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    Thread: need YOUR advice, pls - where to land ... ?


    1. #1
      itchyfeet

      Cool need YOUR advice, pls - where to land ... ?

      hi !

      I need YOUR advice, please.

      After thinking about taking the plunge for a number of years now, we've decided that 2013 is the year to go for it.

      But … after having researched we're stuck as to where to set down some new roots.

      Some background:

      > Couple, mid-40s, ​one professional (IT Management for large corporate, 20 years experience) one homemaker (ex Teacher with over 15 years experience) with one young child (primary school age).

      > Looking to relocate permanently to an English-speaking country (Canada, New Zealand, USA, Australia).

      Why ? Well, "the grass is greener on the other side" isn't it ? ;-) But, seriously, bit of a rut here … not the quality of life we're looking at for ourselves or our child. Want more space and more time to spend with the family (so looking for better real estate value than in the UK and a slight down-shift in job - so I get to see the wife/kid each day).

      What are your experiences ? Bearing in mind our age (may be a barrier for some countries ?), our child (they come first) and the desire for more (real estate space) at a cheaper prices (i.e. want to down-shift a bit) where should we aim for and why ? Canada ? New Zealand ? USA ? Australia ? Other ?

      Many thanks for taking the trouble to read this - we'd really like your advice, Itchy_Feet

    2. Moneycorp - Commercial foreign exchange since 1979
    3. #2

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      Hi and welcome to the forum, if you are going to do something you need to be doing it now, as like you say your age is going to be against you. The best thing would be to have a chat with an agent for each country.
      Also have a look at the visa wizard for Australia although bear in mind that there are other options available that don't always show on here http://www.immi.gov.au/visawizard
      If you need some contacts for Australian Agents just let me know.
      For Canada try this site https://www.canadavisa.com/assess/ca...sment-form.htm
      America, to be honest I think your chances are slim, but maybe one of the other members can help more with that.

    4. #3

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      As Ktee said America is a tough one! Although if you have a very specialised area in I.T. it's a maybe. But you will fail miserably if you are expecting the 'grass to be greener' etc, most expats who move to the USA expecting that will move back to the UK within a few years!

      Real estate is a tough one, it's picking up in some areas, although how much more you get for your money will depend on where you live now compared to where you want to live, if you are moving from somewhere such as Manchester to the North-east of the US you will find you will likely be a lot worse off. if you are moving from London (the better areas) to somewhere like Florida you will find you will get a lot more for your money, although salaries will be a lot lower.

      Don't get me started on healthcare here LOL I so miss the NHS!

    5. #4

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      Changing countries now...although I am no expert on Canada, however we did go through all the visa process for it a few years ago, you will be a lot more likely to get into there, especially working in I.T. (if you have a specialty). Healthcare isn't as screwed up too ;)
      Ktee likes this.

    6. #5

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      Quote Originally Posted by Pink View Post
      Don't get me started on healthcare here LOL I so miss the NHS!
      Would love a thread on healthcare in USA Pink

    7. #6

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      Quote Originally Posted by Ktee View Post
      Would love a thread on healthcare in USA Pink
      LOL I will get something started but it may take a while as it's a minefield....which I don't even understand fully!!!! :o