So, whether you are a small to medium organization that needs skilled staff at your UK office or a family relocating to the UK, our full-time travel professionals at iasservices.org.uk are experts at immigration laws birmingham  and will help you with everything from simple to very complex problems.

Leading technology developers, advertising centres, financial services businesses, the hotel, and retail industry, and the sports industry are among our corporate clients. To take the first step in applying for a successful application, contact our qualified and experienced travel attorney.

Birmingham Business Immigration

The United Kingdom has a business entry code, which makes it an excellent site for starting a business or growing an existing business. The UK Visa Business Immigration Visa empowers highly skilled people and businesses to offer their best knowledge, expertise, and innovation for economic growth. Business Immigration allows businesses outside the UK to come to the UK to invest, start a business, or expand.

Our best foreign attorneys in Birmingham have dealt with a variety of immigration issues of various levels of difficulty during their time at iasservices.org.uk. With years of immigration business experience, our senior immigration lawyers in Birmingham have dealt with a variety of immigration issues. stories of various levels of difficulty.

Sponsor License

Under the Visa Visa Route 2, a sponsor license is an authority issued by the Home Office to an employer to employ non-EEA skilled workers. Employers must apply for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) to prove their eligibility for a Tier 2 sponsor license.

Single Representative Visa

The UK immigration route known as Sole Representative Visa is primarily intended for people who want to establish a fully owned company or register a UK branch of an overseas parent company. One representative must be employed by a foreign company with a major business located outside the UK under this migration route.

United Kingdom General Visitor Visa

UK Standard Visitor Visa is intended for applicants from outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland who wish to visit the UK for business, entertainment, or private medical care.

Rejection / Requests

If your UK Visa application is rejected, our trained Birmingham immigration attorneys can help you evaluate your options.

Iasservices.org.uk is one of Birmingham’s largest law firms, which provides immigration services that manage to deal with the many problems of immigration companies.

Individual Migration

Our legal team recognized by the Legal 500 of Birmingham immigration attorneys focused on immigration issues in the UK and nationality. Our immigration attorneys can make any application process as smooth as possible for international companies, high-value clients, city managers, professionals, and entrepreneurs by combining years of experience and expertise.

People can use the following services:

Global Talent Visa

Global Talent Visa is designed to recruit talented and promising people from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who are certified as a recognized leader (a special talent), an emerging leader (unique promise), or under a UKRI-sponsored sponsorship option.

United Kingdom General Visitor Visa

A General Visitor Visa is intended for immigrants wishing to visit the United Kingdom for entertainment, business, or private treatment.

Visa Tier 2

Category 2 (Normal) Visa is a common way to immigrate to non-EEA people who come to the UK to fill a staff shortage that no one in the country can already meet. They should, however, be employed by authorized tenants.

Unmarried Spouse / Partner

Because they are married to a person based in the UK, a spouse visa allows married couples of UK nationality to move to the UK. Y&J Solicitors can help you find the best lawyers for your partner’s visa in Birmingham.

United Kingdom citizenship

British citizenship allows a person to live, work, and move freely in the United Kingdom, giving him or her the status of a British citizen.

Permission To Live In The UK Forever

The UK Settlement, sometimes known as the Indefinite Leave to Stay, provides the right to reside and work in the United Kingdom without restriction to immigration.

Rejection

Immigrants wishing to immigrate to the United Kingdom must submit a visa application to the Home Office for approval. The Home Office, on the other hand, may decline the number of candidates. Our Birmingham Immigration Advocates will assist you in identifying various appealing options for rejection. iasservices.org.uk offers a practical service tailored to the different needs of clients, including a variety of immigration and representation advice.

The post Best Immigration Lawyers in Birmingham appeared first on Australian Times News.

Each approach has its own advantages and some methods have specific drawbacks, and the right choice for selling your home is not necessarily the correct option for someone else.

You’ll have to decide between the three alternatives based on your needs and wants, including how quickly you want to sell and how much profit you would like to make from the sale. There are different speeds, costs and other aspects involved with the different types of selling.

Explaining your choices when it’s time to sell your house or flat

Estate agents will do most of the hard work in finding a buyer for your home, including creating and advertising the listing that includes photographs of the property and key details such as how many rooms it has. But selling this way can often take several months or more than a year in worst case scenarios, which can be a major problem if you need to sell your home fast. And you’ll also have to pay the estate agent commission, usually based on your house’s final sale price, which will cut your overall net sale profit.

Auctions can be a faster option than estate agents, with the entire process taking a couple of months from the date you list your home for sale through to completion of the necessary legal paperwork for a successful sale. But selling this way can be considered a gamble; you might not get any bids; in which case it won’t sell and you’ll have to start all over again. Or you may only receive a bid at the reserve price, which is the lowest value at which you are comfortable with the property selling — even if that means you’ll get a reduced profit. And you will also have to pay the auctioneer fees for their work, usually around 2 percent of the final sale price of your flat or house.

Fast buyers are companies like LDN Properties, which launched in 2003 and offers speedy and competitive offers to buy all shapes, types and sizes of leasehold and freehold houses and flats throughout London. We spoke with experts from the company to get their top reasons on why selling to a fast cash property buyer can be the best choice for many homeowners – not just in the capital city but for anyone in the UK ready to sell.

1. Benefit from the speed of selling your home compared to other methods

Selling your home to a fast buyer is, as the name suggests, often a quick process. You can expect it to take just a few short weeks from the date you first call the company to inquire about selling through to the date on which contracts are exchanged and you obtain the proceeds.

That’s usually significantly faster than using an estate agent and usually faster than selling via auction. Some people need a very rapid home sale, for example if they are trying to prevent repossession or resolve some other urgent financial problem. Therefore, if the speed of sale if your number one need, consider using a quick home buyer instead of the other methods.

2. Increase your profit thanks to the lack of fees or commission

Honest fast cash property buyers will never charge sellers any commission or fees, unlike estate agents and auctioneers whose charges will reduce your overall profit from the sale of your home. And those expenses can often be significant, reducing your net proceeds substantially, and that’s something you’ll have to account for in your home moving budget. 

If you want to ensure the maximum profit from selling your home, a cash buyer might be ideal because you know you’ll receive exactly the amount they quote for purchasing your property.

3. Remove all of the stress from trying to sell your property

Selling your home can be stressful, but fast cash buyers remove all of the hassle. You’ll work one-on-one with them for a straightforward and streamlined sale. Simply call the fast property cash buying company of your choice and tell them you’d like a quote for selling your home. They should be able to make a tentative offer quickly, and most companies will give you at least a week to consider whether you want to accept it.

And you won’t have to worry about any of the inconvenient and time-consuming drawbacks of selling using an estate agent or an auctioneer, including having many potential buyers touring your property on official viewings. Instead, when you sell to a fast home buyer, the only visit you’ll get is from a company representative to inspect the property ahead of making a final offer.

If you accept the final offer, the fast buyer will work with your solicitor to complete all of the legal documents for purchasing your property as quickly as they can, with no stress for you.

4. Know that you can trust the legitimate fast home buyers

The fast home buying industry is overseen by The Property Ombudsman (TPO), an independent entity that issues policies aimed at protecting homeowners from fraud. All companies registered with TPO, giving you extra peace of mind when selling.

And it’s simple to check a quick buyer’s membership status by looking them up on the organisation’s website. Just click on the “Find a member” on the main page and then enter a fast buyer’s name. If the company is a legitimate member, such as LDN Properties, their membership details will appear.

5. Have the ability to sell your property regardless of its condition

Another great perk of using a fast cash homebuyer is that they often have experience with buying many different types, shapes, sizes and conditions or properties such as dilapidated homes, houses that have the presence of the invasive species Japanese knotweed in the garden, flats that currently have sitting tenants on lengthy leases, properties built from non-standard construction materials such as concrete, and many other examples.

By contrast, some auction houses and estate agencies focus on selling a more-limited range of properties and they might have never sold your type of home. If that’s the case then they could struggle to know how to market it and find you a buyer quickly or at a good value.

6. Relax with the knowledge that your property sale won’t fall through

One of the biggest concerns that people have when selling their home via an estate agent is that it’s easy for sales to fall through. Buyers might get cold feet, or have sudden financial problems, or find another property that they prefer more. And unfortunately until binding legal documents are signed, there’s not much that sellers can do when this common situation occurs. But it can be very stressful and waste a lot of a homeowner’s time and money.

You can avoid this happening when you sell your house or flat to a fast cash buyer, because they are looking at purchasing your home as a business choice and not something they are doing because of personal reasons. Because it’s a financial transaction to a quick property buyer, they are far more likely to see through their offers compared to a conventional buyer. This gives homeowners much-needed added reassurance that the sale will actually happen.

Take time to consider the best option for selling your property

If you’re ready to sell your house or flat, carefully consider the above top six reasons for using a cash homebuyer. Using this method can often be an ideal way to make a decent profit, avoid having to pay any fees, and enjoy a stress-free sale before you move to your next home.

The post Six top reasons to sell your UK house to a cash homebuyer appeared first on Australian Times News.

Communication

Brits are sometimes less direct when it comes to their communication style. They often say the opposite of what they mean, but it’s their tone of voice that lets their true feelings be known. For example, when they say “I’ll bear that in mind”, it sounds promising, but they usually mean there’s no chance they’ll do it. Aussies, on the other hand, are usually more straightforward and don’t beat around the bush.

Work-life balance

When it comes to their job, Aussies and Brits work just as hard and are just as professional as one another. Australians may be better at separating their work life and personal life though. You’ll find many Brits taking pride at being the last one at the office or responding to emails or buying printer cartridges in the middle of the night. Aussies will be long asleep by now, having got through all their work earlier so they could make the most of their free time.

Etiquette

Probably not a surprise that the British are seen as more formal than Australians. This can even be misconstrued as being stand-offish, but it’s just because many Brits aren’t used to greeting each other on the street, especially in big towns and cities, and often keep to themselves. They may be known as being over-the-top when it comes to apologising but will often walk around without a smile on their face, which may be quite alien to Aussies. Our article on English politeness might shed more light on the matter. On the other hand, Australians are known for their small talk and love of striking up conversations and therefore come across as very friendly.

Attitude

One stereotype of Aussies is their laid-back nature and it is generally spot on. While many Brits wolf down their brekkies, down their cups of tea, and are out of the house at lightning speed for work, an Aussie’s typical day may consist of getting up early, working out, and then casually heading into work, starting off their day in a relaxed manner.

Hierarchy

Hierarchies at work are usually more pronounced in Britain than in Oz. In Australian companies, everything is less formal on the whole and there’s a less defined hierarchical structure, meaning the employees are all seen as more equal than in a British company, for example. While Brits might ‘suck it up’ and not complain when something isn’t to their liking, the Aussie culture means that employees are often encouraged to speak openly at work to ensure the workforce stays on good terms.

The post The biggest culture differences between Australia and the UK appeared first on Australian Times News.

But as from Friday 24 July in Queensland it’s an instruction too.

If you’d prefer not to ‘take the load off’ then you can go home and have a drink there, because standing and drinking is a no-no as part of the state’s revised efforts to curb any resurgence in coronavirus infections.

Response to worsening conditions in the southern states

The state’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeanette Young, said the decision was in response to the escalating outbreaks occurring in Victoria and New South Wales.

“I’m reimposing that restriction [and] it starts today. It’s a requirement [to sit] and there will be compliance,” she is quoted as saying by ABC News.

The requirement had been in place, but was lifted around three weeks ago when the coronavirus situation in Queensland began to improve.

Qld Chief Medical Officer admits she is ‘worried’

Young said she was “worried” about what was happening in the southern states and consequently there was a need to go back and reinforce the regulation.

Patrons can be on their feet to buy a drink from the bar. And, presumably, to head to the loo. But otherwise it’s a requirement to be seated at all times while on licenced premises.

The Chief Medical Officer said it was easier for patrons to maintain the requirement for 1.5-metre distancing when they were seated than when they were standing.

Density of people permitted does not change

The density of people permitted on premises remains the same as before. This is one person allowed per every four square metres, or one person per two square metres in smaller venues.  Or a cap of a maximum of 50 people.

“So the density requirement didn’t change [when the rule was relaxed], but people could stand,” Young explained.

The current coronavirus situation in Queensland is 1 076 confirmed cases with six deaths.

The post ‘Take the load off’ is again a rule in Qld pubs appeared first on Australian Times News.

Luckily, a lot of companies and individuals are currently stepping up to share their resources with the public to support people during lockdown. These resources include all kinds of offers from workouts to high-quality education and entertainment to mental health support. 

To help expats the world over, InterNations, the world’s largest expat community, have compiled a list of some great free services they say are especially useful in making life a bit brighter and easier in these tough times.

To ensure that expats and global minds can still spend time together and get to know each other, InterNations have themselves temporarily switched from organizing get-togethers in person to hosting online events, opening them to all members for free. About 850 online events have been scheduled around the world in April, with almost 700 have already taken place in March.

Solidarity in times of social distancing: free offers expats should not miss out on

Mental health support

Social distancing can create anxiety and have other negative effects on mental health. Especially expats in single-person households may struggle to cope with being disconnected from their usual environment and in-person support network. Many health organizations have realized the need for support and offer free online counselling or individual therapy sessions at much lower rates than usual.

TalkSpace.com, for example, one of the most popular virtual therapy companies, supports both subscribers and non-subscribers with a free coronavirus resource hub. The hub covers various topics from acute anxiety to financial issues and relationship problems in close quarters. And the mindfulness app Headspace has opened a collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises that are supposed to help people in crisis situations.

New skills and an Ivy League education

As an enforced lockdown can also be a great time to tick off some projects on a bucket list, many companies attract new subscribers with low rates and free lessons. The guitar manufacturer Fender, for example, gives away three months of online music lessons to the first 500,000 subscribers, and the UK’s Royal Academy of Dance offers free ballet lessons.

Expats who are rather interested in studying subjects such as data science, programming, business, health, communication, and many more should join one of the virtual courses that a number of universities have made available to the public. This includes prestigious Ivy League universities such as Harvard and Yale. Classcentral has published a list of all online courses that are currently available.

#StayAtHome workouts

Being active while staying indoors can be a challenge, but regular exercise has many benefits for everyone’s physical and mental health. As a bonus effect, it may also strengthen the immune system. To get you motivated, many gyms like Planet Fitness, Gold’s Gym, and Puregym share workout videos from their trainers for free. And for all those who prefer less intense kinds of exercise, one of the calmer yoga sessions from Down Dog might be a good match. Down Dog currently offers yoga lessons and other workouts for free until 1 May.

Socializing at free virtual events

Expats and global minds who miss socializing and want to get in touch with like-minded people can join the free online events organized by InterNations. They range from having a virtual coffee klatch together to book discussions, meditation sessions, online concerts, physical activities, and creative skills. As everything takes place remotely for the time being, it does not even matter where the attendees live. They can join the activities organized in their local community or any event around the world. Everyone can learn how to paint in Berlin, meet people from the London Book Group to discuss reading recommendations, enjoy Jane Eyre as performed by the National Theatre, talk about true love based on science in Paris, or get dance lessons from New York City’s “King of Mambo”.

Free entertainment for the kids

Keeping your kids entertained while being stuck at home all day sounds like a real challenge — especially when the local entertainment programs are in a language that your children do not speak (yet). Expat parents looking for ways to entertain their kids can have a look at Amazon Prime’s temporarily free collection of videos for kids up to the age of eleven. Additionally, Audible offers a large number of children’s audiobooks for free as long as schools are closed, including titles in six different languages.

And for those who are interested in home schooling, Scholastic has created a free open-access digital hub. Moreover, Rosetta Stone offers free three-month language courses for kids, and Minecraft has granted access to several educational games until June 2020.

Music and theater performances

No matter if you have always enjoyed classical music performed by some of the best artists worldwide or if you have become curious about discovering it — the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Viennese Opera, and several opera houses across Italy now stream operas and concerts for free. You don’t even have to dress up to enjoy the music, all you need is a proper internet connection. Last but not least, the Seattle Symphony and the National Theatre in the UK also offer free performances for their virtual audiences. 

About InterNations

With close to 4 million members in 420 cities around the world, InterNations is the largest global community and information site for people who live and work abroad. InterNations offers global and local networking both online and face-to-face. At around 6,000 official events and activities per month, expatriates have the opportunity to meet other global minds. Online services include country and city guides created by a team of professional writers, guest contributions about life abroad, and discussion forums to help members with topics such as the local job or housing search. InterNations membership is by approval only to ensure we remain a community of trust.

Find more information, visit the InterNations website

The post Essential free services for expats during the coronavirus crisis appeared first on Australian Times News.

• From 1 January 2021, EU Nationals not registered under the EU settlement scheme, will have to apply and compete against all other nationals for the available permits and visas.  
• The focus will be on attracting skilled migrants to the UK, with a focus on those with a STEM background. 
• They will not introduce any low skilled or temporary work routes. The UK Government says that British businesses will have to adapt. They also say that the 3,2 million EU nationals that are already registered in the UK should be able to fill the lower-skilled positions in the UK market. 
• From Autumn 2020, the new routes will be introduced so that migrants can start to apply ahead. 

Highly Skilled Routes 

The Global Talent visa is supposedly the only visa that will come into effect before the end of the transition period. Since 20 February 2020, persons can apply for the Global Talent visa. The visa cost is £608. 

Highly skilled persons with a background in STEM subjects, and who are endorsed by a relevant and competent body, will be able to enter the UK without a job offer. 

Skilled Worker Routes

There is a lot of good news for skilled persons who want to come to the UK.

Some of the things that the UK Government intends on doing is: 

• Remove the Resident Labour market test. 
• Bring the skills threshold down from RQF6 to RQF3. 
• Suspend the cap on the number of persons who can come to the UK on this route. 
• Lower the general minimum salary threshold from £30,000 to £25,600. 
• Dependants will still be able to accompany the skilled worker. 

One of the most significant changes to the Skilled Worker route will be that applicants will be able to trade certain characteristics, in their application for the Skilled Worker route, provided that they reach 70 points. 

Characteristics that are NOT tradeable are:

• A job offer by a licensed UK Sponsor. 
• The job must be at the appropriate skills level. 
• Ability to speak English at the required level

Characteristics that will be tradeable are: 

• Salary ranges will be tradeable, as long as it is within the minimum salary ranges. One would, for example, get higher points for jobs with a high salary.  
• Jobs in a shortage occupation. 
• PhD in a subject relevant to the job and PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job will also earn points that are tradeable. 

Applicants wil thus in effect, be able to trade certain characteristics such as the specific job offer and qualifications, against lower salaries etc. 

The UK Government said that it would refine the skilled worker route as time progress but does not want to make it too complex. 

Lower Skilled Routes 

The UK Government seems quite adamant that they will not introduce any low skilled or temporary work routes, and that UK employers will have to adapt. 

The UK Government believes that the 3,2 million EU nationals that are already registered in the UK should be able to fill the lower-skilled positions in the UK market. 

They also believe that the Seasonal Worker Scheme for Agriculture and the Youth Mobility Scheme that are open for certain countries will fill further gaps in the lower-skilled market. 

Students, innovators, and other specialist occupations

Overseas students will still be covered by a points-based system. As long as a student can prove that they have an offer at an approved educational institution, can speak English at the required level, and can support themselves, they will be able to apply. 

The UK Government said that there is a range of immigration routes available to specialist occupations, such as the Innovators, Ministers of Religion, Sportspeople and Artists. When free movement ends, these routes will open to EU citizens. 

Family Routes 

The existing family routes, such as the Ancestral route, fall outside of the points-based system, and it seems that these routes will stay in place. 

The above is only a summary of some of the expected changes to come. Breytenbachs, Australian Times and The South African will inform readers as and when new information becomes available. 

In the meantime we encourage all EU nationals to get in touch to register under the EU Settlement Scheme. Please feel free to contact Breytenbachs at info@bic-immigration.com.

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. 

The post All you need to know about the new UK immigration system appeared first on Australian Times News.

Ancestral Visa and Brexit

 Will the Ancestral and other family routes now fall away with the introduction of the new points-based immigration system, planned by the UK Government?

The good news is that the existing family visa route, UK Ancestral Visa, and Overseas Sole Representative categories all fall outside of a points-based immigration system.

These routes will stay in place and will not be affected by any new points-based immigration system or Brexit. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and we recommend that you contact us if you have any doubts about your immigration status.

Ancestral Visa and when to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain

I entered the UK two months after my five-year ancestral visa was approved in 2015. My visa expires in July 2020. Do I need to apply for an extension of my ancestral visa to complete five years for Indefinite Leave to Remain, or may I apply for indefinite leave to remain straight away?

You do not need to apply for an extension of your ancestral visa. If you have not been out of the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 months starting from the grant of your Ancestral visa, you can apply. Therefore, even though you entered late, and provided you have traveled relatively conservatively after that, you should meet the requirements for ILR. You will be eligible to apply for this leave 28 days before the expiry date of your existing visa.

Ancestral Dependants and Indefinite Leave to Remain

The dependants on my Ancestral visa entered the UK at a later stage than myself. When will they qualify to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

One of the biggest advantages of the Ancestral visa is that the dependants can apply for ILR at the same time as the main visa holder, irrespective of how long they have been in the UK. Even if they have only been in the UK on this status for a period shorter than the qualifying period of five years, they can apply. However, once they obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain, they will first have to fulfill the five-year residence period in the UK, before they can apply for British citizenship.

Ability to work on the Ancestral Visa

I am beyond retirement age – does the Home Office have an upper age limit on who may apply?

For a person to qualify for a UK Ancestry visa, you must be aged 17 or over. There is no upper age limit on applicants.  However, you will have to show that you can work and that you do intend to take or seek work in the UK. Other than that, your age would not prevent you from applying. 

Voluntary work on the Ancestral Visa

Will I be able to meet the Ancestral Visa requirement to work or seek work, by doing voluntary work in the UK?

Yes, the Home Office recently updated its guidance to confirm that voluntary work would qualify. Please note that applicants do also have to show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK. So, if an applicant does not have any income from UK employment, then this requirement would need to be met/evidenced differently.

English Language Requirement and the Ancestral Visa

Do I need to take an English Language test before applying for the UK Ancestry Visa?

Fortunately, there is no English language requirement attached to an application for a UK Ancestry visa. However, you will have to provide evidence of your English language skills when later applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. There are certain exemptions, such as being aged 65 or over at the date of that application.

For more information or assistance with the UK Ancestry Visa route, please contact us at info@bic-immigration.com or visit our website at www.bic-immigration.com 

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.

The post UK immigration: The UK Ancestral Visa – FAQs appeared first on Australian Times News.

EU Settlement Scheme deadlines

Citizens with EU passports will still be able to come to the UK to settle until 31 December 2020. Furthermore, they will still have time to register under the EU Settlement Scheme until 30 June 2021.

South Africans with EU passports, who still hope to settle in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme, thus still have the chance to do so until 31 December 2020.

There is thus no cause for immediate panic to reach any deadlines.

EU citizens and their family members

It is important that non-EU family members living in the UK with the EU Citizen by 31 December 2020 also need to apply to the EU settlement scheme.

Close family members of an EU family member (who are settled in the UK), will have no time limit on when they can join the EU family member in the UK. They need to ensure that the relationship still exists at the time they join him/her.

The Home Office defines close family members as; spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and dependent children, grandchildren, parents and grandparents. These family members do not need to be EU citizens; they can be any nationality.

What will the EU Settlement Scheme mean for me?

The EU Settlement scheme allows a person and his/her family members to reach the immigration status they need to continue to live, work and study in the UK.

It also means that you will continue to be eligible for public services such as healthcare and schools, public funds, and pensions. A person with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme will also eventually be able to apply for British citizenship, once they meet all the requirements.

Breytenbachs and the EU Settlement Scheme

Breytenbachs can assist EU citizens and their family members with applications for pre-settled and settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Applying for this status will enable EU citizens and their family members to continue living in the UK after Brexit.

For more information, or for assistance to apply, please send your email to info@bic-immigration.com or visit our website at www.bic-immigration.com.

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.

The post UK immigration: Brexit and the EU Settlement Scheme appeared first on Australian Times News.

The Thames Path

This easy trail provides level walking along the main artery that runs through the vibrant capital city. It stretches a total of 40 miles and there are plenty of iconic sites to see along the way; if you’ve just moved to London, it’s a great introduction to the city. The route from Putney to Tower Bridge is a favourite of tourists and new residents. It will lead you through some of the most recognised structures the city has to offer.

You can walk on either side of the river and there are over 16 bridges that split up this part of the trail.  Start your journey in Wadsworth and continue down the river until you reach Battersea Park. Once you’ve made your way through this green space, you’ll be greeted by the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and, further down, Tower Bridge.

National Trail splits the Thames Path into 15 separate sections. You can get more information these routes by visiting their website.

Jubilee Walkway

The Thames Path is easily connect to this all-inclusive landmark trail. The Jubilee Walkway was opened to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and it connects the rest of the city’s famous sights together. It’s a manageable 15 miles that leads from Buckingham Palace to St Paul’s Cathedral. You’ll also have the opportunity to delve into a bit of London’s history as you pass the ominous city fortress, the Tower of London.

The colder temperatures and overcast weather conditions in the winter are a difficult adjustment every Aussie has to deal with. As you make your way around the city, make sure that you’re suitably wrapped up — sandals and shorts won’t cut it anymore! Pick up a pair of walking boots to help avoid the risk of blisters (Brantano has a decent stock if you’re stuck).

For more details, check out Transport for London’s information about the walk.

Hampstead Heath

Highlights of this lush park include calm ponds, kite-flying on Parliament Hill and the welcoming Holly Bush pub. The routes takes you through varied terrain including rugged heathland, sweeping fields and flat city grounds.

The heath occupies 800 acres of open space and is one of the highest areas of the city. There are a lot of potential routes to take, but we recommend this one published by Inner London Ramblers. You’ll get the chance to take in the stunning city views from Parliament Hill and see the remodelled Kenwood House.

Hampstead Heath is a great destination if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the inner-city and soak up breath-taking sights of your new home.

For more info, check out the special section on the City of London website.

The post Three great London walks for Aussies to get to know the city better appeared first on Australian Times News.

However, they must take note of the cut-off dates for applications under the old investment amount.

Extension applications

If you are a Tier 1 Investor and need to extend your stay in the UK by relying on the old £1million investment requirement, you have until 6 April 2020 to submit your extension application.

Tier 1 Investor holders have not reached ILR yet, and who are not able to apply for an extension by this date, have to increase their investment to £2 million.

As the new investment criteria are much higher, we urge current Tier 1 Investor holders, who rely on the old investment amount and who need to extend, to act soon.

Tier 1 Investor Indefinite Leave to Remain applications

If you are a Tier 1 Investor and applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), relying on the £1 million investment requirement, you have to submit the ILR application before 6 April 2022. 

Persons who rely on the previous £1 million investment requirement for their ILR application, and who are not able to apply by 6 April 2022, will have to increase the investment amount to at least £2 million.

The harshest consequence for not making this cut-off date is that the qualifying period for ILR also restarts from the date you increase your investment amount. The previous time spent on the Tier 1 Investor route with a lesser investment amount will not count towards the ILR qualifying period.

It is therefore crucial that Tier 1 Investors double-check with their Breytenbachs immigration consultants that all documents are available and ready to submit by the relevant dates. You can read more about the Tier 1 Investor route at this link.

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.

For more information or help with your immigration matter, please send an email to info@bic-immigration.com or visit the Breytenbachs website at www.bic-immigration.com

The post UK immigration: Visa extensions for Tier 1 Investors appeared first on Australian Times News.

In London it can feel fun and exciting in early December as the Christmas lights go on, the parties begin and the pre-Xmas sales make us all eager to bag a bargain. But as 25 December draws nearer, for many Australians in London it can also be a difficult time, or at least an occasion full of mixed feelings.

If it’s your first Christmas in London it may be novel and new. It’s possibly your first Xmas in the cold – perfect for mulled wine and traditional Xmas dinners which are the staple of Christmas here in the UK; and the complete opposite to the BBQs, seafood and beach celebrations that you may be used to back at home.

If you are new to London, perhaps you are sharing a house with a bunch of Aussies who will party their way through Christmas into New Year, or you will take the opportunity to travel to somewhere in Europe and enjoy the snow, immersing yourself in the traditions of somewhere completely different.

There are certainly many ways to occupy your time and enjoy the festive season on this side of the world, and you don’t have to be new here to enjoy it.

But for many Australians, once the novelty has worn off, this time of year can be challenging. Because it is a time of year so synonymous with family and close friends, it can be genuinely hard being away from loved ones. As a result, homesickness can kick in quite dramatically for some. Plus, as we all know, it is an incredibly expensive time to travel Down Under. So, it’s not necessarily possible to just jump on a plane if you start missing everyone and decide you want to be at home with them all.

You could be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The impact of the cold and darkness at this time of year should also not be underestimated, particularly for Antipodeans who are used to summer and plenty of sunshine in December.

A genuine condition that many people can develop during winter in this part of the world is Seasonal Affective Disorder, aptly known as SAD. This is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern. The episodes of depression tend to happen at the same time each year and it is often referred to as winter depression.

The main symptoms of SAD are similar to other forms of depression in that they involve low mood, and a decreased interest in, or ability to enjoy, life. It is quite common to feel lacking in energy and being tired too, despite the amount of sleep you have. In fact, people suffering from SAD may sleep more than usual and struggle with getting out of bed. SAD is something that can be experienced by anyone but if you are new to the UK and not used to the long darkness that descends in winter, you may be quite prone to developing it.

So what can you do if you find yourself struggling in different ways at this time of year – whether that be with SAD or because you are feeling homesick or lonely?

A touch of Aussie Christmas: anything that gives you a little taste of home – however clichéd or corny – can be comforting

If you are homesick, lonely and longing for Oz, bringing a bit of home into your festivities here could help bring to life positive memories and associations. For instance, ask family or friends to send you some of your favourite treats from home which are quintessentially Australian; such as Tim Tams, Cheezels, Cherry Ripes or Wagon Wheels. Or perhaps you could make a pavlova or some other kind of Australian dessert to share with your friends on Christmas Day – either instead of, or alongside, your Christmas pudding.

Getting together with other Australians over the Christmas period might also help, as there is something about being around others who know what you are feeling that can lift your spirits. And watching some of your favourite stereotypical and lighthearted Aussie movies like The Castle, Muriel’s Wedding or Priscilla Queen of the Desert might also feel familiar and comforting. In fact, anything that gives you a little taste of home – however clichéd or corny – can be comforting at this time of year, so indulge to your hearts content.

However, if you are struggling with more than just homesickness or loneliness at this time of year, perhaps seeking outside help could be worthwhile. In particular, if you know you are suffering from winter depression or SAD (or after reading this, you think you may be), there are things that can help. Getting some sunshine whenever and wherever you can is worthwhile. Some people find SAD lamps make a big difference and similarly there are now SAD type alarm clocks which light up slowly in the morning to mirror the sunrise (but at a time that suits you) so that you wake up naturally and your body rhythms may be better aligned for starting the day.

