Immigration Research

Article by: Jay
Last updated: Sunday, 10-Sep-2006 00:00:00 CEST

So you want to migrate to Western Australia - first thing first DO YOUR RESEARCH! Like any major project, contemplating a move to Western Australia will take time, money and effort to research. Immigration to Western Australia will involve researching all the facts that can affect your new life Down Under

Employment

The first thing to research prior to immigration that comes to mind is obtaining a job and earning a living. As a migrant, you need to take time to research on how people apply for jobs in Western Australia, what is involved in the process and what work is available in your field or profession. You need to find out whether your qualification are acceptable or whether you will need to obtain additional Australian qualifications or licenses to be able to start work. Taking some time out to find out the dynamics of the WA way of life and mindset of the people will be useful. Just because you have been accepted as a migrant by the Australian authorities does not mean you will walk into a job. You will have to put time and effort into obtaining work!

Rates of Pay / Salary / Wages

It is very hard to guage what sort of salary or wage you may be able to earn in WA. Many people believe that they will earn about the same as they can in the UK as they believe that they can do a similar job in Australia. Normally, this does not happen. This is one of the most important research subjects prior to embarking on the immigration trail. Earnings will probably be lower especially at first the the Australian economy is a very different one to other countries. The Western Australian economy is also different to other states within Australia.

The Cost of Living

It's vital to obtain as much information as possible on items such as:

Food
Health insurance
Motor vehicles including running costs
housing
telephone
utility bills
other household expenditure

Put together a budget sheet showing all you current income and bills/household costs. Then replace it showing all the items for living in Western Australia. Be realistic and make sue everything is covered.

To start off with, there will be items such as ambulance cover, rent and rent bonds plus school uniforms, a vehicle that are one offs. After a while, a more normal pattern of spending will take place and you will be better able to budget once a pattern of spending has been established. This is another vital apsect to bare in mind with regards to immigration. Up front costs are quite often one of the main reasons don't settle in well. Remember - forewarned is forearmed.

Information on Living in Western Australia

There are a number of internet web sites with a whole host of information about migrating to and living in Western Australia. To research immigration as a single subject can take a lot of time. To help you can order newspapers from the area you have chosen to settle in and they can be delivered to your door providing information on jobs, housing and other costs around living expenses plus schools and some of the various localities.

Consider a trip to Western Australia to experience the lifestyle and associated costs. Whilst at first this may appear expensive it can help save costs for the would be migrant prior to arrival plus give you an experience of the lifestyle you can expect.

Some migrants don't realise that some parts of Australia do get cold at particular times of the year. So, don't forget to research the climate and weather patterns for the area of Western Australia you are looking to settle in.

Finally, make a checklist of all the items you need to research regarding immigration so that you don't miss anything out before settling down under.