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MisterTommyH
22-10-11, 08:00 PM
Has anybody seriously looked into it?

Is it hard? Do you have to stay for ever of can you just decide to come back?

Is it expensive? Is there as much red tape as i expect?

Where do you start? (Other than visiting the chosen country to check that you like it).

dizzyblonde
22-10-11, 10:38 PM
Has anybody seriously looked into it? Yes

Is it hard? Do you have to stay for ever of can you just decide to come back? Yes and no

Is it expensive? Is there as much red tape as i expect? Yes and no to both

Where do you start? (Other than visiting the chosen country to check that you like it).
Go to the consulate of the particular country you wish to emigrate to, give them a call and they'll likely ask for your email address so they can send you all the relevant information.





In our specific case its a little different to just a bloke and a woman from the UK emigrating to a different country.

I'll clarify. Cyprus is very keen on people returning to their native land, after fleeing the troubles in 1974.
Pete is a first generation Cypriot male, born in the UK(with a Scottish accent). He can sod off to Cyprus whenever he wishes, and ask to stay, no questions asked. In fact I'd be so bold to say he could come and go as he wishes!
We have looked seriously into emigrating over there, in the future. There are certain areas of red tape we'd avoid because of his 'ex pat' status, along with certain benefits he'd be entitled to as far as income tax, housing, exporting vehicles is concerned. Downside being if he lands there, he must do national service of three months, and both the boys would have to do some form, even though son no1 is not Cypriot whatsoever, but he'd do less than Oliver, as Oliver is male Cypriot descent and would have to do full National service...poor lad!


I rang the Cypriot Consulate in London, and a nice Greek fella gave me all the info needed to get the ball rolling for Pete and his family to repatriate.

IIRC you can stay in a country for 3 months(12 weeks) before you must apply for a permanent visa, or a working one. Its been a while since I've looked at the documentation, I'm pretty sure its the same for most countries, so forgive me if this info isn't quite correct.


So where you heading, and are the org ok to come hide at your gaff???

MisterTommyH
22-10-11, 10:55 PM
Cheers diz.

It's just a consideration at the moment. But all good ideas start somewhere.

Have considered it previously in my last serious relationship, but the O/h's employment/training status needed a little more experience to get enough points (so it never really got past looking at the website).

Just seems like it might be a good option - Nothing really keeping me here except the mortgage.

Thinking about Oz - mainly because there's family over there which I believe helps with points (plus it's always good not to be totally isolated). I've always said the NZ would be top of my list, but since i've started giving it semi-serious consideration Oz just seems to have more appeal.

If it actually comes to something I'm sure orgers would be welcome...... I'm certainly hoping people I know will help me out if/when I go out to take a look.

Bluefish
22-10-11, 11:19 PM
Depends on your situation, it can be expensive, one of my work mates has spent at least 10k so far, and he's not their yet Canada, and it has taken at least 3 years :confused: but he is going for full citizenship. we looked into it, and basically decided we couldn't afford it :-({|= having family their helps a lot with the points thing, it is a lot of hassle, well it's not going to be easy is it, good luck though, if you go sure you can come back any time, many do when they find out it's too hot/cold, wet, dry, whatever lol.

Berlin
23-10-11, 02:48 AM
Doing it! :-)

and this might be helpful in deciding where (http://www.easyexpat.com/images/UBS_PL.pdf)

BanannaMan
23-10-11, 04:31 AM
Has anybody seriously looked into it?

Is it hard? Do you have to stay for ever of can you just decide to come back?

Is it expensive? Is there as much red tape as i expect?

Where do you start? (Other than visiting the chosen country to check that you like it).



Visit your chosen country's immigration and visa website. (easily googled)
You'll need to check work laws and such.
I don't know about others but for example,
From your own laws:

A:
For me to move to the UK I would first have to secure a job and have an employer sponsor me to recieve a work visa.
As a tourist or general visitor I can stay up to 6 months only and am forbiden to look for, or perform any work that anyone could be paid for doing.
Meaning, you can't come over for a visit and help your mates paint the house, fix the roof, or fix up their garden, which sounds a bit much, but if you think about it, really is a good way to protect jobs in the UK. No doubt there sre similar laws elsewhere.