Exercise can also be helpful. Even though it may feel like a struggle, it can help to level out your moods and give you more energy.

You are not alone in feeling this way at Christmas

And if you are really finding it difficult to cope, it may be worth considering counselling. A counsellor can offer you professional support and understanding and a place to talk without judgement. While together with your counsellor, you can work on identifying and implementing some lifestyle changes which may help to reduce your symptoms and make you feel a little better.

So if you are struggling with enjoying the Yuletide festivities here in the UK, perhaps you can take comfort from the fact that you are not alone. And also in that there are some things you can do, both big and small, which may improve how you are feeling at Christmas time.

Saff Mitten is an Australian counsellor, psychotherapist and life coach who lives and works in London. She has a great understanding of the range of practical and emotional issues Australians can face when living in the UK. If you want to contact her, visit her website: www.saffmittentherapy.com

The post How homesick expats can keep Christmas merry appeared first on Australian Times News.

Applicants can show that they have this knowledge by sitting the Life in the UK test.

What is the Life in the UK test?

Life in the UK test is a computer-based test consisting of 24 multiple-choice questions on British traditions and customs. Persons sitting the test have 45 minutes to complete the test.

The UK Government recommend that people study the official handbook called; Life in the UK, A guide for new residents.

Below are some sample multi-choice questions that one can expect;

• What is the name of the UK currency?
• Is the daffodil the national flower of Wales?
• What is the capital city of the UK?
• At what age can you vote in the national election in the UK?
• What is the minimum age you can drive a car or motorcycle in the UK?

The test is one part of the Knowledge of Language and Life (KoLL) requirement. The KoLL requirement has two parts:

• Knowledge of the English language
• Knowledge of Life in the UK

You must book the test through the UK Government website. Applicants have to book the test online at least three days in advance. The test costs £50. There are 50 test centres in the UK, and you can choose a test centre close to you.

When a person takes the test and submits the questionnaire, they will immediately know whether they have passed or failed. Since October 2019 they receive a unique 7-digit test instance ID and not a notification letter. The test results are sent to the Home Office. The Home Office will then check that you have indeed passed the test when they receive your application for ILR or citizenship.

If you fail the test, you can take it again as many times as you need to pass.

All persons applying for ILR under routes requiring KoLL must meet both the language and life components of the test unless they are exempt due to age, physical or mental conditions. Certain other categories of persons are also exempt from having to fulfil the KoLL requirement. These categories among others include;

• Victims of domestic violence
• Bereaved partners of persons who were present and settled in the UK
• Retired persons of independent means
• Adult dependant relatives applying under Appendix FM

Please feel free to contact Breytenbachs if you require more information on the KoLL requirement, or if you want to proceed with your ILR or British Citizenship application. You can send an email to info@bic-immigration.com or visit the Breytenbachs website at www.bic-immigration.com 

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.

The post Life in the UK test: can you pass? appeared first on Australian Times News.

But as winter in the northern hemisphere approaches, as an expat – especially if you are one who’s already survived the dark, cold months a few times – you could be forgiven for questioning the whole enterprise yourself.

When the clocks move back an hour in late October you experience your first pre-5 o’clock sunset. Considering the sun doesn’t rise till about 7 o’clock, then get you stuck on public transport for almost an hour and perhaps you eat lunch at your desk, and then it’s dark by the time you are back on the Tube, you might get slightly depressed at having been outside during overcast daylight for all of six minutes for the whole day.

The most disheartening thing about this is the fact that it isn’t even November yet and there are at least four months of darkness ahead. By 21 December, the shortest day of the year, you wont even have eight days of sunlight at your disposal… and that is only if it is not overcast, raining or snowing on that particular day.

Always look on the bright side, right?

In Australia, September and October were my favourite months for seasonal weather. In Brisbane, it is the time of year when it is just warm enough to take a dip in the ocean, but it is not yet hot enough for to be suffering and sweltering in uncomfortable, sticky humidity. If you have survived the plight of the nesting magpies, you will be able to raise your eyes to gaze at the bright blue skies and blossoming purple jacarandas. It is a beautiful time of the year!

So, as you would expect, on the other side of the world this time of the year is almost the opposite… but strangely beautiful and intriguing in its own way. The winds bring a cool breeze and light drizzling rain that can blot out the sky in a dismal grey for days at a time. The leaves on the trees start to change and the brown, gold and orange foliage litter the streets in a swirl of dramatic colour. In stark contrast, people start to shed their summer colours and adorn drab yet fashionable autumn coats of grey, black, khaki or camel.

But what bemuses me most about autumn in the UK is, year-on-year, it seems to come as a surprise. On any given cold day people at work, in the streets, at the train station, on the Tube, mutter to each other about the weather and how cold they expect it to get in the coming months. Articles appear in papers about the coming of “the worst winter in years” and fearmongering weather experts declare that we will all be snowed-in by Christmas. The catch phrase “Winter is coming!” is dramatically declared so many times that you would think the entire city of London are descendants of the Starks. Hang on… isn’t winter is an annual occurrence? Didn’t the same thing happen approximately 12 months ago?

Guess what, dear reader…all over the city there are clues of what is to come. Carved pumpkins with gruesome faces are appearing on doorsteps. Broken umbrella debris clutter rubbish bins and the sidewalks like crumpled metal spiders doused in bug spray. Colleagues are organising trips home to see their families and mini- breaks to recover from them. Stores are already decorating with Christmas lights and trees, preparing us for gift buying, overindulging and overspending. Emails from management about expected behaviour at this year’s office Christmas party are being ignored. Gloves, hats, beanies and thick coats are being pulled out of storage and dusted off.

Winter also means we feel better about treating ourselves to mouth watering hot dishes, stews and comfort food that are not calorie friendly. Delicious mulled wine and cinnamon flavoured ciders are creeping back on to menus in bars all over town and the ice rinks are taking bookings.

When you put it like that, winter doesn’t sound all that bad, does it?

But don’t be surprised. The days will be dark… the nights will be cold… winter is coming.

Read more of Jacquie’s experiences as an Aussie expat in the UK:

The sometimes confronting English art of politeness

New to London? Here are some top tips to get you started

Is it time to break up with travel? It’s hard to do

Do I belong in the UK more than I belong in Australia?

Don’t make friends with travellers – they’ll only love you and leave you

10 strange ways your life will change when you move to London

Living overseas: Why your best friends now are your fellow expats

Also visit her website www.neverendinghoneymoon.net

IMAGE: By Bikeworldtravel via Shutterstock.com

The post Winter is coming, London! But there’s brightness in the dark appeared first on Australian Times News.

Marie-Kondo your house

When your name becomes a verb, you know you’ve done something right. To Marie-Kondo your house simply means to spark joy in your life by tidying up. This also involves getting rid of excess stuff that weighs you down emotionally and clutters up your living space. 

Before moving, one of the most beneficial things you can do is limit the amount of baggage you will be taking with you. The less stuff you have, the easier, and cheaper, it is to move. 

If you struggle with letting go, enlist the help of friends and family who can help you be brutal with your belongings – they may even want to take some of your things off your hands. 

Digitise whatever you can

Shipping CDs and DVDs across the world in 2019 is a ridiculous notion. There are places where you can easily get your precious home videos digitised. As for commercial DVDs, those are an entirely unnecessary weight to take with you and should be donated to a worthy cause.

Set up a WhatsApp group with your closest friends

When interviewed about emigration, almost every person who has made a move overseas will tell you that the thing they miss most is their friendships. Whilst almost all other aspects of living can be replicated, close relationships are hard to recreate, and a WhatsApp group that keeps you in touch with those you love will help you to feel connected – even when you are miles apart. 

Book a holiday for a year’s time

Reward yourself for your big move by booking a holiday.

Depending on your budget, decide on the destination and then book somewhere special – either in your home country or somewhere new in your new country. It’ll give you something to look forward to, and when you go, it’ll give you a chance to reflect on all you have achieved in the first year away from home. 

Make a scrapbook

This works well, especially if you have children who are moving with you. Get them excited about their new home by showing them pictures and videos of where they’ll be. Print pictures of places you’ll visit or your rental house. If you have information on their schools, print that out and add it to their keepsake. 

Getting your children involved in your move will give them a sense of importance and will increase their excitement. Creating something they can keep will also serve as a lovely reminder of this period in their life. 

Making a move?

The experts at 1st Move International will go out of their way to help make your move as streamlined as possible. Contact them for a quote so that they can help make your move and straightforward and painless as possible.

Also read: Five things foreigners love about living in South Africa

The post Five ways to remain sane before a big move appeared first on Australian Times News.

If you have decided to make South Africa your home, firstly, welcome! If you’re still on the fence about living here, maybe these five things we know foreigners love about living here will help swing your vote.

The people in South Africa are friendly

Generally speaking, South Africans are a friendly bunch. We’ll strike up a conversation at the petrol station, at the school gate, and in the (seemingly endless) Home Affairs queue.

We are also a diverse nation, so there are cultural differences and layers wherever you go. South Africa is anything but mono-cultural, and it shows in the tolerance people exhibit for foreigners.

The food is delicious – and reasonably priced

As a newcomer to South Africa, you will be amazed at how affordable really good food is. Alcohol is also reasonably priced, so make the most of your foreign currency when you first arrive and eat and drink like a king. Imagining what you would be paying for the same food abroad makes you appreciate living here even more.

The scenery is other-worldly

South Africa’s scenic wonders extend from the well-known Table Mountain to the lesser-known Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Then there’s the Drakensberg and the Kruger Park, and everything in between that has its own beauty and magnificence. It is difficult to beat Chapman’s Peak at sunset.

South Africans love sport almost as much as they love Mandela

Okay, sport and Madiba are in no way comparable, but South Africans’ love for the two is very similar. Even foreigners now living in SA feel a sense of pride knowing that Madiba’s spirit lives on in a country once so divided.

And the sport. Sport-speak is basically the 12^th official language of the country. People support their teams with pride and obsession.

South Africa has the big five, and so much more

If you grew up in South Africa, it was probably easy to take the abundant animal life for granted. As a foreigner, it is sometimes difficult to comprehend the extent of wildlife and sea life in the country.

Moving to South Africa?

The experts at 1^st Move International will go out of their way to help make your move to South Africa as streamlined as possible. Contact them for a quote and to get ready for one of the most exciting moves you can make.

Also read: Emigrating? The pros and cons of shipping your personal items

The post Five things foreigners love about living in South Africa appeared first on Australian Times News.

The announcement was made to attract the world’s top scientist to the UK. The UK Government also hopes by introducing this visa to enhance the intellectual and knowledge base of the UK.

The route will be launched regardless of Brexit and the terms of the UK leaving the EU. The scheme will also be open to both EU and non-EU citizens.

Advantages of the new fast-track STEM visa

The visa will offer many advantages for persons who qualify under this route. 

Successful applicants under this new route will receive a three-year visa during which time they can come and go from the UK at will. After only three years on this visa, the visa holder will be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Dependants can accompany the main visa holder to the UK. Adult dependants will have no work restrictions on their stay in the UK.

There is no minimum salary requirement or minimum salary threshold attached to this route. Applicants also do not need to secure a job before arriving in the UK.

Re-branding the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route

The Home Office said in its announcement on the new proposed visa that the new fast-track visa will be a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route. The existing Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route will be re-branded to recognise the need to attract global talent. The existing route will be substantially and radically expanded.

The current route will also be uncapped, thereby ensuring that persons who qualify will be able to secure a place.

The UK Government said in a statement that they would be launching the visa later this year. Breytenbachs will inform clients as soon as more information on this new immigration route becomes available.

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. For more information, please send an email to info@bic-immigration.com or visit the Breytenbachs website at bic-immigration.com

The post New fast-track visa to attract scientists and researchers to the UK appeared first on Australian Times News.

Take note, however, that your ability to invest in real estate throughout the country will be based on several factors, such as the type of property that you’re planning on purchasing, and the type of resident status that you hold. Therefore, planning in advance is necessary so you’ll know what your options really are.

Also see: Make paying for your overseas property easier with OFX

To help you along, here’s a brief outline of some of the top considerations for investing in real estate in Australia, including in Sydney.

• The properties available for purchase in Sydney
• Restrictions on foreign buyers
• Budgeting to buy property in Sydney
• Making payments on your property with OFX

What properties are available for purchase in Sydney?

Can foreigners buy property in Australia? Sure, but there are some restrictions in place with regard to the types of properties that a foreigner can buy.

Depending on the type of real estate that you’d like to invest in, you’ll need to follow certain steps:

Vacant Land and New Dwellings

To invest in vacant land or a new dwelling, start by applying for foreign investment approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

Whether you’re planning on building a new house or purchasing a new dwelling, you’ll be able to use it for yourself and your family. Or you might decide to rent it out, or you may even choose to resell it.

• If you’re planning on buying a new dwelling, it will likely be approved without any conditions.
• If you’re hoping to buy vacant land for residential development, your application might be approved if you can complete the construction within four years.

Also see: How to buy property abroad

Established dwellings

Purchasing an established dwelling as a foreigner in Australia is a bit trickier:

• If you’re planning on investing in an established dwelling in Australia and you’re a non-resident foreigner, you typically won’t be able to go through with the purchase.
• If you’re a temporary resident and you’re hoping to purchase an established dwelling that you’ll use as a holiday home or a rental property, you likely won’t be allowed to do so.
• If you’re a temporary resident in Australia and you’d like to purchase a home to live in, you can do so. Just apply to buy an established dwelling that will serve as your place of residence. However, you’ll need to sell that home once your stay in Australia is over, unless you become a citizen or permanent resident.
• If you’re a non-resident or temporary resident, and you’re hoping to buy an established dwelling to demolish it and build a new residential home, you can apply for approval to do so. However, you typically need to agree to build a minimum of two homes in place of the one that you’re going to demolish.

Are there any restrictions for foreign property buyers in Sydney?

As mentioned above, foreigners who aim to buy residential properties in Australia, including in Sydney, will likely need to start by applying for what’s known as foreign investment approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

Also, foreigners will be encouraged to invest in new dwellings, and approval might be based upon whether or not the investment could help boost the housing stock.

Seek approval first

First, apply for approval to buy real estate in Sydney. Do this before you take an interest in any particular property.

To apply for foreign investment approval, you can use the Australian Taxation Office’s foreign investment application form. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay the necessary fee upon submission.

Exemptions

In some cases, such as the ones listed below, you don’t need to apply for approval before investing in real estate in Sydney:

• If you’re a citizen of New Zealand and you’re the only purchaser
• If you hold a permanent resident visa in Australia and you’re the only purchaser
• If you’re buying real estate as a joint tenant along with your spouse, provided that your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident visa holder of Australia or a citizen of New Zealand
• If you inherited real estate from someone’s will
• If you acquired the real estate through a court order
• If you’re purchasing a new dwelling from a developer that can provide you with a copy of an exemption certificate

Annual vacancy fee

Any foreigner who buys residential real estate in Sydney, or anywhere else in Australia, will be required to pay an annual vacancy fee if the house isn’t rented out or occupied for more than six months out of the year.

How to budget to buy property in Sydney

With the help of professionals, like an accountant, mortgage broker, and conveyancer, you’ll be able to figure out how much house you can afford. However, it’s wise to include an additional 5% to cover additional expenses that will come with investing in real estate in Sydney.

In addition to purchase price, consider other expenses, such as the following, when coming up with your budget for overseas property investments:

• Agents fees
• FIRB fees
• Legal costs
• Stamp duty
• Loan fees
• Property inspection costs
• Property taxes
• Property insurance costs

Use OFX to make payments on your property

Once a property is now yours, it’s time to celebrate. But it’s also time to figure out the best ways to save money whenever you need to make payments on that property, such as your monthly mortgage payment or your tax and insurance payments.

If you’re converting your home currency into Australian dollars, using OFX’s handy currency charts can help take the guesswork out of how much you’ll need to pay. On top of that, you can use OFX to make easy and secure international transfers online.

The best part is that you’ll be able to save money by using OFX because you won’t have to pay the high margins and fees that typically come with bank transfers. All of those savings will add up, making it easier to pay off your property.

With OFX, you can get bank beating rates on global money transfers.

GET STARTED

Sydney real estate awaits!

Foreign buyers of Australian property in Sydney need to follow quite a few rules. But, once you get the hang of things, you’ll quickly realize that it’s not so bad. And all of the planning and effort is certainly worthwhile, as you’ll be making a wise investment that will give you access to the best that Sydney has to offer.

AustralianTimes.co.uk is a proud partner with OFX on The Currency Zone. To stay on top of global currency events and movements, sign up with OFX to hear from their currency experts with OFX daily or weekly market commentary.

IMPORTANT: The contents of this blog do not constitute financial advice and are provided for general information purposes only without taking into account the investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any particular person. UKForex Limited (trading as “OFX”) and its affiliates make no recommendation as to the merits of any financial strategy or product referred to in the blog. OFX makes no warranty, express or implied, concerning the suitability, completeness, quality or exactness of the information and models provided in this blog.

The post Top considerations for buying a property in Sydney appeared first on Australian Times News.

I think I can speak for most Australians (well, I ran the idea past my two Australian housemates) when I say that for most Aussies, drinking a cup of tea is like shopping for anti-fungal cream – it’s not something that you would want your mates to see you doing. And yet after settling in London, I found myself drinking the stuff like it was going out of fashion!

Normally I drank when I was thirsty and ate when I was hungry. Tea fits in neither of these categories. And yet every day at the office when the offer of a ‘brew’ was thrown up, I found myself handing over my ‘World’s Best Lover’ mug and confidently stating, “white, no sugar”.

Simple Aussie bloke, simple English tea

I consider myself a simple man with simple pleasures and a cup of black tea with a splash of milk is almost as simple as you can get in the tea world. I also elected for this flavour to avoid the inevitable snort of derision or high school giggle that would surely accompany any order for “a cranberry, vanilla and petunia tea”.

So for any Australians who are nervous about dipping their tongues into the communal British office teapot (that adjusted proverb sounded less disgusting in my head), see below for what your new colleagues will translate your tea order to mean about you…

You are what you tea

Black tea
You’re a simple person with simple needs. You know that our time on this planet is short and shouldn’t be wasted mixing flowers and herbs to flavour what is essentially hot water.

Green tea
You like to think of yourself as being health conscious and alternative. In reality you got caught up in ‘The Great Green Tea Craze of 2015’ and now you’re too scared to ask for anything else. 

White tea
You’re a trend setter. You used to drink Green tea until it became the “cool” thing to drink. Now you drink white tea, until that becomes the “cool” thing to drink at which point you’ll move onto Mother-of-Pearl tea.

English breakfast
You’re constantly disappointed that your tea doesn’t taste more like eggs, bacon and black pudding. 

Earl Grey tea
You expect that your drink will be delivered to you in a fine bone china cup on a delicate saucer and that, should it not be to your liking, hurling it at a wall is a perfectly reasonable response. In short, you’re a bit of a muppet. 

Hot water + lemon
You’re the tea equivalent of a decaf coffee drinker and in future you will most likely not be told if someone is putting the kettle on as you’re deemed unworthy of a place in the tea run (unless it’s a Lemsip, of course).

The post What your very English office cup of tea says about you appeared first on Australian Times News.

Freedom of movement in its current form will come to an immediate end on this date and time, under a No-Deal Brexit. Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants urges EU clients to secure their status in the UK before this possible (and likely) departure date.

The EU Settlement Scheme allows EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals and their eligible family members to apply for UK immigration status to remain in the UK post-Brexit. The EU Settlement Scheme allows persons to obtain Settled or Pre-Settled status. Applicants can receive settled status if they have lived in the UK for five years or more. Pre-Settled status can be obtained by those who have not completed the five-year qualifying period for Settled status.

As a contingency, the UK Government have also introduced a Temporary Leave to Remain route. This route will be available for applicants arriving after 31 October 2019. It will allow leave in the UK for three years. However, this temporary leave will not lead to status under the EU Settlement Scheme or Indefinite Leave to Remain.

The EU Settlement Scheme – FAQs

I am planning to relocate to the UK  as an EU citizen. By what date do I have to be in the UK to qualify under the EU Settlement Scheme?

At this stage, it seems like the UK is likely heading towards a no-deal Brexit. Breytenbachs strongly advise that all EU passport holders enter the UK before 31 October 2019, should they want to be included under the current EU Settlement Scheme.

I recently obtained Permanent Residency in the UK. As an EU citizen, do I need to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme?

All EEA Nationals and dependent family members who wish to remain in the UK after the exit date will need to make an application under the EU Settlement Scheme. This also includes individuals who currently hold Permanent Residency in the UK unless they have since obtained British Citizenship after holding Permanent Residency. If you currently hold a Permanent Residence Card, you will automatically qualify for Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

To maintain status under the EU Settlement Scheme once granted, you will need to return to the UK at least every five years for those who have been granted Settled Status, and at least every two years for those with Pre-Settled Status.

What rights will I have when I receive settled status as an EU citizen?

When an EU citizen is granted Settled or Pre-Settled status, they will be able to:

• Work in the UK
• Use the NHS
• Enroll in education or continue studying
• Access public funds such as benefits and pensions, if you’re eligible for them
• Travel in and out of the UK

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. For more information, please send an email to info@bic-immigration.com or visit the Breytenbachs website at www.bic-immigration.com

We are inviting EU clients to get in touch as soon as possible to discuss with our experienced consultants how to best protect their status in the UK ahead of a No-Deal Brexit. Please contact us without delay at info@bic-immigration.com

The post Brexit: latest update on the EU Settlement Scheme and FAQs appeared first on Australian Times News.

This is not just because all European young people speak English. If we look at those who can read and write in at least three languages, the UK is still far behind. Only 8% of UK young people can do what 88% of Luxembourgish, 77% of Latvian and 62% of Maltese young people can do.

So, what are the difficulties Britons face when learning other languages? Here are a few of the basics.

1. Objects have genders

One of the most difficult and bizarre things about learning languages such as French, Spanish and German – but also Portuguese, Italian, Polish, German, Hindi and Welsh – is that inanimate objects such as chairs and tables have genders, so they are masculine (he), feminine (she) or sometimes neuter (it).

There is no real logic to this – milk is masculine in French, Italian and Portuguese, but feminine in Spanish and German, but it still tastes and looks the same. In Spanish, Italian and Portuguese, gender is usually indicated by word endings (-o and -a), making it easier to learn, but sound changes in French have made genders rather opaque, and a real challenge for second language learners.

Interestingly, English used to have grammatical gender too, but this was basically lost in Chaucer’s time. There are still some remnants of it in English, though: the pronouns he/she/it__ are masculine, feminine and neuter, but he/she are now only used to talk about living things, not tables and windows (as they were in older stages of English).

Contrary to what you might think, languages don’t actually need gender. The gender-neutral singular pronoun they, has been much discussed of late, but many languages lack the equivalent of he/she, having only they (among them Turkish and Finnish). Other languages, notably Swahili and related languages, have many more genders – up to 18. French gender is easy by comparison.

2. Agreement is vital

Once you have memorised the fact that house is feminine and book is masculine, the next step is to make sure that all the adjectives, articles (the/a), demonstratives (this/that) and possessors (my/his) describing these words have matching gender and also indicate the difference between singular (one) or plural (more than one) ma belle maison(my beautiful house) but mon beau livre (my handsome book). Linguists call this “agreement” or “concord”, and it is very common, especially in European languages – but nonetheless quite tricky for English speakers, simply because they don’t really have it (any more).

Once again, English used to have this, but it has been almost completely lost. They still have a little bit of it left though: “this sheep is lonely but these sheep are not”, and we know that partly because of the word these, a “plural” demonstrative.

3. Just being polite

French has tu/vous, German has du/Sie, Spanish tu/usted, Italian tu/lei, but, in English, we just have plain old you. Linguists call this the “T-V distinction” (because of Latin tu/vos) and this politeness distinction is found in many European languages and well as in other languages (Basque, Indonesian, Mongolian, Persian, Turkish and Tagalog).

Essentially, there are two different forms of you depending on power dynamics, and every time you strike up a conversation, you need to choose the right pronoun, or risk causing offence. This poses obvious difficulty for English speakers as there are no hard-and-fast rules about when to use the formal or informal form.

In fact, usage has varied over time. In the past, pronouns were often used asymmetrically (I call you vous, but you call me tu), but western Europe increasingly uses pronouns symmetrically (If I call you tu, you can call me tu as well). In recent years, the polite forms have become less used in some western European countries (at least in Spain, Germany and France). That might mean that these languages could eventually change, but in the opposite way from English.

English also had thou/you until Shakespearean times, but the informal thou was eventually lost (and retained only by some dialects, for example in Yorkshire). Thou was also the singular form, just as tu/du are – used when addressing just one person. So, when English lost thou, it also lost the difference between talking to just one or more people. Languages like to fill in gaps like these, and many dialects have created novel plural forms: y’all, you lot, you guys, youse.

What’s interesting is that these forms are often themselves regulated by politeness. So, many people would use you with parents, you guys with friends and you lot with kids. When it comes to language, politeness is always there but, in some languages, it is a little more in your face. Once again, French, Spanish and German are not actually that complex in making a simple two-way distinction. They are nothing compared to languages like Japanese, which have bamboozingly difficult “honorific” systems.

4. Keeping track of case

Where German has der/die/des/dem/den/das, English has only the – and this poses considerable challenges for English speakers learning German. So why does German have all these different ways of saying the? This is the German case system which spells out the article the differently depending not only on whether it is singular or plural (see above), but on its function in a sentence (subject, direct object, indirect object, possessor).

English has case too actually, but only with pronouns. “I love him”, does not (alas) mean the same thing as “he loves me”. It’s not only the word order that’s different. I/he are the subject (nominative) forms and him/me the object (accusative) forms. They are also different from my/his, which are the possessive (genitive) forms. Once again, English used to be like German but it has lost most of its case system.

Articles, demonstrative and adjectives all inflected for case in Old English, so English speakers a few hundred years ago would have found German pretty simple. German is not alone in having case. Many European languages have case and it is also found in many unrelated languages (among them Turkish, Japanese, Korean, Dyirbal and many native Australian languages). In a sense, case gives us another way of keeping track of who is doing what to who. English speakers use word order for this function, but this is by no means the only option.

5. A matter of mood

This takes us to our final challenge, verbal inflection. Where English regular verbs have just four verb forms jump/jumps/jumping/jumped (which can combine with auxiliary verbs in certain ways as in “I have been jumping”), Spanish has a hefty 51 (I won’t list them all here). So Spanish (like Italian and German and to some extent French) is a richly inflecting language.

Verbs in Spanish (Italian, and French) change depending on tense (as in English), but also depending on aspect (the duration of an event), mood (the nature of the event) and person/number (the kind of subject they have).

This poses notorious problems for English speakers, especially when it comes to mood. The dreaded subjunctive indicates that something is not being asserted as true and this turns out to be difficult to learn when that is not an important distinction in your own language.

Once again, though, English itself used to be more like Spanish, French, Italian and German in this respect. Old English verbs also inflected for tense, person/number and mood. In fact the subjunctive remains an option for many speakers in examples such as: “I wish I were (or was) you” and: “It is vital that you be (or are) on time.”

Once again, then, English speakers a few hundred years ago would probably have been better linguists than Britons are now, as their language still had many of the features which pose difficulties for modern-English-speaking language students. Somehow I think it’s not really grammar that’s holding Britons back, though. With language, where there’s a will, there is always a way. The 2% of Britons who can read and write in more than three languages show that that’s true.

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By Michelle Sheehan, Reader in Linguistics Course Leader, BA (Hons) English Language, Anglia Ruskin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The post Five reasons English speakers struggle to learn foreign languages appeared first on Australian Times News.

It is extremely important that people on their route to British citizenship, make sure that they have a reminder system to ensure that they extend their current UK visa in time, or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain on time.

The repercussion of overstaying in the UK

In a nutshell, the principle is that if you overstay your visa by more than 30 days, then you can be subject to a re-entry ban of up to 10 years depending on circumstances. A re-entry ban will mean that you can get barred or blocked from re-entering the UK. This rule is true if you have overstayed on or after 6 April 2017.

If you had overstayed before 6 April 2017, then you would have had up to 90 days to leave the UK to avoid a re-entry ban.

It is also important to note that if you overstay on your visa, but have an ongoing British citizenship application at the Home Office in the UK, then the fact of having an ongoing British citizenship application at Home Office does NOT mean you are still lawfully in the UK.

In such circumstances, you would still need to leave the UK and await a decision on your British citizenship application from/while outside the UK. This seems like an unusual situation, but it can and does happen.

We highly recommend that readers speak to a Breytenbachs consultant at least a couple of months before their current visa expires. It is important that one allows enough time to collect the paperwork required in support of the application and to prepare & submit the application in advance of your visa expires. This will ensure that you maintain continuous Leave to Remain in the UK and avoid overstaying and unnecessary stress.

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Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.

You can contact Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants at www.bic-immigration.com or send an email to info@bic-immigration.com 

TOP IMAGE: Via Pexels

The post What are the repercussions of overstaying your UK visa? appeared first on Australian Times News.

As we descended towards the runway, I felt like a Japanese tourist who had never seen wide open, empty space before. I was fascinated, mesmerised even, by the beauty of the flat, grassy paddocks that lined the runway. I felt compelled to get off the plane and race over to the green and brown plains. I wanted to roll around in the lush, green grass like I did as a child. I was overwhelmed by a desire to take my shoes off and feel the cool, soft greenery beneath my feet.

The fasten seatbelt sign, which was still lit, fortunately brought me out of my slightly manic, 24-hour flight-induced state, so I could exit the plane like a normal person.

But while the urge to make snow angels in the grass subsided, not even the queues at immigration, baggage collection and customs could wipe the happy-as-a-pig-in-mud smile from my face.

After a week had passed, I’d well and truly left my inner-tourist behind and felt more like Darryl.

For the first time ever, I embraced the peace and quiet of Albury-Wodonga, the self-proclaimed ‘regional city’ on the NSW-Victorian border where my family lives.

Each morning I jumped out of bed, flung open the curtains and the window and thought to myself, ‘How’s the serenity?’ Waking up to the smell of gum trees and freshly mowed grass and the sound of kookaburras is truly refreshing and exhilarating when you have been away for so long. And it’s a far cry from the sirens, planes, buses and pollution that I woke up to in London for the best part of two years.

Sure enough though, it’s only a matter of time before you begin to miss London and its hectic lifestyle, and be longing for a new adventure. But in that precious time back at home, embrace your ‘newly discovered country’ loving ways.

Seeing the beauty of Australia through the eyes of a tourist, or the naivety and innocence of a Darryl Kerrigan, is just one of the many great lessons you learn from living overseas.

The post Hitting home: How’s the serenity in Australia? appeared first on Australian Times News.

When people decide to emigrate, there are numerous things that need to be taken into consideration. One of these is whether or not to ship your car.

Shipping your car

If your classic car is more than a car – let’s face it, it can be considered a part of your family – then the shipping option is definitely for you.

