Immigrating To Australia – Is It For You?
July 20, 2009
If you’re thinking about immigrating to Australia, or anywhere else, there’s a few things you need to consider. Over a year ago, I began to think about immigrating to another country and Australia, the USA and Canada were at the top of my list.
I expected to have a decision made and get my visa application in within a few weeks. But I soon realised that immigrating to Australia, or anywhere else requires a lot of research and thought. And if you’re considering immigrating, here’s a few things to consider:
Is Hotter Really Better? Australia Is Bloody Hot
Until recently, Perth, in Australia was high on my list of ideal places to immigrate to. But the weather there ranges from very warm to very hot, so I’ve had to force myself to be realistic. The north of England is cold – if temperatures go over 70 degrees, it’s a heatwave. And while it’s possible to adjust to warmer temperatures eventually, it’s doubtful that my family will ever feel happy and comfortable working in temperatures higher than 100 degrees.
What Are You Actually Immigrating To Australia For?
While it’s good to take the look of a place into account, don’t let that blind you into making the wrong decision. I almost chose to immigrate to Perth because I felt drawn to it, after looking at pictures and reading about the area. But when I researched some more, I realised that while Perth would probably be a great place for a holiday, Melbourne actually has more of what we’re looking for.
It’s worth thinking about your reasons for moving and what you actually want from the country you immigrate to. And if you make a list, it’s easy to compare what each place has to offer, without letting pretty pictures cloud your judgement.
Do You Want To Leave People Behind?
Some people who immigrate to Australia get homesick and wind up coming straight back, while others have plenty of people they’re only too keen to leave behind. And while you can’t guarantee whether you’ll get homesick, or not, it’s worth thinking about how you’re going to deal with it if you do. Are you prepared to ride it out for a couple of years, to see if things improve. Or would you be more likely to let it get you down to the point where you simply weren’t enjoying your new life at all?
Also, when you’re considering the people you’ll be leaving behind, be realistic too. I have found that some folk who have tried to persuade me not to move, are the ones who I don’t see that much anyway. I wouldn’t give up my chance of a new life for someone who struggles to squeeze me in for lunch, once in a blue moon and neither should you.
Also, consider whether family and friends will be able to come and visit you after you immigrate. You could actually wind up spending more quality time with them, if they come to stay with you in your new country, than you do right now.
Have you ever considered immigrating to Australia, or anywhere else?
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Comments
38 Responses to “Immigrating To Australia – Is It For You?”
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Hi Cath, I can’t speak for everybody, but we’d love to have you here in the U.S. Whatever and whenever you decide – good luck! It is a big decision, one of the biggest a person can make. Australia or New Zealand are places at the top of my list, but it’s more of a daydream than something that’s likely to happen.
Brad Shorr’s last blog post..Use Twitter to Lay Groundwork for Your Business Blog
I did it! I moved our family from north UK to Lanzarote in The Canary Isles ten years ago when the kids were quite young.
Best thing we ever did, for far too many reasons to list in a comment.
Mike CJ’s last blog post..Eight Things You May Not Know About Me
You should really pick up a copy of 2 Texans Down Under – you should!
It’s a real “no holds barred” peek behind the scenes as two Americans move to and adjust to life “down under” in Australia.
Bob does a WONDERFUL job of documenting how little things take on inflated meaning when one moves to a foreign land.
By the way, we moved from Indiana to Florida over 4 years ago. Although we never crossed a border, it definitely felt like we were moving to a foreign land. I too was surprised by the strong reactions people had to our move – people with whom I had only a very casual friendship (it’s more accurate to call them acquaintances) were MUCH more “vocal” in their displeasure about our move than true friends and family were. Go figure.
One thing I will say about moving far away from friends and family – you will definitely discover which of your relationships are “real” and which ones are “convenient”.
I’m not saying it’s not painful to discover that a relationship you thought was “real” was really one of convenience – but there is a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing the “truth”… and also to recognizing the value of your “real” relationships! You know – the ones WORTH maintaining over long distances!!!
It’s a big decision no matter WHICH one you make. (Staying is as big a decision as going by the way!!) My prayers are with you!!!
Kathy | Virtual Impax’s last blog post..Social Media: It’s a Moral Imperative
My wife and I moved to Australia in October 2006, but in May 2009 we moved back. Every country has its pros and cons. Australia is a very long way from the UK. We missed a lot of things from the UK and felt very isolated. I’m now working in Central London and couldn’t be happier.
