rammygirl

The temporary sponsored visa 485 I think can go beyond 45 but wouldn’t convert to PR.

Try smaller banks and go in and speak to them rather than apply on line. It is a problem. My son had problems with getting a rental as they didn’t like the stipend (which lasted longer than the rental contract!). Silly as the stipend is more secure than a wage at the moment.

The private pension may be deducting tax at source you should be able to check the statements. You can opt to have no tax deduction by HMRC. you complete a form and send it to the ATO who verify your status and tell HMRC who then tell the pension company to stop deducting tax. I assume you must be reporting tax already paid to the ATO? If you are not sure it is time to consult an accountant who understands Uk pensions paid to Aus residents.

If you have a return ticket the airlines have started to check as it causes problems on the return leg if you don’t have a valid visa or passport. I guess too many people either don’t get an RRV or a Aus passport

Last time we left Aus as dual citizens I tried to check in with my Uk passport as we were going to Vietnam and didn’t need a visa with a Uk passport. The check in desk were confused. Turns out they need to know you can return to Aus so need to see a visa or Aus passport. Never happened before. Airline checkin is different I to passport control. I was told to use Uk Passport entering and leaving migration control at Vietnam airport but to show both passports to airline checkin.

As above it will depend on the state. In SA you can do a shorter course if you have a car license you then go on p plates Each bit costs naturally!

You must have had documentation somewhere for the pr application. Even an expired passport should work. Do your parents not have any records, even digital ones from that time? Do you have a Medicare card even? I don’t think a migration agent can help unless one was used for the pr application and still holds records. I would seek help from your local MP they should have an office locally and may be able to point you in the right direction or intercede on your behalf. I’m sure you are not the only one in this situation, for example many refugees arrive with nothing!

Oh. My lump sum ( local gov salary pension) was paid gross to me and taxed in ATO on growth. I did have to apply to have continued pension payments paid gross though. I then declare these in Aus

I would say that the weather is definitely better. I lived in Lancashire where it was mainly grey and damp! I love the big blue skies here they really lift my spirits. Not that we don’t have grey skies and rain just not as often as not as long. I now live in the Adelaide Hills and love it. It isn’t cheap and housing is the biggest cost for most. A lot will depend on what you do for a living and where you are considering moving to……it’s a big country……..

Depends what you mean by Adelaide (and where you live now). If you mean the city or nearby metro suburbs then the winters are mild and layers not thermals will be fine. The Adelaide Hills (where I live ) are always cooler and we get frost in the winter. I enjoy getting out the jumpers! I have one thick down coat but rarely wear it here, although it comes in handy when I visit my son in Canberra where minus figures happen in winter. I have waterproofs as I like hiking but a light raincoat over jumpers is my go to and I can also wear it in warmer wet weather. Having said all that weather everywhere is changing……….

You should only be taxed in Australia, but they will not recognise ant tax free element. You may need to check with an accountant exactly how to do this.

We got a mate to drive us to the airport and they then sold the car on and took a cut of the sale price.

You would be surprised how few people do a building survey here. It seems lenders do not demand it like they do in UK. We were actually discouraged from doing so by the agent. The property turned out to have a defect we were not prepared to accept as they would not budge on price. we pulled out but they refused to return the deposit until we had a solicitor tell them they had to because of the clause we added. They had never had a survey and didn’t understand at all why anyone would!

Yes but people still use a conveyancer to check over the contract and do due diligence with searches etc. you can bet an estate agent won’t suggest making a contract subject to survey results, as they are working for the seller not the buyer. You don’t need an agent to buy and sell if you use a conveyancer.

Re the ISA. Not really worth keeping unless you may return to the UK. The ATO does not recognise the tax free status so the interest will be taxed.

That is useful to know. I wanted to open a trust shares account for my grandson (not yet one) here in Aus. So I’m assuming no tax until it is accessed at 18? This will be cash deposits as gifts birthday and Christmas I think with commbank?

Be aware of the tax rates for minors in Aus. They may have to file a tax return. The tax free allowance is only 450 bucks a year for minors! You might want to run it past an accountant as Aus will not recognise tax free Uk accounts like isas not sure how they will treat the trust fund.

We used Britannia/chess app years ago and all was ok. They did damage a tv but we were insured with Letton Percival and got paid out promptly. Just be aware that many of these are franchised so they can vary a lot. As can shipping, ask about this as routes have been disrupted because of Red Sea unrest. Can be worth paying a bit extra for different route/ship if you want quicker delivery.

But if a citizen I don’t think you can get an eta. Same as you can’t get a visa for Aus if a citizen. You must use passport. Although it does say it can be expired as long as the picture is still recognisable as you.

When the new ETA visa come into effect for all other countries later this year you either need a visa or a Uk passport to enter. As in Australia you can’t get a visa if you are a citizen.

Yes. It won’t be long before you will need Uk passport or visa ( not possible if citizens ) just like Australia. plus we just entered Vietnam on Uk Passports as don’t need to pay for visa with them but do on Aus passports. much easier and cheaper to renew than let lapse and re apply. Easy to renew Uk passport from Aus online.

He will need a child visa. Apply asap

Many agents put rental application forms online. Make sure you can fill all the required information, taking note of the ID required. We added extra information including info about the sale of our UK home, with pictures, and the fact we were new to the country etc. Get the local ID sorted ASAP like driving licence and Medicare cards, Aus bank account, references etc. Go armed with application completed, engage the agent and leave the info with them in case anything else comes up. Expect to kiss a lot of frogs….there is a reason they want you to inspect….some pictures can be very misleading and years old! It may be harder with dogs as you will need a secure yard, and not all landlords really want pets. Good luck, and keep positive