There are services on offer, such as the Roll on Roll off service (RoRo) that use the cargo ship’s own integral loading ramps. Your vehicle is driven on at the departure port and off at the destination, which is faster, more efficient, and safer than standard container car shipping.

Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Jaguar prefer this option of having their vehicles transported. The transportation vessels are vast and can carry up to 6000 cars per trip, and due to their modern engineering, the ships are equipped with several ramps to allow for more efficiency when loading and unloading vehicles.

How safe is shipping your car?

Inside the RoRo vessels are enclosed decks that have securing points throughout the floor and vehicles are tethered using straps around the wheels to ensure ultimate security.

Similar vehicles are loaded together so that your precious classic car will never be transported alongside a boat or tractor.

Also read: Emigrating? Pros and cons of shipping your personal items

Where can cars be shipped from?

Cars can be driven to the point of departure by their owners, or they can be collected by a chauffeur.

The UK ports that RoRo vessels depart from include Southampton, Bristol, Tilbury, Sheerness and Immingham.

Insurance

Ensure that the company you select to transport your car offers marine insurance cover. Quality insurance is vital when shipping your car internationally, so make sure you choose a company that offers the best insurance deal for you.

What about customs?

Since customs requirements vary from country to country, you will need to investigate your destination port’s rulings on customs charges. Auto Shippers has a guide to customs rules and regulations for cars leaving the UK and entering Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Cyprus, Malta and South Africa.  

The post How to ship your classic car from the UK without losing sleep appeared first on Australian Times News.

Besides always displaying a “stiff upper lip” (probably why they don’t smile in public very often), the one thing that epitomises the English above all else is their etiquette and the pride they have in their manners.

Many foreigners come to London for travel, to experience the culture or to work, but no one arrives expecting the phenomenon of the English queue, the unspoken rule that you cannot speak to others on the Tube, and the biggest topic of all conversations — the weather.

But no matter what the season or time of the day, the English will always mind their Ps and Qs. They will politely ignore someone acting strangely in public and go out of their way to open doors for women and even hold them open for men.

While some might think it normal, English people would never dream of talking to a random person in the street, or tell someone they had green spinach in their teeth, for this would make others uncomfortable.

Have travellers confused this with being artificial and unfriendly? Are Londoners too polite to be considered friendly?

Visitors to London, if you are trying to make a friend in London, my recommendation to you is to be amused at their persevering politeness and simply start a conversation about the weather, nothing gets English folk more excited than talking about the unrelenting rain or unseasonable sunshine.

Brits and their rare sun

Speaking of which: another peculiarly British practice you may find amusing is when the sun comes out. At the first sign of sun English people strip off jackets and socks, roll up the pants and the sleeves and find a piece of grass, a wall or a bench to sit and bathe in the glow of the rarely seen sun. Such sunbathing seems to be a pastime that comes a close second to drinking tea, usually in the late morning, early afternoon or both, and sometimes served with scones and cucumber sandwiches.

Read more of Jacquie’s experiences as an Aussie expat in the UK:

New to London? Here are some top tips to get you started

Is it time to break up with travel? It’s hard to do

Do I belong in the UK more than I belong in Australia?

Don’t make friends with travellers – they’ll only love you and leave you

10 strange ways your life will change when you move to London

Living overseas: Why your best friends now are your fellow expats

Also visit her website www.neverendinghoneymoon.net

TOP IMAGE: Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

The post The sometimes confronting English art of politeness appeared first on Australian Times News.

The Pros

Comfort

If you speak to people who have emigrated, almost all of them will tell you that the day they receive their container of goods is one of the best days they experience.

Moving overseas is hard enough as it is, and so there is comfort to be found in having some familiar items when you relocate. For children, this is especially important, as they often liken comfort with familiarity.

Cost

Shipping your items over to your new home may cost, but it will save you money in the long run, as you don’t need to purchase new goods when you arrive in your new town.

Convenience

It is likely that you will rent furnished accommodation when you first arrive, so it is very convenient, once you move into your own space, to have the essential items you’ll need to feel more at home. 

You may also not be au fait with local shops and prices and having your own items already there will alleviate the pressure of having to price-hunt for the best deals.

The Cons

Electronics

It is difficult to tell which electronic items will work and be able to be serviced. Certain electronic items are affordable and probably best bought in your new home country. These items also take up room in your container, and if they’re not guaranteed to work, rather save that space for more precious items.

Expensive

Depending on your moving company, it can be costly to move your goods. It will take some diligence and work to get rid of any unnecessary items so that you take only the absolute essentials. The smaller your container, the less it will cost you.

Excess

You don’t want to ship your personal belongings overseas just to find that they don’t fit into your new home, or that you have carted over too much stuff. Be wise about what you select to come with you, and ruthless with your paring down.

The post Emigrating? The pros and cons of shipping your personal items appeared first on Australian Times News.

Who can apply for the Start-up Visa?

Persons from outside the EEA, who want to set up a business in the UK, can apply for the Start-up Visa. However, you will first have to be endorsed by an authorised body.

The Home Office has published a list of endorsing bodies. These endorsing bodies consist of some UK higher education institutions and business organisations with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs.

How the Start-up Visa works

A successful applicant will be able to stay in the UK for two years. It is not possible to extend the start-up visa to a period longer than two years. Time a person has spent in the UK on a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa, will unfortunately also count as part of these two years.

The visa will unfortunately not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain. However, it is possible to switch from the Start-up visa to the Innovator visa, once you qualify for this route. The Innovator visa does lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Some advantages of the Start-up Visa

Family members or dependants will be able to accompany the main applicant. Dependants are your spouse, partner, and children under the age of 18 years old.

You will also be allowed to work in another job, as well as in the start-up business.

Another big advantage of the Start-up visa is that there are no investment requirements or the need for the involvement of a UK employer.

The only financial requirement is that the main applicant has to be able to prove that they have enough personal savings to support themselves while they are in the UK. The requirement is at least £945 in your bank account for 90 consecutive days before one apply. Note however that if your family members accompany you, there will be an additional financial requirement of £630 for every dependant.

Who can switch to the Start-up Visa?

Persons who are already in the UK, and meet the eligibility requirements, can switch to the Start-up visas if they currently hold any of these visas;

• Any Tier 2 visa
• Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
• Tier 4 (General) student visa
• Persons who are in the UK with a standard visitor visa, to get funding and a supporting letter from an endorsing body will also be able to switch from within the UK.

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants are very excited about the new Start-up visa and believe it will open up more opportunities for persons looking to live and work in the UK.  If you have any specific questions on the new immigration routes, you are welcome to email us at info@bic-immigration.com or visit our website at www.bic-immigration.com

*Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.

The post UK Start-up Visa: the ideal route for persons looking to set up a business in Britain appeared first on Australian Times News.

I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.

Know the quote? Yep, it’s only from the hottest chick-flick of the 90s – Notting Hill. Located in the trendy suburb of Notting Hill and, of course, featured in the movie is the world famous Portobello Road Market.

A couple of friends had just arrived in London from Australia so they joined me as we set off bright and early, emerging from Notting Hill Gate Tube station to make our way down to the street. With signposts to guide the way as soon as you get off the Tube (although it’s not as if we could miss the hordes of other tourists making their way down too), it was an easy 10 minute walk to Portobello Road. One of the best parts about this walk is you get to check out all the swanky houses and if you’re paying attention you can spot a Banksy piece as well as George Orwell’s old house.

Once you get to the markets, be prepared as there are a lot of sights to take in and the streets are filled with people gazing at the variety of wares on display. Many of the stalls are stationed outside permanent stores so there’s plenty to look at – from antique books and crockery, to knick-knacks, handmade clothing and London souvenirs. There were so many different types of people there – young and old, every size and shape, from locals to tourists – that people watching in itself was one of the highlights of the day.

Already a London institution and tourist Mecca, another reason that Portobello Road is so popular is because of the Hummingbird Bakery and it wasn’t too long after spotting it that we jumped into the line that was out the door and down the street to get one of their delicious and famous cupcakes. Trust me, the red velvet cupcakes are worth waiting for!

After eating our yummy cupcakes we kept wandering down the road, poking our heads into stalls or shops along the way before reaching ‘The Travel Book Shop’, or what was the outside of the shop when that fave movie, Notting Hill, was produced. It’s no longer a book store but we still stopped to get the mandatory photo as so many fans still do.

We continued along the road weaving our way out of the antiques area and into the fresh food stalls that provided not only some of London’s best produce but the perfect excuse to grab some lunch.

At the end of the markets I thought we had hit the jackpot – it was a thrift shoppers dream come true. There were lots of stalls selling pretty decent quality thrift pieces and upon discovering a scarf and tie bargain bin for £1 I went a bit mental. There was also an army surplus stall (note to self for future dress up parties), jewellery stalls, and hundreds of records and books piled high across the tables.

It was easy to see why Portobello Road Market is such a tourist attraction as it provides lots of fun things to look at and see as well as being a shopper’s dream. It’s also handily located near Hyde Park and there are lots of good old traditional English pubs nearby that provide a spot where you can grab a drink and relax after the hustle and bustle of the markets.

The post Taking a jaunt through Notting Hill’s famous Portobello Road Market appeared first on Australian Times News.

Australia House on the Strand in London is the largest polling station in the UK. In the last federal election over 15,000 Australians voted there.

It will be open for voters till 7pm tonight (Wednesday) and 8pm on Thursday and Friday to accommodate the traditional last-minute rush. Those wishing to have their democratic say should note that they will not be able to cast their vote on Saturday, the day of the election in Australia – Friday is your last chance.

Remaining voting days and times for the 2019 Australian federal election are as follows:

For more information, visit the Federal Election page of the Australian High Commission website.

The post Voting in London: last dash to the polls for Australian election appeared first on Australian Times News.

This year’s Anzac Day Dawn Service in London is taking place at the Australian memorial (alternating each year with the New Zealand memorial). It’s a solemn coming together of Aussie and Kiwi expats, as well as others, in a unified ceremony of remembrance.

The Dawn Service will commence at 5am and is open to all.

Later in the morning there is also a moving Anzac Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cenotaph followed by a Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey. Both of these events a ticketed though, to avoid over crowding. If you haven’t already got tickets for these, unfortunately you won’t gain admission.

Get on down to the Dawn Service if you can, to pay your respects to young Australians and New Zealanders who also travelled far from home, but never returned.

Lest we forget.

Anzac Day services in London, 2019

Thursday, 25 April 2019

5.00 AM: Dawn Service (non-ticketed event)
Location: Australian War Memorial, Hyde Park Corner
The main service will take place at the Australian War Memorial, Hyde Park Corner. The service will be approximately 45 minutes in length and is open to the public.

11.00 AM: Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade
Location: The Cenotaph, Whitehall
Following a march onto Whitehall, a requiem is read and at 11:00 AM, the High Commissioners for Australia and New Zealand will lay the first wreaths. Wreaths are then laid by representatives of the UK government, High Commissioners and Ambassadors, as well as representatives from various service and ex-service organisations. The service will conclude at approximately 11:15 AM, allowing time for the short walk to Westminster Abbey.

12.00 PM: Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving
Location: Westminster Abbey
The Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark ANZAC Day commences at 12:00 noon. The service will last approximately one hour.

Ticket applications for ANZAC day services at The Cenotaph and Westminster have now closed. Only guests that are in possession of a valid ticket will be granted admittance.​

For more information see the Australian High Commission website

The post Anzac Dawn Service in London: the time and place to remember them appeared first on Australian Times News.

Walk-in centres and the A&E (Accident and Emergency) department of your local hospital both offer medical care without appointments, free for UK residents.

Walk-in medical centres

As the name suggests, walk-in centres are medical centres which treat patients who walk in off the street. All you need to do is fill out some paperwork on arrival and wait your turn. They’re great for minor complaints or injuries, but more often than not there’s a hefty waiting time — and no, there’s no going and coming back — you need to wait on site to hold you place in the line.

Hospital Accident and Emergency

If what ails you is a tad more pressing, the A&E department of a hospital may be a better bet. At the Accident and Emergency they triage incoming patients and see them in order of the seriousness of their complaint — respiratory and heart problems being at the top of the list, minor coughs and sprains further towards the bottom. So if all you’re sporting is a case of the common cold, be prepared for the long haul because you could be sitting pretty for quite some time.

Choose a GP

But if waiting is not one of your favourite things, especially when you’re sick, there is one other solution that you may just find more convenient, more local and quite a lot speedier. There are plenty of GP clinics in every London borough, and to access their medical care all you have to do is choose one and register. No more epic lines or sickly waiting rooms for you! It’s as simple as that, a little paperwork and a urine sample (always the urine sample!) and you’re in.

Consult the NHS ‘Find a GP’ webpage to find your nearest GP clinic, walk-in or A&E.

In the case of an emergency and you need an ambulance, remember not to dial 000 like at home; in the UK call 999.

TOP IMAGE: Image by Mojca JJ from Pixabay

The post Sick in the city: where expats can get medical assistance in London appeared first on Australian Times News.

Behind finding a job and surviving the ghastly winters, searching for a roof over my head was my third most-hated London pastime. If you have ever rented a bedroom or, God forbid, just a share of a bedroom(!), you know exactly what I’m talking about.

There’s plenty to hate about the process. I just can’t decide what part of it exhausted me the most. There’s the hours you have to spend trawling through thousands of ads on Gumtree and the like. Then, once you’ve found a place that a) won’t break the bank, b) isn’t a hoax and c) doesn’t ask for sexual favours in lieu of rent payments, the emailing/calling/texting process begins.

Also see: The Aussie expat who shipped himself home from London in a crate

Even at that early stage, lunch breaks and evenings are wasted as you fire out emails and texts. Sadly, the most common reply goes something like this: “Sorry, the room has already been taken. Good luck with your search”.

Thanks.

Once you’ve got a more favourable reply, the next step is to cancel your plans because more than likely you’ll only be able to view the room you like on a night you’re previously engaged.

Next up – getting to the place. The Tube line you need will probably be closed, so you’ll have to rely on buses.

Once you’ve arrived at the place, your time to shine begins. With so much competition around, looking at a home and room is more like an interview. If the people living in the flat or house are decent enough to care, they’ll probably put you under the microscope.

And you’ll do the same to them: Is the hairy mole on that guy’s chin going to drive me nuts? Are they going to smoke inside even though they said they never do? Will they sniff my underwear when I’m out? All these questions and many more are likely to skip through your mind.

Once all involved have seen and said enough, it’s time to leave and, if you like the place, start the wait. You let them know you’re keen, and then, just like after a job interview, you’re forced to wait and see if you’ve made the final cut.

Once they decide to invite you into their home, the financial pain hits. You want how many weeks’ rent as a deposit?! It costs how much to add my name to the lease?!

However, if you’re new to London or you’re thinking of moving, don’t let all this turn you off the idea. Just like diving in so many other deep ends, everything is fine once you are in. And at least one of your new housemates has ‘potential’, right?

TOP IMAGE: Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

The post The trauma of the London share house room hunt appeared first on Australian Times News.

There is also of course uncertainty about whether there will be a Deal or No Deal.

We have compiled some more guidelines on Brexit in the case of a No Deal. We also advise that EU nationals also read our article on the EU Settlement Scheme.

Staying in the UK for longer than three months after Brexit with a No Deal

If there is a No Deal Brexit, and you are an EEA or Swiss national coming to the UK to visit, study, work or join your family, the following rules will apply after 29 March 2019:

• For an interim period, EEA and Swiss nationals will be able to enter the UK as they currently do.
• From 29 March 2019 and before the UK’s new skill-based immigration system is implemented (expected in 2021),  you will need to apply for the European Temporary Leave to Remain. This status will enable a person to stay for longer than three months.
• If you do not intend to stay longer than three months, you do not need to apply.
• If you have arrived in the UK before 29 March 2019, you also do not need to apply but can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.

The European Temporary Leave to Remain – Rights and Status

If an EEA or Swiss citizen apply for the European Temporary Leave to Remain, after Brexit, with a No Deal, they will be able to live, work and study in the UK. This leave will be granted for 36 months.

It will be a temporary leave, and a person will not be able to apply for an extension. Furthermore, it will not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain, or status under the EU Settlement Scheme. It will also not enable the holder to stay in the UK indefinitely.

Should the EEA or Swiss citizen want to stay longer than the 36 months, they will have to apply under the new immigration system. If you do not qualify, you will have to leave the UK after the expiry of the Temporary Leave to Remain.

Non-EEA or Swiss family members of the EEA or Swiss citizens living in the UK will have to apply for a family permit, before accompanying them.  

Irish citizens will still enjoy the right to enter and live in the UK under the Common Travel Area arrangement. They thus do not need to apply for European Temporary Leave to Remain.

How to apply for European Temporary Leave to Remain

It is going to be an online application. The EEA or Swiss citizen has to apply within three months of arriving in the UK.

Breytenbachs will publish more information, as it becomes available. Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.

Also visit: bic-immigration.com

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay

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On paper it’s hard to fault, and with buses, the Tube, the Overground, trams, ferries and trains going everywhere and anywhere just about 24 hours a day, it becomes difficult to justify leaving your Oyster at home.

While certainly an improvement on what’s on offer back in Oz, we’ve all experienced those cringe-worthy moments getting groped left, right and centre as you “file” onto the train, or flying down the stairs of a bus as soon as it hits the brakes. If your daily commute involves you constantly being sandwiched up against the walls of a suffocatingly full carriage, you may perhaps begin to think that an alternative way of getting around town wouldn’t be so unwelcome.

Many places in central London are in short walking distance of one another. It’s hard to get your head around what’s where if you’re only ever navigating the underground network, but once out in the open air it doesn’t take long to start connecting the dots. You can quickly learn there’s no need to take the tube from Covent Garden to Trafalgar Square, or a bus from Soho to Holborn. It’s much faster (and more pleasant) to go on foot.

Short cuts aren’t the only advantage to staying above ground. London is full of charming cafes, nifty bars and musky pubs just waiting to be discovered. There’s a new art gallery or pop-up shop, a vintage boutique or tea house around every corner. Walking is a basic but often neglected way to better get to know this intriguing city, and if that’s not enough to convince you to dust off your runners, it’s also good for burning off winter’s one too many sweet treats.

Of course if you’re too fast paced for a leisurely stroll around town, riding is another fast, cheap and green alternative to public transport. There are thousands of cyclists in London, whether it’s a passion, occasional pleasure or just a way to save a buck, it’s a very popular means of getting around especially with students and young people.

Many cyclists (the non-appassionatos that is) prefer to purchase second hand bikes to reduce the risk of coming back to a partly dismantled one. If the bike has a basket, it’s always wise take it with you, likewise the seat. There’s not much need to mention that chains and locks are essential.

There are also bike-sharing schemes which can be signed up to use if the responsibility of owning your own is too daunting. Just be sure to return them on time to avoid finding yourself with a hefty bill for a replacement bike.

But before you cut your Oyster to shreds and rush off to buy a new set of wheels, a word of advice: if you’re not used to riding in traffic, London isn’t the place to learn. With the very fast moving traffic and many buses it may be worthwhile sticking to one of London’s many parks until you find your bike legs.

By Bianca Soldani

The post Stay above ground and walk if you want to really discover London appeared first on Australian Times News.

When Spiers realised that he wouldn’t be ready for the games, he decided to return to Australia. He worked in the export cargo section at the airport to raise money to pay for a flight.

Although Spiers saved up, his wallet was stolen and he desperately wanted to return home in time for his daughter’s birthday. With no other options, he decided to post himself back to Australia in a wooden crate.

“I just got in the thing and went. What was there to be frightened of? I’m not frightened of the dark so I just sat there,” he told the BBC.

“It’s like when I travel now if I go overseas. There’s the seat. Sit in it, and go.”

Having worked in export, Spiers had seen animals come through plenty of times, and thought to himself, “If they can do it, I can do it”.

His friend, John McSorley, built him a box which was 1.5m by 0.9m by 0.75m for him to be sent back home in. Once inside, Spiers could sit straight-legged, or lie on his back with his knees bent. He could let himself out either end as each end of the crate was held in place by wooden spigots operated from the inside. There were also straps inside to hold him securely in place. Spiers packed a torch, some tinned food, a blanket and a pillow, as well as two plastic bottles – one for water and the other for urine.

The crate was labelled as a load of paint and addressed to a fake Australian shoe company in Perth.

Spiers was aware that the price of the cargo would be more than a plane ticket, but he planned to send himself cash-on-deliver and worry about how to cover the cost when he arrived in Australia.

Along the way, Spiers spent 24 hours delayed in London and en route to Paris he got out to urinate.

“I peed in a can and put it on top of the box. I was stretching my legs and all of a sudden, because it’s a short distance, the plane began to descend. A little panicky I jumped back in the box, and the can full of pee was still sitting on top,” Spiers told the BBC.

The French baggage handlers believed that the English handlers had left them this gift and had some terrible things to say, but did not suspect that anyone was in the box.

In Bombay the baggage handlers turned Spiers’s crate upside down and left it in the sun for four hours.

“It was hot as hell in Bombay so I took off all my clothes,” he said. “Wouldn’t it have been funny if I’d got pinched then?”

He knew he had touched down in Perth when he heard the Australian baggage handlers swearing at the size of his crate.

“I was grinning from ear to ear, but I wasn’t going to let them know I’m there now – I’ve almost pulled the whole thing off.

“I knew they would take the box to a bond shed. When they put me in the shed I got out straight away. There were cartons of beer in there. I don’t drink but I whipped a beer out and had a drink of that.”

After three days of traveling in a crate he managed to find tools in the shed and cut a hole in the wall to get out.

“There was no security. I put on a suit out of my bag so I looked cool, jumped through the window, walked out on to the street and thumbed a ride into town. Simple as that.”

After not hearing any news of Spiers’s safe return, his friend McSorley alerted the media about what had happened. Before long, Spiers had become a local celebrity in Australia.

“I’d never seen anything like it. It scared the hell out of my mother with the whole street blocked with media. And it would go on for weeks. It was pretty wild,” said Spiers.

Spiers made it in time for his daughter’s birthday and he did not have to pay for the shipping fees.

Something like this would never be able to occur today – all cargo loaded onto planes is screened for security reasons. So no, do not give it a go.

IMAGE: Stock image (no, it is not Reg, nor is it his box) via Shutterstock.com/Ollyy

The post The absolutely true tale of the Aussie who shipped himself from London to Australia in a crate appeared first on Australian Times News.

It’s almost exciting when we finally enter February, with March on the horizon. That is until Facebook cast its evil ‘the grass is greener on the other side’ spell. How dare our friends back home in Australia post pictures of themselves sunning themselves at the beach!

It’s a constant reminder of the differences between the UK and Australia, especially during the depths of the British winter.

Also read: For love, money and travel: the top reasons why Australians move to the UK

These are my classic London Aussie expat winter whinges.

UK vs Australia weather

Yeah, yeah, I am ranting on about it and it’s a cliché but I can’t leave the weather out, can I? I still can’t get over the sun-kissed pictures I admired whilst under my blanket in my thick scratchy socks. At least Britain has the snow to boast about – sometimes. And there’s skiing, but it’s not exactly a quick drive to the slopes on a Friday after work, is it?

Score: UK 0, Australia 1

UK vs Australia tax

Over here, just to keep things really happy in January, many of us have to submit our online tax self-assessments by the 31st of the month. And, unlike in Australia (at a far more civilised time of year), we usually owe the government money. Harsh.

Score: UK 0, Australia 2

UK vs Australia houses

In London, you and your housmates are likely to stay indoors much more at this time of year, finding yourselves on top of each other in what are already cramped quarters. This is when we reminisce over our homes back Down Under. Such a smaller slice of your income, such a larger garden, even a laundry and a spare room.

Score: UK 0, Australia 3

But there is light in the gloom

Ah, but a crisp Richmond Park at the weekend, West End theatre the weekend before, and a skiing trip to the French Alps the weekend after. It is pretty great living in London, even in winter. Just a few more rays of sunshine every now and would help. And hey, spring is just about here, right.. RIGHT?

IMAGE: Via Pixabay

The post Expat winter whinging while stranded in London appeared first on Australian Times News.

But for a lot of us, if we are being really honest, there is another root cause for us upping-sticks and moving half way around the world, often for the fresh start, and sometimes never moving back – love…

Also see: How does living in the UK compare to life in Australia? [infographic]

Our top five reasons Australians move to the UK

1. Break-up refugee

Many Aussies that come over to the UK have recently suffered a devastating, heart wrenching, life-changing break-up. Even if the break-up happened a year or two ago they haven’t really recovered yet. Break-up refugees come with heavy baggage, so they are not really after a new relationship, but are up for lots of fun experiences. There’s no significant other to go home to and a new life in the UK equals a fresh start and a clean slate. Knowing you will never ever bump into your ex is also incredibly appealing.

2. The break-up set-up

No-one who moves to London with a significant other says they plan to break-up, but that so often is often exactly what happens. A big new city can be the make or break of a couple. The big move shake up can include house hunting, job hunting, shift work, and financial woes, all of which can be detrimental to a relationship. Not to mention all the ‘pretty new things’ you will be meeting along the way. Whether the temptation to stray is high or the spider vein cracks in your relationship are just becoming more apparent, London can be the quick and sudden death of a relationship. We suspect this may be a risk when we get the visas. Are some of us subconsciously hoping it may happen?

3. To fall in love

Just like Carrie Bradshaw who moved to New York to fall in love in Sex and the City, many twenty-somethings move to London with a hope of finding love. Not nearly as romantic as Paris or Rome or even New York, London nonetheless has a different field of opportunity to offer. A cheeky Brit, a party-animal Scot or an Irish man or woman who makes you laugh till you think your sides will split could be just the thing for a lonely heart. But it doesn’t stop there. London is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world and you never know who you are going to meet. So keep an open mind and an open heart. And in the meantime, who’s been collecting flags for their bags, hmm?

4. Just to travel

Dyed-in-the-wool travellers are born not made. Your spirit for adventure has made the move to London seamlessly, faultless, easy even. Your friends and family were not surprised when you announced you were making the move and they know you will be back when you have seen and done all you set out to do… maybe.

Happy to travel solo, you easily infiltrate that large group of friends that have taken over your hostel dorm room. You love getting lost in the middle of a strange new city but mum always knows where you are and you can always Skype dad on his birthday.

5. Improve your resume, or is it a CV?

Regardless of all the other great reasons to move to London, you know a London working stint will look great on your resume. Back home you have been struggling for years to get to that next stage of your career but never managed to reach that breakthrough moment. London can open new doors and new opportunities with companies you could only ever dream of working for back home. An extended stay in the city may also net enough income to save up a decent deposit for a house or you might just want to live it up and blow it all on lots and lots of travelling.

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay.com

The post For love, money and travel: the top reasons why Australians move to the UK appeared first on Australian Times News.

We all know (and complain) about the differences in the weather, food, coffee and (ahem) work ethic, but what about those real life issues: money, jobs, health and actual life and death?

Well, a nifty little website called IfItWereMyHome.com allows you to compare these very things, country to country, stats-wise.

So we ran it for the UK compared to Australia. Apart from paying way more for healthcare, Aussies have it pretty good it must be said…

Infographic compiled by Andisiwe Juta

The post How does living in the UK compare to life in Australia? [infographic] appeared first on Australian Times News.

So after two years as a music teacher, what was the response of my (then) colleagues when I told them of my plans to settle in London? “Why would you want to do that?”; “You’ll get ripped apart”; “The kids are terrible”; “You’re mad” were some of the more encouraging comments!

Luckily, I didn’t listen.

Moving to the UK breathed life in to my teaching career

As for so many others, the decision to move to the UK was made easier by the fact I had family there: my parents are both originally from England and my brother lives here.

Career-wise, I seemed to have hit a brick wall. My problem was that I was struggling to find a job as a music teacher in my native New Zealand. My horizons felt very limited. For me, one of the main attractions of the English education system was the supply system whereby you can move from school to school in temporary roles, picking up new experience and ideas in a very small amount of time.

This could not contrast more with the situation back home. The system whereby each school – especially in rural areas – has its own own group of local teachers they can call on for supply cover meant that I was never going to get the kind of richness of experience that I was exposed to in England.

When I started teaching in London, I was learning all the time from the different schools where I worked: I was meeting new teachers every day, swapping lesson plans, building up my own library of resources. I felt really energised and stimulated by the new environment.

But what about the kids?

Well, what about them? Yes, there are challenging schools in London with challenging kids. But I’d taught in schools at home where there was no support to address bad classroom behaviour, where kids came from a very disadvantaged backgrounds and gang culture was prevalent. So no one can claim this is something that’s peculiar to London.

And when you consider that there are over 8 million people just in London, and they are from all over the world, of course you’re going to come into contact with a far more diverse population.

And how about the travel?

Coming to the UK can be a permanent career change. Or it can be the most fantastic OE with career development attached. As a supply teacher you enjoy incredible flexibility, you can have days off whenever you want, you don’t do any lesson plans or marking – the work is simply handed to you when you arrive at school.

And you can leave the classroom on a Friday afternoon, head for the airport and be in Rome – or Paris or Athens or Madrid and hundreds of other amazing places – a couple of hours later.

There’s hard work as well

But a word of warning: teachers in permanent posts work extremely hard in the UK.

Teacher training in England, too, is extremely demanding. Having observed a friend training in the UK, I’ve was struck by the fact that his workload was literally four times larger than mine was back home. And the amount of paperwork teachers have to do in England is, frankly, bananas.

A survey showed that 73% of trainee teachers in England had considered leaving the profession – mostly due to workload. But if teachers in the UK are being turned off teaching as a permanent career, the opportunities for supply teachers are even greater.

Sharing my experience

I ended up working for a teacher recruitment agency, helping people like me find the jobs they want and settle into new lives in the UK. I’ve had the time of my life – it seemed unfair not to help other share the same experience!

The agency Michael ultimately worked for was Prospero Teaching. If you you need information and advice about teaching in the UK, visit ProsperoTeaching.com

IMAGE: Stock image via Shutterstock.com/OksanaKuzmina

The post People told me I was mad to teach in London schools, but I had the time of my life appeared first on Australian Times News.

The decision came in the wake of a government review of the Tier 1 Investor Visa, as part of a crackdown on money laundering in the UK.

The Tier 1 Investor visa is sometimes called the golden visa, as it allows the super-rich a relatively easy way to settle in the UK, by investment.

When the suspension was announced in December, the UK Immigration Minister, Caroline Nokes was reported in newspapers as saying that the UK will always be open to legitimate and genuine investors who are committed to helping the economy and business grow.

She said however that the UK would not tolerate persons who do not play by the rules and seek to abuse the system.

She further said that they are implementing new measures that will make sure that only genuine investors who intend to support UK businesses, can benefit from the immigration system.

New Tier 1 Investor Visa

The new Tier 1 Investor visa requirements will only be announced sometime later in 2019.

At this stage, all that is known is that the new requirements will require applicants to provide comprehensive audits of their financial and business interests. This is to make sure that money is not laundered in the UK. They will also have to show that they had control of the investment funds. 

