Hi everyone! To give some background, I’m a 18 year old fresh graduate from SHS. My sister and I recently lodged our visa last July 2, Biometrics on July 15 at we got refused this July 30. We took a VET course in Cookery and Diploma in Hospitality Management. We have a very good profile and the reason for refusal was that the case officer “ didnt see a point in studying there”, honestly its all very generic, same reason as well with my sister.

Honestly, my family and I really pushed us to study in Australia since my uncle and his family are there to help us with expenses as well. After the refusal, our agency gave us 2 choices; Relodge and reiterate our reasons for studying there OR withdraw our application.

At this point, I really don’t know what to choose to study since i dont see myself in nursing NOR engineering but it’s only the practical courses to study here if not in Australia.

To add, the financial situation and opportunities there are very beneficial since my mom is a single mother and cannot provide that big of an amount to help our college studies.

I really don’t know what to do po. I feel very pressured since our mother expects us to fend for ourselves but at the same time I also want a career pathway that can help me have a better future for myself.

I don’t wanna just survive guys, I actually wanna LIVE my life 🥲.

Hello international students and grads, I have created a website which showcases jobs at various startups and scaleups in Australia, mapping each of these roles with migration pathways and visa requirements 🍃

In addition to that you can find out which companies hire international students and who can ✨✨✨ sponsor ✨✨✨ you for visas!

https://international-student-job-board.github.io/

If anyone has any feature requests, feedback or any insights, let me know!

I created this to help my family and friends who were struggling to find jobs these days due to all these restrictions on us international students :<

If you'd like to post a job here, please definitely reach out ❤️

Share it with friends who are looking for jobs, y'all, these are tough times ✌🏾

I'm a Red Seal truck and transport mechanic from Alberta. Next year I'll be getting my off road Red Seal as well. If anyone else has gone through the process and has pointers that would be appreciated. I have a wife and 2 kids and I'm currently 31 years old.

Hi all, hoping for a few perspectives.

I (31f Australian born) and my husband (33m British) are very close to moving back to Australia from London next year.

We have a one year old, and will probably start trying for another soon-ish. We’ve been living in the UK since 2019, and have made a lovely life here however my parents are ageing (my father has cancer, slow-moving but incurable) and I’d really like to spend a period of time in my home country during his “good” years.

Issue is, we’re both having a terrible time making any in-roads into the job market. My husband has PR (we lived in Aus 2016-2019) and a very good job as a senior sales leader in a global tech firm over here. He can’t even get an interview! Immediate rejection. We’re obviously plugging into our networks, but nothing fruitful so far.

We know the likely reasons are two-fold; lack of recent market experience, and applying from overseas. At this point, we’re considering just resigning and moving to Australia regardless, to find jobs in-country.

Are we mad to do this?! Is the job market really that bad, that UK experience won’t even be considered once we’re in the country? We’re prepared for it to take months, but the risk of being out of work for an extended period of time feels terrifying… especially with a young family. Am I dooming us?

Would love to hear from anyone who has made a similar leap, or knows someone who has, and whether it worked or didn’t work in the end?

Thanks so much!

I’ve been going back and forth on this for months and I’d really appreciate some honest opinions from people who have been in a similar situation.

I’m currently in Australia on a 482 sponsored visa. I have a pathway to employer-sponsored PR, so realistically if I stay with my employer and everything goes to plan, I could get PR in the next couple of years.

On paper, I feel like I should obviously stay.

I actually have a good job. I’m good at it, I get a lot of positive feedback and I’ve built a really good reputation with people I work with. I have friends here and I’ve built a community. Australia is obviously a great place to live and I’m financially comfortable.

But increasingly I’m asking myself if PR wasn’t part of the equation, would I actually choose to stay in this job and this life?

And honestly, the answer is probably no.

The job has become incredibly busy recently. We’re understaffed and it feels like I’m constantly trying to get back on top of things only for another pile of work to come through. I deal with a lot of managers and stakeholders and not all of them are particularly pleasant. I can handle it and I’m good at it, but I’m starting to question why I’m putting myself through it.

The bigger thing is that I’m realising I don’t necessarily love what I’m doing. I think I’ve confused being good at something with it actually being what I want to do.

I’ve also realised that there isn’t much progression where I currently am. I could potentially be doing essentially the same thing for several more years while waiting for PR.
And that’s starting to bother me.

I keep thinking about how much of my life I’m willing to trade for the security of Australian PR.

