Frequently Asked Questions (About Migration to Australia)

Frequently Asked Questions (About Migration to Australia)


Before thinking of migration
Q: Is the grass in Australia really  'greener' than Singapore?
A: I can't really answer that as different people have different expectations of things in life..
some people come here coz of studying, family, higher pay, better life style, cheaper cars, cheaper house etc..  so really depend on individual.. if individual think living in Singapore is excellent.. then no point migrating.
Q: i dun think australia is safe lor. sgrean NSF and students went over there kena rob and attack lor.
A:  I can also give you some example of bad eggs in Singapore but it's not that we want to talk bad or talk good about one place or another..  We can compare till there's no tomorrow, but what is the point?
If anyone are interested in moving over to Australia to live, we welcome you to come to our website and have a look at our FAQ, anyone that think Singapore is good and safe, then we respect your decision to stay and live there.

General Migration queries:
Q: I don't have a work visa or PR in Australia. How do I go about applying for a job in Australia?
A:  As you have already known, finding job in Australia is really difficult.. It's also very difficult for people who already have work permission in Australia like PR, so it's going to be more difficult for you as you do not have the appropriate work permission.
As there is no easy way and we must aim long term so our suggestion to you will be:
1. Graduate and work and gain some work experience in your expertise area, and apply via skilled migrant category
2. Get a job with a company in Singapore with a branch in Australia, maybe you can ask for internal transfer to Australia next time
3. Meanwhile keep looking and applying for job in Australia.

Q: If i complete my undergraduate studies in australia, what is the longest period of time I can remain there for?
Also, how do I go about extending the above-mentioned period of time?
A: From past experience, if you do nothing usually you are allowed to stay till the end of your student visa.
there is now a new visa class of visa: Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 485)
Search for this visa at the australia immigration website http://www.immi.gov.au/
this allows a graduate additional 18mths stay in Australia while they try to gain employment and prepare their PR application

The old way which some of us did was to go back to Singapore and apply pr in singapore.
However, everyone's different and each application is usually assessed on individual merit.


Visa applications:
Q: If i study in aussie or have a degree from an aussie uni
do i still need to take the english test??
my english is ok and i dont think i'll do badly but i dont really wanna take another test
A: If you can prove to the officer approving your migration application that your english is good, then go ahead and do it. Please provide all the documentation to prove it in your application. But if the officer don't agree with you, they will reject your application, or delay it and ask for more documentation which will in the end delay the grant of your visa.

But if you have taken the english test, it will beyond reasonable doubt that your english is really good.


National service Questions :
Q: Question about reservist. Haha...u fly back for reservist? The bosses in oz are willing to let u go?
A: When you come here permanently, you will need to apply exit permit to leave singapore.. with this exit permit they won't be able to call you for reservist.. :)


Useful links about migrating to Australia
Refer to this post: http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/helpful-websites-for-your-move-to.html


Moving to Australia
Q: My wife, my xx yr old son and myself will be migrating to Australia in xxxxx. All x of us have Aussie PR already. But the challenge is I don't have Aussie job and no place to stay in xxxx.
A: You will need to be saving before you plan to come over here and to have a backup plan of drawing down money when you come here because the reality is that it is not cheap to stay here. In fact, you may need up to $30K of saving to draw down.

The reality is that most migrants will have a hard time initially trying to find job, bring food to the table and adjusting to culture shock. There is no such thing as a cushy job. Most new migrants we know will fall into depression plus the fact that you are are bringing baby with you will compound all the issues together. It will be very tough if the mindset cannot be changed to accept any jobs to bring food to the table.

We rather that you stay in Singapore and provide what you need for your family than to face the cruelty when you comes here without much money,

Finding job in Australia :
Refer to this post: http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/looking-for-jobs-in-australia-tips-and.html


Typical living expenses estimate in Sydney:
http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/typical-living-cost-in-sydney.html

Finding Accom in Australia:
Refer to this post: http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/finding-accom-in-australia.html
Also for students, read uncle phil's advise: http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/types-of-student-accommodation-in.html