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Why Moving To Canada Is So Appealing And How To Make It Happen

Moving to Canada is popular with many Brits with its political and historical ties to the UK along with the climate and landscape. Not even the coldest of winters when temperatures can plummet to –40° seem able to deter Brits in search of a new life. It offers an outdoor lifestyle as well as several...

Election Promises For Cheaper And More Accessible Parent Visas

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 For The Next Three Years – Post Election

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...

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.