expat network
health insurance

Health Insurance For British Citizens Living Abroad

It is estimated that as many as one in ten British-born people live outside the UK and around 400,000 people a year have emigrated from Britain for the past ten years.  Whatever the reason for moving abroad access to healthcare and health insurance is a priority. This article was written for...

skilled migration

Sponsoring Highly Skilled Migrants Under The Global Talent Program

With Australia’s international travel restrictions, it is becoming more important for employers to be aware of all visa options available in the migration program for professionals.   Interstaff will be exploring these opportunities in their email series on ‘Migration in the COVID-19 Era’. Here’s what employers and skilled individuals should know about the Global Talent Program.  Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff  25 November, 2020 What...

travel restrictions

Australia To Reconsider International Travel Restrictions

The travel restrictions in place in Australia were expected to remain in place until late 2021 but the potential vaccination breakthrough may mean changes earlier than expected.  Interstaff set out what is being discussed. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff  12 November, 2020 We were delighted to hear that a COVID-19 vaccination will be available in Australia...

federal budget

What The Federal Budget Announcements Mean For Australia’s Migration Program

If you are seeking the expat lifestyle in Australia, you may be keen to know how international travel restrictions impact your plans. Australia’s 2020-21 Federal Budget has confirmed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be felt by the nation’s migration program for years to come. Interstaff set out the implications. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 20...

critical work

Critical Work and Compassionate Travel – Migration in the COVID-19 Era

In the Covid environment it seems travel to Australia over the next 12 months will continue to be restricted to people with a valid Travel Exemption. Interstaff set out what employers and visa applicants/holders need to know. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 20 October, 2020   When is it possible to apply for an international Travel Exemption?  At this time, Travel Exemptions are...

regional visas

New Regional Visas To require A Three Year Stay Before Permanent Residence

The Government has introduced legislation for Australia’s new Skilled Regional Visa options, which will require migrants to work for three years in regional areas before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residence. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 18 April, 2019 Currently, migrants can directly apply for permanent residence in regional areas through the Subclass 187...

parent visas

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...

immigration plans

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...

skilled migration visas

General Skilled Migration Visas To Become More Competitive in 2019-20

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...

school in australia

Choosing a School In Australia

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...

australia

Getting Connected In Australia

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...

moving to australia

Moving To Australia Checklist: Tips For A Stress Free Move

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...