Applicants will henceforth no longer be able to invest in government bonds and have to invest in active and trading UK companies.

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants will inform clients as soon as new information is published.

Alternative to the Tier 1 Investor Visa

Until the new Tier 1 Investor Visa is open, there is an alternative for investors in the form of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. This immigration route allows a person and his family members to obtain Entry Clearance (EC) as a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrant.

The applicant will need to be able to demonstrate that they have access to no less than £200,000 which is held within one or more regulated financial institutions and is disposable in the UK. It is also possible to form an Entrepreneurial team.

Our advice to applicants who are interested in applying for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, is to do so without delay, as there might be a possible suspension of this route as well.

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Visit the Breytenbachs website for their details.

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay.com

The post UK Tier 1 Investor Visa suspended appeared first on Australian Times News.

As Emily Moore writes for the company, there are seven common responses that instantly turn off any potential employers. They range from cliches to vague answers, and if you really do want to impress the panel, you’ll stay away from uttering these infamous last words…

Things you should avoid saying in a job interview:

Revealing too much when asked to “talk about yourself”

Personal health, family and sharing your flaws should all be avoided in the context of a job interview. Instead, lead the conversation towards your professional achievements. Speak about your work experience thus far and explain why it’s relevant to the current position.

Being vague and unclear when asked to “talk about the company”

It’s an essential part of the process when you apply for a new job. You have to do your research. Employers strongly dislike vague, basic details about their own companies. You should rather talk about their target market and business-critical information like the products and services they provide.

“I’m a team player”

Sounds mad, but this is a cliche that is now wearing very thin with businesses. It simply doesn’t provide any specifics about your own qualities, and suggests you’re happy to pass the buck. When expressing your team-working capabilities, talk about how you work within a team and what unique qualities you bring to the collective.

“I work too hard / I’m a perfectionist”

When pressed to give critical self-evaluation, many applicants see this as a “loophole” – as if they’ve found a way to circumvent any aspects of required professional improvement. The “perfectionist” response comes across as arrogant. Instead, you should be prepared to talk about an area of your skills set you’d like to improve.

“I want to be doing this job in five years time”

Employers often ask where candidates see themselves within the next five years. If you think a quick show of blind loyalty is going to impress them, you’re wrong. It actually comes across that you lack ambition. Applicants should look into what roles they can get promoted to in the near future (within the company) and list them as a career goal.

“I need a job”

Desperation just doesn’t cut it, we’re afraid. When applicants are asked why they want to work for this company, this isn’t the response they’re looking for. Devay Campbell is a career coach at Career 2 Cents, and he believes that the best way to shmooze in a job interview is with something like the following:

“You are a leader in your industry and I want to be aligned with an organization that’s on the cutting edge and leading the pack.”

Campbell also advises applicants to consider the mottos and mission statements of a prospective new company. If you can use these in your interview – and explain how the values align with you’re own – you’ll be in business.

“I am passionate about the role”

Employers usually finish interviews by asking why they should hire you for the position. It’s direct, and straight to the point. But if you list “passion” as one of your main reasons, it probably won’t cut the mustard.

What you need to do is demonstrate your passion, rather than just say you have it – for example, do you do anything outside of work that helps you grow in your professional life? Because that is the type of thing these guys are looking for. It’s also worth mentioning how your enthusiasm has helped you achieve specific results in other lines of work.

TOP IMAGE: Pixabay

The post Seven things you must avoid saying in a job interview, according to experts appeared first on Australian Times News.

Innovator Immigration Route will replace Tier 1 Entrepreneur

The new Innovator immigration route will replace the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. This immigration route will be open to more experienced business persons.

The Home Office said that it would have a “similar emphasis on endorsement by a business sponsor, who will assess applicants’ business ideas for their innovation, viability, and scalability.”

Our advice to persons who still want to apply under the current Tier 1 Entrepreneur route, is to contact Breytenbachs without delay.

A new Start-up Visa route

The UK Government announced earlier in 2018 that it will establish a new Start-up visa route. This route will build upon the successes of the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route. A business or higher education institution sponsor have to endorse persons who apply under this new start-up visa route.

We expect a further announcement on this route early in 2019.

Suspended or not? Tier 1 Investor Route

On 6 December 2018, the Immigration Minister, Caroline Nokes announced that the Tier 1 Investor route is suspended. She said that the Investor route will from 7 December 2018 no longer be open for applicants to apply and that new rules will be put in place sometime during 2019.

However, the Home Office has since released an official statement to the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) stating the following;

“The Tier 1 (Investor) visa is not currently suspended. However, the Government remains committed to reforming the route. A further announcement will be made in due course. Any suspension would be implemented through changes to the Immigration Rules.”

Architects can apply under Tier 1 Exceptional Talent

The Home Office said that the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route would be expanded to provide for the inclusion of leading architects. Architects will have to be endorsed by the Royal Institute of British Architects, under the remit of the Arts Council England.

Religious Workers and Charity Workers under Tier 5

Tier 5 Religious Workers and Tier 5 Charity Workers will in future be subject to a cooling off period. This means that they will be prevented from returning to the UK for 12 months, on another Tier 5 visa, after the expiry of their Tier 5 visa. The Home Office said that they are taking this step to underpin the fact that this is a temporary route.

Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme for Non-EU workers

The UK Government will in 2019 launch a two-year seasonal worker pilot scheme. This scheme will aim to bring 2,500 seasonal workers to farms in the UK, to alleviate labour shortages in this sector.

The pilot scheme will allow non-EEA workers to do seasonal work on UK farms for up to six months. The UK Government said that they have now chosen the organisation to fill the role of scheme operators. The date of implementation is still to be announced.

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.

Visit the Breytenbachs website for more details at www.bic-immigration.com.

The post Some surprising UK immigration rule changes for 2019 appeared first on Australian Times News.

I think most of us approach Christmas in the same sort of way. Outwardly, we groan how the decorations appear earlier every year and lament on how it’s becoming just a commercially driven celebration without any meaning, and how it will inevitably leave us in debt for the next 12 months until we do it all again, etc etc.

But secretly our inner child is cheering, relishing the unadulterated eating and drinking to come, and harbouring a secret hope that perhaps this year will deliver on the perfect Christmas promise so beautifully portrayed in the latest John Lewis TV commercial.

Christmas overseas: leave it or take it head on!

But Christmas is all about family. So what do you do if you’re an expat, possibly on your own, on the other side of the world?

Well, you have two options. Either you pull your duvet (doona) over your head, sever all communication with the outside world until New Years at least, watching a box set of for favourite 20th century American sitcom while eating pot noodles and denying all knowledge of the season to be jolly. Or you make the most of being in one of the most amazing cities of the world, and just go for it, Christmas on steroids.!I suggest the latter.

A Real Wintery Christmas

The one thing I really love about the UK is that Christmas is celebrated in WINTER. Finally the dreams of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose can finally be realized. Fellow Aussies could wax lyrical to me all day about the brilliant beach BBQ they have on Christmas day followed by Boxing Day with beers in the pool, but frankly it falls on deaf ears. To me, nothing beats a cold Christmas, so while you’re in London, make the most of it!

My suggested itinerary is outdoor ice-skating somewhere iconic like Hampton Court Palace, followed by warming egg nog (or cold Bavarian beer if you fancy) with bratwurst and sauerkraut at the German Markets in Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.

Witness the carnage unfolding in Hamley’s toy store and admire the painstakingly put-together shop window fronts of Oxford Street. Carols by Candlelight at the Royal Albert Hall is a magical experience – though don’t be put off by your neighbours tone deaf singing, instead, join in, the flatter the better. And ballet fan or not, the Nutcracker is a must to inspire even the most determined Grinch to join in with the spirit of the season.

My final tip is to revel in tipples usually reserved for pensioners — sherry, brandy and port; for some reason it is perfectly acceptable for anyone of any age to indulge in these during the weeks surrounding Christmas. With the added excuse that one needs them to keep the frosty weather at bay.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

And there is one final bonus to spending Christmas in the northern hemisphere — the possibility of experiencing the most magical Yuletide of all: the White Christmas Bing Crosby croons of so silkily, year on year. Though the odds of it happening in London are slim, at least there is hope, and to me that sure beats the alternative back home in Perth, Melbourne, Brissy, Sydney or wherever Down Under and the possibility of a 40 degree stinker on Christmas Day.

Memories for a lifetime

So hopefully this has inspired you to rope in all your unsuspecting mates and to go Christmas-crazy in the Big Smoke this year. I for one know that when the memory of Christmases spent in the UK become more and more distant, I will still be trying to recreate the magic in my pool room back in Oz, with air conditioning cranked to the max, trying to convince anyone that will listen that sherry isn’t just for old ladies who play bridge.

TOP IMAGE: (Via Jill111/Pixabay)

The post London is that real winter Christmas Aussie expats have only dreamed of – so revel in it! appeared first on Australian Times News.

Check out this video from vlogger ‘Healthy Emmie‘ who has come Down Under from Stateside to teach in Melbourne (and yes, she says it correctly). Her observations are fascinating and her admiration for the Aussie educational system is infectious.

Also see: Explore your teaching journey with Engage Education

It will make you reminisce fondly about your own school days and might even make you proud of the way we do kids education – great hours, good breaks and plenty of playtime – especially if you are a teacher.

Also see: What visa do I need to teach in the UK?

The post VIDEO: The differences between Aussie and American schools appeared first on Australian Times News.

Applications under this immigration rule are complicated, and the bar is set very high.

How to prove ‘Sole Responsibility

Where both parents are involved in a child’s upbringing, it will be difficult for one parent to establish sole parental responsibility.

The UK immigration rules, unfortunately, do not provide for voluntary arrangements between parents. A court order from an overseas court granting a parent sole custody will be beneficial for an application, but will not necessarily mean a successful application. The Home Office states that sole parental responsibility is not the same as legal custody.

The rules are quite harsh, and require the UK based parent to show that he/she has ‘sole responsibility’ over the child or is the sole surviving parent. Alternatively, that circumstances meet serious or compelling considerations of why the child should be with the UK based parent.

The parent or carer has to be a British citizen or have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. It also applies to cases where the parent or carer has an Ancestral Visa, or Spouse visa, and wants to bring the minor child to the UK, and the other parent is in the home country.

The applicant also has to show that he/she is taking and intends to continue taking an active role in the child’s upbringing.

Although the Sole Responsibility route is a notoriously difficult application to prove, Breytenbachs Immigration is glad to say that we have had many successful applications. Please feel free to contact us so that we can assess your circumstances, and advise accordingly.

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Visit the Breytenbachs website for their detail.

The post What is the UK Sole Responsibility Visa? appeared first on Australian Times News.

If you are an Australian or New Zealander committing to a year or two in the UK, it usually means applying for a Tier 5 working visa, which will enable you to stay in the country for up to two years.  Unless you have ancestry or a European passport, this might be the only chance you have to live in London Town and travel the European continent at will.

You will often find many Aussies and Kiwis making the most of their time in London by living cheaply, working hard and travelling often. The trick is to weigh up the pros and cons, work out what you need to tick off your bucket list and sometimes sacrifice a night out at one of the city’s hip clubs for a flight to Amsterdam.

Some will sacrifice more than others

Hubby and I decided to work fulltime, Monday to Friday, pay a little more in rent for a big room within zone 2 (that means closer to town on the Tube), and we sometimes treat ourselves to a nice night in a 3 star hotel or a better flight when we travel. But I am always in awe of those that have the whole travel/work thing figured out and do what they have to do to get where they want to go.

A friend of mine visited between 30 and 40 countries during her two years in London by travelling cheap and renting out her room when she was not using it. A Kiwi couple that we met on a tour in Egypt live in a zone 4 house in London with 19 other people, trading privacy and commute time for more travelling money and a ready made social scene.

There is no right or wrong way to enjoy your grown up gap year/s in London. It is a choice completely up to you and your budget.

But, to get you started, here are a few tips from me; some wisdom from an Aussie expat coming to the end of her two year stint in London.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVE IN LONDON TO LIVE AND WORK

Find somewhere to live/doss

This is tricky since you don’t know where you want to be living, or because you might want to travel a little more before signing a lease.

If it is just you and the backpack/suitcase you rocked up with, take advantage of the situation while you don’t have much to lug around and sample a couple of areas to find out where you want to live. There are plenty of rooms, couches and beds available for a few weeks or months, especially over summer or Christmas. “Dossing” (temporary or cheap lodging in a large house, usually where a mate lives) is typical activity for many large sharehouses where residents are regular travellers and housemate turnover is high. There are many of these in London and you could pay as little as £50 a week, including bills, for a couch or bed.

Once you have found a bed/room/flat/house/cupboard you might need to purchase furniture, bedding, pillows, curtains, and a duvet (aka doona – see below). There are a few Ikea’s located around London, but it might be quicker and more convenient to order your items online to collect from Argos, Homebase, Marks & Spencer, Tesco or Sainsbury’s. Argos is a catalogue merchant and the largest general-goods retailer in the UK with collection points are located everywhere in London.

Tip — British duvets (known as a doona or quilt in other parts of the world) are sold in different weights called “tog”. As a general guide 4.5 tog is a light weight duvet for summer, 7.5 tog is usually for spring/autumn while 13.5/15 tog is extra-warm for the winter months.

Get your UK mobile phone, pronto!

You want to get off your Aussie mobile number/chip asap – using it in the UK will be horrendously expensive.

Your Aussie handset may or may not work on a UK sim card, depending if it has been locked by your Aussie provider or not. You can get it unlocked but be warned that it may damage the phone and kill it’s warranty.

Getting a new handset that does work in the UK need not be too expensive – check out the options at the phone shops found on every high street. Another option is to buy a second-hand one off a site like eBay or even off someone in your new share house who is leaving the UK.

Being new to the country, it is most likely you will not be able to get a monthly mobile phone plan for a while, as you don’t have a credit record in Britain. Fear not though; there are loads of pay-as-you-go and top-up pre-paid plans that are perfectly suitable – some companies even offer a cheap deal on a handset when you sign up.

Tip: Many places in London, like restaurants and pubs, have free Wi-Fi, including 260 London Underground (Tube) stations and 70 Overground (regular trains) which are free if you are a with the main providers – see a list here

Note: Numbers that begin with 07 are mobile numbers. Numbers that begin with 01, 02 and 03 are UK landlines. Calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free from landlines only. Calls to 0845 numbers are charged at higher rates.

To contact Emergency Services dial 999.

Open a Bank Account

You will need a UK current account to transfer your funds from overseas and to deposit any income you earn.

A current account is the account you can use for day-to-day banking transactions, standing orders, direct debits and online banking. In the UK, most current accounts come with a debit card and a cheque book. However, some bank accounts will offer travel insurance, contents insurance, or an overdraft for an extra monthly fee. There are usually no monthly fees on a current account, but they also offer no, or little, interest earnings.

The four big banks are Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland). Other major banks and building societies include Halifax, Santander, Coventry and Nationwide.

Even if you open a bank account online you will have to prove your identity in store. Sometimes it is easier just to visit each of the major banks on your nearest high street to find out what they offer and if they can open you a bank account on the same day. Sometimes you will need to book an appointment to see someone.

Barclays have been known to be happy to open a bank account with an Aussie passport, as long as you have a date stamp to prove you have arrived in the country recently. They will send a letter and new debit cards to the address you nominate, but you might have to take the letter back in to the store to prove your address. Other banks and building societies might also require your working permit or a utility bill with your address on it.

Always ask for the IBAN and SWIFT codes as both are required on all international transfers and payments. The International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is a 15 or 16 digit number that will include your account number. The SWIFT code (SWIFTBIC) is a bank identifier code.

Apply for a NIN (National Insurance Number)

Your NIN is different to your NHS Number (see below). Your NIN is used for tax, benefits and pensions; a bit like a Tax File Number in Australia. You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a National Insurance Number.

Get more details on applying for a NIN here

Register for a Doctor and NHS

The National Health Service, referred to as the NHS, is the (almost) universal health care system of the UK. It works a bit like Medicare at home, but is even more accessible and largely free although waits can be just as long.

After you find a place to reside you should register with a local GP surgery. You have to register with a GP surgery that covers the area in which you live. Sometimes you will have to ring around to several surgeries to find one that covers the area in which you live and is accepting new patients. Use the NHS website to find the best rated surgeries in your area.

Many GP surgeries will ask you to provide proof of identity and to complete a registration form. You might also be asked to  make an appointment for a health check. These are usually done by the practice nurse, who will ask you about your medical history, measure your blood pressure and they might ask you to pee in a cup.

Hint –Don’t wait until you’re sick to register for a GP as there could be delays.

If you need to see a doctor or nurse and you are not registered, there are plenty of walk-in clinics around London and at some hospitals. Expect a lengthy wait though.

Getting your NHS Number

A NHS Number is a unique 10-digit number given to everyone registered with the NHS in England and Wales. Your NHS Number will be sent to you when you register at a GP practice. You will receive it on a medical card.

If you move or change your name you can simply take your NHS number with you to your new GP practice. Your NHS Number simply helps the NHS keep your health records correctly, safely and easily.

NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/

Find a Job

Be patient. In the beginning you might find it hard to find something suitable but there are many companies that you can work for to earn a little bit of cash to get by. Some have found that companies are more likely to give you a chance if you have already had a job in London.

If things are taking time to land a job in your vocation, it’s always worth checking out basic hospitality, catering and service companies. They tend to have a high turnover and are always looking for friendly, hardworking staff.

You can also try your hand at administration and office work with several temping agencies such as Morgan Spencer and Office Angels.

Register with online CV Libraries and job search engines such as indeed.co.uk, jobsearch.moster.co.uk, jobsite.co.uk, totaljobs.com, and cv-library.co.uk.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes networking and introductions will help you in securing the right work.

Make Friends and Social Sport

Moving to a new city, in a new country, can be daunting and lonely. But London is a huge city with many opportunities to meet new and interesting people.

Join a Facebook page catering to expats in London. Some organise monthly drinks and wall posts about houseshares, sporting teams and (sometimes) available jobs. Like it or not, you will probably become friends with fellow Aussies… but they are an excellent support group and probably share your same interests!

You can also join a sports team (which will help you fight the dreaded Heathrow Injection). South West London Chargers is a rugby league team full of friendly Aussie, Kiwi and British blokes. Social Netball is a well run Wednesday night netball league for all ages and fitness levels in Fulham. In2Touch is a hugely popular social touch rugby gang in London while Try Tag is the British tag rugby cousin of OzTag. Both put an emphasis on mixed teams and social events. There’s also the very competitive AFL London competition which is renowned for its hard hits and even harder partying.

Most of all, enjoy your time in London – it’s the greatest city in the world!

Read more of Jacquie’s experiences as an Aussie expat in the UK:

Growing up is a choice: you don’t have to get married, buy a house and have kids

Is it time to break up with travel? It’s hard to do

Do I belong in the UK more than I belong in Australia?

Don’t make friends with travellers – they’ll only love you and leave you

10 strange ways your life will change when you move to London

Living overseas: Why your best friends now are your fellow expats

Also visit her website www.neverendinghoneymoon.net

The post New to London? Here are some top tips to get you started appeared first on Australian Times News.

Australia might not be perfect but I don’t think Aussies have so many issues with the words you use. My Aussie will tell you ten years of marriage is a breeze compared to understanding that invitation to tea.

First of all, if you haven’t worked it out already, in the UK the word ‘country’ itself carries a very different connotation to the dusty, fly-blown, flanno wearing, hard-yakka lifestyle of rural Australia. Here in Britain, think manors and Range Rovers. More Mr Darcy than Mr Snowy River.

So, let’s say you’re invited to his/her parents’ house in the country. Can you imagine if the whole room went quiet when you said “pardon?”? Or your daughter was told she couldn’t use that word in her friend’s house.

Remember these essentials to ensure a pleasant weekend in the British countryside:

Words Aussies should and shouldn’t use on a trip to country Britain

1. When you haven’t heard what your host or their butler said, never ever say ‘pardon?’. ‘Sorry?’, ‘What?’ or even a grumble are safer than this 6-letter word. For the Brits with the country houses and children in private school uniforms, this is the one word that tells them whether you’re one of them or not – whether you’re British or Aussie. A safe bet is to avoid any French-sounding words (pardon means ‘excuse me’ and ‘sorry’ in French). Apparently we Brits still have a chip on our shoulder over the Norman invasion just the other day – in the 11th Century.

2. It’s ‘napkin’ not ‘serviette’. Serviette might sound fancy and French but as you’ve now learnt with ‘pardon’, that upper crust of British society don’t like it one bit. The fact that some French expressions like ‘déja vu’ and, quite appropriately here, ‘creme de la creme’ are acceptable is the subject of another article.

3. You sit on a ‘sofa’, not a ‘settee’, and it’s in the ‘living room’ (or the ‘drawing room’ if the relos have that big house in Devon) – not ‘lounge’ or the ‘front room’.

4. If you need to go to the dunny, it’s the ‘loo’, not the ‘lavatory’, not the ‘WC’ and certainly never ever the ladies or God forbid, the ‘bog’.

Those words are pretty easy. Now down to those meal invitations which still confuse the hell out of your average Aussie hubby. If we were only ever invited to breakfast or brunch, we’d be fine.

When tea is supper but not dinner

Starting with the simplest; some people say ‘supper’ (the ones who say don’t say ‘pardon?’) and if they do, don’t call it ‘dinner’.

When you’re invited to ‘tea’, it can either mean:

a) Actual cups of tea with scones and cakes at 4 o’clock precisely. Timing is a good clue.

b) The evening meal for people who don’t say ‘supper’ or ‘dinner’.

c) If you have kids – a children-only, early evening meal. NB: This means no food for you – my husband was caught tucking into the kids’ sausages to the horror of the host. You’ve been warned.

At this point, if you think I am going completely crazy, just take a look at Debretts.com. Debrett’s describe themselves as: “originally founded as the expert on the British aristocracy, today Debrett’s is the trusted source on British social skills, etiquette and style.” Yep, this is all actually still taken seriously by some people in this fair green land called Britain. I particularly like the pages on ‘Personal Space’ and ‘Communicating with the Queen’.

And a last word: The supper-eating, loo-going, sofa-sitting Brits do not eat dessert, only pudding.

IMAGE: Downton Abbey (BBC)

The post Words Aussies should and definitely should NOT use with the upper class English country set appeared first on Australian Times News.

This relief from CGT is commonly known as Private Residence Relief. Conversely, an investment property that has never been used as a main residence will not qualify.

Two changes to the way Private Residence Relief works were announced as part of the Budget measures. The Chancellor confirmed that two ancillary reliefs are to be amended, potentially reducing the amount of CGT relief available on the sale of a relevant property.

1. Currently, if a property has been occupied at any time as an individual’s private residence, the last 18 months of ownership are disregarded for CGT purposes. This relief applies even if the individual was not living in the property when it was sold. From April 2020, this final exempt period will be reduced from 18 months to 9 months. There will be no change to the 36 months exempt period available for those that are disabled or moving into care homes.
2. Homeowners who let all or part of their house may not benefit from the full Private Residence Relief but can benefit from letting relief of up to £40,000 (£80,000 for a couple). From April 2020, lettings relief will be reformed. This change means that lettings relief will only be available to those property owners who are in shared occupancy with a tenant.

The Chancellor also announced a change to the CGT rules on the sale of a residential property. Going forward, if CGT is due, a payment on account will be required.

The new rules will apply from April 2019 for non-UK residents and April 2020 for UK residents.

This change will mainly affect individuals who are disposing of a second home or rental property. However, there will be exceptions including the limitations to Private Residence Relief mentioned above which result in CGT falling due, and for non-residents.

Please contact Exceed for more information or assistance.

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay

The post UK Private Residence Relief – Autumn Budget 2018 appeared first on Australian Times News.

The reduction in the annual allowance over recent years has meant that more and more taxpayers are exceeding their annual pension allowance and have tax to pay. Taxpayers will usually receive a statement from their pension provider telling them if they go above their annual allowance.

This can be more complex if they have more than one pension scheme. Any additional tax due can be declared and paid as part of their Self Assessment. If the tax is more than £2,000 taxpayers can ask their pension scheme to pay the charge to HMRC from their pension pot. This means that their pension scheme benefits would be reduced.

Planning note

There are a number of ways to minimise any tax to pay. This can include:

• utilising the three-year carry forward rule that allows taxpayers to carry forward unused annual allowance, and
• examining alternative savings strategies.

There is also a pensions lifetime allowance that should be monitored which is currently £1.03 million.

Contact Exceed for any more information or assistance.

The post Tax to pay if you exceed the annual pensions allowance in the UK appeared first on Australian Times News.

So, what about the good old reliable London black taxi?

New York is famous for those mustard yellow cabs that cater for all the busy city-goers and late-night stragglers roaming around the city. The London alternative are these no less iconic black, boxy time capsules fit for your turn of the century English gentleman.

With doors that open backwards, seats that face inwards and enough room in the back to stash a spare bale of hay, there’s no doubting these cabs, while modern, are an ultra cool blast from the past. But while great to get your Instagram on, they certainly don’t come cheap, so unless you’ve got a bit of cash to throw around or there’s a gang of you, they’re probably not your wisest way home when it comes to your purse.

Of course, if money is not the issue (no, we’re not at all jealous) then do at least mind the front door. Most black cabs don’t have a passenger seat, just a door, and drivers tend to get antsy if you try opening it even if all you’re meaning to do is ride shotgun. Just get in the back.

Or take a pedal powered rickshaw

At the other end of the price scale, but equally as photo friendly, are rickshaws. It’s just like taking a romantic horse and carriage ride through Hyde Park except that instead of a carriage you’ve got a two by four on some wheels, and instead of a set of thoroughbreds and a whipped up driver you’ve got a muscular man on a bike. Oh and did I mention you’ll be weaving your way through London’s never-ending traffic?

But rickshaws are load of fun especially if you happen to flag down a seriously pimped-out one – how do gold plates, zebra-print seats and blaring music sound for your ride home? Price is usually negotiable.

With Cameron Jenkins

IMAGE: Via Pixabay

The post In the era of Uber, you still cant beat London’s black cabs for cool appeared first on Australian Times News.

The huge increase in the surcharge is of course not good news for UK visa applicants.

The reasoning behind the increase in the UK Immigration Health Surcharge

The UK Home Office said in a statement that the increase in the surcharge would add £220 million to the funds of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

The UK Government estimates that the NHS spends an average of £470 on average per person per year on treating those required to pay this health surcharge. According to the Government, the increase will better reflect the cost to the NHS of treating migrants paying the surcharge.

How UK Visa applicants will be affected by the increase in the Surcharge

From December 2018, UK visa applicants, applying for visas valid for longer than six months will pay double the amount payable currently payable.

Presently, the Immigration Health Surcharge payable by a UK visa applicant is £200 per year. From December 2018, it will be £400 per year.

A client applying for a UK Ancestry Visa for a period of five-years will in future have to pay a very hefty £2,000 for Immigration Health Surcharge.

There are however certain categories that are discounted and exempted.

The Student Visa and Youth Mobility Visa categories pay a discounted surcharge. The surcharge for the discounted categories is £150 per year, per applicant. This will from December 2018 increase to £300 per year, per applicant.

Persons applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Citizenship do not have to pay the immigration health surcharge. Vulnerable groups, such as slavery victims and asylum seekers are exempt.

Applicants for UK Visitor visas do not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, as the visa is not valid for longer than six months.

Breytenbachs recommendations on the increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge

The increase in the surcharge is of course not good news for anyone wanting to apply for a UK Visa.
Breytenbachs strongly recommend that readers who want to avoid paying this higher surcharge, apply without delay.

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice and is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.

For more information on the Immigration Health Surcharge visit the Breytenbachs website.

The post Shock as the UK Government doubles the UK Immigration Health Surcharge appeared first on Australian Times News.

English schools are under stress to source and employ quality teaching candidates to work in their early childhood, primary, secondary and special needs schools all across England. This situation is a huge positive for South African teachers with UK working rights and an interest in teaching in British schools.

Opportunities for foreign teachers

Never before have there been so many opportunities in British schools, allowing individuals and families to experience living and working in England.

Teaching in England with Engage Education will offer South African teachers the following benefits:

1. Excellent pay
2. Diverse school vacancies in schools across England
3. Opportunities to progress and develop professionally
4. Loyalty bonuses and perks
5. Ongoing professional development and mentoring
6. Daily supply, contract or permanent roles
7. A dedicated consultant
8. Social events year round to connect with other teachers in the Engage Community

Engage Education

Engage Education have been the leaders in providing a thorough, holistic service to educators from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland and Canada who want to work and succeed in British schools.

Securing a teaching role is just the beginning of your journey and that is why their support does not end there.

Teachers and their families need to have support with where to live, which schools their children should attend, how to transition into the British education system and everyday things like getting a UK bank account and understanding the National Health Service.

At Engage Education, they provide unrivaled support with all of these aspects to your new life at no cost to the teachers.

The post Shortage of teachers in England creates job opportunities appeared first on Australian Times News.

And wait.

If you are an Australian teacher living in a metropolitan area this may sound like a regular groundhog day experience.

While regional Australia struggles to attract candidates for lots of reasons, it is a whole different story in the cities. Maybe it is time to flip the script and experience what it feels like to be “in demand”. England’s current teacher shortage allows you to accept not just the only job going, but the right job, in the right location, teaching subjects of your choice, with support and mentoring from Engage Education and your new school.

For at least the last two decades, Aussie teachers have supported the British education system with quality teachers travelling to the UK to live and work in Europe and develop professionally. UK teaching experience is a professional fast-track to exciting opportunities and progression in the UK, as well as back at home. It allows young teachers the chance to experience another culture, another education system, to travel around Europe for 13 weeks of the year, leapfrog into roles in international schools in Europe, the UAE, America and Asia, or come home with a wealth of cultural capital and many professional points of difference.

Cassie, an Australian teacher that worked in the UK with us for a year and returned home reflected on her time: “Teaching in London was wonderful and I feel it really made my resume stand out from others to potential employers when applying for jobs after returning home, and I gained a great role straight away at PLC in North Sydney when I got back from my time in England.”

England has been struggling to train enough teachers to keep up with the increase in population and there is a genuine need for overseas teachers to fill teaching roles in schools and keep classroom sizes manageable across the country. Let’s not pretend it’s an easy profession; teaching takes energy, expertise and dedication. The one year PGCE qualification that British teachers gain leaves many new British teachers underprepared for their new career and often Aussie teachers with a four year degree have more strategies in their teacher toolbox to thrive in the job.

We’ve helped over 1000 teachers from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa relocate to England. We take our role very seriously. We support Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, South African and Irish teachers to transition and succeed in the British education system. We believe transparency and a bespoke approach to mentoring gives our teachers the best start. We fly our candidates to England on a nine day round trip, at our expense, to meet and interview with schools in person. We offer one-on-one mentoring, group PD year round, and lots of advice and help with banking, accommodation and getting started. We offer a £1,000 loyalty bonus and make sure all our teachers are paid in line with the British Teacher Pay Scales.

