2012 09:23 PM)scotian Wrote:  How about rental vacancy rates in places like Perth and other resource towns?

The rental market has been steady, or even loosening over the past 3 years. It is starting to tighten again, official rates are 2.4% vacancy IIRC.

Is your friend FIFO? The actual towns are a catastrophy, avoid them. Places like Port Hedland where a 30 year old, 3x1 house in a harsh environment (prone to cyclones, 40 degree+ days and high humidity) just renting a bedroom room can cost you $2,500 per month. Unless your employer pays for them, NEVER go there.

Quote:A friend of mine moved to Perth last November; arrived on a Thursday, had an interview on Friday and started working on Monday, he LOVES it there and is trying to get me to move too (we're in the same trade).

I told you in the Perth thread it is EASY to get a job. Now you have first hand word-of-mouth fro a trusted source. To love it here, he must love sunny weather.

Quote:Finding an apartment for himself and his missus was a lot harder though, took them about 3 weeks to find a decent place to rent in Perth and he's paying a lot for it (making VERY good coin though, better than what he was making in Canada).

Yeah, it is the great shame of Perth, and Australia. A once in a century windfall from a mining boom is being wasted on expensive property. The property (read: shelter) game can be demoralising.

Post: #21

(01-18-2012 10:19 PM)T and A Man Wrote:  

(01-18-2012 09:23 PM)scotian Wrote:  How about rental vacancy rates in places like Perth and other resource towns?

The rental market has been steady, or even loosening over the past 3 years. It is starting to tighten again, official rates are 2.4% vacancy IIRC.

Is your friend FIFO? The actual towns are a catastrophy, avoid them. Places like Port Hedland where a 30 year old, 3x1 house in a harsh environment (prone to cyclones, 40 degree+ days and high humidity) just renting a bedroom room can cost you $2,500 per month. Unless your employer pays for them, NEVER go there.

Quote:A friend of mine moved to Perth last November; arrived on a Thursday, had an interview on Friday and started working on Monday, he LOVES it there and is trying to get me to move too (we're in the same trade).

I told you in the Perth thread it is EASY to get a job. Now you have first hand word-of-mouth fro a trusted source. To love it here, he must love sunny weather.

Quote:Finding an apartment for himself and his missus was a lot harder though, took them about 3 weeks to find a decent place to rent in Perth and he's paying a lot for it (making VERY good coin though, better than what he was making in Canada).

Yeah, it is the great shame of Perth, and Australia. A once in a century windfall from a mining boom is being wasted on expensive property. The property (read: shelter) game can be demoralising.

Ya my friend is just stoked to be living in a decent city near the ocean with great sunny weather, after living and working in northern Canada, it doesn't take much! He's working right in Perth now but will likely be doing some FIFO stuff soon, offshore I think.

I just read something about a Japanese company signing a huge LNG deal in Oz last week, looks like you'll guys be busy for years to come, good on ya's, I hope to make it down there someday.

Sold info on that Perth thread, +1 from me!

Post: #22

OK added note to people.

In my post about Perth, I discussed the immigration options, namely the visa classifications 417 Visa and 457/462 visa.

417/462 is the working holiday
457 is the sponsored skilled worker.

The 417/462 visa raised some interest with people and I stated that there are limitations into the visa, such as 6 maximum months employment with any one job. Thus there is a built in disincentive for attractive people to the mines.

I just got off the hpone with a recruitment friend and he said the same, the don't place 417/462 holders on the mines for that reason.

However he gave me these exceptions.

Geologists
Heavy Duty Fitters.

The latter would be a trade, I would assume not too difficult to obtain in Canada or in some mining states in the U.S

On the LNG deal.. well here is a map of capital expenditure currently taking place in Australia.. well April 2011, going on in Australia.. just in minnig and oil and gas. That should ive you an idea.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOT0jCMUPMA/Td...11_MAP.jpg

That's sans-further exploration.

Post: #23

(01-18-2012 10:03 PM)ea303 Wrote:  I made the move and so far so good. I would do alot of research though. Coming over on a work and holiday didnt help me much because my field doesnt really allow for temporary placement. I also came at the absolute worse time to get a job lol. Luckily I had a skilled migrants visa being processed as well. Things are picking up now that summer holiday is tailing off. Let me know if you guys have any questions. I am based in Melbourne, and P Dog we definitely need to meet up sooner or later.

I would check the state website for state sponsorship if you have an in demand skill - it, accounting, medicine, ect.. You can apply for state sponsorship for free and if its approved can have a visa before you land. Once you have a visa finding a job should be bad as long as you have your details sorted, and have a good resume.

Melbourne isnt that expensive except for food and housing compared to the US. Its feels akin to New York without the cheap eats. Back home I had my own place (none top tier city), and here I share with 2 people and pay the same amount. Its not bad once you get used to it, but beer is also quite expensive. It feels like everything is 20% more, but salaries 30% - 40% more depending on what you do (especially on the really low end or really high ends of the market.

I have a the skills & the resume. How & where could I get STATE VISA SPONSORSHIP for FREE. Do guide?
How much time would it take to APPROVE & be READY?

I am in talks with Recruiters but I dont have a Work Auth, so that aint helping.

Post: #24

It took me maybe 9 months. You have to pick the state you want to work in then go to their website to see if the skills you have are on the shortage list. After that you lodge an app where you send in a resume and other details. If they think you can get a job you will have to do other things like have your skills assessed, take a language exam, and so on and so forth. Once the state approves sponsorship your via will be fast tracked.

Post: #25

(01-18-2012 10:19 PM)T and A Man Wrote:  Is your friend FIFO? The actual towns are a catastrophy, avoid them. Places like Port Hedland where a 30 year old, 3x1 house in a harsh environment (prone to cyclones, 40 degree+ days and high humidity) just renting a bedroom room can cost you $2,500 per month. Unless your employer pays for them, NEVER go there.

HOLY MOTHER OF FUCK. $2500 a month would get you a luxury furnished two bedroom in the middle of Melbourne city centre. Probably with a car space too. You could get a 3 bedroom for that much in a wealthy super- inner suburb bordering the city like South Yarra.