B:
To apply for British citizenship I would have to first live and work in the UK for five years (or 3 if I married someone there).
So that's not going to be an immediate issue for you. But do note; citizenship will be the sticky bit here.
If you're going to pespectively live long term in your chosen country you'll need to become a citizen of that country to get the government benefits and rights that the rest of the population enjoys.
However giving up your current citizenship means that No, you can no longer just go back to your original country as if you had never left.
You might be able to reclaim your citizenship but it's going to be as much, if not more red tape than it was to change it the first time, so that might take a few years and (like me) you would need a job and a sponsor BEFORE you could move to the UK.

Changing your citizenship should only be done if you plan to live the rest of your life in another country.

Red tape, oh yes, there's a sea of it. Dive in.

dizzyblonde
23-10-11, 07:49 AM
Cheers diz.

It's just a consideration at the moment. But all good ideas start somewhere.
Thinking about Oz - mainly because there's family over there which I believe helps with points (plus it's always good not to be totally isolated). I've always said the NZ would be top of my list, but since i've started giving it semi-serious consideration Oz just seems to have more appeal.

.

I have friends who emigrated to NZ a few years back, with kids, and a friend who emigrated to Oz last year. Jamesunhill did it too, but he rarely comes on the org these days. IIRC your talents in the job market can bode well for points over there, so you need to find out if your job skills are on the wanted list.
Funny so many wanting to leave this place, those that go, don't return. My best mate went to France 6 years ago, and is as skint as hell, but she'd rather board up the house and live in the garage with the bike, eating what she grows in the garden than ever return here.....but having left Hull, is it no wonder :lol:

MisterTommyH
23-10-11, 10:35 AM
Well I need 65 points to go to Oz, and I get 80 before I've even looked at going any of the courses they offer to help.

Lookes there are 3 ways to go -
Permanent Visa as an unrestricted worker (can go for this as get so many points and there are about 4 jobs on the required list that my job and quals could fit into).
Permanent Visa sponsored in a territory (as above but would have to stay in a particular state for minimum 2 years).
Permanent Visa sponsored by family (would rather not do this if I can help it because it puts certain financial responsibilities on others).

Next step I think is to get reading, and plan a trip - that's not going to be cheap in itself.

Edit: Oh and I can also get an employer to sponsor me. Not too keen on this at all though.

Dave20046
23-10-11, 12:28 PM
Cheers diz.

It's just a consideration at the moment. But all good ideas start somewhere.

Have considered it previously in my last serious relationship, but the O/h's employment/training status needed a little more experience to get enough points (so it never really got past looking at the website).

Just seems like it might be a good option - Nothing really keeping me here except the mortgage.

Thinking about Oz - mainly because there's family over there which I believe helps with points (plus it's always good not to be totally isolated). I've always said the NZ would be top of my list, but since i've started giving it semi-serious consideration Oz just seems to have more appeal.

If it actually comes to something I'm sure orgers would be welcome...... I'm certainly hoping people I know will help me out if/when I go out to take a look.

I've been thinking of Oz a lot lately (the mrs, dorothy is 110% in agreement). I've heard they only give you one chance "if you don't like it **** off" , to be fair I wouldn't mind a country with some balls. Anyhoo I've heard the (slightly longwinded) way round this is to move to new zealand for two years until you get NZ citizenship and then you have free access to austrailia.

dizzyblonde
23-10-11, 01:54 PM
One thing to remember with Oz....
The cost of living ie food and utility bills is very high, compared to the wages. Its not as golden as one might think.

Dave20046
23-10-11, 02:25 PM
One thing to remember with Oz....
The cost of living ie food and utility bills is very high, compared to the wages. Its not as golden as one might think.

I was lead to believe (sorry for the lack of black and white fact here tommy!) the cost of living is very high and so are the wages. Heard services such as nurses etc. get paid a lot better and I know for a fact my mate who walks around surveying pot holes in the sun all day is on £40k!

Oh and that's right, they have money to fix pot holes!

dizzyblonde
23-10-11, 03:08 PM
Well.....I know of at least one 'well off' couple, who have come back to the UK because of the cost of living.

Find out how much a loaf of bread or sack of spuds cost as a place to start.