What’s the catch? There isn’t one!

To find out about our award winning relocation support, including ‘iday’, our range of work options, support package or visa options, register your interest and take your career to England in 2019.

The post The UK’s teacher shortage can be your passport to teach and travel appeared first on Australian Times News.

A letter, if you will, to the lovely Brits who accommodate us in their homeland from the perspective of Aussies who actually live here and those who are recent arrivals.

The real nitty gritty wishes of the expat Aussie in Britain:

1. DON’T ask me: ‘Why on Earth are you here?’ 

Yes, we understand that in the eyes of many Brits we all come from a land of sun, surf, sea and sand — and why would we ever choose to live in the cold and wet? This slightly backhanded compliment is not entirely welcoming. We also love a bit of self-deprecating humour, but just so you know, it’s never just about the weather. In actual fact, we’ll never fully understand why you all talk so much about the weather.

2. DO invite us places, we WILL behave. And the ‘tea rule’

It’s a cliché for a reason. Many Aussies love a good time, so please invite us places. Also, despite the reputation for rowdiness, we can likewise chill-out or engage in debate as much as the next person. However, a warning: we stick to our word, if you invite us somewhere we will probably turn up. A small but fundamental difference between us, most of our questions are not asked out of politeness. We also don’t understand the ‘tea rule’ off the bat. If you say ‘no’ to a cuppa we think you mean it. We don’t realise the British tradition of refusing at first and then saying yes when asked a second time.

3. Please DON’T ask about our visa

This just makes us feel you’re counting down the days till you get rid of us. In job interviews it’s a nightmare; we can tell you’re just calculating how many months until we leave, or how long before they you will have to start recruiting again.  Many of us do have a date we have to leave or even choose to leave, but while we’re loving every minute, please don’t mention it!

4. DO have fun with the ‘blunt sarcasm’

We Aussies can be blunt and sarcastic. Yes, some of us are often outspoken. However, so are many Brits. We have a similar sense of humour, we’re just more upfront with strangers. By the time you get to know us, you will realise we make jokes and have a laugh in the same way as you.

5. DON’T ask me to repeat a word or phrase

Although seemingly adorable, please don’t ask me to constantly repeat words like ‘aquatic’, just because I say it like ‘ah-kwottic’ rather than ‘a-kwattick’. It’s fun the first few times, but correcting us publicly won’t make us change how we were brought up to say it. Furthermore, comments about how we ‘destroy’ the English language with colloquialisms are a bit harsh, especially when Britain has so many regional dialects that we don’t know what ‘gurrt lush’, ‘twaddle’ or ‘to pull’ is, either.

6. DON’T assume we are all convicts

A recent census proved that one in four Australians are born overseas and 43% of us have a parent born overseas. We are very multicultural and many of us are first-generation Australians ourselves. So please, no jokes about convicts.

7. DO get to know that we have regional differences

We’re not all from Sydney and Melbourne and most of us haven’t dived The Great Barrier Reef nor visited Uluru. Some of us grew up on beaches, others on acres of inland farmland. Just like someone’s experience from Manchester differs from that of someone from Durham, as does the experiences of someone from Perth (WA) to that of someone from Wagga Wagga.

8. DO bring ‘The Brit’

The idea we all hang around in Earl’s Court eating Vegemite and lamenting the loss of the sun is an outdated stereotype. We’re generally an adventurous people who love to branch out. We want to try everything, so do pass us Yorkshire Puddings and teach us local customs. We grew up with our TV screens blaring out BBC programmes and English muffins in our supermarkets. We love a bit of cultural exchange and will often understand more than you think about British culture, including the diversity of modern Britain.

9. DON’T hold us responsible for Murdoch

A silly one, but something I’d always get snide remarks about. He was educated in the UK, moved to New York in 1974, became a naturalised American, and we don’t control who reads The Sun.

10. DO ask us about drop bears…

Because it’s a fabulous joke that just keeps giving, and in the end proves we have more in common that not.

TOP IMAGE: By William Perugini via Shutterstock.com

The post The 10 great dos and don’ts for Brits dealing with Aussie expats appeared first on Australian Times News.

To address the issue of Biometric Residence Permit replacement, following name changes, we have answered some frequently asked questions on this.

Biometric Residence Permit Replacement – Limited Leave

I am currently on an Ancestral visa in the UK and have a Biometric Residence Permit. I recently got married and had my surname changed, following my marriage. Do I need to inform the UK Home Office and request a Biometric Residence Permit replacement?

Yes, you will indeed need to inform the UK Home Office of your name change as soon as possible.

There is a large fine payable if you do not inform them. You also need to apply for a new passport. The application for the replacement Biometric Residence Permit is submitted to the Home Office.

It is essential that you make this formal application as soon as you receive your new passport in the new surname.

It is possible to apply for the replacement BRP application via a premium(same day) or a postal application.

In cases where a person has limited leave to remain, such as the Ancestral Visa, the application for the replacement card is called BRP (RC).

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants can assist with the process.

Biometric Residence Permit Replacement – Unlimited Leave

I have had indefinite leave to remain in the united kingdom for many years, I have recently changed my name following my marriage. Do I need to request a Biometric Residence Permit replacement?

Yes, you will need to make a formal application to the Home Office. In cases where a person has unlimited leave to remain, it is called an NTL application. That stands for ‘no time limit’ as you currently hold indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom.

As you have changed your name, you will need to apply for a replacement biometric card for the ILR endorsement, and that application is the NTL.

It is possible to do a premium(same day) or a postal application. Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants can assist with the process.

For more information on Biometric Residence Permits, please follow this link.

The post Biometric Residence Permit Replacement following a name change appeared first on Australian Times News.

In certain circumstances, private residence relief may apply when a property is the owner’s only or main residence. For example, you don’t usually pay any tax for any tax years in which you, your spouse or civil partner spent at least 90 days in your UK home and the final 18 months of ownership usually qualify for full tax relief.

If you are living abroad and sell a UK residential property you must inform HMRC within 30 days of transferring ownership (known as conveyancing). The notification must be made whether or not there is any non-resident CGT to be paid.

Any non-resident CGT charge applicable is applied at different rates according to whether the seller is a non-resident individual, a personal representative, a trustee or closely-held company or fund.

Planning points

Any non-resident CGT that is due must be paid within 30 days of the conveyance date.

If a taxpayer is registered for UK tax they can opt to pay the non-resident CGT due when they submit their regular self-assessment return. There are penalties for failing to file the non-resident CGT return as well as for failing to pay any tax due on time.

Contact Exceed if you would like more information about this topic or an opinion on your tax status and any potential tax liability.

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay

The post How to sell your UK home if you live abroad appeared first on Australian Times News.

1) It’s easy being pale

One of my favourite things about living in London is that you don’t need to justify being pale. With the bleach-blond caramel-skinned stereotype that precedes Aussies abroad, it’s hard not to raise eyebrows if you’re naturally pale skinned and perhaps a little too melanoma conscious. Thankfully this city provides you with the ultimate cover, just drop a sneaky, “I live in London,” and all questions turn to sympathetic nods.

2) 50 shades of grey

Besides feeling free to sport a worrying lack of tan, London is also a great excuse for dressing along the grey scale. Some people just don’t suit the bright colours and floral patterns popular back in Australia. The problem is that when you live by the beach you can’t exactly step out in blacks, navys and charcoals without being accused of being a Goth or part of a funeral party. Happily this problem disappears against London’s grey skyline where we actually see the tables turn — after all a bright yellow sun dress and Havaianas can’t help but seem a little awkward in an 18 degree summer.

3) You don’t have to be normal

That said, I don’t want to discourage any die-hard “flip-flop” wearing fanatics; another problem solved by moving to London is that anything goes. From whole-face piercings to tattoos and thigh-high lace-up boots, green tinged hair and only half shaved heads; nothing is too crazy for this city. There are just so many people and so much diversity that there is no normal, so even if you were used to looking like the local circus sideshow back home, it’s hard to feel out of place here.

4) Makeup longevity

Another huge bonus that comes with London is one I’m sure all you ladies will enjoy: your makeup stays on longer! It’s far-fetched but I assure you I’m not off my rocker. Away from the blistering Australian sun, there’s no fear that makeup will sweat off throughout the day, meaning no more runny eyeliner or blotchy foundation — halleluiah! It’s also true that if you live by the coast or anywhere rural, you tend to attract unwelcome glances if you head out during the day with even a touch of smoky eye or dark lippie. Thanks to London’s gloomy backdrop and alternative scene, you can go as over the top as you like and if you’re lucky, even pass as “fashion forward”.

5) Sweet excuses

My last but probably most cherished London solution comes from the cold. It does cause a few problems in itself, but the cold weather makes the perfect cover for indulging in those guilty sweet treats, and I’ve been caught more than once scoffing down a sticky toffee pudding for lunch. Don’t judge, it was cold out!

TOP IMAGE: Library image via Pixabay

The post The five real reasons living in London is actually pretty great for Aussie expat women appeared first on Australian Times News.

Visas

The importance of having an address

Understand the terminology

Cut off dates

Read the ratings

The post Important considerations when relocating to the UK with school-going children appeared first on Australian Times News.

It seems that every year around May or June the UK is inundated with an influx of Americans that are kicking off their European summer odyssey in London. You can pick them out of a crowd easily, with their hoodies prominently boasting the name of whichever college that they are currently attending. Even if they are not wearing a college sweater you would be able to hear them coming from a mile away. The sound of an American twang disturbing the ritualistic silence of the Tube is like a soundtrack to the British summer.

Normally you will come across the American tourist somewhere around Westminster, shrugging their shoulders at the intricately designed Houses of Parliament, or in Piccadilly Circus, cynically comparing it to Times Square. You will find them in hotel lobbies, invariably meeting other Americans and bonding over their shared disappointment with all things British. Of all the tourists in London, the American is hard to miss.

There was one instance in which I intentionally sought out Americans in London. It was 4 July – Independence Day. Some quick Internet snooping revealed that a pub in Parsons Green was hosting a huge event for Americans. Thinking to myself that I would take any excuse for a party, I slid into my faded Yale University T-Shirt and jumped on a train.

The moment I walked in, I felt the exact same feeling that so many Americans must feel when they come across one of their own in London. Within seconds I was taken aside by a girl with a southern drawl: she had spotted my shirt and wanted to tell me all about a friend of hers that was currently studying at Yale.

I had set myself up for embarrassment. I should have expected to be taken as an American college student if I walked into an Independence Day event wearing it. What should I say? That I shamelessly wore the shirt of a university that I did not attend, in an ironic swipe at American tourists?

No. I wish that I had done that. Instead, I put on my best American accent and did my best to bluff it. It seems that, while American tourists have their flaws, no one quite beats an Australian expat when it comes to making a situation worse.

The post Worse than an American tourist? Pretending to be one appeared first on Australian Times News.

One can thus be the unmarried partner of an Ancestral visa applicant, a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa applicant, the unmarried partner of a British citizen, Tier 4 Student visa applicant, etc.

The conditions and requirements of the visa of the unmarried partner would thus basically be determined by the immigration status or type of visa the main applicant is applying for.

The unmarried partner thus has the same status as the spouse or civil partner of the main visa applicant.

How to qualify as an unmarried partner

To qualify as an unmarried partner, an applicant will need to prove that he/she has been living together with the partner, in a relationship akin to marriage for two years or more. You will also need to prove that you intend to live together permanently in a relationship akin to marriage in the future.
It is thus important to note that although marriage is not required, the relationship must be a real one, and akin to marriage.

How to prove the relationship

Breytenbachs normally recommends that clients provide utility bills covering two years. This would include documents such as tenancy agreements, bank statements and other bills being posted to the same address.

It will be best if the bills are joint. However, one can also have separate accounts as long as it shows the same address.

Age and sex of the unmarried partner applicant

Both the partners in the relationship have to be 18 years or older. The partners can be in a same-sex or heterosexual relationship.

Financial and other requirements

If you are the unmarried partner of a British citizen or person settled in the UK, you will have to fulfil the financial requirement of the Family Migration rules.

A minimum income threshold of £18,600 is required to sponsor the settlement of the unmarried partner. There is also a higher threshold for any children also sponsored: £22,400 for one child and an additional £2,400 for each further child.

Please also see this link for more on the financial requirement.

If the partner present and settled in the UK is the holder of an Ancestry Visa, you will not need to fulfil the minimum income criteria.

In cases where the partner is a Tier 1 or Tier 2 holder, the maintenance requirement of those visas will have to be fulfilled.

The same applies to other immigration categories. The requirements for the dependants of main applicants will have to be fulfilled.

Unmarried Partner and Indefinite Leave to Remain

If your unmarried partner visa is based on your partner’s Ancestral visa, the unmarried partner visa will be granted for the duration of the ancestral visa, and you can apply for ILR with the ancestral holder. However, once ILR has been obtained, you will not be able to apply for British citizenship until you have completed five years residence in the UK.

Unmarried partners based on Tier 1 and 2 are granted for the duration of the permit holders’ visa. Unmarried partners under Tier 1 and 2 must complete five years as a dependent if the application is processed after 9 July 2012.

Unmarried partners based on British citizens are granted for 30 months, after which an application can be made for an extension of another 30 months, which should take the applicant to the qualifying period of 60 months for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

For more information about UK visas, visit the Breytenbachs website

The post The UK unmarried partner visa – all you need to know appeared first on Australian Times News.

This changed with the introduction of the SRT from 6 April 2013. The SRT consists of the three separate tests which are intended to provide greater certainty as to a taxpayers residency status. For the majority of taxpayers, it will be clear that they are resident in the UK if they:

• spend 183 or more days in the UK in the tax year
• have a home in the UK, and don’t have a home overseas
• work full-time in the UK over a period of 365 days

However, for taxpayers with complex circumstances, there are further tests using the SRT that provide more clarity as to their residency status in the UK.

1. An automatic non-residence test.
2. An automatic residence test.
3. A ‘sufficient ties’ test.

Planning note

There are also special rules for those coming to work in the UK as an employee or as a self-employed person, as well as a special scheme for taxing the income of foreign entertainers and sportspersons who come to perform in the UK.

If you are concerned with your UK tax status, call Exceed for advice.

With TheSouthAfrican.com

The post Will I pay tax when coming to the UK? appeared first on Australian Times News.

That is why Richmond is an area that is close to my heart. Although it is only a short Tube ride from the urbane Aussie strongholds of Hammersmith and Fulham, stepping through the barriers at Richmond is like stepping into that English village that you always imagined you would live in while watching Midsummer Murders with a bowl of popcorn on a Saturday night.

You never feel more English than you do when you are in Richmond. Head down to Richmond Green on a Saturday afternoon and you will find the good old chaps playing a lovely game of cricket while locals gather around with wicker picnic baskets. Take a stroll by the river and you will find couples rowing downstream on a romantic outing and may even spot deer grazing in the park. A walk down the high street will provide a multitude of options, from independent coffee shops to hole-in-the-wall pubs that have most likely been in operation for centuries.

Suffice to say that I fell in love with Richmond and its quaint, not-quite-London feel from the moment I discovered it. While I live within half an hour’s walk of the Richmond high street, I still felt like I had to follow my heart and move to this area that had captivated my attention.

It seems you have to pay for quality. One property that caught my eye happened to be on the market for a cool £10 million, which is a tidy sum for a riverside mansion with seven bedrooms to be fair. The price-tags of Richmond real estate suddenly put everything into perspective: it wasn’t a sleepy English village at all. The properties were immense, the clothing was all designer and the cars revving at the lights were all Ferrari.

Okay, so you might not be able to live out your English village fantasies in Richmond, but on a lazy summer’s day there is no better place to suspend reality for at least an afternoon.

TOP IMAGE: Deer in Richmond, London (Diego Torres/Pixabay)

The post Richmond’s riches: a quintessential English village right on your London doorstep appeared first on Australian Times News.

As part of Ipsos’ long-running studies on misperceptions, to be released in a new book, The Perils of Perception, we asked people in Britain and the US to guess how often people aged 18-29 in their country had sex in the past four weeks.

The average guess about young men in both countries is that they had sex fourteen times in the last month, when the actual number is just five in Britain and four in the US, according to detailed surveys of sexual behaviour.

Our guess would mean that, on average, young men are having sex every other day – around 180 times a year – compared with the more mundane reality of around 50 times. But that’s not the most remarkable error in our guessing. Men are even more wildly wrong when they guess about young women’s sex lives, in both the US and Britain.

Men think British and American young women are having an incredible amount of sex – 22 times a month in Britain, and 23 times a month in the US. These guesses would be the equivalent of the average young woman having sex every weekday, plus two or three times on one special day each month. In reality, it’s around five times.

Why we get it so wrong

As with so many of our misperceptions, the explanations for this will be both how we think and what we’re told.

The survival of our species literally depends on sex. Yet it is a hotbed of misperceptions, because unlike many other core human behaviours, where we can get a better idea of social norms from observation, sex mostly happens behind firmly closed doors (and the sex that is available for general viewing is not a fully accurate representation of the norm).

Because we don’t have access to very much real-life comparative information, we turn to other “authoritative” sources: playground or locker room chat, dubious surveys, salacious media coverage and porn. These provide extreme examples and dodgy anecdotes that distort our views of reality.

In the same survey, we asked people in three countries to guess how many sexual partners people in their country have had by the time they get to 45-54 years of age. On this, people are actually very accurate at guessing the average number of partners reported by men.

The actual figure in Australia and Britain is an average of 17 partners by the time men reach 45–54. In the US, it’s 19. The average guesses are almost spot-on.

But it gets much more interesting when we compare men and women. First, the standout pattern is with the actual data. The number of partners claimed by women in surveys of sexual behaviour is much, much lower than the number claimed by men.

In fact, women claim to have had almost half the number of sexual partners as men. This is one of the great conundrums of sexual behaviour measurement: it’s seen again and again in high quality sex surveys, but it’s a statistical impossibility.

Given that both men and women are reporting pairings, and they make up roughly equal proportions of the (heterosexual) population, the numbers should roughly match.

There are a number of suggested explanations for this – everything from men’s use of prostitutes to how the different genders interpret the question (for example, if women discount some sexual practices that men count).

But it seems most likely to be a mix of men’s tendency to be more rough and ready when they add up, combined with men’s conscious or unconscious bumping up of their figure, and women’s tendency to deflate theirs.

There is evidence of the latter effect from a US study among students which split the participants into three groups before asking them about their sexual behaviour. One group of women was left alone to fill out the questionnaire as normal. Another was led to believe that their answers could be seen by someone supervising the experiment. And the third was attached to a fake lie detector machine.

The group of women who thought their answers may be seen claimed an average of 2.6 sexual partners, the standard anonymous questionnaire group said 3.4 on average, while those attached to the useless beeping machine said 4.4 – which was in line with the men in the study.

Check your figures, American men

There is one final worrying twist in the US data. Men and women guess very differently for women in the US. American men think that American women have had 27 partners on average, but American women guess only 13, which is much closer to the figure women claim for themselves of 12.

This ludicrously high average guess among men for US women is largely due to a small number of US men who think that US women have an incredible number of partners. In fact, there were around 20 US men in our sample of 1,000 that went for numbers of 50 or (sometimes way) above, and that skews the data.

Our misperceptions reveal a lot about how we see the world. They are a brilliant clue to our deep-seated biases, as our guesses at what is “normal” are more automatic and unguarded. In this study, these guesses point to some frighteningly wrong views of young people and women, particularly among a small section of men.

As with other misperceptions, the answer is not just to bombard people with more facts to correct these views, but to also deal with the underlying causes – that what we’re told and how we think leads many of us to get so much so wrong.

____________________________________________

By Bobby Duffy, Visiting Senior Research Fellow, King’s College London

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The post Other people are having way, way less sex than you think they are appeared first on Australian Times News.

You will more often than not find large, obnoxious groupings of Aus-made folk in establishments like The Slug or indeed any pub, club or shoebox with a license to sell booze in the UK capital.

Despite spending 25+ horrendous hours moving half-way across the world, us Aussies (and by ‘us’, I obviously mean ‘not me’) are set in our ways.

Of course, the tendency to cluster in groups of one’s own kind is natural and by no means unique to Australians.

Now, I’m not saying I don’t like Australia, Australians or things that remind me of home. I deeply adore that stupid sunburnt country of ours in all its flawed, 45+ degrees-heat glory.

Sure, I have a few Australian friends in London. I am not immune to 3am Milo cravings. I understand that Dairy Milk only tastes good in Aus. The tone of my voice still goes up approximately 97 decibels (scientific measure) at the end of every sentence.

Call me a snob, a hypocrite even. After all, I wrote this very article for a publication targeted at Australians living in the UK. When I told my fair-dinkum middle-class mother about my pursuits in London her only words were: “please, be nice.”

But I just can’t shake it. The ease in which I could walk into every second South London pub, exploit my Australian accent and be rewarded with several instant ‘friends’ made me so uncomfortable.

In an ironic display of the ‘cultured Australian’ abroad, I caught up with an old friend over flat whites and sourdough toast at Exmouth Market’s Caravan cafe on time. Newcastle born and bred like me, she had been engaged, steadily employed and was paying off a newly-acquired mortgage. After things went pear-shaped, she ditched it all, cashed in the house and headed to England. The result, she said, was a thrilling mix of everything a 24-year-old in the privileged world should be experiencing – terror, homesickness, wanderlust, excitement, enlightenment. To bluntly paraphrase her words, she dodged a bullet.

But she, like so many other expats including myself, had struggled to escape the clutches of home.

Too often we find ourselves clinging to the familiar, often materialised in yet another night getting wasted in the same bar with the same people. This is nice, sometimes. But how is it possible to grow?

London, for me, is special because of the international smorgasbord of friends and acquaintances you are able to surround yourself with. My closest pal, half British half Turkish, who shared endless stories of adolescence spilt between Asia, the Middle East and the UK. A former Brazilian housemate, lighting up every room with her infectious South American energy. The long-haired Swedish guy who invited us over for regular rooftop gatherings. Jumping the fence for impromptu cocktail tastings courtesy of the Spanish bartender neighbour. A bunch of weird guys from Naples trying to understand exactly what it is I did for a living. The typically proud French friend who wouldn’t let me open my own presents out of fear I would destroy the immaculate wrapping (“This is a French box!).

I want to surround myself with the world. Australia is there. It’s home, it always will be,  but there’s more… so much more.

________________________________________

Follow @LeeRachelTobin on Twitter.

See other posts by Lee Tobin

IMAGE: Courtesy Shutterstock.com

The post Australia is home, but there is so much more to London and the rest of the world appeared first on Australian Times News.

For almost a year, I had managed to avoid setting foot on the estate. Although it covers around 23 hectares, there was relatively little need to wander into the maze of dilapidated tower blocks. However, I eventually found myself needing to use the London Overground more than ever before. That meant one thing – having to brave the estate.

I mentally prepared myself before setting off into the previously unknown territory. I dirtied up my spotless trainers to ensure that they didn’t look appealing enough to steal, I threw on an old hoodie and practiced my impression of Vinnie Jones. I thrust my hands firmly in my pockets, adopted a hunch, and stepped over that imaginary line that had always stopped me from going any further.

It turns out that the dilapidated towers marking the border of the estate were actually the last to be remodeled as part of a large-scale gentrification project. The rest of the estate looked far better maintained than half of the posh neighbourhoods that I regularly found myself in. Far from being intimidating, the people on the estate were exceptionally cheerful as they walked their dogs and ushered their children to school. In short, just like everyone else.

This is my apology to the people of my local estate: I misjudged you. I listened to the hype and the scare campaigns, and I let it get to me. I will not make the same mistake again. I am not suggesting you go to a council estate just to sight-see… but you shouldn’t be afraid when you come across one either.

TOP IMAGE: London tower block. (By Coombesy/Pixabay)

The post What’s really inside London’s dreaded housing estates? appeared first on Australian Times News.

With this record of adequate success and a legitimate expectation of its continuance, I set off for London assuming I would find a well-paid job in criminal law, a spacious share house in east London, and a modest disposable income. But that dream faded as fast as you can say “legal aid cuts” or “Heathrow injection”, both of which are terrifyingly real.

Not only had I arrived in London during a double dip recession, but it appeared that every Brit born in or around the mid 80s wanted to be lawyers too when they grew up, and the determined bastards had done it. As a result there were more out of work young lawyers in London than rats in the Underground, all of us competing for the same handful of jobs. And no, I do not intend to make a witty remark here about lawyers being analogous to rats.

I should have preserved my dignity and jumped ship on the idea of a London legal career when getting an appointment with a legal recruiter turned out to be more biting and dark than my first English winter. I sent my CV to possibly every legal recruiter in the United Kingdom. I made follow up calls to check it had been received. I even created a spreadsheet tracking the date and result of each contact, and when I should call again. This experience showed me not only the extent of my stalking (or ‘organizational’) abilities but that, just like the catchy R&B number by The Temptations, ‘I Ain’t Too Proud to Beg’.

I thought my prayers had been answered when I randomly met a senior lawyer from my dream organisation in an elevator (yes, this happened). After chatting about our mutual desire to protect the vulnerable and uphold justice, he admired my youthful enthusiasm, handed me his business card and offered to act as a sounding board for my career development. I swiftly arranged a ‘networking’ coffee the following week, during which I received my most ‘useful’ career advice to date:

“Put your photo on your CV. I’d look at that.”

Fortunately the London legal industry was spared my headshot after a friend referred me to a recruiter* and I found employment in a paralegal position for which I was overqualified and undervalued. Being paid by the hour on a rate that barely rivals what I earned pulling beers in the local pub as a student dramatically changed my vision of the London experience. I traded living in east London for south so I could afford the rent. I shopped at Poundland more frequently than I care to admit.

I submitted uncountable job applications and listed my ‘skills’ so many times I began to wonder whether I was sick for seeing the word ‘tit’ in ‘initiative’ after staring at it for too long. I used to see writing about my ‘interests’ in job applications as a shrewd opportunity to convey my passion for the field. I mean, who doesn’t love reading up on criminal law and the need for penal reform?

But, after a string of rejections and a deep internal questioning about who I am, I concluded that if potential employers aren’t baited by my interest in criminology, I needed to stand out as an individual – ‘humanise’ myself.  Rather like a victim might do when trapped by a serial killer in a bid to avoid a certain and gory murder.

I decided that in job applications I had to paint myself as an intelligent, lively, cultured being, with hobbies so detailed that I spring to life from the page in a flurry of magic and charisma. According to one application, I was an avid reader of the early works of F. Scott Fitzgerald and a budding cook who characterised myself as an ‘everyday gourmet’. I was also, according to that application, a keen musician. And I shared this with the selection panel by writing:

“After hearing an acoustic rendition of Paulo Nutini’s song ‘Candy’ whilst travelling through Portugal last year, I was also inspired to take up learning the guitar. Fortunately the song only has four chords and amateur guitarists have covered the market on free Youtube lessons, so I achieved a quick victory in learning to play it. I am now very slowly expanding my musical repertoire and greatly enjoying learning new music.”

Oh yes, it happened.

*Anna’s special tip: If you are lucky enough to have contacts in London who are already candidates with recruitment companies, your referral by them is by far the best way to ensure your CV is considered. Have your contact email their recruiter your CV directly. It would be rude for them not to see you really.

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay

The post Overqualified and undervalued: enduring the legal job hunt in London appeared first on Australian Times News.

A typically London problem are those troublesome, unwelcome housemates — of the furry variety. The city is teeming with mice (cue shudder).

Mice on the street or in the underground tunnels can even, with time, be borne. Having to share your flat with them, however, is a whole other beast. Of course it’s a problem that doesn’t faze many native Londoners; a nosy little fluff-ball scampers across their kitchen floor and they hardly bat an eyelid. Unfortunately, I could not build up such a tolerance.

Sightings, however rare, of these city dwellers always reduced me to a trembly, whimpering mess. That’s right, I’m that kind of person who jumps up onto the nearest chair and squeals and points and does nothing to resolve the situation.

The plus side to all this (yes, there is one) is that although some properties have mice, very few have bugs. The occasional blowfly in summer or moth in winter is all you usually have to endure which definitely makes a refreshing change to the live zoo of insects and creepy-crawlies we’re used to Down Under.

Living in my part of Sydney it was not uncommon to wake up and find a fist-size hairy huntsman had taken up post on my kitchen ceiling. I get the idea that mice are just as harmless (at the end of the day they’re not poisonous, dangerous or deadly in the way many native Australian creatures are), but they just give me the creeps. It probably has something to do with the fact that you can’t exactly squash them or reach for your trusty can of bug spray — it’s unfamiliar territory.

Rodents are non-negotiable

There are all sorts of techniques around to cleanse your house of rodents, my favourite solution has always been to move. Mice are definitely something to be wary of when looking for a rental property and were high on my list of non-negotiables.

When house hunting always kept an eye out for mice traps and avoided gardens at all costs.

“We’re dealing with the mouse problem” is not good enough, if you can’t stand anything hairy that moves, make sure they don’t have any before signing on the dotted line.

The post London is teeming with mice, you have been warned appeared first on Australian Times News.

Poland’s citizenship laws are among the most flexible and liberal around. With over 40 million-strong Polish diaspora worldwide, no wonder more than 10,000 people go through the process of Polish citizenship confirmation every year. And since 2004, Polish citizenship equals access to the EU, making getting hold of a Polish passport even more attractive.

Also see: Seven benefits of EU citizenship you probably haven’t considered

But what are some of the pitfalls people encounter? In this article, I will look at seven common mistakes and what you can do to avoid them if you want that elusive second passport sooner rather than later.

1) Accepting that job in Europe too soon

The once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity comes well … once in a life time. Who wouldn’t want to take up that dream job in Berlin, Brussels or Barcelona? It pays well, it puts you amongst the beautiful people and your LinkedIn profile has never looked this good. Sure, you said to the head-hunter, I have European citizenship. Yep. My grandpa’s Polish. Nah. No need for visas. The small detail of not having the citizenship confirmed? It won’t take long. A month or two, max.

TIP: Allow plenty of time to prepare your application. The more thorough and complete it is, the quicker it gets processed. Ensure the forms are filled in correctly in Polish. Attach relevant documentation including original evidence linking you to your ancestors, duly certified birth and marriage records, sworn translations, filing fees and a detailed family history. By law, the Polish government should process your application within 30 days but in reality, most cases take up to 12 months or even longer. Delays are due to incomplete or poorly presented applications, lack of ancestral documentation and procedural red tape. It is also true that many Voivodeship Offices in charge of Polish citizenship applications are understaffed and overworked. So yes, allow 12 months. Or more.

2) Asking your babcia for help

Polish grandmas are kind, generous and resilient. But asking them to help you with your Polish citizenship paperwork is rarely a good idea. Unless she’s one of those indestructible ladies with a crystal mind and superhuman determination, not only will she struggle with the long, unwieldy forms, she may get anxious about the process and its outcome. Babcias are good for information, though. In fact, visit her as much as you can, as often as you can and record everything she remembers about her past, family connections and any other detail she can share with you. First-hand information is great in filling in family history blanks and you will thank her for it. Once she’s gone, it too will go.

