“The most frequently asked questions is ‘How long will it take for my Migration Application to be approved?’ and the answer is, it will take the least amount of time if the rather lengthy paperwork process is completed in a timely, meticulous, truthful, verifiable fashion—full disclosure, along with full cooperation from the candidate.”
                                                                                                              Philip Q. Wockner

1. The primary reason we are seeking to migrate to Australia/New Zealand is to escape the terrorism threat. Are Australia and New Zealand safe places? Are there any guarantees?
Clearly, the only guarantees in life are death and taxes, and television sitcoms. Australia and New Zealand are Island/Continents, located, as you know, in the South Pacific. Australia is roughly the same area as the contiguous United States with a current population circa 20 million. New Zealand, on the other hand, is roughly the same size as the UK or Japan with a permanent population, circa 4 million. Due to their locations, their low profile in the geopolitical equation, responsible Government policies and shared intelligence between the CIA and ASIO, it is difficult to think of nations more secure. The Australia and New Zealand governments do observe the “Rule of Law” and they are also working at strategies to prevent terrorism and to adequately respond to it, if it happens. Most nations do pretty well nothing to prevent and prepare for terrorism. These nations are not at high risk in relation to terrorism, however, they are prepared.


2. What are the general employment prospects like in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA?
Excellent! All these countries are doing well politically, economically and socially because they are stable and secure democracies, and for the foreseeable future—we believe this “landscape” will continue. If you have a specific skill, however, and no formal employment has been negotiated before you migrate, there may be a time delay before you are able to secure the particular job opportunity you desire. Obviously, market forces are at work here. The good news here is that these youthful democracies always have vacancies for people who are willing to work—and that means you. Currently, these four countries are all enjoying very low unemployment rates less than 7%. Mr. Wockner migrated from Australia to Southern California in October 1986. He explains that he was relocating to an economic powerhouse and he had no desire to arrange employment commitments before he arrived in the United States. He wanted to keep his options open in relationship to where he wanted to live and work, and exercise his freedom of choice.


3. Can you tell us how much time it will take us to settle in into our new country?
The amount of time to settle in, to integrate or to assimilate into your new country varies from candidate to candidate. Immigrants from English-speaking countries who migrate to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the USA have a distinct advantage as the cultural differences are minimal and communication, which is the key to assimilation, is not a problem. PWII has a program that extends for two years after the Immigrant/Client arrives in their preferred country to begin their new life, to ensure that the client has that continuing support. As Mr. Wockner has personally experienced his own migration journey, he insisted that this “support system” be a part of the PWII program, and as Mr. Wockner has stated, “We believe because of our ‘support system’ that our service is unique in this profession.” After the Migration Application has been approved and the Immigrant/Client has arrived in their preferred country, our job does continue as there are challenges that do lie ahead, and we are here to assist the Immigrant/Client navigate the path to successful assimilation.


4. What are your professional fees?
We will quote you a fee after our analysis of your Migration Assessment where there is a mandatory $99 fee. If we represent you, we believe you’re very likely to be a successful Immigrant candidate. We will ask you for a downpayment (deposit) to commence the paperwork. Upon completion of all the paperwork and verification, we will ask you for the balance of our fees, and then submit and lodge your application to the appropriate Federal Immigration authorities and agencies.


5. Can I do the Migration Application myself?
Of course, you can at your own peril. PWII provides a service, and we have experience and expertise in this, sometimes complex, journey. Remember, the Australian Government only issues around 100,000 Immigrant visas per year, and the New Zealand government issues around 25,000, and there is no margin for error. Also remember, there is no guarantee that the Australian and New Zealand Governments will approve a visa for you and your family, after eligibility assessment. The respective governments do recommend that Immigrant candidates use the type of services we provide. We are the professionals. Some candidates who go it alone to “save money” apply under the incorrect Visa headings and lose a valuable year which could up their age, making their new Visa application ineligible, and have forfeited completely their opportunity for migration, forever.


6. Can I bring my pets with me when I migrate to Australia or New Zealand?
If you are interested in bringing your pet to New Zealand, Qualified Pet Services (located close to the Auckland International Airport) is the only approved quarantine Kennel and Cattery in New Zealand. They were the first New Zealand Kennel/Cattery to receive the Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry (MAF) Quality Certificate. Not only does this recognize their excellence in animal welfare, husbandry and boarding facilities at their domestic Kennels/Cattery, and their quarantine facilities, but also ensures that New Zealand’s beautiful environment is untouched by harmful diseases found overseas. Qualified Pet Services has agents all over the world and will assist you to bring your pet to New Zealand. Please contact Mr. Raymond Cheung: services@qualifiedpet.co.nz.
In relation to Australia, we will recommend an agency depending on your port entry.


7. Do Immigrants fall into any category?
Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA generally look for and encourage migrants who fall into one or more of the following immigration categories.
• Professional and skilled. People in this immigration category are those who have, either by experience or by qualification particular skills or professional expertise that are high in demand. In some cases, for example, that of a nurse. This is linked to a particular occupation.
• Family. People who want to join other family members in their new country. This might be parents looking to be reunited with their children. This immigration category also includes anyone married, engaged or in a de-factor relationship to a permanent resident or citizen of their chosen country for migration (Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States of America).
• Business. People who can add commercial value to their new country of choice through their skills and resources—entrepreneurs, experienced business executives and managers, as well as self-employed people and those who can make an investment in the country are eligible for business Visas.
• Retirees. Australian immigration has a specific category for people wishing to emigrate to retire.


