Jamie and Jenny have had enough of living in Britain. They think the weather is lousy and want to make a new start in Australia. Three years ago they went over to see if they would enjoy the country and could make a living out there. They got a year-long Working Holiday visa and found jobs at Queensland Performing Arts Centre - Jenny working in the restaurant and as a lighting technician and Jamie as a carpenter, building sets.

Being outdoor types, they took to the ‘sun, sea and surf' way of life in Australia very well. They made lots of friends and set their hearts on making the move permanent.

When their year permit was up, they went to Auckland in New Zealand. From there, they applied for immigration (you can't apply while still in Australia). Then, after a bit of travelling in Fiji and the US and low on cash, they came home to wait for the result.

Jenny doesn't see her parents often, so her phone call relationship with them wouldn't change much if she were to move abroad. Anyway, with air travel nobody is more than 24 hours away, even on the other side of the world.

As a young couple with no kids they're free to move, without disrupting schooling or unsettling any wee lives.

Jenny's parents lived in Australia in the 1970s. Her brother was born there and, four years ago, he moved back from the UK to Adelaide. Being an Australian citizen, he was welcomed into the country.

The couple are among many migrants attracted by the Australian way of life, especially those from the UK, because there is no language barrier.

They had to apply for a Working Holiday visa before they reached 30. Although the visa is restricted to three months in one job, Jamie and Jenny knew some employers would re-employ them, under a different job title. Skilled workers are in demand.

The Australian government has to be convinced that an application for immigration is genuine and that if you intend to work (you have to work for two years before any benefits would be available), you are not taking a job which could be done by an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident.

To apply for immigration you need to work at home for 12 months out of 18 in your designated trade. The time Jamie and Jenny spent travelling means they've had to stay and work in the UK and reapply. Jenny has found a job as a lighting technician and managing a bar. Jamie has been working seven days a week as a cabinet maker and carpenter, building and refurbishing properties on short term contracts. They're saving hard for their move.

Word came about their application. Jamie had been turned down because he'd worked in his chosen occupation on a four month contract, without a license. He should have taken ‘work of a temporary or casual nature'. They were absolutely gutted. They'd thought it was a sure thing. With no plan B, it seemed the end of their dream.

Then they sought legal advice and are now using a migration agency. The process will take eight months to get the application fully bonded. And it isn't cheap – as well as the fees, they need medical and police checks – almost £2000. Jamie and Jenny reckon it's worth every penny. This effort and a promise of sponsorship from Jenny's brother has given them hope again.

Their plan is to move to Brisbane, open a bar which Jenny would run, then set up a business, making furniture. The migration agent reckons they'll have to move to Adelaide first, and spend their first two years there. The government has a fast track system to encourage people to move to the less populated areas, such as South Australia.

They hope to be there in six months from now.