Alan Collett

Details of the new limits effective for applications lodged on or after
the 1st of January 2004 are awaited ... in the meantime see here:

http://www.gomatilda.com/news/article.cfm?articleid=287



Best regards.

Alan Collett

These financial thresholds are now to hand and are a significant step up
for applications lodged on or after the 1st of January 2004.



Details here:

http://www.gomatilda.com/news/article.cfm?articleid=287



Many who are thinking of lodging a 410 Retirement visa application might
be best advised to do so before the end of this month.



Best regards.







Originally posted by Alan Collett

    > Details of the new limits effective for applications lodged on
    > or after the 1st of January 2004 are awaited ... in the meantime
    > see here:

    > http://www.gomatilda.com/news/article.cfm?articleid=287


Best regards.

Alan Collett

Hello Geraint and thank you for your insightful observations.



What do you mean by your comment about "those who have been advised that
the old targets do not have to be proven, i.e. pre-existing 410's must
now show capability of ability to support ones life in Australia."



Applicants have been required to demonstrate that they satisfy the 410
visas financial requirements ever since they were introduced ...



Best wishes for a Happy Xmas.







Originally posted by gld

    > Earlier this week we heard some very important news for retirees that
    > the rates for the 410 Retirement Visa have been increased quite
    > considerably - some hasty re-thinks may be necessary and some visa
    > applications need to be lodged pronto - I hasten to add that these
    > figures are not confirmed but my source was impeccable. Lodging may
    > need to be done by close of play 2003.


    > As of January 1, 2004.


    > Without settled children


    > Assets of A$870,000


    > or Assets of A$350,000 and A$52,000 per annum of income


    > With settled children


    > Assets of A$800,000


    > or Assets of A$315,000 and A$50,000.


    > Our opinion is that this shows clear intent of DIMIA to move this visa
    > forward. A new Visa for Retirees is due out 01/11/04, we are now
    > advised.


    > Financials and Health Insurance appear to have caused Australia
    > concern for a while. These financial changes provide a clear signal
    > to those who have been advised that the old targets do not have to be
    > proven, i.e. pre-existing 410's must now show capability of ability to
    > support ones life in Australia. Indeed they need to take heed of the
    > changes and ensure that they prepare for their new lives with healthy
    > planning in line with the vagaries of the Australian financial system,
    > i.e. Brits who have planned a pre-departure tax minimised income in
    > Australia will surely benefit.


www.miplc.co.uk[/url] and ]www.migrateabroad.co.uk

Gld

Alan



I am still getting to grips with this system of communication and how to
speak on this email system. So please excuse my “style�. One of my
younger colleagues will be “training me� as and from 2004.



You asked the question….



What do you mean by your comment about "those who have been advised that
the old targets do not have to be proven, i.e. pre-existing 410's must
now show capability of ability to support ones life in Australia."



You will know from your own experience that the policy of MIPLC and
myself since I began in this business of advice to migrants 20
years ago has always been to provide a holistic approach to the
process of managing the migration, that being said why do we make
the above comments?



Many visa applications were made during the last few years where there
have been exchange rates of



A$2.30 = £1 others when it was £1 = A$3.04



Then there have been Canadian Citizens who have applied for the visa



A$1 = 75 Canadian Cents and then it has been A$1 = C$1



And then Euros 1€ = A$1.50 or 1€ = A$2.00



How do you manage such a multitude of currency variances, products
and tax systems? Nobody can, handle this and that is why we see
this apparent shift of emphasis. Each country has different
exchange rate issues.



This means that the variance between what one left the departing country
with and what one has 4 years hence can vary significantly – therefore
one sees a changing emphasis on not having to prove the old or the new
targets but to ensure that one has managed ones affairs to the
satisfaction of the powers to be. Therefore the target on renewal has
no numbers to prove, however you must evidence adequate means of support
– in other words properly structured visa maintenance is the order of
the day. Where are the controls necessary – financial, medical
(insurance) and character to put it in three. This is why we place so
much emphasis on planning and starting with the right foundation and
this is pre-departure and not post-departure.



By means of example many migrants have got their tax and financial
planning wrong, on the health front , some have paid for the wrong
medical cover and others appear to have just lapsed their covers on
arrival (so we are reliably informed). Not good for a visa renewal.
And why 410’s are not researching sufficiently whilst on a temporary
visa as a guest of Australia? – leaves me personally staggered.