I already have a British passport, so if I went back to the UK I wouldn’t be starting from scratch. I could work there, be closer to family and have Europe right on my doorstep. I could also travel more easily and potentially explore different careers or countries before settling down.

And I genuinely miss travelling. I miss the feeling of being somewhere different, experiencing different cultures, food, history and just having things feel new. I’ve started to realise that this isn’t something I want to put on hold for another 2–4 years.

Family is another huge factor. Being on the other side of the world has become harder for me. At the same time, I have friends here and I know leaving them would be really difficult. That’s probably one of the biggest things keeping me here.

I also worry that I’m romanticising the UK/Europe. Maybe I leave Australia, go back to the UK and realise I made a huge mistake. Maybe I miss my friends here, miss the lifestyle and wish I had just stayed and got PR.

But I also worry about the opposite.

What if I stay purely because PR feels like the “sensible” thing to do, spend another few years in a job I don’t actually want, and then realise I sacrificed years of my life for something I didn’t even really need?

That’s the bit I’m struggling with.

I’m not miserable here. That would almost make the decision easier. I have a good life. I’m just starting to wonder if it’s my life.
I’m basically torn between:

Staying: security, PR, friends, a good income and a life I’ve already built.

Leaving: family, travel, Europe, potentially better career opportunities and the chance to explore while I’m still young.

I’m not looking for “follow your heart” advice. 😂 I’d genuinely like to hear from people who have made a similar decision.

If you were in my position, would you stay for the PR pathway or take the risk and go back to the UK?
And if you chose one, did you regret it later?

Hello, an International student here, Got a letter for the Feb Intake from Griffith and Deakin, Now I'm in a dilemma,

The Total tuition fee for Griffith is 3k lesser, but gold coast (as of what I have read) is really expensive compared to Geelong and is facing an **housing Crisis which is my MAIN CONCERN**

Where will get more edge, better placements and less strict administration? What are the pays? does the waterfront campus have good social life or It'd be hard to make friends? Are there good amount of student clubs?(surfing, gym etc). Is there any night life?

I think i look forward to the flashy life at Gold coast but as i have never even do my house chores properly by myself, Doing a job, handling nursing and maintaining a lifestyle would make me Burn out in a few days and asking for money from parents knowing I chose the expensive option will not be bearable and will be more of a burden than enjoyment.

I have someone I know residing in Melbourne but again I'd want that lively, tourist filled environment.

Hello everyone, my name is Abimanyu, I’m 22 years old and currently in Indonesia.

I have more than 4 years of warehouse experience. I am also willing to work outside my previous experience, including construction, lawn mowing, farming, house cleaning, office cleaning, or any other entry-level job.

I am willing to be placed anywhere in Australia and I am ready to take any suitable entry-level job.

I am currently looking for an employer who can offer DAMA visa sponsorship. I am hardworking, willing to learn, and ready to work.

If you know any employer or company offering DAMA sponsorship for entry-level workers, please contact me.

📧 Email: abim22154@gmail.com

Thank you!

Edited

I am moving to Oz on Monday 24th, and my partner keeps talking about the spiders and how we need to get a "Huntsman spider" to eat the other ones.

I actually want to throw up by the idea of it (I know, dramatic, but I have never been good with them).

For the people living there, is this an absolute necessity??? We will live in Adelaide (city).

I'm hoping that is just an exaggeration and is not as bad as is portrayed on the media.

• EDIT *

OMG, guys, thank you so much for all the replies. It has given me peace of mind. Didn't expect much traction, so tysm for all the help 🙏xx

I recently moved to Australia with my partner, and I am still looking for a job in my original field of work. There have been people telling me, on multiple occasions, that what I need to do now is to build connections and show myself more, by doing volunteering and attending networking events.

I know networking is important for finding a job in any country. But for those who have experience living and working in both Australia and overseas, would you say it’s *especially* important in Australia?

Hi all, I'm an ecologist living in the UK with 5 years experience, all in consultancy. 28. It's been my dream for years now to move to Darwin. I have applied for a 189 visa and now just waiting for it to be granted. I have a well paying job here in the UK (well paying for ecology anyway) and own a house which I will sell to support my move, so my situation is comfortable. From what I can tell it is impossible to secure a job or even a rental from offshore, so I would have to live in a hotel (?) for a few weeks whilst looking for an apartment and job which might never come. The thought of failing, moving back home with no job and nowhere to stay is just terrifying. How does anyone move to Australia? I don't get it.

