1 - Once they've been through the system can you do a write up so I know what to do?

I'm sick of this kind of stuff happening here: { Link }

2 - If she were a nurse, they wouldn't let her out of the country.

But if they're young (under 45), degree educated, fluent in English and have at least some desirable skills (IT skills are valued, but not as highly as nurses), then they can probably amass enough points without really trying.

There's a self assessment form somewhere on one of the Oz governmental web sites and more description here.

{ Link }

3 - Anyone got any pointers on who and what they should do ?

"who they should do" ? They're just married mate - I hope they'll be happy "doing" each other for now

Coatsie

4 - Tell them to call me when they get to Sydney 0435 094 694 and I'm happy to buy them a coffee and clue them in.

5 - And they won't regret it - I made the move from England five years ago, and am still getting a buzz going over the harbour bridge.

The paperwork can be pretty daunting, but you just jump through the hoops one at a time (proof of education, police checks, health exams, etc, etc), either on shore or off shore. You can do it solo for virtually no money, or pay a (fair) few thousand to an immigration lawyer and have them dot the i's and cross the t's.

Independent migration visas can take a while to come through though - well over a year in some cases, although they're really designed to be applied for off-shore.

If they can get over and get sponsored (only one of them needs to be sponsored, the other is a de facto with automatic work rights and not tied to the one company) after a certain amount of time (1 or 2 years) the sponsor company can nominate him/her for Permanent Residency. The paperwork is easier then, especially if Michael doesn't have an IT degree. Otherwise he may to prove to the ACS that he has the equivelent of an IT degree in experience, to get enough points together.

But it's worth the effort! It's the middle of winter and even now the sun is shining, the birds are singing...

6 - No - they only need pointers for a temporary visit. They're not going to live there forever!!!!

(Catherine's mum)

7 - I'd personally appreciate pointers on how to convince my wife that we should move there!

8 - Have a look on this expat forum website for Oz, it's a minefield of relevant info...where to start, immigration requirements, property, jobs etc, etc.
{ Link }

HTH

Lottie

9 - @7 - any weather forecast should do it.

General information from Dept of Immigration and Citizenship
{ Link }
and for a list of occupations where we seem to have a shortage......
{ Link }