I am not alone in my opinion which is shared by others “in the business�
that the emphasis is switching to integrating the migration process in
order that there will be no problems on visa re-issue.



So when you say



Applicants have been required to demonstrate that they satisfy the 410
visas financial requirements ever since they were introduced.



Indeed but we see a changing philosophy beginning to appear – at long
last – the encouragement of 410’s as with other visa holders to get it
right. No doubt the Channel 4 programmes have been seen by many
interested decision makers – what will they think of inadequate
planning? – what will they want to see well organised migrants. Hence
the migration training programme, we are engaged in.



Best wishes for a Happy Xmas from





Geraint and the teams in UK, Australia and New Zealand.



www.miplc.co.uk[/url] and ]www.migrateabroad.co.uk



Originally posted by Alan Collett

    > Hello Geraint and thank you for your insightful observations.


    > What do you mean by your comment about "those who have been advised
    > that the old targets do not have to be proven, i.e. pre-existing 410's
    > must now show capability of ability to support ones life in
    > Australia."


    > Applicants have been required to demonstrate that they satisfy the 410
    > visas financial requirements ever since they were introduced ...


Best wishes for a Happy Xmas.

Alan Collett

Geraint,



As you might know already, the requirement from a visa perspective on a
410 visa renewal is to ensure there has been no claiming of benefits.
There is no definitive or quantitative threshold to be satisfied when
making an application for the renewal of a Retirement visa.



The Regulations for the renewal 410 visa applicants were amended on the
1st of November, 2003, and now (broadly) "simply" require one to meet
modified health criteria, and to confirm that health insurance from an
Australian insurer has been maintained. There are more details in this
regard here:

http://www.gomatilda.com/news/article.cfm?articleid=276



Of course retirees should also ensure they have good tax and financial
planning in place, so that they understand the financial background to
their impending move, and to secure the value of their capital and
income in A$ terms once they have moved to Australia. In that regard a
good tax and financial planner in Australia local to where the retiree
is planning to live is (in my view) a desirable outcome, as this should
allow the retiree(s) in question the opportunity to develop an ongoing
relationship with a local advisor. Similarly an understanding of the
tax issues pertaining to the planned move to Australia prior to
departure is a prudent strategy for most ... which is why tax advice
from someone suitably qualified makes sense.



But then again some might accuse me of having a vested interest ... :-))



Kind regards.





Originally posted by gld

    > Alan


    > I am still getting to grips with this system of communication and how
    > to speak on this email system. So please excuse my “styleâ€?. One of
    > my younger colleagues will be “training meâ€? as and from 2004.


    > You asked the question….


    > What do you mean by your comment about "those who have been advised
    > that the old targets do not have to be proven, i.e. pre-existing 410's
    > must now show capability of ability to support ones life in
    > Australia."


    > You will know from your own experience that the policy of MIPLC and
    > myself since I began in this business of advice to migrants 20 years
    > ago has always been to provide a holistic approach to the process of
    > managing the migration, that being said why do we make the above
    > comments?


    > Many visa applications were made during the last few years where there
    > have been exchange rates of


    > A$2.30 = £1 others when it was £1 = A$3.04


    > Then there have been Canadian Citizens who have applied for the visa


    > A$1 = 75 Canadian Cents and then it has been A$1 = C$1


    > And then Euros 1€ = A$1.50 or 1€ = A$2.00


    > How do you manage such a multitude of currency variances, products
    > and tax systems? Nobody can, handle this and that is why we see
    > this apparent shift of emphasis. Each country has different
    > exchange rate issues.


    > This means that the variance between what one left the departing
    > country with and what one has 4 years hence can vary significantly –
    > therefore one sees a changing emphasis on not having to prove the old
    > or the new targets but to ensure that one has managed ones affairs to
    > the satisfaction of the powers to be. Therefore the target on
    > renewal has no numbers to prove, however you must evidence adequate
    > means of support – in other words properly structured visa maintenance
    > is the order of the day. Where are the controls necessary –
    > financial, medical (insurance) and character to put it in three. This
    > is why we place so much emphasis on planning and starting with the
    > right foundation and this is pre-departure and not post-departure.


    > By means of example many migrants have got their tax and financial
    > planning wrong, on the health front , some have paid for the wrong
    > medical cover and others appear to have just lapsed their covers on
    > arrival (so we are reliably informed). Not good for a visa renewal.
    > And why 410’s are not researching sufficiently whilst on a temporary
    > visa as a guest of Australia? – leaves me personally staggered.