Then take your pic of news articles about the subject.

http://www.google.co.uk/#q=cost+of+living+in+australia&hl=en&prmd=imvnsu&source=univ&tbm=nws&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=bSykTr_aIIan8gPO3rjMBQ&ved=0CGwQqAI&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=f488ac54d0f352f0&biw=1259&bih=632

http://www.google.co.uk/#q=cost+of+food+essentials+australia&hl=en&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=nws&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=Ji6kTt39E4Sr8AP3ksDRBQ&ved=0CHsQqAI&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=f488ac54d0f352f0&biw=1259&bih=632

The point I'm making is that all that glitters is not gold in the world. No matter where you go, it has its pitfalls, and you seriously have to know everything before taking the plunge. Sure many people migrate successfully, and it makes you think that it would be good to do the same, but its not always the case. Just cause yer mate is doing great, doesn't necessarily mean you will.

Dave20046
23-10-11, 04:51 PM
Well.....I know of at least one 'well off' couple, who have come back to the UK because of the cost of living.

Find out how much a loaf of bread or sack of spuds cost as a place to start.

Then take your pic of news articles about the subject.

http://www.google.co.uk/#q=cost+of+living+in+australia&hl=en&prmd=imvnsu&source=univ&tbm=nws&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=bSykTr_aIIan8gPO3rjMBQ&ved=0CGwQqAI&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=f488ac54d0f352f0&biw=1259&bih=632

http://www.google.co.uk/#q=cost+of+food+essentials+australia&hl=en&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=nws&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=Ji6kTt39E4Sr8AP3ksDRBQ&ved=0CHsQqAI&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=f488ac54d0f352f0&biw=1259&bih=632

The point I'm making is that all that glitters is not gold in the world. No matter where you go, it has its pitfalls, and you seriously have to know everything before taking the plunge. Sure many people migrate successfully, and it makes you think that it would be good to do the same, but its not always the case. Just cause yer mate is doing great, doesn't necessarily mean you will.Those articles look to be about people on low salaries and benefits, They'll only let fully qualified people with a skill or trade emmigrate so it's possibly not a "Australia is to expensive to live full stop" admittedly I haven't looked into it yet it's just been something to take my mind off work etc. but you're obviously right, lots and lots and lots of research. I know 0 people who have successfully migrated anywhere.

Although isn't member Sean C over in austrailia at the moment? Might be worth pming him?


My attraction with Australia seems to be mainly based on the fact they're so vast they'll never get over populated and they have a good industry so are likely to be a stable country and their politics seems no nonsense.....+ :sunny:
I've not researched it and I'm not a clever person so don't take what I say too seriously!

MisterTommyH
23-10-11, 05:33 PM
I'm under no illusion that anywhere I go will be perfect. But if it's the same in both economy's why not live in th one with sun, and a better attitude to work life balance (and it is there because all the ozzies that have worked at our place have discussed this in detail). And somewhere that, while sharing some of our values, isn't afraid to stand up and stop those values being eroded. And the fact it's not easy to get in is a bit of an appeal (maybe keep some of the scum out? Lol)

Someone mentioned transfer of citizenship. What about being dual nationality - can you do that, or is it for people with parents of different nationalities?

dizzyblonde
23-10-11, 05:36 PM
Didn't know Sean C was, but James has successfully got in, he went off backpacking then stayed :)

I do like the no nonsense politics myself! At least theres nobody trying to invade or steal territory!

One thing that worries me about that part of the world is the way the climate has control over water, and the land getting more and more arrid. I prefer to be somewhere that I can successfully sustain myself easily, rather than everything being burnt to a crisp!

Dave20046
23-10-11, 05:45 PM
Didn't know Sean C was, but James has successfully got in, he went off backpacking then stayed :)

I do like the no nonsense politics myself! At least theres nobody trying to invade or steal territory!

One thing that worries me about that part of the world is the way the climate has control over water, and the land getting more and more arrid. I prefer to be somewhere that I can successfully sustain myself easily, rather than everything being burnt to a crisp!