TIP: Ask your grandma or other family members to help you draw up a family tree and give you copies of any old documents, letters and photos. Every family has a box of long forgotten papers – often a treasure trove of priceless information. You know that weird uncle you haven’t spoken to since 1986? Worth giving him a call.

3) Going through the Polish consulate

Unless you have all the paperwork in order, speak the language and can put up with Polish bureaucracy, don’t even try. Sadly, despite many improvements in Poland, customer service at Polish consulates abroad hasn’t really changed much at all. Don’t take our word for it, just check out their ratings on line. Better still, try giving them a call. Also, bear in mind that the consulate will not process your application for confirmation of citizenship. Yes, they will collect it and might provide you with rudimentary and often unreliable advice but since they only act as an agency, your application will be sent for processing to the very same Voivodeship Office in Warsaw along with everybody else’s application. Since 2013, you are also required to nominate a representative in Poland to liaise on your behalf with the Polish government.

TIP: The consular option will work really well for people who speak Polish, have excellent documents and can see past the not-so-great customer service. If you are prepared to do the leg work, including gathering and certifying of documentation, filling in forms and sourcing a sworn translator, the consulate is the best route for you. Just be aware that the costs of a do-it-yourself endeavour will eventually add up and you’re likely to pay as much as you would going through a professional citizenship company.

4) Going for the cheapest option

We’re not into bashing our competition – there is plenty of work around for everybody. But when it’s too good to be true, it’s too good to be true. Working with citizenship companies in Poland might seem cheaper initially and they promise you the world. The next thing you know, as soon as your payment has been collected, your emails don’t get replied to and your phone calls go unanswered – that’s if you can find their phone number. How do we know this? We are often asked to salvage other companies’ cases by people who come to us in frustration. When Polaron began working in this space in 2003, there was only one other company in the world providing Polish citizenship services. Mr Ilan Charsky was a lawyer in Israel who predicted ahead of everybody else that Polish citizenship was going to be big. Unfortunately, he died in 2006, leaving a trail of unhappy customers. Since then, quite a few other Polish citizenship companies cropped up and there are some one-man operators and lawyers in Poland who provide citizenship services on the side. It’s up to you who you go with but just like with everything else, you get what you pay for.

TIP: Shop around. Ask for references, check their on-line ratings, give them a call. Clarify what’s included in the pricing. Check who will be handling your documents and information and how they will be handled. Is the outcome of your application guaranteed? Are there any out-of-pocket expenses? How long will it take? What does the process involve? Read the contract and the fine print: one of our US competitors’ privacy policy clearly states that they reserve the right to share and sell your information. Yes, that’s right. Share and sell. Scary stuff if you think about what they know about you and your family.

5) Not understanding the Polish law

That’s a big one. The citizenship law in Poland is really one of the most flexible pieces of legislation in the world. It’s simple: if you have one Polish parent, grandparent or great-grandparent, you qualify for Polish citizenship through descent.  However, there are several laws, including military service and non-dual citizenship conventions, that intersect with the Polish citizenship law, and this is where the complexity comes in. Bearing in mind that the application for citizenship confirmation is an administrative process, knowing how the law operates is still necessary so that your time and money isn’t wasted.

TIP: Familiarise yourself with the legislation. Nowadays, there are many forums and translated resources that provide you with background information on the legislation. If you are working through a professional company, they should be able to provide you with this information easily.

6) Thinking it’s going to be easy, getting annoyed and chucking it all in

When they say “everything worth doing is worth doing well”, there’s no mention of how difficult that might actually become. Each citizenship case is different, each case officer is different and each application is unique.  Once submitted, an application is part of an administrative process and can go through unchallenged. It can also encounter a number of curveballs and unexpected bumps in the road along the way. You might be asked to provide more evidence about a specific ancestor, your case might be suspended so that additional research can be undertaken or you might even be issued with a rejection for procedural reasons. Perseverance and patience are key to the positive outcome of your application. Getting frustrated with the Polish government will get you nowhere, as will not complying with their requests and not searching high and low for additional information if requested.

TIP: Don’t be phased when you encounter delays or hold ups. Stay strong and focused on the outcome. The best cure is prevention, of course, so put effort into preparing your case as well as possible to minimise the chances of hiccups along the way.

7) Being federal parliamentarian in Australia

We’ve all heard of several federal parliamentarians who recently had to resign due to their dual citizenship status. As far as we are concerned, most people in Australia whose families arrived here as immigrants hold or are eligible for dual citizenship. So, who knows? More scandals may lie ahead…

TIP: Check your citizenship status before going for that top position.

Did you find yourself nodding in recognition of your own journey towards EU citizenship? Mistakes happen, especially when it comes to paperwork. That’s life. Now that you’re aware of the little things that have been holding you back, you’re a huge step ahead of where you were moments ago.

Eva Hussain is the founder of Australia based citizenship services company Polaron.

Also see: Brexit has tripled interest in Polish ancestry, says Polaron founder

Subscribe to Polaron’s free newsletter or check if you qualify for Polish citizenship and get on that EU citizenship train!

The post Seven mistakes people commonly make when reclaiming their Polish citizenship appeared first on Australian Times News.

These details will be the job for a separate white paper and an immigration bill, which the government says “will bring EU migration under UK law, enabling the UK to set out its future immigration system in domestic legislation”. This will probably come later in 2018, following recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee, due in September.

Also see: Moving to the UK? Five things Australian expats should know

Much of the white paper section on immigration proposes that the rights of citizens from the European Economic Area (EEA) who come to the UK once free movement stops at the end of the Brexit transition period in December 2020 will be similar to those currently held by non-EEA citizens. While the white paper doesn’t give away much on the UK’s future immigration system, it contains a novel proposal to establish a “UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme”.

Youth mobility

The current UK immigration system is points-based and divided into tiers for different types of visa. Tier 5 is for temporary migration – and the white paper proposes to extend it after Brexit.

The UK currently has a reciprocal Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) under Tier 5 with eight countries on a quota basis, with the majority of visas being allocated to Australians. The YMS visa allows young migrants, aged between 18 and 30, to work in the UK without a job offer, with no certification or employer sponsor requirements for up two years. There were 41,652 youth mobility visas granted in the year to September 2017, down 1% on the previous year. It’s a very liberal but nonetheless strictly temporary visa with no settlement or family reunification rights. Because there are no employer sponsorship requirements, very little is known about the labour market activity of these migrants.

Also see: Top 5 most popular jobs for Australian expats in the UK

Research I’ve been working on has found that young Australians on the YMS are the ideal migrant for both the state and employers alike as they take on precarious but skilled jobs in the UK labour market, without the electoral costs of permanent migration. The public is more concerned about permanent than temporary immigration, and according to research from the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory less than a third of the public reports thinking about temporary immigrants when normally thinking about immigration.

The government is now proposing an EU-UK youth mobility scheme that would facilitate young, strictly temporary migration between the UK and the EU in the same way. Presumably it would also be based on quotas. How these visas would be allocated between member states will be a crucial detail, given that in clause 78 of the white paper, the UK says it will not discriminate between existing member states.

This is perhaps the only proposal so far that addresses the elephant in the room: how the government can continue to attract EU workers to come to the UK after Brexit. But whether the proposal will provide any remedy to the looming labour market crisis following the end of free movement really depends on how big the scheme is. In any case, with no settlement or family reunification rights, a new YMS system for EU citizens is certainly not a replacement for free movement.

Seasonal workers and students

Previously, the UK had a successful Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme which allowed young people to work in UK agriculture or horticulture for a temporary seasonal period. Curiously absent from the white paper was any proposal to re-establish such a scheme – a move which seemed likely in light recent comments by Michael Gove, the environment secretary, earlier this year, that the argument for one was “compelling”.

Meanwhile, the mantra introduced by the New Labour administrations of attracting the “brightest and best students” remains. Data from the UK Council for International Student affairs suggest that 6% of students in UK universities are from the EU. Presumably EU students will now face the same triple tuition fees at UK universities as other non-EEA students pay in the UK. Whether the UK will continue to attract these students despite this remains an unknown. Judging by the white paper, the government doesn’t appear to be concerned that the higher fees will deter these prospective students – though it has promised to keep fees the same for EU students for the 2019-20 academic year. A key proposal is for the UK to remain in the Erasmus student exchange programme – surely something the EU won’t accept given that Erasmus is by definition an EU student exchange programme.

Overall, it seems unlikely that the EU will accept the white paper, and judging by the factionalism within the Conservative party, it might well be dead by the end of the summer anyway.

Ending free movement has been the driving force for a hard Brexit. While May could yet water down elements of the agreement to give more preference to EU citizens, free movement is definitively a red line for the UK government and the EU alike, a fact that the prime minister knows. The government may want to have their cake and eat it too, but the EU bakery isn’t selling the cake they want, and won’t be anytime soon.

___________________________________________

By Erica Consterdine, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Immigration Politics and Policy, University of Sussex

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

TOP IMAGE: Would you like a Tier 5 visa with that? (Via Shutterstock.com / The Conversation)

The post Youth mobility scheme after Brexit won’t fill gaps left by end to free movement appeared first on Australian Times News.

The UK Government introduced legislation in 2002 and again in 2009 attempting to address gender discrimination in British Nationality legislation affected those born before 1/1/83. However, elements of gender discrimination still existed.

Also see: How changes to UK law may provide more dual citizenship drama in Australia

Those who were born to British mothers who were not born in the UK could not take advantage of the various double descent provisions of the earlier law that were available to men.

This was because their mother would not have been able to take the necessary steps in the past to make a claim in the second generation.

Changes to British passport law

A recent Supreme Court Judgement in the UK has made it clear that it is unlawful for the UK. Government to impose a requirement from the past on new applicants for citizenship where it was not lawfully possible for that requirement to be met at the time.

In short, this means that if you were born outside of the UK between 31/5/62 and 1/1/83, your mother was British not through being born in the UK (perhaps because her father was born in the UK) you may have a claim to British citizenship now.

Also see: How the Australian Constitution, and its custodians, ended up so wrong on dual citizenship

As ever, nothing is as simple as is seems. There may be those who meet the criteria who will not qualify for British citizenship.

Why would I not qualify for a British passport?

This could be perhaps because, amongst other things, they cannot provide proof of the grandparents’ marriage. Equally, the full extent or limitations of the case law from this judgement will not be known in full until the range of potential qualifiers are examined by the Home Office in the UK.

Despite the recent Supreme Court Judgement, gender discrimination is still present in the UK’s nationality laws and the Home Secretary is under pressure in the UK to make further changes. Other possible routes to citizenship by double descent at the present time include the following.

Applicants born after 1 January 1983 and presently under 18 years of age:

There are special provisions in British nationality law for children under 18 that may make it possible to claim British nationality. Factors which benefit such applications include:

A) UK residence of the British Parent; or

B) Whether the citizenship of the child’s country of birth has been conferred at the point of birth.

It can be important to take action before a child turns 18. After the 18th birthday, several rights to British nationality fall away and are usually lost forever.

Applicants born after 1 January 1983 and presently over the age of 18 years:

If you were born outside of the UK after 1 January 1983 and have a UK-born grandparent may have a claim to British nationality if:

A) You have a UK-born grandfather who was in UK Government Service at the time of the descendant parent’s birth; or…

B) You have a parent who;

1. Had a non UK-born mother; and
2. Did not have a UK-born father and the mother was registered as a British citizen between 2 February 1979 and 31 December 1982

C) You or a parent were born in a former British colony, subject to further criteria being met.

Applicants born before 1 January 1983:

Those born outside of the UK between 1 January 1949 and 31 December 1982 and who have a UK-born grandparent may be able to claim British nationality in certain circumstances.

This is a complex area of British nationality and every case must be assessed on an individual basis. The following are the most common;

• You (or a parent) were born in a former British territory. This excludes the main Commonwealth countries of 1949 (Australia, Canada and New Zealand) but includes India, South Africa and (Southern) Rhodesia at various times.
• You or a parent was registered as a citizen of the UK and colonies or a federal citizen of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
• A parent was in Crown service at the time of your birth.
• Your parents married before 1949 and your paternal grandfather was born in the UK.

The examples above represent brief selection of options available and are by no means complete. This route to getting a British passport can prove tricky, which is where Sable International can help:

If you feel that you fall into any of the categories listed above, are affected by the recent Supreme Court Judgement or simply wish to know whether you have any prospect of acquiring British Nationality, contact Sable International:

www.sableinternational.com

The post How your parents and grandparents can help you get a British passport appeared first on Australian Times News.

My upbringing was modest, sure. But, like many Aussies, I enjoyed a fairly carefree lifestyle back home. Despite studying full-time, I independently spent and saved enough cash to sustain a life of relative luxury and a latter adventure overseas. I always maintained that hard work would, in the end, pay off – because that is what my country allowed me to believe.

That was until I landed in the city in which, perhaps more figuratively than literally, it always rains. A place in which 75 quid would barely afford you a week’s board in a shoebox. Working for as low as £6.50 an hour in this type of climate did, very quickly, lend itself to a life lesson or two.

Do you really need all those ‘things’?

I used to love ‘things’. For example, truckloads of cosmetics and other useless and largely unused beauty products spilled from my every bathroom draw and bedroom cupboard. Hell…if you can afford it, right?

This kind of thinking – this excessive and mindless consumption – needs to stop. Just stop!

Don’t get me wrong, material longings are hard to dispel entirely and I am a lady who certainly likes her ‘things’. Certainly, it is okay to splurge sometimes, but there is a better high.

Yes, people, I am talking about travel

Sipping a cafe creme in quaint Parisian coffee shops. Marvelling at the grand gothic architecture of Budapest and Bratislava. Learning Sicilian slang with the locals in Catania. Soaking up the rays on the beaches of Nice, Crete and Barcelona. Seeing, doing, tasting, smelling, being everything.

I am yet to meet one person who regrets seeing the world. Not one.

Europe, in particular, is a backpacker’s dream. There is never a shortage of cheap accommodation and travel options. Even on London wages, it is possible. Save your pennies and pounds. Make sacrifices. Get out there. This is what matters.

It also feels really awesome to de-clutter your life. Learn to live from your backpack.

Your career isn’t everything

I’ve always been an overachiever/borderline nerd. While many university students spend their spare time partying, I was often found pitching stories to editors or perfecting my latest journalism assignment. As a result, I scored a rare media job well before graduation.

I probably could have skyrocketed up the career ladder in Australia. Still so early in my twenties, though, the togetherness of my life terrified me. What next? Marriage, four kids?

Instead I slept in a living room-cum-bedroom with my 21-year-old sister in a tiny East London share flat where we once found a decomposed rat under the fridge. While my job in media relations was rewarding, I was underemployed and paid so little I couldn’t select the £2.50 organic spinach over the supermarket own-brand without intense feelings of guilt and trepidation.

The riches of travel

For some time, I wasted away my university degree mindlessly in retail and hospitality gigs, shedding the occasional tear about it too (she had such promise!). Would I go back in time? Trade my often hobo-like overseas experience for a fatter pay envelope in the city I was born? No way in hell. It’s a cliché, but you really are only young once. A nice full bank account will (hopefully) come one day.

That day doesn’t have to be now. Today, happily eat a packed lunch on the train from Rome to Naples or a bus through Scandinavia in a tatty charity shop outfit. Lobster and evening dresses are for later.

Get rich – in experience, not pounds.

Follow @LeeRachelTobin on Twitter.

The post Stuff really isn’t that important, travel experiences are appeared first on Australian Times News.

European passports are highly attractive, especially amongst young professionals, investors, early retirees and high net individuals. In fact, some European countries such as Malta or Cyprus offer special citizenship programs for business migrants, who pay up to 2M Euro for the privilege.

Also see: Brexit has tripled interest in Polish ancestry, says Polaron founder

European passports are amongst the most powerful passports in the world. German passport holders can travel to 157 countries without a visa, with other EU countries, including Poland, not far behind.

Since 2004, when several new countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic, gained membership of the EU, citizenship through descent has opened new doors to many people of Polish heritage. Those whose ancestors left due to political, personal or economic reasons decades before, can now reclaim their citizenship and reconnect with their ancestral lands. Whilst the process itself can sometimes be bureaucratic and frustrating, the benefits of having an EU passport far outweighs the inconvenience of having to deal with governmental authorities.

Also see: EU Citizenship FAQs

Being able to hold a second passport is more desirable and attractive to people with of Polish descent than ever before as it opens doors to educational and employment mobility, financial opportunities and civic rights in the EU. But let’s look at some of the less commonly known benefits of having an EU citizenship.

1. Privacy

According to some estimates, the annual value of European citizens’ personal data could reach €1 trillion by 2020. The EU has been concerned about how our data is collected and managed for some time and has recently introduced General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It represents one of the most robust data privacy laws in the world, protecting citizens’ fundamental rights to privacy. GDPR covers data collection, storage and usage, including the right to data portability, which allows individuals to move their personal data from one service provider to another. EU regulations offer a layer of privacy regarding taxation that is not available in many parts of the world. Privacy laws in Poland are even stricter than elsewhere in Europe and many people value this level of personal protection above anything else.

2. Safety

Health and safety laws are very strict throughout Europe. The EU has one of the world’s toughest product and food safety regulations. National authorities send information about dangerous products found on the market to the rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products. The EU is also committed to the detection of unsafe products before they are sold to consumers. In the EU, employers need to ensure free health and safety for workers in every aspect of their work.

3. Identity

With an EU passport, you can call yourself European. Not that there is anything wrong with being Australian, Canadian or American of course but European heritage gives you prestige and cultural benefits. Sentimental value that comes from reconnecting with your European roots cannot be quantified yet is one of the most beneficial aspects of reclaiming EU citizenship by descent.

4. Fast tracking through customs

If you’ve ever had to stand in a long queue with non-EU citizens before getting out of the airport, you will appreciate having an EU passport even more.

5. Plan B

In today’s dynamic and somewhat unstable political environment, an EU passport allows unlimited travel, safe passage and consular assistance for you and your family in situations beyond your control.

6. A gift for your children and grandchildren

Polish citizenship can be passed onto your children and grandchildren, opening a world of opportunities to them.

7. Career opportunities

European employers look for mobile, culturally aware, bilingual professionals with experience in international settings. They prefer to work with dual citizens as they do not need visas. Business owners with dual citizenship benefit from the single economic EU zone without facing the restrictions applied by non-EU citizens.

_________________________________

By Eva Hussain, CEO Polaron European Citizenship

Find out more about Polaron and their translation, interpreting and citizenship services for people of European heritage at Polaron.com.au

The post Seven benefits of EU citizenship you probably haven’t considered appeared first on Australian Times News.

Whichever your reason might be and even though most popular destinations among expats include the UK, the USA and, of course, Australia there are some cities that definitely attract a larger share of expats eager to live and work abroad.

Nestpick, a search aggregator for apartment rentals all over the world, has analysed different factors in some of the most attractive cities for expats in order to assess the costs of renting a flat there and furnishing it.

So what’s the salary vs rent situation in some of the worlds most popular expat cities?

*Values given in US dollars for ease of comparison

London, UK

London has increased its immigrant population dramatically in the last years. Some studies show that one in three people who (in 2016) live in the British capital were born abroad and as a consequence, immigrants are set to become half the city’s population within the next 15 years.

The rents in London are very high of course, in part due to this fact. According to the Nestpick’s study, the minimum salary required to be able to afford rent and live in the city of Big Ben is $5,478.

It might sound like a lot, but if you consider the facts that a standard furnished apartment is estimated to cost circa $1,589 and that a one-way Tube ticket currently stands at around, that minimum salary amount would probably diminish quicker than anywhere else.

London currently stands in the 6th place of the top 100 cities to live in worldwide.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin can be a very good option for someone willing to experience the whole English speaking experience in Europe first-hand when moving abroad, without having to go to the British capital. Dublin can be just as good, if not even better.

The estimated rent for a furnished apartment now stands at $1,202, significantly lower than London’s and the minimum salary required to live in the capital of the third biggest European island is $4,145.

Dublin is ranked as the 21st city on the list of the top 100 cities to live in.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Still, in Europe, another outstanding option to move to is without a hint of a doubt, the Dutch capital. There is something about the vibes in this city that has been attracting new residents for centuries.

Your estimated income should stand at around $4,326, if you were considering Amsterdam as your new home since the predicted furnished apartment value is currently around $1,254.

Amsterdam is city number 18 in the top 100 cities worldwide list.

Melbourne, Australia

For the non-Aussies among us, head Down Under! A big bunch of expats have at some point considered moving further away and Melbourne is usually one of their first options. The city is located in the most southern point of the Aussie continent and is seen as the Australian capital of culture and sports.

The estimated rent value in Melbourne is now around $1,024 and the minimum salary required to live in the southern city wanders around $3,532 per month.

Melbourne stands in the 30th rank of the top 100 cities to live in worldwide.

New York, USA

Last but not least, if the American dream is what you are aiming for when moving abroad, New York might be it. The American urban jungle is one of the most visited cities on planet Earth and its minimum required salary grazes $7,000.

The estimated monthly rent stands at around $1,987. Not too bad for the 2nd city in the ranking of the top 100 cities to live in worldwide. Good ole New York!

The post Moving abroad: Salary versus rent in five of the most popular cities for expats appeared first on Australian Times News.

The implication of the visa cap being reached in a month is that many UK businesses that apply for Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship to employ non-EU workers are not able to do so. They subsequently have to wait for the next monthly round of allocations of the Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). Furthermore, it is not only a waiting game, but they have to lodge a new CoS application for consideration.

This has huge implications for many sectors in the UK economy, including a growing shortage of staff at the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. (Note, however, that certain medical professions are on the Shortage Occupation List, and were, according to the Home Office, never refused.)

Medical Doctors and Nurses no longer included in UK Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa cap

Fortunately, on 15 June 2018, the UK Government announced plans to exclude doctors and nurses from the cap on the Tier 2 skilled worker visa.

There will henceforth not be restrictions on the number of doctors and nurses that can be employed via the Tier 2 skilled worker visa. It will thus be possible to recruit more international doctors and nurses. This is, of course, excellent news for the NHS, which according to the Home Office, accounts for 40% of the Tier 2 allocations.

Good news for other Sectors in the British Economy

The fact that doctors and nurses will be excluded from the Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa cap, also bears good news for other sectors of the economy.

This should free up hundreds of places every month for other skilled workers applying for the restricted Certificates of Sponsorship, including; engineers, IT professionals, teachers and others.

How the UK Tier 2 Skilled Worker Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship are allocated

The UK’s annual quota for Tier 2 Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship is 20,700. The unrestricted Certificates of Sponsorship do not have an annual cap.

Every month some Tier 2 restricted certificates of sponsorship are allocated. If the demand for CoS is more than the Home Office have available then applications that score, the least number of points will be rejected and have to reapply for the consideration the following month.

Where there are not sufficient numbers of CoS available to meet demand, the Home Office uses a point-scoring system to determine which CoS to issue. This system prioritises applications that are on the Shortage Occupation List, PhD level positions, and graduate roles recruited through milk round. After that, applications for positions with higher salaries attached to them will score more points than those with lower salaries attached.

For more information on UK Tier 2 Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship, or to get your application started, please feel free to contact us at info@bic-immigration.com or visit our website at www.bic-immigration.com

The post UK Tier 2 cap on Skilled Worker Visas to be lifted for doctors and nurses appeared first on Australian Times News.

Living the expat high-life, the entire thought of settling down in one place for the rest of my life frightened me beyond reason. Was it just me?

Of course, I am happy to leave adolescence behind, and I like to think I am a sensible and responsible young woman. But I also believe being grown up is different to what it was 100 years ago, 50 years ago and even 20 years ago. Perhaps the norm doesn’t have to be to grow up, get married, buy a house and have kids?

TV sitcoms and numerous films feature comic stereotypes of adults acting like juveniles and still relying on their parents for financial and emotional support. In real life there are an increasing number of men and women in their late 20s, or even early 30s, still living at home with parents. There has been a cultural shift, but it doesn’t mean there is a loss of aspiration for independence or reluctance to ‘grow up’.

How to grow up

According to wikiHow’s ‘Grow Up‘, the steps to follow to grow up include becoming financially independent, becoming emotionally independent, stop being selfish, stop being a doormat (unless you are selfish), realise life is not fair, take responsibility for yourself, and plan your future. While I don’t treat wiki-anything as gospel, it is interesting to note there is nothing there about buying a house and having kids.

For many people, buying a house is considered one of life’s greatest achievements and the most appealing aspect is the idea of putting down roots and taking ownership of a property you can live in as you please. What if you don’t want to ‘put down roots’? What if you would rather the greater flexibility and freedom renting offers? For me, buying a house would is more about the benefits of property investment or long term financial stability.

Adulthood development

According to numerous studies, cognitive development, judgment, emotional maturity and hormonal activity continues into your early 20s. Child psychologists are increasing the age range of the children they work with from 0-18 to 0-24. In the US, even the Obama administration implemented a rule in 2010 allowing “children” up to 26 to remain on their parents’ health insurance.

Traditional milestones such as finishing education, graduating from college/uni, establishing careers, living on your own, getting married and having children, are taking longer to reach. Not because they are unachievable, but probably because the culture and values have changed. Rather than being a prerequisite to becoming an adult, marriage and rearing children are now life-style choices.

Growing up is a choice, not a rule

Our generation seems to enjoy busy lives and rushing from one thing to the next, but when it comes to life-changing choices we are nervous about what we might miss out on as a consequence.  So, instead, some of us #neverendinghoneymooners on a #grownupgapyear spend our disposable incomes on travel, leisure activities and life changing experiences. We are financially and emotionally independent, we realise life is not fair, we take responsibility for ourselves and we plan our foreseeable future. We know growing old is mandatory, but ‘growing up’ is a choice.

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay

Read more of Jacquie’s experiences as an Aussie expat:

Is it time to break up with travel? It’s hard to do

Do I belong in the UK more than I belong in Australia?

Don’t make friends with travellers – they’ll only love you and leave you

10 strange ways your life will change when you move to London

Living overseas: Why your best friends now are your fellow expats

Also visit her website www.neverendinghoneymoon.net

The post Growing up is a choice: you don’t have to get married, buy a house and have kids appeared first on Australian Times News.

After living in this great city for three years I started to find new ways to experience London and see beyond the main streets, looking more into the nooks and crannies of what the great city actually has to offer.

There are many ways of discovering London’s hidden gems. You could use an app pretending to be Sherlock Holmes – discovering new areas of London while solving a case can be hours of fun. Or you can try the pub crawls following the Circle Line, experiencing just how small the city centre actually is. Personally, I found great enjoyment in the one game I have enjoyed playing time and time again – Monopoly.

First a little trivia: I, like most other Aussies, thought the original Monopoly board was based on London. Guess what – it’s not! The game was originally marketed by the Parker Brothers in the US, the board based on Atlantic City, New Jersey. But for us Aussies it’s the London version we all know and love. Admit it, we’ve all indulged in a little Monopoly name-checking while here, haven’t we?

Reality’s Monopoly board

So, I set about researching all the places on the familiar Monopoly board and referenced them on the London map.

Starting well in South London I slowly began to find my way back into the beating heart of the city centre. I decided I had to make something my key in order to know that I had indeed made it to that part of the board. You can choose many keys but I decided on street signs. As we know, of course street signs in London are scarce or at least hard to find, but that does mean you might see a side of the city you have never seen as you nosey around looking for them. It also means that it will take longer, especially if you choose to walk a lot of it, so it does end up becoming a day out.

At the first stop, Old Kent Road, you may have to walk half of the long road before you see a street sign. The shops there though are nothing like you see in the city centre or the rest of London for that matter. It is rich with its own diverse culture and the shops along the street prove it with the variety of outlets and corner stores.

As you progress towards the final stop of Mayfair you do indeed circle the city centre, taking in the full spectrum of London, from the corporate sector to the unique old East End buildings of Jack the Ripper days and even the famous curry street of Brick Lane.

The Angel ain’t what she used to be

The thing I found most fascinating was how different some areas’ socio-economic positions — and so their positions on the board – are today compared to when the London board was comprised in the 1930s.

Angel — named after what was The Angel Inn, now the old bank building on the Pentonville Road intersection – is a prime example. It was included on the board as the third cheapest property. Nowadays, Angel is arguably one of the ‘hip’ parts of London and certainly one of its most vibrant; well known for the diverse music scene, restaurants and bars for a great start to a night out. To live there you could be jostling with young bankers and tech gurus to rent a 1 bedroom flat, worth over half a million pounds, at well over £400 a week. Chapel Market though, just across the lights from the Tube station, is a terrific little reminder of the area’s cockney working class roots.

The biggest surprise is Pall Mall, derived from a ball game that was played there during the 17th century. In its early history Pall Mall was mainly for the purpose of the King and most of the land was known as St James’s Field. However, by the 18^th century, land was released by the crown and developed on, creating the main road and St James’s Park which we see today. In recent history the street has become the centre for various Gentlemen’s clubs.

The southern side of Pall Mall is still owned by the Crown Estate, as it has been for several hundred years. St James’s Palace is on the south side of the street on the Western end. Marlborough House (where King George V was born) is next to it, on the east. Considering all the royalty and long established poshness, it makes you question how this was only placed at number seven on the board.

The stations

King’s Cross Station, with Platform 9¾, is of course a must for Harry Potter fans. Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes freaks can get a few kicks as well.

The station has underwent a dramatic £500million renovation a few years back and the area around it is showing signs of rejuvenation as a result. Before that, London’s King’s Cross area shared a seedy reputation on a par with its Sydney namesake and was worthy of its lowly rank on the Monopoly board.

The other stations – Marylebone, Fenchurch Street and Liverpool Street — certainly have their Victorian charm but now it’s King’s Cross’s, and the adjoining St Pancras Station’s, time to shine.

All the way to Mayfair

There are several options you can take to complete the board. You could continue to go in a circle to the final destination in the heart of the city or do it in the order of the board. I chose to be true to the board which does make the path more disjointed as you will have to backtrack on where you have been but to me that is what makes it more exciting. All the alleyways you used to be afraid of walking down, you do pass through them. Not only will you find that doing so cuts out half the time in moving between places, you will also discover that they are not all that scary, at least during the day.

There are many other ways to try and experience London but if you do decide to do the Monopoly board, whether using pubs, street signs or creating your own key markers as a point of reference, just remember one thing – take your Monopoly piece with you and stay out of jail (down behind Kings Cross, by the way) and keep an eye out for the little man in the top hat.

The post Looking for a different, fun way to see London? Give Monopoly a go appeared first on Australian Times News.

ATS are now officially launching our unique Tax Planning Software Modelling for our clients to get a complete and understandable picture of their tax implications when living in Australia. This incredible software allows us to review your entire financial position and provide various scenarios for you to consider in order to legally manage your Australian tax affairs.

Here are ATS’s top tips for repatriating back to Australia

1) Start planning early

Just like your retirement plan, your repatriation plan is an important financial milestone so we recommend that you plan for leaving, soon after you arrive.