    > I am not alone in my opinion which is shared by others “in the
    > businessâ€? that the emphasis is switching to integrating the migration
    > process in order that there will be no problems on visa re-issue.


    > So when you say


    > Applicants have been required to demonstrate that they satisfy the 410
    > visas financial requirements ever since they were introduced.


    > Indeed but we see a changing philosophy beginning to appear – at long
    > last – the encouragement of 410’s as with other visa holders to get it
    > right. No doubt the Channel 4 programmes have been seen by many
    > interested decision makers – what will they think of inadequate
    > planning? – what will they want to see well organised migrants. Hence
    > the migration training programme, we are engaged in.


    > Best wishes for a Happy Xmas from



    > Geraint and the teams in UK, Australia and New Zealand.


www.miplc.co.uk[/url] and ]www.migrateabroad.co.uk

Gld

Originally posted by Alan Collett

    > Details of the new limits effective for applications lodged on
    > or after the 1st of January 2004 are awaited ... in the meantime
    > see here:

    > http://www.gomatilda.com/news/article.cfm?articleid=287


    > Best regards.

Alan



As you know back in the eighties (members of my team – myself included)
pioneered much of the work on the tax and financial planning issues for
those migrating to Australia or already resident there. Incidentally in
the last 5 years we developed New Zealand options. This probably led to
your own unearthing in the past of our firm’s knowledge and experience
on the subject of planned migration.



Permit me to explain our interpretation which may take a moment to do.
In order to respond I may have to explain at times our means of
managing clients.



First, the issue of claiming of benefits – relates specifically not just
to the claiming of benefits. It is to a wider potential audience of
expense to Australia that DIMIA addresses – 1044i states quite
categorically that visa grantees must lay claim neither to social
security benefits nor to community funding.



Next, the question of medical insurance needs in this firm’s opinion to
be expanded on. Your version of the word, “simply� is too vague to our
minds. We believe your usage of the word does not do justice to the
intent of DIMIA. Those entering Australia on this visa do so as
temporary entrants, on a visa that is as close to a permanent visa as
DIMIA could offer.



How much an issue is health? Our team have successfully co-ordinated
the entry into Australia under the 410, of one with a double
mastectomy 3 months prior to visa issue as well as we have by-pass
successes with a transplant being the latest complicated case. So why
let these and others in knowing that health is already an issue?
Because it’s the benefit and community cost and DIMIA not expecting
410’s to take any old cover out – but one that does all that a migrant
can to avoid being a burden.



We have known for a while the overall intent of the visa as far as the
integration of medical insurance and financials and character is
concerned. At all times our clients are being advised to follow the
basic rule of planning before departure – as they may return – not
necessarily of their own volition. Therefore the key role that medical
insurance plays, needs to be carefully considered and not just something
to pay for. Let me expand



As you would be aware gaps in insurance cover do exist – excesses or
exclusions are what they are commonly referred to – and what if a gap
appears? Who pays? The Australian Commonwealth Government, the State
or the local council or the visa grantee? The answer sits in the
wording of the terms of the visa.



Could an excess or exclusion put financial burdens on a claimant? We
say yes. Now it may become clearer where we are heading. You are right
in saying “there is no definitive or quantitative threshold to be
satisfied when making an application for the renewal of a Retirement
visa�. There now doesn’t have to be.



A previously comfortable existence could become difficult to sustain
by poor integration of the two systems – Gordon Brown does not let go
that easily and he has his grip for years after departure. Hence,
why our one to one consultations, have now allocated for our clients
a significant time slot to consider carefully medical insurance;
where we need to rigorously consider the seriousness of this matter
with clients before they buy their cover. With sound planning the
health issue becomes a thing of the past, intending migrants are
given the opportunity to discuss this one on one with our medical
insurance experts.



Poorly planned medical insurance put in place to merely satisfy the
needs of DIMIA could cause financial difficulty indeed an ability to
survive in Australia could come into question – if health fails as it
surely will one day. Possibly leading to community funding being called
in – dare I say.



And dare I say that quoting from 1044i – “You will also need to complete
a declaration (supported by evidence) that you have adequate means of
support for yourself (and your spouse).� – one would look pretty sick if
you had to leave because you had not organised your medical insurance
properly – and you had to pay your own way because of gaps. Nobody
wants to get sick but we all do.