8. Can you tell me about Australia/New Zealand health care?
We are happy to advise that Australia and New Zealand have one of the better health care systems in the world. It is widely accessible to all who reside in these countries.
All permanent Australian residents pay a Medicare levy (an additional tax) to fund the public health system. This entitles them to free or subsidized services by medical practitioners and public hospital care. There is also an intensive private health system, for those wishing to pay an additional fee to receive extra benefits for optical, physiotherapy and dental treatment when they use private health care services.


9. Do Australians and New Zealanders mainly live in houses, townhomes, or condominiums?
Most Australians and New Zealanders live within 30 miles of the coast in large cities or towns along the eastern seaboard in houses. Approximately half the population of New Zealand lives in the top third of the North Island, mainly in houses.
In the larges cities there is a wide range of housing available. Architecture has been based predominantly on European and American styles; however, modern housing is distinctly Australian. There are terrace houses and “Queenslanders” with the styles based on the weather and lifestyle of the particular region.
Do not expect to see constructions of high-rise residential areas (although inner city living has become more popular in recent years), particularly in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland. Houses with large backyards, playing fields, parks and shopping centers nearby allow for a lifestyle envied by many people around the globe.
Comfortable and spacious accommodation within one hour’s drive (or less) from city centers allows most Australians and New Zealanders to enjoy the convenience of getting to work easily, plus the luxury of access to national parks and regional recreation areas on weekends.


10. I have UK citizenship, do I have to relinquish my original citizenship once I’ve settled in my new country?
In most cases, you can retain your original citizenship. After two year of being a permanent resident in Australia, and three in the case of New Zealand, you can apply for citizenship. In both cases, you can still retain UK citizenship.


11. How important is it for me to improve my English-speaking and writing skills?
All Applicants must be proficient in English at the vocational level. This would be demonstrated by achieving an overall band score of 5 out of a possible 9 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); with a minimum score of at least five for all four components—writing, reading, listening and speaking. It would be advisable for all prospective Applicants to undertake an IELTS English Test before lodging their migration application. Information can be obtained from the nearest Australian Mission or on website http://www.ielts.org/.
To climb up the chain of success in Australia and New Zealand, it is imperative that you develop, and continue to develop, your English-speaking and writing skills. This task should be a creative and enjoyable pursuit. As a rule of thumb, the better the communication skill, the better the income standard. Whether you are a physician or a sales executive, the more effective you are at influencing or persuading your audience on your proposal or ideas, the more effective you will be.
Clearly, it is not the responsibility for Australia or New Zealand to accommodate you in relation to your native language. It is the other way around. Some prospective Immigrant candidates believe it is not necessary to speak and write English, feeling that Australia and New Zealand will welcome and accommodate them with open arms. All too often, these candidates are rejected. We emphasize a spirit of full and complete cooperation with regard to successful immigration.


12. What about my children’s education?
Education in Australia and New Zealand is very similar to the educational school systems of the UK. Australian education is divided into public (state schools) and private (independent) schools. Education in public schools is free in most states, although most schools do have a small annual voluntary fee to cover extracurricular activities. Most public schools are co-educational. Australian independent schools fall into two categories: schools administered by the Catholic Education Office and other independent schools administered by their own boards. New Zealand schools are also excellent and offer a wide range of learning options. All children are entitled to free school places at state schools until the age of 19, or 21, in the case of special education needs pupils.


13. What are most Immigrants looking for?
While everyone has their own particular combination of reasons for wanting to start a new life in a new country, there are some common motivations. Some people are looking for a better climate and an opportunity to live in a certain lifestyle. Improved career opportunities or a better future for their children are a major attraction for other. Going to join family and friends is also a major draw. Many people who have traveled extensively and want to continue to grow and develop through their experiences, see immigration to another country as a natural step in life’s long, intriguing journey.


14. What kinds of people choose to emigrate?
The answer is all kinds of people choose to emigrate. The range of occupations and professions is too wide to put in a comprehensive list, but includes everyone from hairdressers to business owners. If you think you might be one of these people, please complete our on-line Migration Assessment form so that we can give you a quick overview of your suitability for migration. Migration is not just dependent on the kind of job you have, important though that may be; there are many other factors which weigh in the balance.


15. We live in the UK at the moment and wish to migrate to either Australia or New Zealand. Is there a class system there?
The answer is no. In these young countries, Australia and New Zealand, you are judged by the content of your character, not by your last name. You are taken at face value. There is no prejudgment. If you love your new country and make your contribution, whatever that may be, you will experience a lifestyle that is beyond your wildest imagination and expectations—and it is second to none!


Contact Us

“After you’ve completed and paid for your Migration Assessment, we will analyze it. If we agree to represent you, we will lodge your Migration Application under the correct Visa heading. We guarantee you (and your family) will be successful Immigrant candidates or our professional fees will be refunded in full.”
                                                                                                              Philip Q. Wockner

Would you prefer to discuss your specific Property/Immigration concerns with one of our professional team? Please select telephone consultation.

Personal consultation with Philip Q. Wockner is by appointment. Please call our office in Los Angeles to schedule same. All Northern Hemisphere consultations are conducted in our offices in Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; and in London, U.K. All Southern Hemisphere consultations are held in our offices in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia, and in Auckland, New Zealand .