2) Take advantage of your principal place of residence capital gains tax exemption, but make sure you understand the recent changes

Did you know that you can rent out your former principal place of residence for up to 6 years capital gains tax free? These rules have recently changed so its important to speak with an ATS advisor.

Also see: Changes to Australia’s Capital Gains Tax: Impacts on foreign and Australian residents

3) Consider a future family home

Is your former family home perfect for your return back to Australia or should this be “upgraded” to something bigger for your growing family? There are great tax and financial benefits to this strategy such as generating tax losses, exposure to the market now and setting yourself up for when you return.

4) Make sure all of your money is working hard for you

Treat your finances like a business and ensure that they are working hard such as acquiring more Australian property, shares in the share market or other investments.

Also see: Australian land tax and stamp duty changes expats need to know about

5) Set realistic goals for savings targets 

Sit down with your respective partner and set family goals of cash which you want to save every month, then track it. Holidays are wonderful but make sure you balance your spending.

6) If you can’t beat the banks, buy the banks!

The big 4 banks have over the years paid dividends to their shareholders with returns at 5-6% per year. Australian shares can also be capital gains tax free when you are out of Australia and the dividends concessionally taxed. 

7) On return

Minimise private debt! Once this is paid down, you can then make new drawings to reset the tax-deductible nature of them.

8) Return in better shape than you left

Setup a repatriation model and continue to review and update the model with professional advisors ATS.

Gain a full understanding of your Australian tax obligations and opportunities and book a no cost, no obligation consultation by phoning +44 207 538 3914, emailing ats@smats.net or visiting Smats.net/Tax

The post Top financial tips for expats repatriating back to Australia appeared first on Australian Times News.

1. Start forging new relationships.
2. Get a mobile phone.
3. Decide on your primary means of transport: bus, bike, car, etc.
4. Find a place to live and sign rental agreements, if you haven’t already.
5. Compare and sign up for health, vehicle and home insurance.
6. Open a bank account
7. Explore. Explore. Explore.

Your ability to build a reliable personal network abroad will make or break your experience overseas, so we recommend investing in new relationships from day one.

You can join some of the local clubs that you find, as well as connecting with fellow expats.

If you don’t have a job already lined up, getting one will give you an instant community. Tapping into any alumni communities abroad can be useful for further developing your professional network abroad.

Also see: 10 things you should absolutely do BEFORE you move abroad

Using online services like MeetUp.com to find events in your new locale with like-minded people is another great way to meet people in a foreign country.

If you have children, look for parenting groups in your area to gain further recommendations for settling in.

In addition to making friends abroad, determine what you need to do to access local health insurance and car insurance, as requirements will vary from one country to another.

Just keep in mind that you can’t predict most of how your time overseas will unfold. Be willing to adjust and remain adaptable to reap the greatest rewards.

How Can You Find a Job Abroad?

To find a job abroad:

• Use your networks, including your work contacts, your social media networks and affiliation groups, alumni groups, and your friends and family. You never know who might have the right connection to help you find work overseas.
• Apply to jobs abroad online, as there are many international job boards that you can find with a simple search. You can also attend job fairs once you move abroad to meet local employers.
• Employ the help of hiring agencies and recruiters who can check your resume and match your skill set with the appropriate temporary or permanent jobs.
• Consider volunteering or interning as a means to meet employers, make a solid impression, and potentially get hired to fill a full-time, paid position.
• Work as a freelancer in order to start making money while also making valuable connections in your new locale. There are a variety of global freelancing platforms that connect talent with jobs based all over the world.

How Can You Save Money When You Move Abroad?

1. Use OFX instead of your bank to get better exchange rates on all your international bank-to-bank transfers saving up to 75% on exchange rate margins.*
2. Assess any employment contracts in light of costs of living and additional expenses incurred when moving overseas.
3. Read expat forums to get insider tips for how to save in your particular locale.
4. Use group buying sites like Groupon and LivingSocial to get introductory offers to key attractions and nearby restaurants.
5. Investigate study abroad scholarships, if you plan to study overseas.
6. Consider hiring a tax professional who can help ensure you take advantage of all double-taxation treaties.
7. Review how your move will affect any retirement contributions both back home and abroad.

Once you arrive overseas, you’ll likely want to get a new bank account, but we also  recommended that you keep your old bank account open. It may help you maintain credit-worthiness for when you return home.

Once you have a local account ready, you can then use OFX to transfer your funds swiftly and securely from your old account to your new one at a great exchange rate. You can even use OFX to transfer your pension if you are retiring abroad. And you can use OFX to transfer money for everything from paying your rent or mortgage, to paying everyday bills until you have found steady employment abroad.

Start Your New Life Abroad

Making a fresh start in a new country comes with a fair bit of admin, but the advantages of living overseas are too numerous to count. At OFX, we’re inspired by the risk-takers and adventurers who seek out new experience. Check out our other guides to managing your finances abroad or dive into blog for further reading on all things expat.

AustralianTimes.co.uk proudly partners with OFX on Currency Zone.

The post What should you do when you arrive as an expat in your new country? appeared first on Australian Times News.

The hot beverage trade is big business in Britain; 165 million cups of tea (or milk with tea, if you’re unlucky) and 70 million cups of coffee are consumed each day.

Yet with so many beverages being served, it’s a wonder coffee chains can’t quite get it right.

“THIS is not tea with milk, it’s milk with tea!” I heard one of the city’s coffee chain customers proclaim, irate and brandishing a boiling hot beverage, with a point to make.

Next in line I could vouch for her — she was indeed holding a very large paper cup of watered down milk.

“This is not the first time! You don’t care about the customer!”

This woman had been served one too many milk-with-tea.

Also see: Putting on The Ritz for high tea in London

In true English fashion the service assistant stared back at her with only the vaguest of interest.

“I don’t understand what you want,” she says.

“I want to speak with the manager!”

“I am the manager and you need to calm down, you’re disturbing other customers.”

Not in the least! I love a bit of impromptu aggravation with my coffee – and I was on this customer’s side.

Tea is supposed to brew before adding milk, however this is London and if the coffee is burnt and bitter you can assume the tea will be scalding and flavourless.

Let’s face it, you don’t go to a coffee chain because the roast is to die for — you go to scoff a stale muffin while using the free Wi-Fi for hours on end.

If you’re in need of a fix of caffeine or Internet in London you need only look around. If by some slim chance you’re not already standing directly in front of a coffee house, it’s likely you’ll need only to walk ten feet to enter one.

My advice, though – go for the hot chocolate.

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay

The post The lost fine art of English tea in downtown London appeared first on Australian Times News.

Australian Property Owners – How to avoid penalties for late registration & late payment of land tax liabilities

The recent Australian state level land tax changes for Australian property owners are important and something to ensure that each property owner is aware of and registered for if applicable. Registration is compulsory and penalties may apply for late registration and late payment of land tax liabilities.

Also see: Changes to Australia’s Capital Gains Tax: Impacts on foreign and Australian residents

Land tax is administered by each local state government and as such, we are unable to register on behalf of our clients. We have provided a table to assist you with this process:

New South Wales

Tax Free Threshold: $629,000

Rates: Marginal from 1.6%

Calculation Basis: Entity*

Foreigner Absentee Surcharge: 2% – no tax-free threshold – Absentee includes PR’s absent >200 days p.a. (Excludes Aust Citizens)

To register: Click Here

Victoria

Tax Free Threshold: $250,000

Rates: Marginal from 0.2%

Calculation Basis: Entity*

Foreigner Absentee Surcharge: 1.5% with $250,000 tax free threshold (Excludes Aust Citizens & Permanent Resident Visa Holders)

To register: Click Here

Queensland

Tax Free Threshold: $600,000

Rates: Marginal from 1%

Calculation Basis: Landholding

Foreigner Absentee Surcharge: 1.7% with $350,000 tax free threshold. Absentee includes Citizens & PR’s not residing in Australia.

To register: Click Here

Western Australia

Tax Free Threshold: $300,000

Rates: Marginal from 0.25%

Calculation Basis: Entity*

Foreigner Absentee Surcharge: N/A

To register: Click Here

South Australia

Tax Free Threshold: $353,000

Rates: Marginal from 0.5%

Calculation Basis: Entity*

Foreigner Absentee Surcharge: N/A

To register: Click Here

A.C.T

Tax Free Threshold: $0

Rates: $765 plus marginal from 0.29%

Calculation Basis: Landholding

Foreigner Absentee Surcharge: N/A

To register: Click Here

Tasmania

Tax Free Threshold: $25,000

Rates: Marginal from 0.5%

Calculation Basis: Landholding

Foreigner Absentee Surcharge: N/A

To register: Click Here

Northern Territory

Tax Free Threshold: N/A

Rates: N/A

Calculation Basis: N/A

Foreigner Absentee Surcharge: N/A

To register: N/A

_______________________________

Gain a full understanding of your Australian tax obligations and opportunities and book a no cost, no obligation consultation by phoning +44 (0)207 538 3914, emailing ats@smats.net or visiting www.smats.net/Tax

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay

The post Australian land tax and stamp duty changes expats need to know about appeared first on Australian Times News.

However, we returned from two glorious sunny weeks in Spain to the hottest weather London had faced in seven years. There was a week of consecutive days where the temperature exceeded 30 degrees Celsius and the heatwave warning was officially raised to “level three”. Owch.

Level three is a health watch criteria for the very old or the chronically sick. For everyone else it simply means the temperature has exceeded the day max of 32C. Apparently it is one stage short of a national emergency. An Aussie has to laugh.

Londoners need not have panicked. In such oppressive circumstances, helpful articles, blogs and social media posts popped up all over the Internet with tips and suggestions on how to keep cool during the day and sleep at night.

My favourites included “get a hammock” and “sleep on a wet towel”. Thankfully there are also some more sensible suggestions such as “buy an electric fan” or “where to find the best Lidos in London” – which, for those new to London, simply means a public pool.

Why is London seemingly never prepared for a hot summer? Perhaps it is because London media spends months telling us of how we have all just “survived” the coldest winter since whenever B.C.?

I think what amazes me the most about London ‘heatwaves’ is how journalists are compelled to complain in dry and lengthy spells about the sunshine and excessive heat. But it is a British tradition to complain about the weather – either too hot or too cold.

Forget about Brexit, Wimbledon, and even the football World Cup; instead for the next three months it will be all about the heatwaves.

It will just about make you look forward to winter’s chilly return.

Read more of Jacquie’s experiences as an expat:

Is it time to break up with travel? It’s hard to do

Do I belong in the UK more than I belong in Australia?

Don’t make friends with travellers – they’ll only love you and leave you

10 strange ways your life will change when you move to London

Drinking culture in boozy London: the ‘even on weeknights’, bingy truth

I have absolutely been spoiled by London, and it may not be a good thing

Living overseas: Why your best friends now are your fellow expats

Also visit her website www.neverendinghoneymoon.net

The post Hot summer nights: are you ready, London? appeared first on Australian Times News.

Dependents of UK Ancestry Visa holders can be any one of the following persons;

• Your spouse;
• Civil partner;
• Unmarried or Same-sex partner; and
• Children under the age of 18 years old;

How can a dependent join the UK Ancestry Visa holder in the UK?

The dependents, as listed above, can apply for a visa to join the UK Ancestry Visa holder in the UK. If the application is successful, the Home Office will grant leave to the dependents for the same period as the UK Ancestry Visa holder.

It is best that they apply at the same time as the main visa holder. It is, however, possible for them to apply at a later stage.

Can dependents of UK Ancestry Visa holders work in the UK?

Dependents of UK Ancestry Visa holders have no work restrictions on their stay in the UK. They can work in employment, or self-employment or combine the two.

What happens if I have a child in the UK, while on a UK Ancestry Visa?

Should you have a child in the UK, while in the UK as an Ancestry Visa holder, you will be able to apply for a dependent visa for the child from within the UK.

Can my dependents apply from within the UK?

Dependants of the UK Ancestry Visa holder can apply to extend or switch their visas to stay with the Ancestry visa holder if they are already in the UK.

Note, however, that it is not possible to do so if the dependent is in the UK on a UK visitor visa.

Do I need to extend my stay together with the UK Ancestry Visa holder?

The leave as a dependent of a UK Ancestry Visa holder is granted for the same period of leave as the UK Ancestry Visa holder. When the Ancestry Visa holder applies for an extension, the dependents can apply for the same.

When will a UK Ancestry visa dependent qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

The dependent of a person with a UK Ancestry Visa can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain at the same time as the person with the UK Ancestry Visa applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

If you need any more information on the UK Ancestry Visa or any other UK immigration issue, please feel free to visit www.bic-immigration.com or email us at info@bic-immigration.com

IMAGE: Via Pixabay

The post What about dependents of those on UK Ancestry Visas? appeared first on Australian Times News.

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Ms Hussain during her visit to the UK.

Tell us a bit more about Polaron.

Polaron was founded back in 2000, originally as a translation services provider. We were the first company in the world to start offering Polish citizenship services just before Poland entered the EU in 2004, in response to the interest from the descendants of Polish emigres. This was such an organic and unexpected niche market, and it just grew over time. A total surprise actually – it was only ever meant to be a small side to our language services business.

Whilst our head office remains in Australia, we service clients from twenty different countries, including UK, Canada, US and Israel. In the last fifteen years we have processed over 7,000 applications for Polish citizenship so you could say that we have been quite successful. With nearly 30 staff based in our global offices, it’s certainly grew beyond our wildest expectations.

Why would people pursue Polish citizenship, though?

It does sound a bit strange, doesn’t it? When you look at the immigration patterns out of Poland, millions of people left for economic or political reasons over the last 150 years or so. They then settled in their new adoptive countries and not everybody kept connected with their heritage, for all kinds of reasons. In some countries, like USA, it wasn’t cool to be Polish. People may have kept their Polish surnames, for example, but not much else to do with Poland. The post-1989 changes and the transformation that Poland underwent in the 90s created a real buzz, particularly when EU membership kicked in.

Also see: EU Citizenship FAQs

More and more people started travelling to Poland and discovering the country, as it was transforming before their eyes. It is a place with a 1000-year-old history, architecture and traditions and since your Polish citizenship means that you can work, live and study in all 28 countries of the European Union, people with Polish ancestry saw the opportunity to relocate to Europe without visas or restrictions quite early on. But I have to emphasise here that most people see this as more than an opportunistic grab. It is so much more.

How do you mean? The cynical me can only see the immediate, somewhat selfish benefits, particularly in light of Brexit.

Many of our clients have very little knowledge of their ancestors’ history. You know, people simply got on with their lives once they left Poland, often against their will, leaving their loved ones behind. The post WW2 migration was particularly traumatic: people were displaced and were not able to return to their homes so they did their best to integrate into their adopted countries. Some people maintained a very strong link with Poland but others did not, driven by fear and trauma of their war time experiences. In fact, most Poles did. They buried their identities and went as far as changing their names. They were vague or even silent about what happened to them. So when their children or grandchildren come to us to help them reclaim their Polish citizenship because they heard they might be eligible, we have very little to go on. Our painstaking research often involves piecing a history together by reading between the lines, reviewing archival documents, letters, backs of photos and interviewing family members who – often reluctantly – share small details with us. It’s like a giant puzzle which we rebuild piece by piece. Even the archival documents we get from Germany or UK can only tell you so much. To many of our clients the information we provide them with as part of the citizenship process starts as secondary, only to become a very precious link to their ancestors. They discover things about their grandparents or great grandparents that are interesting, mysterious and sometimes scandalous, including bigamies, children out of wedlock, noble and not so noble backgrounds. With Brexit, the interest in Polish citizenship tripled. No wonder, though: hundreds of thousands of people in the UK have jobs, properties or other interests across the channel.

Oh! What’s the most scandalous case you have ever worked on? Any family skeletons you can tell us about without breaching confidentiality?

Firstly, let me say that the history of every single family I have ever worked with is fascinating and special. Everyone’s journey is different and I feel so privileged to be given access to it. But we do from time to time discover information we’re not quite sure what to do with. Like this case where our client’s grandfather simply left one afternoon to buy a proverbial packet of cigarettes and never came back. Through the electoral roll we found him in another city, remarried and with a Von added to his surname. We’ve had a couple of cases of faked identities, discovered through documents and information that just didn’t add up. Our clients’ grandparents are no longer alive but it was still a shock to their families, despite the passage of time. In one particular case, we simply don’t know the identity of our client’s grandmother, even though we spent years on research. She made sure that we would never know.

You must come across quite a bit of family conflict. How do you manage that?

That’s is true. In fact, we have a saying in Polish: the only time you look good with your family is when taking a photo. I say that tongue in cheek but family conflicts are frequent and I approach them with all the sensitivity in the world, as does our staff. You have to be very respectful of people’s experiences and stories. The best way is to be empathetic and telling them that they’re not alone in this also helps.  

Back to Brexit. You said that the interest has increased, and greatly so. How does Polaron actually assist people who may be interested in getting their Polish citizenship, and passport?

We start by putting a family tree together and gathering evidence. In some families, good records have been kept, whereas in others, documents have been destroyed. We then check the family history of a prospective client against the legislation in Poland, to ensure that no event took place to affect their eligibility. We do that very diligently and carefully to ensure people don’t waste their time or money. And our reputation is at stake, too, of course.

So this is done free of charge?

Yes, it is. The initial consultation is completely free. We actually guarantee the outcome of people’s application and only take case on that are bound to succeed. It is in everyone’s interest to make sure the applicant qualifies for Polish citizenship in the first place. Of course, we sometimes don’t have the relevant paperwork but we do offer research services to back up people’s claims. People who contact us get the free review of their case and we then provide them with a no-obligation quote, which is fixed. We think it’s a fair transaction.

And how do you know people are eligible?

We look at their case from the point of view of the Polish law. We apply relevant legislation to their case and check eligibility dates. The legislation in Poland is really quite liberal: you do not have to speak Polish and all you need is one ancestor who was a resident of Poland, including the former Polish territories, after 1920. Of course, it is a little bit more complicated than that because the legislation had several amendments over the years. But this is why it is so important to have a clear understanding of each family’s background.

Let’s say I am eligible for Polish citizenship under my grandfather. What happens next? How can you help me?

We send you a quote with a guaranteed outcome and if you are happy to proceed with our services, we allocate a dedicated project manager to you. We check your documents for discrepancies – you would be surprised how many people have all kinds of errors on their birth or marriage certificates. We collect documents that show the link to your Polish ancestor. Everything gets collated, legalised and translated into Polish. This can take a few weeks. After that, we submit your case to the Mazovian Voivodeship Office in Warsaw. And then we wait.

I hear that the process can take several years.

Yes, it can. But not with Polaron. Our average processing time is 11 months. Having said that, we have had a few cases that took much longer. In fact, as long as 5-7 years. You know the fake identity cases I mentioned? Yes, those ones.

Do people often ask you about the current political climate in Poland?

Yes, they do. Are you asking me about the current political climate in Poland?

I guess I am!

This is what I say to those that want to know: I do not live in Poland permanently so my view is a bit skewed, although I visit several times a year. I’ve been living outside of the country for 33 years, that’s a long time. In some ways, I am more Australian than Polish. But Poland is a democracy and people can decide for themselves as who they want to lead the country. There has been so much advancement made in Poland in the last 15-20 years on many fronts but the democracy is still work in progress I feel. But I remain positive and watch the political developments with much interest. When I left the country in 1985, we had no say at all, in anything. And today, if Poles are not happy, they can use the democratic process at their disposal to change things.

Are you going to Poland this summer?

Yes! And I absolutely adore it. Late spring and early summer are the best time to visit. So much to do, so much to see. So much yummy food to eat. Poland’s a fantastic holiday destination. Not that I’m going there for a holiday. It’s all work for me. Maybe with a few breaks here and there.

Well, best of luck with facilitating more Polish citizenship.

Thank you. Polish law and Polish people are very generous in this regard. It is a real privilege to be working in this space.

You are back in London in June. Can people get in touch with you?

Yes, absolutely. I’ll be available from 13th of June for about a week. They can email me at ehussain@polaron.com.au if they would like to meet me in person. Otherwise, our UK office manager Kasia Zielinska can be emailed at uk@polaron.com.au.

Find out more about Polaron and their translation, interpreting and citizenship services for people of European heritage at Polaron.com.au

The post Brexit has tripled interest in Polish ancestry, says Polaron founder appeared first on Australian Times News.

The infographic below indicates the characteristic features of ten expat types, such as the typical age, gender, language, country of residence and working life.

[Tap/click the image to enlarge]

TOP IMAGE: Shutterstock.com/06photo

The post 10 types of expats wandering the globe. Are you one of them? appeared first on Australian Times News.

RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off)

As you might expect from the name, this service involves driving your vehicle directly on to a specialised vessel and securing it to the deck with straps around each wheel (Roll-on). On arrival, your vehicle is released from the deck, driven off of the vessel and cleared by customs ready for collection (Roll-off). It’s as simple as that.

Why choose RoRo?

• Cost – RoRo is one of the cheapest options for shipping a car overseas.
• Speed/efficiency – Considered the fastest method, and the most convenient way of loading/unloading cars.

The few caveats or RoRo include the inability to ship personal belongings with the vehicle, and the requirement that the vehicle must be in working condition so it can be driven onto the ship.

Typical RoRo transit times from the UK:

• Sydney – 43 days
• Fremantle – 40 days
• Adelaide – 46 days
• Melbourne – 41 days

Sole Use Container

Alternatively, you can choose to have your own dedicated container to house your vehicle for shipment. This is the preferred option for higher value vehicles as it offers an added level of protection. Container shipments also typically depart on a more regular basis than RoRo, and to a wider range of destinations.

Why choose Container shipping?

• Availability – Container services offers weekly sailings direct from the UK to the main ports of Australia
• Protection – Typically, container shipping is considered the safer option as RoRo involves storing your vehicle on an open deck, and extra handling is required during loading/unloading by port workers. Having your own dedicated container to ship your vehicle offers added security that may be required for higher value vehicles.
• Shipping personal belongings – You can choose to ship personal items with your car. This is not an option for RoRo.
• Vehicle condition – Your vehicle is not required to be in working condition.

One of the drawbacks of sole use container shipping is the added cost compared to RoRo as well as the port fees involved.

Shared Container (R-Rak)

A new method of shipping in containers has become more popular recently. Known as R-Rak, this service allows the shipment of multiple cars in a container using a specialised racking system to more efficiently house the vehicles.

Why choose R-Rak shipping?

• Safety – R-Rak is widely considered safer than standard container shipping.
• Lower Cost – As you are sharing the container with others, the costs and fees involved are much lower for the individual.
• Efficiency – Now adopted by some of the world’s largest car manufacturers due to its safety and efficiency compared to other methods.

Typical R-Rak transit times from the UK:

• Sydney – 42 days
• Fremantle – 44 days
• Adelaide – 48 days
• Melbourne – 42 days

Picking the right service can be a challenge. In this article we’ll briefly go over the car shipping services available to Australia, and why you might choose one over the other.

RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off)

As you might expect from the name, this service involves driving your vehicle directly on to a specialised vessel and securing it to the deck with straps around each wheel (Roll-on). On arrival, your vehicle is released from the deck, driven off of the vessel and cleared by customs ready for collection (Roll-off). It’s as simple as that.

Why choose RoRo?

• Cost – RoRo is one of the cheapest options for shipping a car overseas.
• Speed/efficiency – Considered the fastest method, and the most convenient way of loading/unloading cars.

The few caveats or RoRo include the inability to ship personal belongings with the vehicle, and the requirement that the vehicle must be in working condition so it can be driven onto the ship.

Typical RoRo transit times from the UK:

• Sydney – 43 days
• Fremantle – 40 days
• Adelaide – 46 days
• Melbourne – 41 days

Sole Use Container

Alternatively, you can choose to have your own dedicated container to house your vehicle for shipment. This is the preferred option for higher value vehicles as it offers an added level of protection. Container shipments also typically depart on a more regular basis than RoRo, and to a wider range of destinations.

Why choose Container shipping?

• Availability – Container services offers weekly sailings direct from the UK to the main ports of Australia
• Protection – Typically, container shipping is considered the safer option as RoRo involves storing your vehicle on an open deck, and extra handling is required during loading/unloading by port workers. Having your own dedicated container to ship your vehicle offers added security that may be required for higher value vehicles.
• Shipping personal belongings – You can choose to ship personal items with your car. This is not an option for RoRo.
• Vehicle condition – Your vehicle is not required to be in working condition.

One of the drawbacks of sole use container shipping is the added cost compared to RoRo as well as the port fees involved.

Shared Container (R-Rak)

A new method of shipping in containers has become more popular recently. Known as R-Rak, this service allows the shipment of multiple cars in a container using a specialised racking system to more efficiently house the vehicles.

Why choose R-Rak shipping?

• Safety – R-Rak is widely considered safer than standard container shipping.
• Lower Cost – As you are sharing the container with others, the costs and fees involved are much lower for the individual.
• Efficiency – Now adopted by some of the world’s largest car manufacturers due to its safety and efficiency compared to other methods.

Typical R-Rak transit times from the UK:

• Sydney – 42 days
• Fremantle – 44 days
• Adelaide – 48 days
• Melbourne – 42 days

The post How to ship your car to Australia appeared first on Australian Times News.

Capital Gains Witholding Tax – 12.5% Tax that Australian Expats need to know about

On the 9th May 2017, the Government announced changes to the foreign resident capital gains withholding (FRCGW) rate and threshold that will impact foreign and Australian residents.

If you sell an Australian property while living overseas and the property sale value is greater than A$750,000 then a 12.5% Withholding Tax will be retained at settlement and forwarded to the Australian Taxation Office on your behalf.

This is not an additional tax, rather an in advance payment pending the lodgement of your income tax return and calculation of the actual tax payable.  If your tax is less than the amount withheld then you will be refunded the difference and if the tax is more than the 12.5% then you will be required to pay the balance.

For anyone that considers the 12.5% is excessive, it is possible to vary the amount down prior to settlement so that a lesser amount is retained that more accurately represents the actual tax payable. If you are selling your property while living abroad, make sure you contact our tax team in London to quickly assess your potential tax liability by emailing tax@smats.net.

Capital Gains Tax Principal Residence Exemption – Disastrous Changes for Expatriates

In the May 2017 Budget, the Government announced changes to Capital Gains Tax for the Principal Residence of Foreign Investors.  The announcement was vague and incomplete, however when the draft legislation was released for comment it was diabolical.

Thankfully nothing has yet passed and ATS has once again led the way with a formal submission and petition against the changes.

If successful, the changes would take away any rightful Capital Gains Tax Free status for a family home if sold when living overseas.  For example, if you had lived in your home for 10 years in Australia then moved overseas and sold it 6 months later, then all the profits would be taxable whereas now it would be completely tax free.  Just because you happen to be overseas at the time of sale!

Furthermore, the draft legislation also taxes inheritance on a family home if the beneficiary is overseas at the time.

Both of these matters are a great injustice and we are fighting them vigorously.

If you haven’t already, please review the changes and become a member of APPOLA (Association of Australian Property Owners Living Abroad) by visiting www.aapola.org. APPOLA is a not-for-profit organization aimed at creating a united voice for overseas based Australian landlords. To become a

All APPOLA proceeds will be used to provide a central lobbing activity, information, news, updates and essential representation to Governments to ensure the needs and problems of foreign investors are properly heard and considered. To become a member visit the website.

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Gain a full understanding of your Australian tax obligations and opportunities and book a no cost, no obligation consultation by phoning +44 207 538 3914, emailing ats@smats.net or visiting Smats.net/tax

The post Changes to Australia’s Capital Gains Tax: Impacts on foreign and Australian residents appeared first on Australian Times News.

As freedom-loving, independent and individual Australians in the UK, I believe most of you could share similar sorts of liberal views with me: I don’t like war or fighting.

And I strongly believe in the power of diplomacy.

But while I am getting all preachy about giving peace a chance, that doesn’t mean I don’t get a little choked up when Anzac Day rolls around.

Also see: 2018 Anzac Day services in London: times and places – lest we forget

Australian and Kiwi expats are privileged.

Having the opportunity to travel overseas and establish one’s life somewhere out of a comfort zone is a freedom many of us have embraced and continue to enjoy.

But moving to a different country isn’t a choice for everyone.

And other Australians don’t have the chance to explore past their own driveway let alone seedy Hackney backstreets.

For many, exploring in the UK is not about being Australian, more about becoming a global citizen.

So maybe the suggestion of getting up at 3am for a Dawn Service that recognises our home nation on a cold and dark Hyde Park Corner may not sound appealing.

But taking part in Anzac Day Services is about more than that.

Coming together at such events with thousands of other like-minded expats, travellers and UK residents alike is truly a moving experience.

It is easy to get bogged down by life’s worries when there are bills, rent and smelly, weird men on the Tube to cause daily trepidation.

However, there are other times when using some ‘big picture perspective’ is beneficial.

I don’t condone violence, but I still believe there are important times to acknowledge how times of war sculpt our world.

Maybe your grandfather, grandmother, father or cousin has been in – or is currently serving in – war zones, conflicts or peacekeeping missions.

Maybe they died serving for their country.

If they had a choice in the decision, and what led most into such dangerous situations, is respect.

Respect for one’s country’s name, respect for the Commonwealth, respect for their kin.

I believe that this dedication to the Australian and New Zealand way — whether seen to be blind idiocy or not — should be recognised.

I imagine most people who are courageous enough to sign up with military forces join with good intentions.

And that is not about a passion for death and destruction, but because they want the world to be a good place; regardless of how much military arm it takes to get there.

Chipping in to do their part, just like a good mate.

Anzac Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915.

It is the day we remember all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

The Anzac Spirit continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity. It moulds and shapes who we are as Australians. In an essence, it still continues to define us.

That’s why taking part in the London Anzac Day experience is so special.

While it is a fair mission to attend the Service, it is an amazing feeling of honour and pride as the hustle and bustle of London stops in order to recognise the Anzac Spirit.

It’s not just about remembering those that have gone before us. It is about coming together under our Antipodean flags. About celebrating what is so special to be an Aussie or a Kiwi.

For those feeling a pang of homesickness, coming together with thousands of fellow Australians, New Zealanders and even those not from the Antipodes, is a bit like catching up with a nice old neighbour. It’s exactly what our diggers would have wanted.

Enjoy, and remember them.

The post Why marking the Anzac spirit is so important to Aussies in London appeared first on Australian Times News.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service in London at Hyde Park Corner is one of the most heavily attended commemorative events held outside of Australia and New Zealand, with thousands of expats coming together to remember the fallen. In 2018, the main ceremony will be taking place at the NZ Memorial (alternating each year with the Australian Memorial) and be attended by Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle.

After the Dawn Service is a formal Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade at the Centotaph in Whitehall followed by a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. For both of these events, complimentary tickets are required.

If you are in London, get up early and get along to Hyde Park for the Anzac Dawn Service to pay your respects – it will be an emotional experience you won’t forget.

