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Well there aren't very many of us this time around. Simon, I can recommend running as a cure for beer bellies. No need to starve yourself in front of a monitor.

As GG said above, just looking at personal income tax doesn't tell the whole story. In the US, you've state income taxes, city income taxes, property taxes (think >$6000 per year, often much more), social security, state and city sales taxes. If you're leaving large inheritances, there are...

Hm. Seems too high. In DV 2015 the max CN was 2306 out of 3499 selectees.

I think it might include derivatives? Doesn't say on the VB, so I'm going from memory. But I wouldn't be so sure about the number of visas issued. Time for some numerology and rampant speculation. I previously made predictions about final CN cutoffs based on visa quotas and rates of issuance...

Wow, not good news for OC high numbers :(

The max CN wasn't 1500. There were 1500 selectees in total! I'm estimating a max CN of 990-1000. In DV2015, there were 3499 selectees in total, with max CN of 2306.

Right. Of course. But universities and taxes are two things that Australia gets (mostly) right. At the moment, anyway.

Yes, I'd like to see the max case number for OC in DV2016. With 1500 selectees, if the rates are the same as last year, highest CN is likely around 990. Puts me at the back of the queue. So I guess I'm anticipating an August-September interview. But it's another bloody year of anxious waiting...

Well, if we apply this statement to Australia, it's not quite right. Australian taxes are very, very low by world standards. Even when compared to America. There might be one or two states with lower taxes. (CA and NY are not amongst them.) And if you want your kids to go to the best possible...

I chose 'no' with the caveat 'I will obtain all vaccinations deemed necessary to comply with requirements.'

Absolutely true. An 'investor friendly' board might allow renting out your unit for one year out of three, but only after you've been in it a year. And some boards are known for arbitrarily denying purchasors because they don't like the look of them. (Not racist, of course :rolleyes:.) Even...

Yes, healthcare in the States is terrifying. In 'blue' states that have worked to minimise premiums under Obamacare, you're looking at $600+ per month for a couple with ~$7000 max yearly out of pocket (on top of your premiums). Healthcare is one of those things that I strongly believe shouldn't...

Yes, the real estate prices in Sydney are far above where they should be. The only reason they're so high is a chronic lack of supply and market distortion from a silly tax regime. People take on terrifying mortgages w/r/t incomes because they believe capital gains will continue for ever...

They selected 82K for DV2007. You can read it in the August 2006 bulletin, if I recall correctly. But I want to know the same thing. Why so low this year? Simon thinks it's because they're overreacting to DV2014, and I guess he could be right. The best theory for that sad tale was the 140K raw...

Well la-di-da! You can keep your perfect weather, your Kerouac tomes, your beautiful scenery and internationally renowned universities. I'll take driveway shovelling and 'Winter is Coming' ;)

It is very suss! I'm fourth generation Sydney. Parents, grandparents, great-grandparents all from the East, Inner-West and North. I actually owned and lived in an apartment in the inner city at one stage, but sold it a couple of years back because I'm so bearish on the future of the place. If...

I think all that warm weather just addles the brain. There's nothing like hadean cold, tornadoes and endless flat cornfields to focus the mind on greatness.

I'd definitely find Australia challenging after Germany. It always makes my heart sink when I get into a cab at Sydney airport and hear one of our politicians start talking on the radio. *shudder*

Funny you should say that. When I was there last January, there was a day when it was colder in Chicago than in Antarctica. Antarctica in 'summer', but still.

I'm sory to hear that:( Are you both chargeable to the OC region? The chances are a little better... Edit: just read up-thread that you're German. Raises the odds a bit, sadly.