Maybe its james D - something like that, one of the Pennine massive, can't say I've met him.

johnnyrod
25-10-11, 09:04 AM
We're still chewing on whether to emigrate to Canada. Mrs. Rod couldn't leave her family so far away I think, and we're perhaps a bit too comfortable here (should have gone sooner then!). A lot of people go, a good number come back, it'll be different but depending on the person, it may be better or not. I know that's no real answer but it's the truth. Get yourself along to an emigration expo in the UK and start saving for at least one trip. When you go to check out Oz/wherever, try as hard as you can to get in with locals, it's the way to see the real country.

MisterTommyH
25-10-11, 04:42 PM
One thing to remember with Oz....
The cost of living ie food and utility bills is very high, compared to the wages. Its not as golden as one might think.

Just had this one answered by a bloke from work who moved back home to Oz last year.

Cost of living i higher (i.e. beer is $8 or £5 rather than £3) but wages are also.

Just learned what I should be on at my level out there and it's just under double (he just over doubled when he moved back). So both COL and wages are high, but wages slightly more so, so slightly better off.

missyburd
25-10-11, 07:19 PM
Make sure you go to the country first and make sure you like it before upping sticks and shifting, my advice :-P

metalangel
26-10-11, 06:47 AM
Make sure you go to the country first and make sure you like it before upping sticks and shifting, my advice :-P

Very true :(

tweakedtay
26-10-11, 12:40 PM
If anyone's got any questions on the frozen north, just let me know.

yorkie_chris
26-10-11, 02:06 PM
Doing it! :-)

and this might be helpful in deciding where (http://www.easyexpat.com/images/UBS_PL.pdf)

Clear your PM box :smt116

ixlr8
28-10-11, 08:31 AM
Cost of living i higher (i.e. beer is $8 or £5 rather than £3) but wages are also.

Really?? My inner city groovy pub, $3.50/250 ml and $4 gourmet pizza for 1, supermarket loaf of bread, $0.99-2.70 depending on taste, kilo of potatoes $1.20, $10.40 for metropolitan-wide all-day all-modes public transport, $1.32/l petrol atm, power is going up since privatisation but still OK, very pleasant sparkling shiraz $6/bottle, etc. Average GP income, $150-300/hr, solicitor, $3-500/hr, self-employed plumber $2000+/wk. Average wage, $1300/wk.

HTH.

johnnyrod
28-10-11, 11:31 AM
If anyone's got any questions on the frozen north, just let me know.
have you emigrated there or always lived in Canada?

tweakedtay
28-10-11, 01:13 PM
have you emigrated there or always lived in Canada?

Born and raised.

johnnyrod
28-10-11, 01:47 PM
OK was wondering what your view would be i.e. what sort of eyes have you seen it with. I was born in BC but came to Blighty when I was 3, am thinking about going back. Mrs. Rod isn't sure she can stand the snow in the rest of Canada, but I'm not sure we can stand the prices in BC! Or at least Vacnouver.

tweakedtay
28-10-11, 01:57 PM
OK was wondering what your view would be i.e. what sort of eyes have you seen it with. I was born in BC but came to Blighty when I was 3, am thinking about going back. Mrs. Rod isn't sure she can stand the snow in the rest of Canada, but I'm not sure we can stand the prices in BC! Or at least Vacnouver.

Instead of moving straight into Vancouver, try researching Richmond, or Coquitlam. They're sub-districts of Vancouver and are only about 20-30 mins away from downtown Van. That area of BC is about the best climate you will get here that closely relates to that of England's. Obvs they get snow (about 5ft per winter, not all that bad), but the temp never drops below -15c. I've got a few English buddies who have moved here, and none of them want to go back.

Shellywoozle
28-10-11, 02:10 PM
One thing to remember with Oz....
The cost of living ie food and utility bills is very high, compared to the wages. Its not as golden as one might think.


Spot on..... I have looked into Oz transferring in the job and I know the pay is poor to the point bobbies take a 2nd job. Although not gonna stop me applying in January when, hopefully they recruit international applicants.

