First of all, let me thank Steve G., Yjay and Yougotime for your very helpful comments. They not only answered my questions, but also gave me other information about OZ – PR and generally about Australia.
After reading a Yougotime posting, I realized that OZ – PR is valid for 5 years; can you please answer me when that 5 year period begins?
For instance, I received the OZ – PR in 1998 and had to go to OZ within an year, as I was instructed by the embassy to get the PR validated. The stamp says I am eligible to live in OZ indefinitely, yet that has an expiry date of Dec. 21, 2003. So, is this the 5-year period you mentioned?
Or does it start, after I go over there and settle down? If so, what proof does one has to show that he/she not only visited OZ, but also settled down as a Permanent Resident?
So far, I have been to OZ only once, and that was to mark my presence there, as my initial visit after getting the PR. I was there only for a week, and did not apply for Medicaid – Govt. Medical Insurance (sorry for the spelling) etc. etc.
I hope someone could explain this to me also.
Now, my side of the story:
As I mentioned in my previous posting, I have lived in the U.S since 1988, first came to U.S as a student and obtained my B.S, and then found a job in my IT field. After working there for a year or so, I had to move over to another (because that company’s policy did not allow sponsoring) and got my Green Card, after working for 6+ years (I almost finished my second H1B 3 years!). However, in my entire stay in this country, I have lived in 4 states (Hawaii, CA, PA and MD) – West coast to East coast. Besides those, I have traveled through out the country (I mean driving) covering about 30+ states.
Once as a student, we rented a SUV and drove from PA to CA (going via Chicago and coming back via Colorado pass Las Vegas, Grand Canyon etc.) – the entire trip took about 5+ weeks. We also camped out as well.
Besides this trip, I have also been to many of the Southern states (covering Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee etc.).
Therefore, having revealed my background, let me try to give a word of advise to you OZ’s who are trying or waiting to get the U.S – GC. I assume none of you have lived in U.S longer than I have, because if you had, I would rather listen to you, as far as the U.S is concerned!
If you wanted to talk about racism in OZ, please don’t forget that it still exists in U.S also. It all depends on which state you live in!!!
For instance if you are living in NY City area, CA (close to LA or SanFran), NJ, Florida, around Washington D.C, or Chicago area, I am sure you haven’t experienced any racism in this country. I think it is like living in Melbourne or Sydney in OZ, right?
Then, do you think we in the U.S do not have Hanson type politicians, especially in the Southern states?
Then, does Oz has movements like KK-, which is still active in some parts of U.S?
How about the girl kidnappers, school shootings, serial killers, drive by shootings etc. etc., do you get those in OZ as often as and, as widely as you get them in the U.S?
If you have a family with children, which country do you think is safer to live?
Yes, you may be able to make good money here, but only when this country’s economy is in good shape! If you or your spouse has a good job with great benefits with a reliable Health Insurance option then your family (also if you have kids) is safe and would feel like living in a “true developed country”, but if not, you may feel like you are living in a “third world” country. If you have only a business, you may have to buy Health Insurance on your own, therefore in order to have a reasonable plan, you may have to pay at least 500+ a month. Isn’t this all free in OZ?
Now, don’t forget, next to food and a place to live, Health benefit is the most important requirement of our lives!
Also, at no stage have faith on the Green Card process! INS has been a very inefficient organization in the past (I am not sure how efficient they are now), they used to do so many mistakes, yet they would pass that burden onto you. Even for their own mistakes, it is your process that will get delayed. So, if you are lucky, you may get the G.C within 1-2 years. However, until you have filed your 485 and waited for 6 months, please don’t feel safe about it. Still, do not lose your OZ – PR until after you have received your G.C (I mean the actual card also). If you wanted to lose your OZ-PR, after getting the GC, please think carefully and weigh yours and your family’s priorities in life.
Lastly, Steve G. mentioned that how bad this country’s economy is, U.S still is the hub of the IT industry etc. etc. Yes, it is true, but do you know how many of the IT jobs being moved over to India lately for cheap labor? For instance, many projects in AT&T closed and moved over to India for cost benefits. Their employees were laid off.
I believe unless you work for one of those bigger IT companies in the U.S itself, you do not have to live here to feel that you are living in the “hub”, because today’s world is connected thru Internet and mass media!!!
I have relatives in OZ too, but they are all cousins of mine, but not immediate family members. Even though every one of them talks very highly of that country, none of them has experienced living in the U.S like Steve G., Yjay and Yougotime have. Therefore, until I heard from you guys, I have not gotten a fair comparison of U.S and OZ.
Also, remember, only few of us have this “unique option” of picking one of these countries to live in! – The world’s most developed, with a high standard of living, above all, English speaking!!!
Your postings are of very much help to me. Please continue to write to this thread.
I also appreciate if you could respond to my view points as well.
Thank you,
-- Rishva --
