American living in Australia..?

Question

I've been somewhat fortunate as my job has underpaid me for years. I have much in back payments coming to me, and was considering purchasing a home. I was born and raised in the US, but I don't see myself living there again. Australia seems like a decent place to live. Any info or problems with property ownership or immigration by an American there? Any input would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Firstly, I would warn you not to count your chickens.

You may be seeing a "pot of gold" because of the back payments; but you also need to remember that the IRS will also be clapping their hands together with glee - because they will be putting their hands out for back taxes.

But, should you be fortunate enough to get a sizeable payout, that will allow you to buy a property in Australia, your U.S. citizenship isn't a barrier.  However, your first port of call will be the Foreign Investment Review Board.  Even for residential purchases, you will need to be preapproved, before you can buy a house.  Here's their FAQ address... http://www.firb.gov.au/content/faq.asp

As for Americans emigrating to Australia... you won't get any preferential treatment, but there aren't any hindrances either.  If however, you are emigrating purely for retirement purposes... you may find the immigration requirements are a little different than for someone emigrating to Australia for work purposes.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Start by reading this website, it has a ton of information.

http://www.immi.gov.au/

Answer 3

Americans receive no special treatment (good or bad) when applying for Australian immigration. Apart from retirees for whom there are very special (and high) financial requirements, all other immigrants must be aged 45 or less and have skills in an occupation in which workers are in short supply in Australia. Their skills must also be recognised here. The occupations are listed on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL): http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121...

See: http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/a-z.htm#a for info re skills recognition.

Non sponsored applicants must also pass a points test:

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-s...

and must meet character and health requirements.

Everything you need to know is on the Australian immigration website:

http://www.immi.gov.au/immigration.htm

You will be able to purchase property here, but must obtain Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval. I understand that house purchases get pretty much a rubber stamp approval. They're mainly interested in foreign nationals purchasing Australian companies and major investments.

http://www.google.com.au/url?q=http://ww...

Answer 4

do you have family?

Australia is best for family because life is steady here.

If you want a calm easy life australia is the best but if you want to get rich or wanna live the good life dun think so.

but seeing you have job related problems you can immigrate here if your skilled since there is a huge job shortage,