Good luck mate x

johnnyrod
28-10-11, 03:13 PM
the temp never drops below -15c

Yeah that'd probably be cold enough for her to have a fit, even if it isn't much in your terms! It seems to a lot easier to get UK flights to Ontario or Alberta than BC, she'd still want to see the family occasionally. Anyway I dunno, it isn't going to happen tomorrow alas. We visited friends in Ontario (in and out of Toronto, I don't like cities), and we didn't come back home with a "no". It seems to be a tough gig getting a proper job as well; only 10 days holiday (is that to start with or for long-term employees as well) compared to our 25 here, and getting recognition for work done outside Canada isn't so easy either (I'm a scientist). In my field as well there are loads of Far Eastern immigrants who'll work for next to nothing, and it's not like they're crap either.

MisterTommyH
28-10-11, 06:03 PM
Yeah that'd probably be cold enough for her to have a fit, even if it isn't much in your terms!

We had -14 here last jan/feb, what difference does a degree make(?)

MisterTommyH
28-10-11, 06:08 PM
Really?? My inner city groovy pub, $3.50/250 ml and $4 gourmet pizza for 1, supermarket loaf of bread, $0.99-2.70 depending on taste, kilo of potatoes $1.20, $10.40 for metropolitan-wide all-day all-modes public transport, $1.32/l petrol atm, power is going up since privatisation but still OK, very pleasant sparkling shiraz $6/bottle, etc. Average GP income, $150-300/hr, solicitor, $3-500/hr, self-employed plumber $2000+/wk. Average wage, $1300/wk.

HTH.

In that case there would be even more of an incentive! Costs quoted were from a couple of different acquaintances in Sydney. Maybe a bit more expensive there as 'that's where it's at' according to one of them.

Fizzy Fish
29-10-11, 02:50 PM
We're a few months into an application to emigrate to Oz, via skilled migrant visa with family sponsorship (via my OH's brother). Hopefully will be going over end 2012/early 2013 - can't wait! :grin:

Same as you have just had enough of the weather, and I've lived in Oz before and LOVED it, so was an easy decision - except for the fact that we will really miss a lot of people here.

Don't underestimate the paperwork and cost required though! Took us c. 8 mths to get everything together, skills assessment done, English test taken (strange I know but you get more points if you successfully pass one!) and the application formally lodged. From lodgement it should take c. 12-18 mths - I think we are about in the middle of the priority list with the sponsorship at 120 points. However IIRC could be 2-3 yrs if you have fewer points/no sponsorship, so it's worth taking some decent advice about how to maximise your chances/speed up the application.

Visa agents are expensive and it is possible to do it yourself, but we found it really helpful to have the extra advice, plus ours managed to pull some strings to get a daft skills assessment outcome reviewed and overturned, which made a massive difference to the application.

IIRC the application cost c. £5K in total - c. £1500 Oz government visa fee, £2500 agency fee, plus £1000 for medicals, skills assessment, English test, police checks, etc. Plus shipping/flights over, etc.

Having looked into sending a vehicle over I would say don't bother if you can possibly help it - import duty & GST are expensive plus there are sizeable costs for MOT'ing/registering the vehicle, getting it cleaned to customs standards plus shipping costs.

But despite all the admin we're really looking forward to it. I hope you get on well with your decisions/application too!

tweakedtay
31-10-11, 01:21 PM
Yeah that'd probably be cold enough for her to have a fit, even if it isn't much in your terms! It seems to a lot easier to get UK flights to Ontario or Alberta than BC, she'd still want to see the family occasionally. Anyway I dunno, it isn't going to happen tomorrow alas. We visited friends in Ontario (in and out of Toronto, I don't like cities), and we didn't come back home with a "no". It seems to be a tough gig getting a proper job as well; only 10 days holiday (is that to start with or for long-term employees as well) compared to our 25 here, and getting recognition for work done outside Canada isn't so easy either (I'm a scientist). In my field as well there are loads of Far Eastern immigrants who'll work for next to nothing, and it's not like they're crap either.

I'm not really a fan of Ontario.... I've lived there many times, and the traffic sucks, the people suck, and the job scene sucks. If your looking for work, head west. Either Alberta or BC. Depending on what type of scientist you are, I'm sure you could find something, lots of Universities to apply to. Usually you get 14 days holiday per year, but that depends on where you work, it changes wherever you go. Also, universal healthcare, best invention EVER. And no matter how you fly, you almost always have a stop over in Toronto, main delta hub for the country.