The United States Election is now upon us. After all the debates and the media mudslinging and the pundits’ fearless predictions, we will finally be able to know who will replace Barack Obama as the 45th President of the United States of America. But this election is different, no doubt, as the country never had a more polarizing one.
On the Republican corner, we have business magnate and real estate mogul Donald Trump, who trail blazed an unprecedented rise to the top of the Grand Old Party despite zero government experience and with only his charisma and business acumen on his armory. However, Trump’s campaign isn’t as smooth as his The Apprentice television run. It is marred with controversies involving racism, tax evasion, and a theoretical huge wall, among others.
On the Democratic stable is Hillary Clinton, former First Lady and former Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013. Clinton once collided with Obama back in 2008 for the Democratic nomination but ultimately lost. Now she is back, hungry and with a fervor to prove herself. She is set to mark her legacy as the first female President of the land. But like Trump, Clinton is without her glowing flaws. A controversy regarding her use of email accounts on private servers while conducting government matters exploded in March 2015.
On the Libertarian’s side is Gary Johnson, former governor of New Mexico, businessman, and author. Despite existing as a third alternative, the United States largely focused its eyes on the two bigger aspirants.
For some, their candidate not winning the elections spells doom for them, resulting in people who swore to actually move out if things go unfavorably. If you are planning to do the same and want to go to the Lucky Country, we have laid down the steps for you (we’ve even compared the two countries!). We know it is hard to plan when you are already in a fit of panic.
You Must Be Under 50
If you are planning to enter the country through the Skilled Migration stream i.e. you will be part of the country’s workforce, the age limit is 50. The Government argues that this is to maintain a young and productive workforce for the country by filling the ranks with younger and more experienced people.
This, however, does not go without criticisms, as calls are being made to abolish the age restriction for General Skilled Migrants. Also, there are very few exceptions to this age limit. Check them here.
You Should Be in Good Health
Australia has one of the best health care systems in the world. Not to mention the excellent quality of life, low illness rates, and the longevity its citizens enjoy. Given this, the Australian government must maintain these standards and protect its people from any threats to their health and safety.
This is the the reason why the Immigration department is so fixated on monitoring and checking the health of the migrants traveling here. Certain health requirements have to be met and health examinations have to be passed in order for you to set foot here. These examinations are largely focused on detecting pre-existing illnesses such as HIV or Aids, Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis. These illnesses are communicable and can be health hazards once they get into the country.
A Clean Criminal Record Is a Must
The Character Test is one of the requirements you will need to pass in order to set foot to Australia. You fail this if:
- You have a substantive criminal record
- You have been convicted at some point in your life
- You have been proven guilty of a charge at some point in your life
- You have been a member or had an association with group involved in criminal misconduct
- You have been involved in people smuggling, people trafficking, a war crime, genocide, a crime against humanity, a crime involving torture or slavery, or a crime that is of serious international concern. Conviction is not a requirement here.
- There is a possibility that you will engage in criminal act, harass, molest, intimidate or stalk another person, defame a segment of the Australian community, or be a danger to the society.
Australia enjoys a very low crime rate and a peaceful living devoid of hate, discrimination, or fear of discord. The Character Test is designed to maintain this status quo.
Be Proficient in English Language
Like the United States, Australia is an English-speaking country. You need to speak the language to be able to work, do business, or negotiate with people here.
Pass the Skills Assessment
You can work in Australia first before you can be a permanent resident or a citizen. But before that happens, you may need to pass the Skills Assessment. This will determine if you have what it takes to be part of Australia’s workforce.
You see, the country won’t let you in just because you know how to do your job. The Skills Assessment process can take weeks to even a few months, depending on degree, qualifications, and experience.
Be Prepared For The Weather
Australians maybe nice and all but please be reminded that the weather is quite the opposite. It can be unpredictable, extreme, and challenging. It is a very common joke here that each city goes through four seasons each day. Contrary to what you see, it isn’t always beach season here. There can time for extreme rain, cloudiness, and windiness.
And it will vary furthermore depending on which part of the country you are. Sydney is humid with cool sea breezes, Adelaide has a Mediterranean climate, Brisbane enjoys a balmy to flush temperature, Melbourne has an abundant amount of sunshine, Perth enjoys cooling afternoon sea breeze, while Canberra boasts of Continental seasons. The Outback is just a huge desert.
Observe How the Australians Roll
This is where the biggest adjustments will come in. Aussies roll differently from Americans. These guys drink all days of the week, never talks about work or business in the bar, never sits at the back of a taxi, and always asks the rhetorical questions (which never require an answer).
On the work or business, they are much stricter, though. Body inks are a no-no (hide those, buddy), no short pants, always wear a tie and a jacket, and no fancy hairdos. But at least it is cool to date your workmate.
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