Parent visas, which allow parents to join their permanently resident child or children to join them in Australia are in great demand but they have been subject to long wait times and high costs.  This is now an issue getting attention in Australian politics.  Interstaff set out the current political developments. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff...

Australia’s immigration plans have been subject to uncertainty but the plans for the next three years are now clearer following the 2019 election.  Interstaff set out the expectations. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 30 May, 2019 Following the 2019 Federal Election, there is now greater certainty of Australia’s immigration policy directions over the next three-year...

Fewer General Skilled Migration Visas are due to be issued in 2019-20 and with a strong pipeline already in place the number of invitations likely to be issued will drop and Interstaff advise how to increase your chances of a successful application. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 30 May, 2019 The Department of Home Affairs...

This World Mental Health Day, new research from AXA – Global Healthcare suggests that many expats have struggled with life overseas. The research reveals that almost nine in ten (87%) expats have felt isolated during their time abroad, with half (48%) of those saying that missing friends and family was the primary reason. Written for...

When living or working abroad one of the major issues to be addressed is how to access good quality healthcare.  In many countries you can access the state healthcare system if you are a resident of that country, but there may be conditions before you qualify.  Whenever you travel abroad you need to consider how...

Australia has excellent state and independent schools to choose from. School education in Australia includes preschool, preparatory (or kindergarten), primary school, secondary school (or high school) and senior secondary school (or college).  School education in Australia lasts for 13 years, and is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen (Year 1 to Year 9...

Getting connected – organising mobile phones (cellphones) for yourself and your family members, together with broadband for your new home –  will be one of your first and most important tasks when arriving in the Australia.  Electricity Mains voltage in Australia is 230V 50Hz. Most countries in Europe, Asia and Africa have appliances that...

Researching your move to Australia? Read Crown Relocations’ tips for a seamless move Downunder. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Crown Relocations   Gaining a visa Visa documentation can be a key cause of stress when planning an international move. Immigration to Australia is calculated on a points system, based on factors such as if...

A lower cost of living is one of the factors when people consider retiring abroad. There are many countries where the cost of living is lower than in the UK, but the decision is always about having a lower cost to live the life that you want to live rather than finding the cheapest place...

Settling in to living abroad can be a challenge at any time, but if you are also getting used to retirement after a long and active career, it can be even more difficult to achieve. Knowing what to expect can help to manage the transition and here we give our top ten tips to settling...

From questions of identity to adjusting career goals and fears of putting everything on hold, becoming a trailing husband can be difficult at times. But it is also a hugely rewarding experience. Before you pack your bags, check out these six tips to help make the transition smoother as you move into your new role....

Australia’s aboriginal population first arrived around 50,000 years ago and continue to have a strong influence on Australian culture. The British began their colonisation in 1788 and this has led to the development of Australia’s highly westernised contemporary culture. The original British occupation of Australia as a penal colony was followed by many subsequent...