Q: I've been somewhat fortunate as my job has underpaid me for years. I have much in back payments coming to me, and was considering purchasing a home. I was born and raised in the US, but I don't see myself living there again. Australia seems like a decent place to live. Any info or problems with property ownership or immigration by an American there? Any input would be appreciated.
A: Americans receive no special treatment (good or bad) when applying for Australian immigration. Apart from retirees for whom there are very special (and high) financial requirements, all other immigrants must be aged 45 or less and have skills in an occupation in which workers are in short supply in Australia. Their skills must also be recognised here. The occupations are listed on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL): http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf See: http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/a-z.htm#a for info re skills recognition. Non sponsored applicants must also pass a points test: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/changes/_pdf/GSMchange_points-test.pdf and must meet character and health requirements. Everything you need to know is on the Australian immigration website: http://www.immi.gov.au/immigration.htm You will be able to purchase property here, but must obtain Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval. I understand that house purchases get pretty much a rubber stamp approval. They're mainly interested in foreign nationals purchasing Australian companies and major investments. http://www.google.com.au/url?q=http://www.firb.gov.au/content/real_estate.asp&sa=X&oi=smap&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=1&usg=AFQjCNGLsyvQ3g4su7alxRxRLk3TtjwYxA