General Questions

[Rob1981 0]

Hi, my gf has just received a job offer from a Perth company and we are waiting for the VISA process to open up again (apparently 5th Feb) I am just saying hi and wondered if people could answer any of my questions. If you aren't able to then maybe a few pointers on things you wish you had known before you landed would be helpful, thanks so much, Rob. 1) Do I need to get a national insurance number (or equivalent)? if yes, where do I apply? 2) How soon can a non australian apply for a mortgage? 3) Are deposits generally the same as the UK? (ie 10% of the value) 4) How long does it take (roughly) before we can apply for citizenship? and is it best to have a dual existence? 5) What suburbs / areas would you recommed for a family with a three year old and a dog? 

[ali 189]

Hi and welcome.

Congratulations on your girlfriends job offer.  The visa's don't open on Feb 5th, that is when WA is supposed to open it's borders (having said that, the premier and recently closed state borders again) and it's not certain yet how this will work.

You will need to apply for a Tax File Number when you get here  Australia Tax File Number (aus-taxnumber.com)

Your status for applying for a mortgage may depend on the visa you are on and if it's temporary or not.  We applied and got a mortgage within 2 weeks of landing (had a big deposit) but we had permanent residency and permanent jobs.  It's not impossible to get one, but some lenders may not - it may be worth speaking to a mortgage broker.

Citizenship again depends on the visa you are on.  If it's a PR visa then you can apply in 4 years providing you have met the residency requirements of not leaving the country in that four years for more than a set amount of days (sorry can't recall off hand what that is).  We have dual nationality but TBH it doesn't make any difference to us - we've allowed our British passports to expire and just travel on our Australian ones.  As an Aussie Citizen you have to leave/enter this country on it anyway.

Suburbs - it's always a difficult one as everyone is different.  I love my suburb (Leeming) which has always had a strong community feel and been great when my children were growing up with a number of well regarded primary schools in the area.

 

[verystormy 83]

Hi and welcome. 

Generally, company sponsored visas are temporary normally valid for either 2 or 4 years. It is possible to buy property on such as a visa, but you would need to get permission from the Foriegn Investment Review Board. However, you would have to consider very carefully if should a purchase is wise on a temporary visa. If she were to lose her job for any reason, then you would have a very small window of a grace period before having to leave the country. 

For citizenship, you need to have been in Australia for at least 4 years with at least one year as a permanent residence