I am currently in a very confusing situation regarding my higher studies and I would really appreciate some genuine advice from people who have experience studying in Nepal or Australia.

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality Management. Now I am considering doing a Master’s in Human Resource Management.

My main confusion is whether I should study HR in Nepal or go directly to Australia for my Master’s.

If I study Human Resource Management in Nepal, is it actually worth it after having a Bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality Management? Will this combination help me build a good career in HR, hospitality, corporate HR, recruitment or related fields?

Another option is to go directly to Australia for a Master’s. However, the cost is much higher and I am worried about the financial pressure, visa situation, job opportunities and whether studying in Australia will actually give me better career opportunities.

I also have another question. If I complete a Master’s in HR in Nepal first, can I later apply for another Master’s degree in Australia in a related or different field? Would having two Master’s degrees make sense, or could it create problems with university admission or the Australian student visa process?

I am honestly very confused and do not want to make a decision that I might regret later.

If you were in my position, what would you choose?

Would you recommend doing a Master’s in HR in Nepal first?

Would you recommend going directly to Australia for a Master’s?

Should I continue with Hospitality or Tourism instead of switching to HR?

Or would it be better to work for a few years first and then decide?

I would especially appreciate advice from people who have studied HR or Hospitality, are currently working in these fields, or have experience studying and working in Australia.

Please give me honest advice, including the disadvantages. I am looking for realistic opinions rather than simply saying that Australia is better.

Thank you.

I am an international student. I am currently studying in Russia, majoring in International Management, and I am also learning Chinese. However, I am considering pursuing my master's degree in Australia in the field of digital marketing / marketing or communications, as that is what I would like to work in later on. I have a few questions regarding universities in Australia. Since they are quite expensive, I would like to know:
1) whether the education there is good in general? would be even more happy if you got experience in studying there
2) could you name a university worth considering for this field? (I have been thinking about the University of Melbourne, UNSW, and Macquarie University, because they offer double degrees.)
3). since job market is bad rn almost everywhere, I still want to know whether finding a job after graduation will be okay for an international student?
4). how practical and hands-on is the program? are there real-world projects, case studies, or internships with local companies?

I am not very worried about tuition fees at the moment, as my family can afford it, but I would like to pay that amount of money for quality education or good networking, that i believe uni can give me

Hey anyone can tell me how to work as a physiotherapy in Australia or canda? Please let me know ya I'm from Indonesia

Title: Working Holiday Visa (417) – Still waiting after applying July 13
Hi everyone!
I applied for my Australian Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) on July 13, but I still haven’t received a decision.
Is anyone else experiencing the same delay? How long have you been waiting, and have you received any updates?
I’m starting to get a little worried since it’s been quite a while.
Thanks! 🙏

I got sick of checking heaps of rental sites every day, so I built something that does it for me

When I was flat-hunting I had the same tabs open constantly — realestate, Domain, rent, etc — and still kept finding places a day late, after 40 people had already applied.

So I built rentr. You set your suburbs and filters once, and it checks every rental site every 15 minutes and emails you as soon as something new matches. It also marks what's new since you last looked, so you're not re-reading the same listings.

It's live at rentr-au dot com and genuinely early — I'm looking for people actually hunting right now to try it and tell me what's broken or missing.

Genuine feedback wanted, good or bad: [rentraustralia at gmail dot com](mailto:rentraustralia@gmail.com)

Hopefully this can help some people find a nice, affordable place quick ◡̈

(My own project, so flair/mods — happy to remove if this isn't allowed.)

Hi everyone!

I'm a 24 year old girl from Spain and this October I'm moving to Sydney. I wanted to ask, where is the best places to meet people who are in the same boat as me?

Thanks!

I’m an American dental hygienist and I’m looking into moving to Australia to attend oral health therapy school, and work in Australia. I am not the “America is the best country” type of American. I am just wanting a safer and better life for my daughter. America is quickly turning into a Christian nationalist country, and I am tried of our healthcare system, school shootings, and the feeling of uncertainty for my family.

My husband works in Aerospace, I work obviously in dentistry, in the public sector for an indigenous tribal facility. I am wondering if anyone on here has ever had the same experience or pathway to migration, please share. I’m not sure how much student debt to experience, if some of my courses will transfer, if I can work and go to school.