Ben’s last blog post..Reader survey, July 2009 – Please help!
I’ve thought about relocating from the US o a variety of places (the Nethrelands, Canada, Mexico, Australia), but none of them were serious plans. Most recently, I wondered wht it would be llike to retire to Australia.
Boy, was I shocked! Retired Americans are not permitted to live in Australia unless they have several million dollars to invest. Those who don’t can live there, but they must live the same amount of time elsewhere each year. In other words, if you live there for six months, you have to live elsewhere for six months.
Not that I want to leave, but I’m not always thrilled with some of the other Americans, the ones who give us such a bad name. I feel better now that Geroge W. is out of office, but his supporters are still here.
Dot’s last blog post..Life Goes On
Hi Brad – It’s a shame the US are so strict about letting folk in. A lot of people say New Zealand is awesome.
Hi Mike – I didn’t realise you’d been there that long. That was a brave move – you probably all had to learn Spanish right? I like a lot of places in Europe but the kids say school is hard enough without having to learn in a foreign language.
Hi Ben – It is a long way and I can understand why people come back. I love London too – but it’s too expensive to live near a decent school.
Hi Dot – I read that too – you’ve got to go as an investor and they want you to invest a lot. The US do a similar scheme – not sure if the UK do too. Like you say, you’ve got to be rich, or go backwards and forwards.
Hi Cath!
What an exciting decision that you are making. Have you gone to any of the places you are considering to just get the feel of the place? I live in Texas and, oh my, it has been a scorcher this summer. We’ve had days up to 107 or so. It zaps your energy. If I were to relocate (which I want to when I retire) I would move to the mountains in Arkansas. Maybe around Eureka Springs. It is beautiful there and there is a lake close by. I really want to build a log cabin on the lake.
Perhaps if you made a pro and con list for each place you are considering, Maybe that will help you bring this decision into focus.
Good luck with the decision. You will make a very brave and freeing choice!
I thought about Australia or New Zealand briefly many, many years ago, but it was just a pipe dream. If I were to go to any other country, it would probably be Canada, which, of course, isn’t all that far, though, my pick would be on the west coast.
The good thing about the US for those of us living here is that there are a lot of varieties of places to live. The bad thing is that many of the really great places have been discovered and developed — and many of the simply great places are to expensive to live.
exit78.com
Mike Goad’s last blog post..Another new photo gallery – Arches National Park
Hi Cath – I second Brad’s comment! We’d love to have you here. Don’t make your decision before checking out more of the U.S. I’ve lived in several regions and have visited the others.
I have considered living in another country, especially in the dead of winter in Minnesota, but I know it would only be for an extended stay, not a permanent move. It sure would be nice to have a winter home someplace warm to escape to!
Betsy Wuebker’s last blog post..CHANGE DOESN’T COME FROM THE TOP
Ten years ago, I relocated from Tel Aviv to San Francisco.
In my experience, as long as you live in a developed country, you can build yourself a very happy life wherever you are.
Vered – MomGrind’s last blog post..Happily Ever After
Hi Laurie – 107 sounds unbearable. When I’ve been in Florida and got talking to people from Texas, they always seem to think it’s cold when I think it’s really warm.
Arkansas sounds lovely and a log cabin by the lake would be awesome.
Thanks Betsy – If I could persuade them to let me in, I’d be there tomorrow. There’s so much I want to see in America. It’s so diverse – it’s like you have dozens of little countries in one.
Hi Vered – That is true – we are so lucky. When I’ve been researching, I’ve enjoyed reading the stories about folk who’ve gone from developing countries, to places like Australia and America, to start a new life.
Hi Kathy – your comment went into moderation – I don’t know why. I read Bob’s blog and I’m definitely going to get round to reading the book.
I know where you’re coming on when you mention the real friends and convenient ones. A few years ago, I had a friend who didn’t want to spend any more time with me, as soon as she found out I was moving to another part of the UK.
Joshua was a toddler then and her daughter used to play with him – so she said she thought it would upset her too much, if she carried on being friends with him up until he moved.
We didn’t see her again and I was kind of offended. Then to cap it all, after I’d been gone a few months, she managed to get hold of my new phone number to call me when she was having relationship problems. So I just stopped picking up the phone when her number showed up.
Hi Mike – I’m starting to think Askimet have you on some lifetime blacklist.
West coast Canada would be lovely. I think it is much easier for you American’s to go to Canada though. Can’t you go without a visa? There’s a really long wait going from here.