On Anzac Day, Wednesday 25 April 2018, commemorative ceremonies in London are as follows:

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5.00am: Anzac Day Dawn Service

Location: New Zealand Memorial, Hyde Park Corner

The main service will take place at the New Zealand Memorial on Hyde Park Corner.  The service will be approximately 45 minutes in length and is open to the public.  Arrival from 4.00am is suggested. Entry point details will be provided once confirmed.

11.00am: *Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade

Location: The Cenotaph, Whitehall

Following a march onto Whitehall, a requiem is read and at 11.00am the High Commissioners for New Zealand and Australia will lay the first wreaths.  Wreaths are then laid by representatives of the UK government, High Commissioners and Ambassadors, as well as representatives from various service and ex-service organisations.

Arrival by 10.30am is recommended.  The service will conclude at approximately 11.15am, allowing time for the short walk to Westminster Abbey.

12.00pm: *Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving

Location: Westminster Abbey

The Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark ANZAC Day commences at 12.00 noon.  Guests must be seated by 11.45am and the service will last approximately one hour.

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*Complimentary tickets are required for the Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade at the Cenotaph and the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.

Ticket applications for 2018 are now closed.

Event information courtesy UK.Embassy.gov.au

The post Anzac Day services in London: times and places – lest we forget appeared first on Australian Times News.

One of these immigration routes that in the process is often overlooked is the Tier 1 Entrepreneur immigration route that is available to entrepreneur teams.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur teams

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur immigration route offers the opportunity for people to form entrepreneur teams. This will thus make it easier to qualify, than applying on your own.

Applicants can form an entrepreneurial team with one other Tier 1 Entrepreneur applicant. The investment funds for the application are shared, subject, of course, to strict criteria.

The £200,000 in Investment Funds criteria

This funds must either be your own or made available to you by third parties. Or they must be in a joint account with your spouse or partner. If the monies are in a joint account with your spouse or partner, they must also at the same time apply for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa.

The advantages of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route for Entrepreneur teams

One of the main advantages of the Tier 1 Immigration route is that the entrepreneur team, and all dependants on this visa, can qualify for settlement in the UK after five years.

In cases where the team is able to create ten jobs, they may apply for settlement sooner. An example is where they created three jobs in the first year, three in the second year, and four in the third year. They can also qualify for the earlier settlement if they have a turnover of £5 million in three years.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route, you can visit the Breytenbachs website. Alternatively, contact them at info@bic-immigration.com.

TOP IMAGE: Tumisu via Pixabay

The post UK Tier 1 Visa available to entrepreneur teams appeared first on Australian Times News.

It was a rainy Sunday when my housemate and I looked at each other, acknowledged we were completely bored and decided to have a ‘random Sunday’ wandering around Soho looking for trouble. An Irish friend had mentioned the night before there would be “a fair few” people showing up at Waxy O’Connors Irish pub on Sunday afternoon. So we headed straight there to see what all of the fuss was about.

You could see the ‘fuss’ almost immediately upon entering. You have to understand Waxy O’Connors is a huge venue, a virtual rabbit’s warren of little bars and winding staircases. Despite its immense size, the pub was full to the brim of Irish expats gathered to watch the All-Ireland Hurling Final. They had come from nowhere, descending upon the biggest Irish-themed venue in London for an event I had no idea even existed.

Sometimes we get a bit trapped, living in the Aussie expat bubble. We prepare all year for the AFL or NRL finals, we do our best to celebrate Australia Day in the frost of the UK winter.

It sometimes fails to register that Australians aren’t the only nationality who come to London en masse to make a life. We aren’t the only ones with the need to gather with our fellow countrymen now and again, just to feel a sense of home.

I admit I had no idea what hurling even was before showing up on that rainy Sunday. We picked up the rules pretty quickly, with a few contextual assists from the friendly Irish punters. We picked within the first ten minutes who to support — mostly because the team Clare seemed to have a lot of attractive women cheering for them.

My housemate and I yelled and clapped when Clare scored, groaned when the opposition made a valiant comeback and punched the air in glee when Clare made an equalising shot at goal in the final seconds to bring the match to a draw. We desperately asked everyone we could find when the grand final replay would be, committed to doing it all again.

Australians in London generally try to assimilate into British life, however we shouldn’t feel bad or embarrassed about letting our collective expat hair down with other Aussies every now and then. As the wild afternoon with our Irish cousins showed, we aren’t the only ones who like to make a bit of homegrown noise occasionally.

And as an outsider, I absolutely loved being part of another country’s expat mayhem. There’s probably plenty of non-Aussies that love joining in on our Down Under madness too.

TOP IMAGE: By Ryan McGuire (Pixabay)

The post Don’t feel expat shame when you need to let your homegrown hair down appeared first on Australian Times News.

Since the Reserve Bank of Australia started reducing rates in November 2011, we have had a steady reduction of official cash rate from the high of 4.75%pa in 2011 to the 1.5%pa we are enjoying as at March 2018. It is common in Australia for the bank lending rate to be approximately 2%pa to 3%pa higher than the official cash rate.

There remains a level of speculation as to whether interest rates have further to reduce or may indeed start to rise, but for now we are still experiencing record low rates.

Also see: Banks have tightened the screws, significantly affecting the amount expats may be able to borrow

Loans in Australia give the opportunity for the borrower to either remain on a variable interest rate, that can move up or down depending primarily on Reserve Bank announcements, or lock in an agreed interest rate for periods up to 10 years.

It is never an easy decision on whether or not to fix your interest rate on your loans, so we have put this quick guide together to assist you in assessing your options

What is a fixed rate loan?

Almost all property loans in Australia offer the opportunity to be on a fixed rate for a nominated period during the loan term.

A Fixed Rate Loan simply means that you have the option to agree a specified interest rate that will not change for a selected period, usually between 1 and 5 years. As such, once fixed, your interest cost will not move even if the market variable rate does.

Why fix?

Fixing your loan assists with budgeting and also protects you against future rate rises.

If you feel rates are likely to rise, you may choose to fix in order to shield yourself from the increases. However, this works both ways as rates can move in either direction.

Here we consider the potential issues, both positive and negative of choosing to fix your interest rate.

The positives

Shielded against rate rises

By fixing at the right time you can save on future rate rises.

In certain economic conditions, today for example, rates seem to have bottomed out and are currently at historical lows, so therefor it would be reasonable to think that they will move closer to the historical average and begin to rise sometime in the future.

By fixing your rate now, you are protected as your selected fixed rate will not increase even if the variable rate does. Had you chosen not to fix and remained on a variable rate, then any increases are passed directly to you by the bank.

Assists with budgeting

Repayments are set for the fixed rate period, which can make it much easier to plan your financial affairs.

A fixed rate will ensure that your mortgage repayments do not increase regardless of any upward movements in interest rates.

Ability to Split Your Loan

Most lenders permit you to have a mix of both fixed and variable on your full loan by splitting the loan into different components.

This way you can have some of your loan with an assured fixed rate while some remains variable and get the best of both interest options.

The negatives

Exposed when Rates Drop

The flipside of the first positive. When rates drop you’re left with the higher rate, paying a premium.

Break Costs

Ending a fixed contract early can be expensive in certain situations. It can cost in the tens of thousands as the bank is entitled to charge the interest differential on the prevailing market rate over the remaining term of the loan. It should be noted that if rates have gone up there may not be any cost to break as the bank can deploy the funds at a higher level.

Inflexible

Break costs create inflexibility. Therefore, if you need to sell or refinance, you’re not in a position to do so. So, if your circumstances change and need the equity in the property you can’t won’t be able to sell until the fixed period is over.

Extra Repayments

In contrast to variable loans you can only make a limited amount of extra repayments per year. Generally, it’s limited to $10,000 – $20,000 per annum at each bank, so if you were considering extra repayments be sure to split your loan to allow this to occur against a remaining variable portion.

Limited Offset

Lenders only offer 40% offset accounts. 40% offset is an inefficient use of funds so it’s not worth it.

Situations where it’s a good idea

Set and forget investment

For investors, using a fixed rate loan can be a wise move in this climate because you keep your cost of funds set for the fixed rate period and do not need to be concerned with your interest costs increasing.

Balanced Income & Expense Budget

If you’re in a situation where your income is just meeting your living expenses, then a fixed rate option can ensure your repayments the same regardless of interest rate movements. It provides a high level of comfort knowing that your main expense, the family mortgage, will remain unchanged for an extended period.

Family Planning

If you’re intending on having kids in the near future and servicing the loan on a single income, it could be an advantage to fix your home loan. This will ensure you don’t have concerns or any expensive surprises if rates rise during the lower family income phase.

Uncertain Future

If you have concerns about your future income stability or personal circumstances, a fixed rate can provide the protection of a certain cost in uncertain times that could prove to be very valuable and give great peace of mind. Importantly, if you felt that you might need or want to dispose of the property, then fix only for the period up to the likely sale so you do not get unwanted break costs on the loan.

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To arrange a free review of your current lending options from Specialist Mortgage email finance@smats.net or visit Smats.net/finance.

Article by Jeremy Doney of SMATS GROUP: Australian Property, Tax & Finance Experts since 1995. 

Trust SMATS Group for all your Australian taxation, finance and property advice. Visit SMATS.net, email smats@smats.net or phone (UK) +44 207 5383914

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay.com

The post To fix or not to fix your Australian property loan interest rate? appeared first on Australian Times News.

The picture on your screen listens as you skim through your week. An hour passes and it’s time to wrap up. You schedule another time to meet and drop the call. You sit, staring at the screen for just a little while longer before breathing in and moving on with your life.

Being a family member, lover or friend from a distance is torture. Video calls, emails and messages do not come close to the simple joy of eating together at the same table or inhaling a loved one’s signature scent when holding them in your arms.

But there are ways to spend ‘quality time’ with your loved ones while living overseas. Here are seven things that you can do to bridge the distance.

1) Just be real

Often in video calls with loved ones overseas we try to pretend that everything is OK. We do it so that our mothers don’t worry, or to put on a brave face and convince others and ourselves that we made the right decision moving away from everything we know.

There’s no point hiding what you’re feeling from the people that know you inside out. Be real. Communicate every doubt and every hidden feeling.

Cut the chit chat. Bicker. Talk deeply. Share. But never hang up in a huff.

2) Don’t force it

There’s a fine line between making an effort to stay in touch and Skyping every single night. You should be picking up the phone to call someone special in your life because you want to, not because it’s Sunday night.

Yes, scheduling catch-up dates is important, but it can also let your relationship become monotonous. While your lives and experiences may be far apart, they should come together naturally, in the form of a spontaneous phone call, instead of at a forced meeting point.

3) Keep getting creative

Find a way to compensate for not celebrating a birthday, holiday or anniversary together.

On Mother’s Day, arrange to cook the dish your mother once taught you to cook and get your mum to do the same. Then enjoy it together over a Skype dinner.

Print out photos from the last time you spent together and write what the special moment meant to you on the back. Send it in the mail rather than over email.

4) Document everything

When it comes to long distance love, your memories are sometimes the only things that pull you through.

Take a screenshot of a string of messages from your loved one which really made you smile, print it out, and stick it somewhere. Take as many photos as possible when you’re together. Scribble something you’d like to remember in a journal.

Make your memories tangible so that you can pour over them alone, together, and one day when the memories in your head fail you.

5) Focus on the little things

There’s nothing more satisfying than returning home to a fridge stocked with your favourite food, a home cooked meal and a familiar bedroom.

While your whole life has changed, home has stayed constant. Time will fly by with your loved ones. Instead of galloping around trying to do everything and see everyone, spend time around the dinner table and park off with your dad on the couch in front of the game. You’re not a special guest. You’re home. Fall back into things and savour the normality of it all.

6) Make life decisions together

While many life decisions don’t require input from a loved one, most loved ones appreciate being asked their opinion. Whether you’re buying a car or moving house, whether your loved one can help or not, ask them. They will appreciate being thought of, and they will feel like they are more involved in your life.

7) Keep things in common

After time apart, often it can feel like you’re losing touch and living past one another.

Try find a topic in common for you to discuss. Recommend books or movies that you’ve enjoyed for them to try and report back to you about. Watch movies or series at the same time. Try a new recipe together. Don’t let life get in the way of spending ‘quality time’ with loved ones from afar.

IMAGES: Stock images via Shutterstock.com

The post 7 awesome ways to enhance relationships with family, lovers and friends while living overseas appeared first on Australian Times News.

The scheme was opened to all remaining eligible families with children under 12 on 14 February 2018.

The TFCS helps support working families with their childcare costs. The scheme provides for a government top-up on parental contributions.

For every 80p in the £1 contributed by parents, an additional 20p or 20% will be funded by Government up to a maximum total of £10,000 per child per year. This will give parents an annual savings of up to £2,000 per child (and up to £4,000 for disabled children until the age of 17) in childcare costs.

The scheme is open to all qualifying parents including the self-employed and those on a minimum wage. The scheme is also available to parents on paid sick leave as well as those on paid and unpaid statutory maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

In order to be eligible to use the scheme, parents will have to be at work at least 16 hours per week and earn at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage. If either parent earns more than £100,000, both parents are unable to use the scheme.

Elizabeth Truss, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said:

‘All eligible parents with children under 12 can now apply through Childcare Choices and should take advantage of the available support.’

For more information or to have any queries answered, visit Exceed.

The post Tax-free childcare in the UK available now appeared first on Australian Times News.

Some of the key issues are summarised below:

Servicing

Banks have tightened the methodology of how they calculate your servicing capacity which can significantly affect the amount of loan you would now qualify for.

These rules are especially harsh on investors and offshore owners. As such, you cannot assume that you may automatically qualify for 80% lending as even though you may have the required deposit, the servicing calculations may impact the level of approval and reduce the loan amount. If you commit to a property without a “subject to finance” then you may be placing your deposit at risk should lending not be as much as you had required.

We strongly recommend that you seek out a lending assessment or pre-approval with our finance team prior to commencing your search. This will allow you to be fully aware of your options and act with knowledge and protection to make a safe and sensible acquisition.

Equity Release Loans

If you have been able to build equity in your property through value appreciation or debt repayment, this has traditionally been relatively accessible for further investment.

It has become increasingly difficult, but not impossible, to arrange these loans, with banks being more diligent on the use of funds to protect their lending position. If you are considering accessing some equity for further investment, next property acquisition, refinance of personal debt or lifestyle expenses, then contact the SMATS team to discuss your options.

Interest Rates

Although the Reserve Bank of Australia has not changed the official rate since August 2016, the Australian banks have been increasing the investor loan rates on their own accounts. Owner occupier rates have remained largely unchanged and still at record low levels. In addition, loans where the repayments are only for interest are now being charged a higher rate than loans that are reducing the principal as well.

Some banks have also taken it upon themselves to charge a premium on overseas based borrowers, although this often does not apply if the client is an Australian citizen or holds a permanent resident visa. If you think you may have been wrongly charged for this it is important that you contact the bank as soon as possible to rectify this or contact us to confirm your arrangements.

Feel free to contact us at SMATS should you have any queries in regard to your personal lending requirements.

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By Steve Douglas: SMATS Group and Australasian Taxation Services founder and chairman (Registered Australian Tax Agent 6236400)

SMATS GROUP: Australian Property, Tax & Finance Experts since 1995. 

Trust SMATS Group for all your Australian taxation, finance and property advice. Visit SMATS.net, email smats@smats.net or phone (UK) +44 207 5383914

TOP IMAGE: By Geralt via Pixabay

The post Banks have tightened the screws, significantly affecting the amount expats may be able to borrow appeared first on Australian Times News.

But I thought this relationship was different. I knew there would be bumps in the road, financial struggles, droughts and even ruts. But I didn’t expect it to be this bad.

For so long, I had been loyal and constant in my love for travel.

My relationship with travel had begun on a high note of excitement and hope for the future. Like a drug, I became hooked on travel. I was obsessed. Travel allowed me to realise my dreams and let me live them in the way that I wanted to. I adored travel. Travel also allowed me to open my eyes to the world and grow as a person. I was in love with travel.

I was delusional in thinking the honeymoon period was going to last forever. I should have known better, as there were certainly ups and downs along the way.

There was that time that my flight was cancelled and I almost missed New Year’s Eve in Melbourne. And the time I dropped a heavy glass door on my leg and struggled to find a doctor in New York who would x-ray me without travel insurance. There was the time our travel agent forgot to tell us that our flight was bumped forward and we spent an awful day passed out on the floor of the airport in Vegas, still hung-over from the night before. Then, of course, the pub crawl in Paris where my bag and passports were stolen moments before I tripped over the gutter and broke my foot. That one earned me foot surgery and three months recovery… in a cast… in France.

I had sacrificed a lot for travel and it had always given back. But something changed.

It started with what I suspected was food poisoning. We were in Manchester to watch the Aussies dominate the Kiwis in the Rugby League World Cup final. It was a brilliant game, for the Aussies at least. Later that night, whilst dining out in one of Manchester’s famed curry houses, I was struck down with the most awful stomach bug. Even though I didn’t have a chance to sample the Indian food, I was on a downhill spiral that would take me weeks to resurface from.

As we approached Christmas my stomach sunk with anticipation of our upcoming travels. It was the first time that I was not looking forward to our holiday. I could feel the resentment growing.

Boarding the airplane at Gatwick airport was a short lived dream. I was terrified to be further than a short run from the toilet and my stomach was curling. In the end, we disembarked the flight and the airline staff helped us make our way back through security. The rest of the night was spent in the waiting room of the A&E until I was finally seen by a doctor and referred to a specialist.

Four days later we made it to Krakow, spent two nights holed up in a hotel room and then five nights in Berlin where I was able to consume little and barely move from our apartment. It was a holiday I almost wish I could forget.

I was defeated. In my state, travel was no fun. It provided me with no support and taunted me day and night. We missed seeing Copenhagen, Prague and Krakow. I was too unwell to enjoy New Year’s Eve with friends on the streets of Berlin. I felt like it was my fault. Why was travel doing this to me?

That wasn’t the only trip that was ruined. I was still too unwell during the following February to join my friends on a ski trip to Serbia. It was during that week, around the same time that I was admitted to hospital for further tests, that I realised my love for travel was slowly dying.

I started flirting with other dreams and had thoughts of stability and comfort. Things that I thought I didn’t have a place in my life. I started to re-pin home décor posts on Pintrest. I signed up for email newsletters for RealEstate.com.au and curled up on the couch to watch Grand Designs. I felt like I was cheating on travel but I was nostalgic for the sweet excitement of a new relationship.

Is there a time in every traveller’s travelling life when they reach this point? Is this the first sign that you should turn back?

I didn’t give in that easily, though. I want to live a life of no regrets. So, I determined to give another go; just one last fling, for old time’s sake.

Read more of Jacquie’s experiences as an expat:

Do I belong in the UK more than I belong in Australia?

Don’t make friends with travellers – they’ll only love you and leave you

10 strange ways your life will change when you move to London

Drinking culture in boozy London: the ‘even on weeknights’, bingy truth

I have absolutely been spoiled by London, and it may not be a good thing

Living overseas: Why your best friends now are your fellow expats

Also visit her website www.neverendinghoneymoon.net

IMAGE: Shutterstock.com

The post Is it time to break up with travel? It’s hard to do appeared first on Australian Times News.

Most Australians living in the UK would be familiar with the intricacies of having guests – ‘dossers’ as they are known London-side – stay over. Whether it is people we have met on our travels or friends from home, there is always someone that needs a place to crash and will not-so-subtly volunteer your couch for the job. There are different rules in every share house and the slightest deviation from those rules can often be a recipe for disaster.

After a particularly painful houseguest, our home instituted a business model to deal with subsequent visitors: family stayed free but friends were required to pay five pounds per night. They received a discounted rate of twenty pounds for a week if they stayed a little bit longer. The money would go into a kitty to pay for communal household essentials like toilet paper or washing-up liquid.

Despite my initial scepticism, the system worked.

After several visas expired in synchronisation, the household had a ritual turnover in occupancy and the system was abandoned. Our guest protocol became far more laissez-faire, with friends unexpectedly showing up for one or two days with no troubles whatsoever. But it soon it all unravelled.

Ever heard of giving someone an inch and them taking a mile? Our decision to have guests stay for one or two days without any issues was one thing. When one housemate had FOUR friends stay for a week, followed by her parents unexpectedly showing up for another two weeks, that was taking our inch and turning it into a mile.

Perhaps your house could adopt a category system, with people charged varied rates based on their worth. Clean the house: discount. Buy the booze: discount. Unexpectedly attractive guest: free. It isn’t a perfect system, but it could work for you.

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay.com

The post How to prevent your antipodean London sharehouse becoming dosser hell appeared first on Australian Times News.

Was it on my recent trip to Madrid when we rowed boats in the park? Did I dash back to Australia for a week, desperate for the summer sun? Was I trying to work up a tan on a beach somewhere exotic?

No. I was at home, in London, during winter, on a cloudy and slightly rainy day with a high of seven degrees Celsius. And I got sun burnt!

Have you ever, ever felt like this?

When strange things happen…

That was when I started to wonder if I was more suited to the UK than Queensland, Australia. In fact, I wrote about my “London tan” in this very publication.

I came to the conclusion that someone was playing a very cruel joke for me to be born in the Aussie desert and brought up on one of the most beautiful, sunny coastlines in the world.  With my fair, freckled skin and high risk to skin cancer, how could this be… fair? (see what I did there?)

Had I gone around the twist?

Perhaps I had finally found where I was meant to exist in the world? Did I belong in the UK more than I belong in Australia?

Actually, I like the weather

London weather and I get along much better, compared with my relationship with the Aussie sun. I don’t mind the rain and clouds as much as I thought I would. And I like that there is a clear difference between winter, with snow, less sunlight and cosy winter coats, and summer, which has a surprising amount of sun stretched over long, cider filled days.

You can’t beat the travel

I love the proximity to Europe and all that it has to offer. For example, my hubby and I booked a week on Malta for our wedding anniversary. The flights were cheap and took less than 3.5 hours for us to get there. We paid less for our six-night holiday than if we had visited Noosa for a week (and had to stock up on litres of aloe vera gel to chill in the fridge).

And the work is great, thank you

But it’s not all about the holidays. I’ve worked for a variety of global clients, consulting and advising them on big campaigns and projects, on a scale that probably wouldn’t be possible if I was still living in Brisbane. Challenging and rewarding, yes – but awesome. And when freelancing, there is plenty of time to travel.

So, UK vs Australia?

While I love Australia and appreciate that it has a lot going for it, for me the UK is scores more points…

So, even though I have proved that I can get sunburn in the unlikeliest of circumstances in the UK, it was so mild that it didn’t even require aloe vera application. That’s a win in my books!

Read more of Jacquie’s experiences as an expat:

Don’t make friends with travellers – they’ll only love you and leave you

10 strange ways your life will change when you move to London

Drinking culture in boozy London: the ‘even on weeknights’, bingy truth

I have absolutely been spoiled by London, and it may not be a good thing

Living overseas: Why your best friends now are your fellow expats

Also visit her website www.neverendinghoneymoon.net

IMAGE: Shutterstock.com

The post Do I belong in the UK more than I belong in Australia? appeared first on Australian Times News.

If that’s you today, don’t feel alone. From cuddly Pooh Bear to world-famous authors – all the very best have experienced that overwhelming sense of being homesick.

The post Eight quotes of wisdom to re-inspire the lonely, homesick soul appeared first on Australian Times News.

The consultants at Breytenbachs Immigration have had to deal with a number of cases where airlines refused persons to board in such situations. We also received a number of queries from distressed employees whose UK employers did not accept the valid visa in the expired passport as proof of their right to work in the UK.

Expired Passport – UK Home Office Guidance

The official guideline from the Home Office regarding the matter states that a person can still use the valid visa in the expired passport. He/she will, however, have to show the expired passport together with the new passport when travelling.

UK employers can also check a person’s right to work with the UK Employer Checking Service.

Solution for the Expired Passport, Valid Visa Situation

Probably the safest solution is to replace your visa with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This transfer can be done if you are in the UK.

If you are outside the UK and have an expired passport with a valid visa, it is possible to apply to transfer the UK visa to your new passport.

It is not mandatory for a person to apply for a Biometric Residence Permit where the passport has expired. There are however some benefits of doing so that are listed by the Home Office:

• Enhanced security features of the BRP.
• It proves that a person has the right to work and access certain benefits.
• It will facilitate travel to and from the UK.

Biometric Residence Permits

Fortunately, for newer UK Visa applicants the Biometric Residence Permit is now issued to all applicants.

All successful UK visa applicants, excluding those who apply for visitor visas and EEA Family permits, receive a 30-day vignette in their passports.

The applicant then has 30 days to leave their home country. Once in the UK, they are required to collect the Biometric Residence card or BRP. This card will then, in essence, be the UK visa, settlement, Ancestry, Tier 2 work permit, etc. Once a person applies for Indefinite Leave to Remain, a new Biometric Residence Permit is issued, stating this new status.

In the light of the doubts about the situation that sometimes arise at airports, and with UK employers, Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants highly recommend that persons with expired passports rather apply for a Biometric Residence Permit. This should remove all doubts and ensure peace of mind for the visa holder!

For more information, visit Breytenbachs’ website at www.bic-immigration.com

IMAGE: Via Pixabay.com

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1. Woop-woop

An ambiguous, non-specific territory halfway between Timbuktu and a place really far away. Us Aussies don’t need a metric system when everything can be scaled on its proximity to woop woop.

Use: Mate I’m not trekking there, he lives in bloody woop-woop.

2. Arvo/traino/avo

We’ve all been there, eating an avo, in the arvo, on the traino. If only the Brits could understand what we meant. After all, there’s something so friendly about putting an ‘o’ on everything. David from the office needs to embrace the fact he will be forever, and to all Australians, Davo.

Use: What are you up to this arvo, Davo? I’m heading to the bottle-o via the servo.

3. Goon bag

Probably our greatest national contribution to the world of innovation and design. Australians may have invented the refrigerator and mechanical clippers, but the goon bag is of far greater significance. For its is it that protects our cask wine, and it that serves as many-a-nights’ entertainment as we string it up to the washing line for yet another game of ‘goon of fortune’. And just how many nights has it served as a pillow, when we inflate the little bag with air to rest our drunken heads at the end of the evening?

The Brits have it all wrong: drinking fruity drinks with bits of mint getting stuck in your teeth (Pimms) – not cool and so expensive. They need to embrace the technological advancement – we have invented the wheel! Goon bags, we salute you.

Use: Are you going to Davo’s on Saturday? Don’t forget the goon bag.

4. Bogan

Brits will tell you that they have chavs and we have bogans, but this is not a fair comparison. The term chav may mask some serious class hatred here in England (standing for Council-Housing Anti-Social Vermin), whilst bogan is an affectionate term we throw at our mates when they’re rocking a mullet, being overly patriotic and drinking cheap, luke-warm beer from a footy-themed stubbie. We are all bogans sometimes, it is a word which unites not divides.

Use: Ah, ya bogan.

5. Bucks

If you say you have ten bucks in your pocket, you may receive a strange look. Brits may envisage you sporting 10 male-deer with large horns protruding from your pants. But ‘bucks’ is in fact a one-size-fits-all, non nation specific, term for coin. Whether it be yen or euro, it’s always a buck to us. It’s an essential term for travelling as it can be super confusing when trying to remember whether you owe someone a pound or a koruna. Or was it a quid? Is that the same thing? Who can keep track anymore?

Use: Hey mate, can I borrow five bucks to grab a pie?

6. Undies vs pants vs trousers

What’s so damn confusind? Briefs, undies, jocks, tighty whities, boxers. Pants are what you swap shorts for if you’re going somewhere fancy (fancy pants?). Trousers are so pompous – they’re bland and dull. Pants are fun, they can be flared, they can be corduroy. It’s a pants party!

Use: I’m not wearing any undies under my pants today.

7. Cozzies and togs.

Seriously, just ask a British male what they call their swim shorts – they are so primitive they haven’t even got a word for it. Apart from the uptight, all-style encompassing word of ‘bathers’, they only have ‘swimming suits’ or ‘swimming costumes’. This conjures up the image that they are sporting some kind of bow-tie-speedo-lycra combination, a three-piece made of spandex. How can you have a swimming ‘suit’? ‘Togs’ or ‘cozzies’ encompass the tankini, bikini, bordies, rashies and anything else one may choose to swim in.

Use: Surf’s up, let me just grab me cozzie.

8. Ranga

Officially adopted into the Australian Oxford Dictionary, what started as a schoolyard insult has now entered the official Aussie lexicon. There’s something quite literary, if not offensive, in referring to someone with red hair as a ranga, likening them to an Orangutan. We are poets, really.

Use: “A Ranga sir. Cause he’s got red hair” (Jonah Takalua – Summer Heights High)

9. Thongs

When Sisqo released his 90s hit ‘Thong Song’, while the rest of the world bore all in skimpy cozzie bottoms, Aussies everywhere took off their shoe and waved it proudly in the air as the chorus sang ‘Shake that thong’. If only Brits would adopt the correct vernacular, we’d stop this g-string, flip-flop confusion.

Use: Oh no, I’ve had a blow-out on my thong, and they’re my favourite pair!

10. Dag

Nowhere else in the world would the poo that hangs off of a sheep’s behind be used as a casual insult by mums, dads and grandmas everywhere. A dag is a dork, a lamo, a silly person.

Use: When someone enters a room with the tag of their clothes hanging out, one would say, ‘hey mate, you’re being a tag-dag’.

For more great Aussie words see: Australian slang dictionary

The post 10 you beaut Australian slang terms Brits should totally adopt appeared first on Australian Times News.

Tips for a smooth Indefinite Leave to Remain application

Keep track of all your overseas travels. It is useful to maintain a travel list throughout your time in the UK. This will also help to ensure that you do not exceed the travel restrictions. Currently, there is a limit of no more than 180 days absence in any 12-month rolling period. This will save you from having to compile a historic list from the stamps in your passport. As we all know, this can be time-consuming and tricky, especially if you travel frequently!

If you have a partner attached to your application, it will be best to ensure that you are both receiving multiple items of correspondence in your names to you. Also, ensure that it is sent to your home address and that you retain these items of correspondence. Keeping a record of this will enable you to provide evidence of your continued cohabitation in the UK. The same applies if your application is based on your relationship to a British national.

If you are a Tier 2 migrant and you intend to change to a new sponsor, then it is best to ensure you keep your P45 confirming your employment with your previous sponsor. It will also be wise to keep evidence of your annual leave allowance, and business trips. This can be proven by, e.g., your contract of employment.

If you are an Ancestral Visa holder, you must keep in mind that you have to undertake employment during the course of the 5 years in order to meet the requirements for ILR. Alternatively, you have to show that you been genuinely seeking work.

It is essential that you lodge your application for Indefinite Leave to Remain prior to your current visa expiring. So, please get in touch with your Breytenbachs consultant well in advance!

You can read more about Indefinite Leave to Remain here. If you have any specific questions or want to proceed with your ILR application, contact Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants.

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay.com

The post Tips for a smooth Indefinite Leave to Remain application appeared first on Australian Times News.