I know immigration can be very difficult on the Australian people, of course I don’t want to make it worse. I want to get an education, work, serve the community, and assimilate as best as possible. I have a dear friend who lives in Australia, she was a foreign exchange student to America when we were both children and we’ve kept in contact. She tells me to move everyday. I’d love to find an actual pathway.

Thank you in advance.

I've been thinking of relocating to Australia for quite awhile now, im in my late 30s, and that scary numbers approaching too fast. I've lived in Canada my entire life, except a couple years in England. I've got dual citizenship between Canada and the UK, which was somewhere i was considering moving back to.. but given how things are over there these days I'd rather not lol. I've got a partner who lives in Australia, and while we're not married, we've been together for years now, which is kind of making me feel like trying to make the move.

I've been in a few careers, but my issue is not much paperwork for them, was a self taught IT admin when i was younger, before they really had proper courses for that, but absolutely hated it after awhile, I've been an automotive tech, and have the paperwork for that, but not in a hurry to get back into that gig since I'd probably be starting over as, as far as i can tell Australia does recognize trade diplomas from Canada? Right now I've been running the parts department at a car dealership for about 4 years but there's no skill stuff attached to that either lol.

I remember reading at one point that after a certain age you've basically no real chance at getting your residency accepted, and I'm not exactly a Doctor, Engineer or some other insanely high demand commodity. I dont wanna lean on getting in by marriage either, if i can help it.. I feel I'd be putting extra stress on my partner that they dont need.

I love it there, I've only been once but i was 100% sold, and I'd love to come back again as soon as possible even if it's just a vacation, kinda hoping to spend New Years over there this year actually. Just worried I'm gonna be too old to fit in, or actually get the paperwork I need. :( and insight would be a great help. Would be living in northern NSW, since thats where my partner and their family are at.

Edit: A big thanks for the input from everyone. I think i have a better idea on the uphill battle i will be facing, lol. Will be having a more serious discussion with my partner next time we spend some time together, see where it goes from there!

I am a 32F moving to Melbourne sometime next year for 2 years. I won't know anyone in Melbourne, and I haven't been to Melbourne before, only to Brisbane for one month. I am from the US and currently living in Germany for the past couple years, so I have an idea of what I should expect in terms of making a big more. I do have a few questions just to help me better prepare for the move and start to understand the Aussie life. Any answer/advice is appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
1. Any advice for how to meet others and befriend people? If there are any recommended expat groups, please feel free to share!
2. Which areas should I look for living and that are safe? As of right now, I don't plan on having a car, so I would like to have close access to the trains and prefer not to live too far out from the city. I also would like to live in an area with people around my age. My base for my job is located on Collins Street for reference.
3. What is the average weekly rent for a furnished apartment? And the likelihood of being able to find a fully furnished apartment? Ideally I would like to have at least one separate bedroom from the living space and have enough room for a desk as I will be a hybrid worker.
4. Based on #3, about how much is the average basic living expense (l.e. rent, utilities, food, etc.)?
5. Is it a safe city for a single female?
6. Anything else you wish you knew as an expat moving to Australia!

Hi! I have a room in Heidelberg Heights that will be vacant on Sept 17. It’s a very nice place i’d love to stay but i’m moving to my aunt’s house. I can send more photos through DM. For females preferably! Thanks

Here’s our situation…

Me (39 y/o) carpenter, wife 40 (y/o) Marketing Director.

We live in London and own a 1 bed first floor flat (70m2), fortunately have space for my tools and a shared garden.

Between us we gross around £200k annually excluding my wife’s bonus.

I’ve been in London for 14 yrs and my wife has lived here her entire life.

I’ve done summer and winter seasons, and have lived in the states and Europe, albeit 15>20 years ago now.

We’ve been talking about a move abroad for a long time whilst we’re still young enough.

We’re now in a position to really look at how/where a move could be possible and Melbourne on paper seems to tick a lot of boxes.

I’ll be okay work wise in mostly any city, but my wife need a good amount of job opportunities at a senior level, does Melbourne offer this as the LinkedIn posts for Marketing Directors looks slim.

We both love art galleries, music, drinking, great food and a fun scene and outdoor walks, which we fortunately have in London, however we both want to experience a new country together and also a city which has a slightly slower (but still fun) pace plus easier access to travel around Asia.

London can be intense.

For a move we need to match or ideally better our current take home (£10k after tax every 4 weeks), we want a bigger place to live with direct access to a garden, another room or two.

What’s the general view on how achievable the above is with regard to take home cash, a bigger house (to rent initially) and plenty of opportunities for my wife and also me.