Moving to Australia easy or hard?

I'm Australian living in Spain I saw your question in the Spain section and was going to suggest you move to Australia. The cost of living in Oz is a lot lower than Spain and unemployment is at it's lowest in a decade. I would recommend visiting Australia before you decide to live there permanently, so you can get an idea of areas you would like to live in and check out some property for sale. There is plenty for sale and to rent as there was a housing boom a few years back but that crashed. Interest rates are high, but housing prices have fallen as a result. This website can give you an idea of rent and purchase prices http://www.realestate.com.au/

I'm from Sydney so I obviously think it's a great place to live as you have access to everything you could possibly need and the largest job market. You may also like to consider Queensland as this is where the best weather is at. You would need the appropriate visa - this website gives all the info you need http://www.immi.gov.au/

Going to college and getting a trade is a good idea - the most important thing is to study what you like. This website can give you an idea of what sort of jobs are available and salary expectations http://www.seek.com.au/

Even though Australia is so far away, I think it would be a better move than Spain - no language barrier and better quality of life.

In 1986 I considered Spain or Australia too.

I had about 5 holidays in Spain, and 2 in Australia.

I am now settled in QLD, Australia.

If you have the correct qualifications etc, it can be relatively straightforward to come to Australia, but not as easy as back in 1986.

The application does take time though, and it is well worth talking to others who have done the move "recently".

There are a few people at http://z3.invisionfree.com/ABCDiamond who have done the process, or are doing the process now.

House prices vary depending on what and where.

$500,000 can get you a 5 bed house near the water in QLD.

$200,000 can get you a 3 bed house in QLD

$300,000 can get you a basic 3 bed house in Sydney West suburbs.

$220,000 a 3 bed townhouse in the same area

$120,000 a 1 bed unit in the same area

House prices at http://www.realestate.com.au/

You've already received some great answers with excellent information. All I can add is to say that you should choose your course and trade carefully and you should plan on getting a couple of years' experience before applying for a visa.

Work visas are restricted to people with skills AND experience in listed jobs in which workers are in short supply here, so if you haven't chosen your field yet, the lists would be an excellent place to start.

Here they are together with basic info on qualifications required, job descriptions etc: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-mig...

You'll also find this booklet to be very useful:

http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/books6.ht...

There is an Expo for Australia coming up - "Change your life and move to Australia! You are best to get advice from Immigration there on what direction would be best for your family.

http://www.expo-australia.com/ - They state job offers are made at these expos for the skilled workers and they can also fast track your applications. Immigration are there also to help with paperwork and questions.

They are in April and Oct in the UK

Good Luck