We're thinking of moving and have loads of questions some of which include:
-Taxes; cost of living; especially hidden costs.
At present we are considering, three countries America, Canada and Australia. Our background is that we will be considering starting a family in the coming year, therefore health insurance, health care, etc will be a big concern, financially as well as practically.
If you could assist in giving us feedback regarding anything you have discovered or know of it would be greatly appreciated. Please note we are considering America under green card (Nurse/midwife sonographer); Whilst Canada and Australia would be under permanent residency programmes.
America
1.Cost of family health insurance, including possibly dental?
2.What does health insurance actually cover?
3.How do state pensions work for permanent residents, nurse/midwife possessing a green card? Do you have to become a citizen?
4.Does annual government tax, i.e. house and community, pay for the schooling for children or not? If not, approx. how much for public schooling per year?
5.Are there any hidden taxes, if so what are there, for two adults and two young children?
6.What states have the best income tax? And do these states have higher hidden taxes?
7.What are the best relocation plans, for green card midwives?
8.Do you know of any agency or company who efficiently assist with the documentation for nurse (midwife) green cards? Any agencies to stay away from? Any hints to know who to avoid? Any idea of average cost paid for their services?
9.Is there a huge difference between working in Europe as a midwife to that of America? If so please elaborate?
10.What happens once your original green card contract expires, what does one have to do to stay as a permanent resident?
11.Any ideas of how much a city hospital crèche would cost for a child?
12.What exams are the best to do if one isn't sure what state we'll be planning to move to? How hard is it?
13.Do you know if midwife, obstetric and gynaecological sonographers, exist?
14.What state is the best to work in as an English speaking, midwife/sonographer?
15.What are the average working hours, for a full time week and therefore the annual holiday entitlements?
16.My husband is a health and safety professional, are there any limitations on a spouses working activities?
17.Any idea how the tax system works? Is it jointly assessed or is it individually?
Canada
1.Cost of family health insurance, including possibly dental?
2.What does health insurance actually cover?
3.How do state pensions work for permanent residents? Do you have to become a citizen?
4.Does annual government tax, i.e. house and community, pay for the schooling for children or not? If not, approx. how much for public schooling per year?
5.Are there any hidden taxes, if so what are there, for two adults and two young children?
6.How long is the induction period once exams are obtained? Any idea how difficult it is and is it for nursing and midwifery or can one just do one for midwifery?
7.Do you know if midwife/sonographer (Obs/Gyn) exist?
8.What state is the best to work in as an English speaking, midwife/sonographer (Obs/Gyn)?
9.What are the average working hours, for a full time week and therefore the annual holiday entitlements?
10.Any idea how the tax system works? Is it jointly assessed or is it individually?
Australia
1.Cost of family health insurance, including possibly dental?
2.What does health insurance actually cover?
3.How do state pensions work for permanent residents? Do you have to become a citizen?
4.Does annual government tax, i.e. house and community, pay for the schooling for children or not? If not, approx. how much for public schooling per year?
5.Are there any hidden taxes, if so what are there, for two adults and two young children?
6.What state is the best to work in as an English speaking, midwife/sonographer (Obs/Gyn)?
7.What are the average working hours, for a full time week and therefore the annual holiday entitlements?
8.Any idea how the tax system works? Is it jointly assessed or is it individually?
Once again thank you for all your input.
Regards
Peta & Dave
