Did U come as Contributory aged parents ?

[Ray & Barbara]

We are considering applying for this type of visa and would be interested to learn the experiences of those who have already followed this route. We are staying on the Sunshine Coast until the end of April with our daughter and family. Before we came we have done research on web and visited the York Race Course exhibition.
I have a superanuated pension plus state pension and Barbara has state pension.
Tried to find info on how we would be charged for tax - superan. will only pay into a UK Bank so in Aus it appears all our income will be classed as from overseas which the Aus. Tax site appears to indicate means no tax allowances, all income will be taxed.
Approached tax advisor and wanted $1000 to talk to us.
Also concerned about the 10 yrs refundable deposit required from our daughter as sponsor - it appears to indictate this is returnable at the end of 10 yrs if no costs incurred by Aus government - any costs would be deducted BUT what is a cost ? Using Medicare to visit a doctor for example ? What happens to the money if either of us die before the 10 yrs is up ?

[kaz101]

Hi Ray and Barbara,

Welcome to the forum.

Sorry I don't know much about this one. It's something I may be investigating soon once my parents have decided whether they want to move out here or not.

Have you tried talking to any emigration agents since they may have this kind of info?

As far as I'm aware there isn't a refundable 10 year deposit it's just that the Assurer needs to pay for certain welfare costs as I understand it. The Assurer must meet some requirements though and be earning a certain salary (I don't know what that is though).

Australian Immigration Fact Sheet 34. Assurance of Support

The Centrelink payments doesn't mention Medicare
Assurance of Support

I know that the pension is frozen when you leave the UK and I've just had a hunt around for other info (since I may be needing this myself )

Foreign pensions and annuities
seems to say that yes you pay tax on your pension.

However you don't have to pay double taxation if you've already paid tax on it in the UK according to
Foreign pensions and annuities

I found one website that says that anyone paying tax on a UK state pension are entitled to a rebate based on the contributions made but it wasn't on on official website so I'm not sure if that's accurate.

Have you tried calling the Australian Taxation Office Homepage and asking them? They seem to be more helpful that the UK one.

Regards,
Karen

[Ray & Barbara]

Thanks for your comments. I was already aware of fact that once lving in Aus you must register for tax and then you can inform UK tax that you are paying here so they do not double tax you.
I have details of migration experts in Brisbane (we met in York) and will be visiting them before we leave. What I really hoped was that posting here would put us in touch with someone who had been in similar circumstances and already moved out here to find out real experiences.
Most things on this site seem to be aimed at workers and I can understand that. I dont recall seeing any workers mention though problems getting trade qualifications recognised - my son in law is qualified in UK for work in refridgeration, air conditioning, mechanical engineering, electrical and handling of various gases. Not many can claim such a wide range but these are all recognised thoughout Europe. Before his visa was granted many questions were asked and documentary proof of all these qualifiactions had to be supplied. On arrival he found that he must requalify in each field if he wants to continue doing what he came out to do. eventually he got recognition in some areas after arguing his case but he still needs to call an electrician to deal with wiring and someone with gas certificate to deal with the gas in refidgeration units. Not quite so simple as he was lead to believe from the experts who helped get his visa. Sorry this sounds like a winging pom but not intended to be, just that I am concerned about assurrances given verbally that everything can easily be sorted.
I will be checking the other links you suggest, thanks.

[kaz101]

Originally Posted by Ray & Barbara

On arrival he found that he must requalify in each field if he wants to continue doing what he came out to do. eventually he got recognition in some areas after arguing his case but he still needs to call an electrician to deal with wiring and someone with gas certificate to deal with the gas in refidgeration units. Not quite so simple as he was lead to believe from the experts who helped get his visa.

Some qualifications that are accepted in the UK & Europe will not be accepted here. I would have thought that when this occurs then the agents would know but obviously that didn't happen. I remember seeing this years ago in a tv programme in the UK on a moving out to Oz.

If there are associations to do with a persons skills then it's worth checking with the association what will be needed so at least people know if they have to re-qualify.

Regards,
Karen

[Ray & Barbara]

AGreed Thanks for quick comment