Plan B

lesly · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 9:03 pm Post subject: Plan B

Hi all,

Because of the announcement of the new immigrant health screening rules, we are obliged to have a plan B. You can see why in some of my previous posts. (We have a disabled child)
What about Australia? Does anyone know the Australian immigration rules?
Are the rules as strict as in NZ, would it be easier to gain residence in Australia?
Of course we would first fight for our first choice (NZ), but returning to Belgium is not what we have in mind. It would be reassuring to have a plan B (one that has a better chance to succeed).

Thanks, Lesly

MichelleW · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:27 pm Post subject:

Hi Lesly,
I read the news as well and it worries me too.My sons care runs about 3,000 a year including his medication and seeing a neurologist once a year,which isn't alot but maybe they would think so.
Australia was originally my first choice but I have sort of fallen for NZ since then.Anyway I had written to the epilepsy foundation in oz when I was thinking of moving there.I'll paste their reply.I am only about half awake here (6am)but i'm thinking that your son has a seizure disorder.

Michelle. Epilepsy in itself should not be a barrier to moving to live
in
Australia. What the immigration department considers is the demand on
our
health system that people may impose rather than restricting people who
have
particular conditions. I am not sure where you are coming from but I
would
suggest that you check the criteria for entry at your end. Australia
has
excellent services for people with epilepsy including some
Epileptologists
who are known world wide. Let me know if I can be of any other
assistance to
you regarding services or medications. You may like to view our website
at
www.epilepsy.org.au <http://www.epilepsy.org.au> which will give you
some
tips on travelling. If you would like to contact us when you arrive
call us
on 1300 366 162 and you will be connected to our office that is close
to
where you are staying. All the best.

take care,
Michelle

Grey · I Like It Here Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Posts: 74

Don't know if Aus would be easier, may be for some & not for others.. Seems very complicated though at first, so many categories etc.. here's their site - www.immi.gov.au

Hope it doesn't come to this, which it may not do.. but if you do go this way then as I was just saying in another post, having Aus PR would give you NZ PR automatically! (Unless they change the rules..)

lesly · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 12:00 am Post subject:

Michelle,

My son needs about the same care as yours, but except for the medication and the neurologist, he also needs to go to a special
school (maybe he could go to a normal school, but I think it 's better
for him to get the special care). I guess that would be the biggest
trouble.
Thanks for sharing the info! Nice One

Thanks Grey,

I don't think it would be easier, but maybe worth a try if there is no other way left. I have checked our points score though, and it doesn't look good. We wouldn't even have enough points to make it to the pool with a job offer Nutcase

I hope we can stick to our first choice!! fingers crossed

Lesly