I know what you mean about the great places being discovered and developed already though. I guess that’s what makes me lean towards Australia more. Many parts will be much like the USA was a few decades ago.
Hi Cath,
We just moved here to the San Diego area. I’m now in Solana Beach, a beach town ~25mi north of San Diego and 100mi south of Los Angeles.
One thing to factor in is cost. We moved from Northern CA to Southern CA, and I had a $10,000 budget for the move. Seemed like way too much, but we spent it all! Moving to a bigger house accounted for a fair amount of the cost.
We are in the same state technically, but Southern CA and Northern CA are totally different! I have always felt like more of a SoCal person, and so far I’m really enjoying it here. It does not get hot except inland, but expect to pay $$$ to live near the coast.
If you live in a hot area, just suck it up and pay for good air conditioning. It’s not the end of the world. It was 110+ the day before we left San Jose!
-Erica
Erica Douglass’s last blog post..Why Entrepreneurs Fail (Will You Avoid These Three Traps?)
Cath,
Wow, it would be delightful if you live in Melbourne, or any other part of Australia for that matter.
Melbourne is actually my home town and I will be moving back there in September after I finish up in Korea. Let me know if you end up coming – I would be delighted to meet you there. Also, please feel free to contact me if you need any advice on any specific issues, such as where the best suburbs are.
Being a Melbournian, my opinion with regards to the city is obviously biased, and you are more than wise to do your research and consider whether or not Melbourne, or indeed Australia, is right for you.
Melbourne is a great city, rated as the world’s third most livable city by The Economist (Vancouver is number one, Vienna number two), offering good business and employment opportunities, a pleasant environment and friendly communities. I have met many people in Korea who have lived in Melbourne before and said that they really enjoyed the experience (that said, of course these people may have simply been polite when talking to a Melburnian).
That said, it is not for everyone, and of course there is no guarantee that the lifestyle which Melbourne offers will be suitable for you.
I wish you all the best of luck with your decision, and whatever decision you make, I sure hope that it works out well for you.
Andrew’s last blog post..June contributors
We’ve talked about this a bit before, Cath, I know, but I really should put in one more plug for our adopted city, Brisbane. Here are some reasons for considering Australia in general and Brisbane in particular.
Climate — At this moment, we’re in the depths of winter, with the morning temperatures in the 40s F and mid-day readings at about 70 or so (8 or 10, rising to 20 or so in C). I believe the Brisbane airport has recorded only one 0 C reading (freezing) and that was probably for only a few minutes. We’ve even had rain within the last few months and our reservoirs (‘dams’ here) are up around 70% of capacity for the first time since we moved here in 2005.
Economy — A mix, like everywhere now, I guess. The experts are saying the worst is over here with Australia’s recession being mild in comparison to that of other developed nations. One reason: better regulated bankers. Another: exports, including the sale of minerals to China. Interest rates (and, therefore, mortgages) are lower than they’ve been in a while and housing prices are holding steady except for folks like one I read about who sold his humble abode for 45% less than asking price and still pocketed $4 million. Sad, huh?
We’ve read that more than 10,000 people move to Southeast Queensland (Brisbane, the Gold Coast, etc.) every week and many of them are from other Australian capitol cities. Retirees and folks with kids both like our semi-tropical life style. It is Houston-like in the summer, of course, hot and humid. Perth, on the other hand, is hot and dry. Melbourne, I’m told, tends to be both hotter and colder than Brisbane, which is to say: has greater extremes.
Taxation — A bit high for middle-class folks like us, but well worth the difference in amenities ranging from health care (wonderful, from the viewpoint of Americans) to open spaces and great parks everywhere, almost all of which have clean, well-maintained toilets.
Mountains and beaches — An hours drive from Brisbane gets you to mountain hiking trails or places to work on your tan. Two hours driving gets you to better examples of both. (Perth, though, must be the world’s top beach place, with hundreds of kilometers of pristine beach to the north and to the south.) If we ever have to leave here, these close-by destinations will be something we’ll miss a lot.
Immigration and citizenship — Even Australia has tightened its requirements some since we got here, but for those under 45 (and their spouses of whatever age), things are still relatively easy. My partner’s employer sponsored us for permanent residency and we have since moved on to citizenship. As of March 11, 2009, we have become dual citizens, with US and AU passports to prove it.