Therefore quality integrated planning to consider implications is a must
– consideration must be given to those amongst us who require hospice
care for Alzheimer’s and the like. What medical insurance covers that?
Sound financial planning pre-departure using the best of both worlds
will consider this properly – something an Australian advisor as you
would know cannot possibly guarantee to do so without considering the UK
financial position pre-departure. Licensing alone would as you now
preclude an Australian advisor being in a position to give such advice.



We as a firm believe many migrants are over-exposed to the rose tinted
glasses syndrome and need a dose of reality, its not just a case of –
“of I will get your visa and I will get your medical insurance� - we
believe the lid should be lifted on all the issues prior to the move.
Hence the “teach yourself to migrate courses�, we now run.



If the issues are not fully explored many would go to Australia of the
opinion that they may have no intention of drawing upon community
funding. But as I have explained above could yet do so as a consequence
of gaps in their cover and as a consequence their capacity to maintain
their ability to live in Australia would come under scrutiny as 1044i
clearly states.



I agree with you on the tax and financial planning issues and you would
be well aware of the store we place in having the very best advice
available for our clients. However our team of Australian Accountants
based in our offices in the UK (which you would also be aware of) appear
from (what you have written) to have a different opinion to yours. You
see we are regularly manoeuvring through our regulated authorisations,
clients into more Australian tax and financial management friendly
financial positions. Our 80 plus Anglo-Australian years experience does
help in this regard. Sometimes what we do is not at first understood by
others – but we have got used to this and conclude that it is simply
because of our years in the business. There is now not much we haven’t
seen – though lots that others have yet to see.



Once our clients are de-briefed then and only then do we link them to
our people in Australia (fully de-briefed Australian accountants and
financial planners who understand how to look after our clients in
Australia knowing why we have made where necessary subtle changes – in
fact they are often in contact months before departure) – too often have
we seen people being linked first and coming unstuck second. The
connection requires both advisors in UK and Australia to maintain
connection – else what happens if the migrant returns??



I am surprised by you comment – “Similarly an understanding of the tax
issues pertaining to the planned move to Australia prior to departure is
a prudent strategy for most ... which is why tax advice from someone
suitably qualified makes sense.�



Why would it not be a prudent strategy for all? Why just most?



But then again some might accuse me of having a vested interest ... :-))



Don’t follow why would you have a vested interest? Your comment could
be read in such a way that it implies that we are not equipped to give
advice. My firm has Australian accountants working out of our office in
the UK as well as Australian qualified Certified Financial Planners.



Hope this helps





Geraint





*****



Re: Retirement Visa Financial Changes

Geraint,



As you might know already, the requirement from a visa perspective on a
410 visa renewal is to ensure there has been no claiming of benefits.
There is no definitive or quantitative threshold to be satisfied when
making an application for the renewal of a Retirement visa.



The Regulations for the renewal 410 visa applicants were amended on the
1st of November, 2003, and now (broadly) "simply" require one to meet
modified health criteria, and to confirm that health insurance from an
Australian insurer has been maintained. There are more details in this
regard here:

http://www.gomatilda.com/news/article.cfm?articleid=276



Of course retirees should also ensure they have good tax and financial
planning in place, so that they understand the financial background to
their impending move, and to secure the value of their capital and
income in A$ terms once they have moved to Australia. In that regard a
good tax and financial planner in Australia local to where the retiree
is planning to live is (in my view) a desirable outcome, as this should
allow the retiree(s) in question the opportunity to develop an ongoing
relationship with a local advisor. Similarly an understanding of the tax
issues pertaining to the planned move to Australia prior to departure is
a prudent strategy for most ... which is why tax advice from someone
suitably qualified makes sense.



But then again some might accuse me of having a vested interest ... :-))



Kind regards.

Alan Collett

I hear what you say Geraint, and as you make a number of comments I'll
try to hop through them in roughly the same order as they arise.



- I can't comment on the extent to which you were involved in financial
planning for Aussie migrants in the past. I think it fair to say
though that the world has moved on a great deal since there was only
one product available for pension transfers from the UK to Australia.
I would also contend that more competition in this area of advice has
led to better value for the consumer - better that than a monopoly,
wouldn't you say?



- Similarly I'm sure you are not claiming to have a monopoly on the
depth or breadth of advice in the field of tax advice for intending
migrants ...



