Moving To Australia

Largest Immigration Drive in 40 Years

The UK & mainland Europe are still the main targets for finding new immigrants to move to Australia.

Currently, Australia will offer immigrants four-year employer or state-sponsored immigration, with the option to stay on permanently.

Even if you can’t pass the ‘Points Test’, for ‘would be’ migrants under the age of 45, and with 6-7 years experience in a trade or profession, there is almost certainly an Australian visa available– when counting your years of experience, include years spent training, studying or in an apprenticeship position.

Saturday, January 24th, 2009 moving to australia, visas 2 Comments

6 Things You Should Know About Moving To Queensland.

When thinking of moving to Australia it is worth weighing up the pros and cons with the knowledge you have available.

We’ve been living here for 5 years and have found overall, an improved quality of life. However, there have been one or two surprises along the way….here are our top 6.

1. Queensland Healthcare Crisis – medical staff are sought after for a reason! Whilst we haven’t experienced major problems ourselves we were left a little vulnerable with minimal community support after our first child – lucky we didn’t have any problems!

There is concern over medical staff and carer shortages here for locals and immigrants alike. There are no guarantees even with private healthcare that you will get the quality of care you need or that you won’t have to wait. Depending on the area you live in – the state hospital maybe the better service provider.

Your Doctor is a good resource as they often service both the private and public sector.

2. It’s Getting More Expensive to Live Here - see previous articles on tax rates, salaries, education and cost of living.

Calculate the Cost Both Finance and Quality of Life.

3. Lifestyle Factors – You’ll hear all the great stuff about Queensland ‘the lifestyle state’ – the big outdoors, beaches, sports, tropical rainforests etc…and then when you get here you’ll discover the local problems of drugs/alcohol/obesity/skin cancer….

Plan your own lifestyle and live your own way

4. You’re Not From Around Here - A big frustration! however, as with anywhere you go new, coming in as an outsider means some locals meet and greet, some don’t. Some people’s friendship lists are full and are clicky, some aren’t. Some employers get excited about your overseas experience, others ask what you know about the local market or have no idea of your value and worth.

Get Networking, Get Known, Move on until you find your niche

5. Shift from Casual friends to Close Friends – Getting settled tends to mean not only finding good satisfying work and a home base but also a good solid network of people you can rely and be understood by/really relate to.

It Takes Time & Effort

6. Integration - There are many stages and phases from the initial honeymoon feeling of being on holiday to the ‘we live here’ -with a journey of discovery, experience and confidence in the State & Country, in between.

Keep a Sense of Humour

www.immigration-australia-blog.com/2008/12/8-reasons-to-enjoy-living-in-australia.html

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 living in Australia, moving to australia No Comments

9 Reasons to Enjoy Living in Australia

If you are thinking of moving to Australia and are making your list of pull factors, I have a few suggestions to add….

We’ve been here for 5 years now and these reasons to love life here in Brisbane have stayed the same:

The Climate – warm most months of the year with only a few intensely hot and cold weeks.

Space – houses with land around them, green park lands and a sense of openness in the outback.

Low population – little traffic congestion, parking problems, empty beaches.

The Economy is still ok – we’ll see how we go this next year!

Friendly Communities & plenty activities for all the family.

Good Schools for children- well rated internationally.

Low Crime Rate.

Low unemployment.

Nature and wild life – bush camping, fishing and four-wheel-driving on the beach.

Monday, December 22nd, 2008 living in Australia, moving to australia No Comments

Importing your stuff!

The expense of moving with all your household items can be more expensive than simply re-buying here. When moving from Europe, we did one large garage sale with the majority of ours and bought minimum with us. However, for very special items it is worth bringing as originality can be rare here, especially in the furniture market.

You do not pay tax on items e.g. furniture which you own and are for your own use.

Customs: www.customs.gov.au

Cars & Motor Bikes

We’ve met immigrants here who have imported their Harleys and found it worth while.

However, the standard advice is that the total cost of importing a car to Australia, including compliance (ensuring the vehicle meets Australian standards) and re-registration is so high that unless your vehicle is very special it isn’t worth it.

Animals

You’ll need a permit.

Australia is very strict regarding animals.

Import Permit must be made to the Principle Veterinary Officer (Quarantine) in the relevant State or Territory.

Each animal needs a ‘certificate of inspection’ by an Official Veterinarian.

Typically an animal will need an identification microchip or tattoo.

Dogs and cats are required to undergo a period of quarantine, roughly 30 days, on arrival in Australia.

http://www.affa.gov.au/

Friday, September 12th, 2008 animals, customs, moving to australia No Comments

Relocation Nightmare?

It needn’t be a nightmare of paperwork and stepping out into the unknown (unless you like it this way!)

Even if you are coming independent, help with the move can make the change and settling in period easier.

More companies are setting up in Brisbane to help with the relocation dramas. This one will meet and greet you on arrival, help find you a temporary home, assist with purchasing a property and take you around the local childcare and schools.
http://www.relocationspecialists.com.au/

Friday, August 8th, 2008 moving to australia No Comments

Welcome to Australia Blog

Providing articles and resources to people wanting to live or work in Australia, and building a community