I’ve been bloggng less lately because of starting a graduate program and tutoring about 50 first-year university students, a time consuming task, indeed. I hope to be back soon, though.
Thanks to you and to Kathy for mentioning my book, which continues to sell, slowly, without promotion. I may need to update it, but I’m not sure when I’ll have time.
Even with Australian citizenship and four years of experience with the term, I’m still unable, though, to comfortably call folks ‘mate.’ Most likely, I’ll get comfortable with that about the time I become well-versed in the language of cricket. — Bob
Bob Hill’s last blog post..Getting set to tute at uni
Hi Cath: After watching the movie “Australia” with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman I briefly considered moving to Australia.
No, seriously, I would love to visit Australia, but I don’t want to move so far away from my sister, my brother, my two nephews,and my niece.
I ‘ve lived in several countries, mostly because of my father’s work, and I’m glad that I’ve had that experience. But you’re absolutely right: there are many things to consider before moving to a different country.
Marelisa’s last blog post..The Art of Conflict Resolution
I grew up in Taiwan and moved to the United States at age 16. We are at the sunny Southern California, where a temperature in the 70s is not uncommon in summer but coming from somewhere even closer to the equator, I am fine with that. We came to this city because my dad’s childhood brother (who is like a brother to him) is here and so is my mom’s college friend. Having those people less than 10 minutes away certainly helped us a lot in fitting in.
Kelvin Kao’s last blog post..One Thousand and One Nights of Stupid Stories
That’s a tough one. I’ve always had a fascination for going on a walk about and hanging out with the Kangaroos and Koalas. I’m a Crocodile Dundee fan.
At the end of the day though, there are a lot of places I want to visit, but wouldn’t necessarily live there.
J.D. Meier’s last blog post..Finding Your Eye of the Tiger on Expert Access
Hi Cath.
My comment from last night appears to have been eaten by Akismet?
Trying again:
Are you any closer to making a decision after doing all your research?
As you know, I moved to Vancouver from Toronto over 9 years ago. I still love it here, but find myself feeling restless for some reason. I doubt that I’ll move for a long while, but I’ve found myself drawn to either New Brunswick in eastern Canada or Arizona. Since I’m not a winter person and I love the heat, Arizona would probably be the winner.
Davina’s last blog post..Roaming with the Metaphor
Hi Cath,
As you know, I moved from Japan to the US. And within the US, I moved from Ohio to Tennessee to Oregon.
Weather is a big deal for me. I don’t like too warm climate, and I hated Tennessee heat. If you look at immigration history, you’ll notice most people move to areas with similar climate. I know one of your big reason to want to move is you don’t like the coldness there, but still you may not want too drastic change. Try short term visit first to get a real feel what it’s like to be in heat.
Another big concern is the reception of the area. The South is so closed — they really don’t want people from other areas to come and invade their area. Melbourne may be okay — I’ve been there once, and while it felt more traditional than Sydney, people seemed friendly enough. . .
Anyway, good luck!
Akemi – Yes to Me’s last blog post..Starseeds: Sirius
Good luck Cath – you’ll get there, eventually. I suppose the only thing I could say is “follow your heart”.
We are in the early stages of moving to NZ. We went for a vacation about two years ago to check things out. While it was a vacation, we spent a lot of time “being locals” so to speak – to try and not get a false sense of what it is like.
I’ve also spent several years following the news there, and reading up on politics and social issues. So we are well educated about what life there would be like.
We have four kids, so we certainly would not be lonely. My sister and her husband are likely moving to Norway from Canada in a year or so, and my parents are retired and can go anywhere.
My father keeps asking me when we are going to NZ… he wants a new place to go in winter!
Whatever you do, it will be the right choice for you.
Brett Legree’s last blog post..the rocking chair.
Cath, you’ve done a very detailed research about Perth! For those who cannot withstand the hot temperature (I meant super hot, which is over 45 Celsius Degrees), Perth is not the ideal living place for you!
Why don’t you consider Adelaide, which is located at Southern Australia and have a nearly similar climate with Northern England?
wilhb81′s last blog post..Business one-liners 60
Whenever I think about Australia, I think about free-flying parakeets and cockatoos and other birdies that are considered pet parrots here. I was surprised to hear that’s not always the case.
I never want to move from where I currently am – I enjoy my area quite a lot.
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach’s last blog post..#1 way to make money online with CommentLuv longterm – Part 2
I’ve never considered moving to another country, but my wife and I are thinking of moving out of state; perhaps Oregon. It would be a big move for us because both our parents live here in Vegas and with 2 small children, you can imagine we like having family close by.