- In the case of a 410 visa there is a significant interaction between
the migration legislation and other areas such as taxation and health
requirements. I hesitate to make reference to the number of
Registered Migration Agents under your employ, but I am strongly of
the belief that advice on matters pertaining to Australian immigration
and commentary in the same area of law should be taken from registered
migration agents and/or immigration lawyers, as it is only by engaging
such persons that an intending migrant can have recourse to a
professional body should the advice in this area be deficient.



- It is super if your company has been able to facilitate visa grants
for those who have suffered the ailments noted in your last posting.



- I know I am not alone in the belief that properly qualified tax
advisors are best placed to give advice on tax issues - in that regard
I am pleased to note that you have Australian qualified CAs working
with you ... but how do they maintain their technical knowledge (eg
through attending seminars) when taxation changes and policy are being
developed on the other side of the world? From my own experience as a
UK-qualified CA working in Australia I know what a challenge this is.



- With regard to health cover, again I note your comments, though I
remain of the belief that advice on available health cover in
Australia is best taken from an advisor in Australia. So long as a
410 visa applicant enters into the visa process aware of the
limitations of health cover and their potential exposure I would not
recommend complicating matters prior to departure from the UK ...
rather these issues should be developed with a financial advisor in
Australia once he or she has arrived. There is a real risk of
complicating what I would agree is an involved area - without wanting
to over-simplify matters I believe our role as advisors is to manage
the migration process whilst also conveying information in an
understandable manner. This can be particularly relevant to 410-visa
applicants, who may be older in years and less able to comprehend
technical matters than those who are younger.



- I can (I think) understand why you would like 410-visa applicants
to engage a UK-based financial advisor prior to departure to
consider financial planning and health insurance issues, but to be
open with you I'm not persuaded that this is necessary, or indeed
good value from the visa applicant's perspective. I'm sure you
would beg to differ!



At the end of the day you and I know we are coming at the tax planning
process from a different perspective with our own reasons for so doing
(principally commercial). I am delighted you will be contributing to
these discussion forums, and look forward to your future postings.



Best wishes for the New Year.

Jumbo

Originally posted by Alan Collett

    > I hear what you say Geraint, and as you make a number of comments I'll
    > try to hop through them in roughly the same order as they arise.


    > - I can't comment on the extent to which you were involved in
    > financial planning for Aussie migrants in the past. I think it fair
    > to say though that the world has moved on a great deal since there
    > was only one product available for pension transfers from the UK to
    > Australia. I would also contend that more competition in this area
    > of advice has led to better value for the consumer - better that
    > than a monopoly, wouldn't you say?


    > - Similarly I'm sure you are not claiming to have a monopoly on the
    > depth or breadth of advice in the field of tax advice for intending
    > migrants ...


    > - In the case of a 410 visa there is a significant interaction between
    > the migration legislation and other areas such as taxation and
    > health requirements. I hesitate to make reference to the number of
    > Registered Migration Agents under your employ, but I am strongly of
    > the belief that advice on matters pertaining to Australian
    > immigration and commentary in the same area of law should be taken
    > from registered migration agents and/or immigration lawyers, as it
    > is only by engaging such persons that an intending migrant can have
    > recourse to a professional body should the advice in this area be
    > deficient.


    > - It is super if your company has been able to facilitate visa grants
    > for those who have suffered the ailments noted in your last posting.


    > - I know I am not alone in the belief that properly qualified tax
    > advisors are best placed to give advice on tax issues - in that
    > regard I am pleased to note that you have Australian qualified CAs
    > working with you ... but how do they maintain their technical
    > knowledge (eg through attending seminars) when taxation changes and
    > policy are being developed on the other side of the world? From my
    > own experience as a UK-qualified CA working in Australia I know what
    > a challenge this is.


    > - With regard to health cover, again I note your comments, though I
    > remain of the belief that advice on available health cover in
    > Australia is best taken from an advisor in Australia. So long as a
    > 410 visa applicant enters into the visa process aware of the
    > limitations of health cover and their potential exposure I would not
    > recommend complicating matters prior to departure from the UK ...
    > rather these issues should be developed with a financial advisor in
    > Australia once he or she has arrived. There is a real risk of
    > complicating what I would agree is an involved area - without
    > wanting to over-simplify matters I believe our role as advisors is
    > to manage the migration process whilst also conveying information in
    > an understandable manner. This can be particularly relevant to 410-
    > visa applicants, who may be older in years and less able to
    > comprehend technical matters than those who are younger.


