While feeling a little burned out recently, I looked at the possibility of heading to Australia to work/play/travel for an extended period. Looking at their visa policies, I find that, as an under 45 licensed civil engineer without a criminal record, I would qualify for a permenant residency visa without even having a job offer. I have a second career working on tall ships, and would be able to do that there, if not immediately, then at some point eventually. It seems that permanent residency also immediately qualifies you to participate in the universal health care system.
Has anyone here had experience with this? Given the economy here, I would strongly consider doing this if faced with a layoff, and as someone looking to retire early, the abiliy to take most of the uncertainty out of my healthcare costs until older age would be incredible. My girlfriend used to volunteer at a dive shop in Byron Bay, and would be on board with this idea in a few minutes, so long as she could visit the states every year or so for family.
Thoughts and experiences?
Has anyone here had experience with this? Given the economy here, I would strongly consider doing this if faced with a layoff, and as someone looking to retire early, the abiliy to take most of the uncertainty out of my healthcare costs until older age would be incredible. My girlfriend used to volunteer at a dive shop in Byron Bay, and would be on board with this idea in a few minutes, so long as she could visit the states every year or so for family.
Thoughts and experiences?