But I suppose that’s nothing like moving out of the country. That’s a whole other thing.
John Hoff – WpBlogHost’s last blog post..New Regulations For USA Bloggers May Be Around The Corner
I would love to live somewhere other than Wisconsin! My plan right now is to teach English as a second language in Asia for a couple years. I dream of Japan, but China, Taiwan, or South Korea would be amazing as well. Eventually, Hubby and I would like to settle in southern Germany.
The main reason we’re relocating is to broaden our horizons. Plus, the only jobs available to new college graduates are below poverty level (thanks, American economy). We’re financially screwed wherever we go, so we figure that we’ll make the best out of a crap situation.
However, if I were fully established in the job force, I’m not sure how I would feel about relocation.
Choose the USA! All the action is here! People are nice generally, they are open, inquisitive and friendly. There are lots of scenic places to see and enjoy. Most likely you will not regret the decision. Good luck!
Raj Krishnaswamy’s last blog post..Best strapless bra
Hi Cath – you make some interesting points!
As you know, I am in Melbourne, and I find it too humid in Sydney or further north. I lived in Sydney for a year once, and the all-year-round “tropical” humidity was a killer! – I couldn’t dry my washing and my leather boots went mouldy.
I reckon all this boils down to what we want to do creatively – if the new place is going to help us fulfill our life purpose better, then it will work.
Robin’s last blog post..Counterclockwise, by Ellen Langer
I did leave my native Canada for the U.S. and will be moving back home again ultimately. My husband had moved here many years before I did, he also a Canadian native.
Extreme prolonged heat there is seldom a problem! I cannot imagine 45 degree celcius weather.
I sure to want to visit Australia for hopefully 2-3 months, or longer. And I’m sure I will someday.
Jannie Funster’s last blog post..Whoops… And The Future Of Blogging
I don’t know person who didn’t want to visit Australia, but I don’t know if I can stay more than month there
) I like it in my country so I don’t think to immigrate there 
I want to go to vacations, to see this unique nature 
Ambyr Amoureuse’s last blog post..Notre première fois
I can not picture myself migrating to another country. Though most of my relatives are already in the United States. One is Australia. I feel more at ease in my own country.
Wow, moving to another country is a big decision. Depending on your current situation, it can be magnified a great deal (i.e. age, family, health conditions, studies, etc)
I personally have lived in 5 countries (Italy,Costa Rica, Mexico, Japan and Australia) not including the US where I am from. Outside of Australia the other four countries were for school or work and ranged from 6 months to a year and a half.
As with most things there are the ups and downs of being somewhere different and missing that of what is familiar and convenient.
Of the places I’ve been, I would have to say Costa Rica or Mexico would be at the top of my list. You would think that Australia would be the most comfortable or similar, although that is not the case.
I’ve been in Sydney for 3 years now with my Australian fiancee who is Australian. Originally being from Hawaii, I thought that Aus would be a no brainer. The fact is it is very different from other western cultures and many of the small things start to bug you after a while.
Australia is a fun place, no doubt, but maybe for a holiday (at least for me). My advice would be to go for a 2-3 month holiday and stay in one location to get a good feel of what your getting into.
Good Luck
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I recently moved to Tbilisi Georgia from Canada. Granted, I’m only here for a few years, but nevertheless, Georgia being a post soviet country is extremely different from Canada. But it is that difference that makes the experience so wonderful. At first, things can be hard when you relocate somewhere, especially if you don’t speak the language, as in my case. But somehow, it all works out in the end, and the memories are treasured even more because of the little hardships that are encountered along the way.
I would greatly recommend moving somewhere else, at least for a year or two, to anyone. It’s a wonderful experience. You just need to head into it with an open mind.
Karina’s last blog post..Thankful Thursdays: Week 47
Hi Ky – sorry I missed your comment. Thanks for the info. A lot of people rate Costa Rica highly, so it must be a great place.
Hi Karina – All of you who move to a place with a different language are so brave.
Thanks for sharing the positive aspects of immigrating. It sounds like you’re having a great adventure.
I live in the south coast of NSW… and seriously, this is the best place to live in the world. I love it…
My elder cousin is living there. As far as I know, he’s enjoying his life there. I don’t think he will just stay there for work, but will stay there for the better.
Mike’s last blog post..Does Your Medical Practice Need a Medical Answering Service?
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