    > - I can (I think) understand why you would like 410-visa applicants to
    > engage a UK-based financial advisor prior to departure to consider
    > financial planning and health insurance issues, but to be open with
    > you I'm not persuaded that this is necessary, or indeed good value
    > from the visa applicant's perspective. I'm sure you would beg to
    > differ!


    > At the end of the day you and I know we are coming at the tax planning
    > process from a different perspective with our own reasons for so doing
    > (principally commercial). I am delighted you will be contributing to
    > these discussion forums, and look forward to your future postings.


Best wishes for the New Year.

Jumbo

Originally posted by Alan Collett

    > I hear what you say Geraint, and as you make a number of comments I'll
    > try to hop through them in roughly the same order as they arise.


    > - I can't comment on the extent to which you were involved in
    > financial planning for Aussie migrants in the past. I think it fair
    > to say though that the world has moved on a great deal since there
    > was only one product available for pension transfers from the UK to
    > Australia. I would also contend that more competition in this area
    > of advice has led to better value for the consumer - better that
    > than a monopoly, wouldn't you say?


    > - Similarly I'm sure you are not claiming to have a monopoly on the
    > depth or breadth of advice in the field of tax advice for intending
    > migrants ...


    > - In the case of a 410 visa there is a significant interaction between
    > the migration legislation and other areas such as taxation and
    > health requirements. I hesitate to make reference to the number of
    > Registered Migration Agents under your employ, but I am strongly of
    > the belief that advice on matters pertaining to Australian
    > immigration and commentary in the same area of law should be taken
    > from registered migration agents and/or immigration lawyers, as it
    > is only by engaging such persons that an intending migrant can have
    > recourse to a professional body should the advice in this area be
    > deficient.


    > - It is super if your company has been able to facilitate visa grants
    > for those who have suffered the ailments noted in your last posting.


    > - I know I am not alone in the belief that properly qualified tax
    > advisors are best placed to give advice on tax issues - in that
    > regard I am pleased to note that you have Australian qualified CAs
    > working with you ... but how do they maintain their technical
    > knowledge (eg through attending seminars) when taxation changes and
    > policy are being developed on the other side of the world? From my
    > own experience as a UK-qualified CA working in Australia I know what
    > a challenge this is.


    > - With regard to health cover, again I note your comments, though I
    > remain of the belief that advice on available health cover in
    > Australia is best taken from an advisor in Australia. So long as a
    > 410 visa applicant enters into the visa process aware of the
    > limitations of health cover and their potential exposure I would not
    > recommend complicating matters prior to departure from the UK ...
    > rather these issues should be developed with a financial advisor in
    > Australia once he or she has arrived. There is a real risk of
    > complicating what I would agree is an involved area - without
    > wanting to over-simplify matters I believe our role as advisors is
    > to manage the migration process whilst also conveying information in
    > an understandable manner. This can be particularly relevant to 410-
    > visa applicants, who may be older in years and less able to
    > comprehend technical matters than those who are younger.


    > - I can (I think) understand why you would like 410-visa applicants to
    > engage a UK-based financial advisor prior to departure to consider
    > financial planning and health insurance issues, but to be open with
    > you I'm not persuaded that this is necessary, or indeed good value
    > from the visa applicant's perspective. I'm sure you would beg to
    > differ!


    > At the end of the day you and I know we are coming at the tax planning
    > process from a different perspective with our own reasons for so doing
    > (principally commercial). I am delighted you will be contributing to
    > these discussion forums, and look forward to your future postings.


    > Best wishes for the New Year.



At the risk of interrupting an interesting discussion, I shall be
migrating soon on a new parent visa and consider financial planning
ahead of going essential. I am doing this myself and checking all
facts/rules etc from at least two sources. I have company pensions in
payment in the UK and my strategy is to get a part time job to allow
transfer all personal pensions to Oz, keep UK investments to below $50k,
and convert other UK investments into A$ and top up Super funds to the
RBL to take tax free in Oz.



I don't want nasty surprises by neglecting financial planning.



Regards

Rgregan

I recomend my clients either use Allan Collet or contact Clive Herald at
Godfrey Pembroke (offices in every Australian State capital)
contactable on cherrald at godfreypembroke dot com dot au
- also able to help with NZ and UK problems.



I agree with Allan that the emergence of competition in Financial
services for outbound migrants has had a very positive impact on the
experiences of these migrants over the past few years.



It is a tad worrying that the "teach yourself" migration program
website is not up yet and hasnt been for some time.



I do not see any registered migration agent attached to this enterprise.