stoutdrinker

Hi Everyone!

I've been reading a lot at immi.gov.au and here, but I haven't been able to find the answer to my question. It's related to the General Skilled Migration Visa.

My wife and I are thinking of relocating to OZ under subclass 175. We're in our late 20s and our skill is listed on the CSL and we're both currently employed in the field. I don't see an issue with us making it to the land down under, but what if we get there and we cannot find a job or if we choose to not look for a job? Will we be put on a plane and sent back?

Are there priviledges/benefits we don't have (i.e. medicare, PBS, etc) if we do not work once we are there? Is there any such work requirement?

Thanks for your comments/answers.

Ozwanderer

Yes, you could join the club of the unemployed, no membership fee for that but it's about two years before being eligible for most social welfare benefits which I think include unemployment benefits.
Medicare you can also join with no fee and be covered for basic hospital, doctors fees partial rebates and PBS.

Dorothy

As a permanent resident you would be entitled to Medicare as soon as you land. You can also qualify for child tax benefits through Centrelink and if you are low income earners then you could also qualify for rent assistance. Unemployment benefits are not available for the first 2 years on a skilled visa, though. Even when you are eligible the unemployment benefit is difficult to get.

As a permanent resident on a 175 you are under no obligation to work in your field or work at all for that matter. You can live and work anywhere in Australia you wish.

stoutdrinker

Ozwanderer, Dorothy...thanks for the humor and clarification...greatly appreciated.