Need information about relocating to Australia

That's a lot questions about the life in Australia I'm interested too

lmclmf2009 wrote:

Hi.  I am from NY in the US and my husband was born in the Dominican Republic but lived in NY all his life.  We moves to the Dominican Republic this year to experience his native culture.  We have a 6 year old daughter and thought it would also be good for her to have hands on life experiences and learn about her heritage.  We have decided that in the next 2 years we wish to relocate to either England or Australia and we are trying to gather some information to help us make a better informed choice.  That being said, we were hoping to use your expertise and experiences to answer some questions:

1. What would be the best city to live in with a family?  This should encompass a reasonable rent, good schools,safe neighborhood, public transportation fairly easily accessible and things for a family to do.

2. What are the typical average costs for things like groceries, rent (prefer a 2 or 3 bedroom with private yard) phone, cable, tv, school, clothing, transportation.

3. Do most people have cars or use public transit?
4. How is the job market? 
5. Does anyone have information on qualifying to migrate to Australia such as Visa, residency etc?

I apologize for all of the questions but we will greatly appreciate any information you can provide.

Happy Holidays to all!!!

All the main cities are expensive to live in. Where you work will dictate where you live. Rents, phone, food, water, power,transport costs are very high in the cities. You would also need medical insurance cover too.
Most people use cars. 

Private schooling costs are very very high.I looked at putting my grand daughter into a private school in Melbourne. The total yearly fee was $30,000.00 and that was the cheapest school.  Public schools draw their pupils from within their boundary limits and are sometimes full.

For cost of living www.numbeo.com   

Tax rates are high here too. 

Unemployment is on the rise here so jobs are very hard to get for locals let alone expats unless you have a specialist skill that the Govt has on it's skills list. Youth unemployment runs into double digit figures in some places. 
For jobs www.seek.com.au

Companies or employment agencies will not hire you unless you have the correct visas or they are offering to get you the 457 visa which allows you to work here and they have met you face to face for an interview. If you are on a 457 visa this allows you to work for that specific employer only so if the work dries up you would have to find another job offering the same visa type. I may be wrong on this so check the website below.

For visa information and applications www.immi.gov.au 

To get residency you will have to work here for a few years and then apply.  Apparently there is a scheme where you pay hundreds of thousands of dollars and the Govt will fast track residency. You also have to start a business and employ locals.

Sorry to sound so negative but this is the reality.

Hi there, we are looking to move with our 3 kids and dog from Canada.  Have you found out any useful information?
Thanks Krystal