Thinking of moving to Australia? Feeling a little overwhelmed with what needs to be done and when? Where will you live? What is a Tax File Number? We’re here to help you with all these questions and more, some of which you might not have thought of, in our complete checklist to moving to Australia.

Where to begin

So you’ve decided to make the big move to Australia, but where do you begin? 

Research your career options

Australia has a wonderful economy and has managed better than most countries throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are many job opportunities in Australia, if you don’t already have a job offer, it pays to research the job market.  Have a look at websites such as Seek and LinkedIn Jobs to see what jobs are currently available in your field of work, or if you have enlisted the help of an immigration agent, ask them to provide you with the job-seeking tools and service they recommend. 

Get your visa application in

If you haven’t started the visa application process, you should start it as early as possible. There are a number of different visas for which you may be eligible, so you will need to check which type of visa you qualify for and is best suited to your situation. 

Enlist the help of an immigration agent

While you can apply for your visa to come to Australia yourself, enlisting the help of an immigration agent will come in handy. An immigration agent will have extensive experience and up-to-date knowledge of any changes, requirements, and immigration policies, you will need to be aware of. Your agent will also be able to handle any challenges that may arise during the visa application process, saving you time and frustration. 

Ready to move

Find your Aussie home

Looking for a home to rent in Australia? Have a look at Australian real estates websites such as Realeastate.com.au and Domain to get an idea of what the housing market is like in your chosen town or city. 

Health insurance 

Until you are able to obtain permanent residency status in Australia and are eligible to apply for Australia’s Medicare benefits, it is important to ensure that you have the appropriate health insurance ready to go before you land down under.

Getting educated 

If you are moving to Australia with the intent to study, then you will need to do some research into which educational institutions are best suited towards your future goals. If you are moving to Australia with school-age children then it is important to check which schools are recommended and when the school year begins. 

Check your passport

Ensure that your passport is valid for at least a year before getting on your flight to Australia. If your passport is valid for six months or less, you will not be able to board the plane to Australia. 

Bon voyage 

So the time has come to bid farewell to your old home, and say hello to your new home down under, but before you can get settled into life as an Aussie there are a few things that need to be completed. 

License

Ensure that you have sorted out an international driver’s license through your local service providers. This will allow you to rent a car once you land in Australia, making commuting easier. Depending on where you decide to live in Australia, you will have access to plenty of buses, trains, trams, and ferries. 

Get accommodated

If you haven’t already found a place to rent or buy in Australia, there is a wide array of temporary accommodation options ranging from, hotels and hostels to Airbnbs. 

Organise your documents

Ensure you bring all your important documentation with you to Australia. Documents such as passports, medical and dental records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, school records, and bank statements – you never know when you might need it. 

Welcome to the land down under

Stay connected

Make sure you are contactable with friends and family back home. Australia has a number of prepaid and postpaid mobile service providers to suit any budget. 

Meet your new boss

If you are able to obtain a  job before moving to Australia, you should make meeting your new employer one of your top priorities a sign of respect and get to know them better and vice versa. 

Tax File Number

It is a requirement that all Australians who are employed have a Tax File Number, and it identifies you for tax and superannuation purposes. It is a simple process that can be completed online. 

Australian Driver’s License

Australia is a vast country with thousands of kilometres between cities, to make exploring this beautiful country easier, getting an Australian driver’s license will mean many road trips so you can get to know the real Australia.  

Medicare

 Medicare is Australia’s health care system and is paid for via taxes. The Australian Medicare system allows you to enjoy subsidised and free medical services. If you are eligible, you should register for Medicare as soon as you can. 

Ready to Move to Australia?

If the answer is yes, or even maybe. Contact our team today to see how we can assist you. 

At Ready Migration, our mission is to provide you with a professional and individual service from the day you decide to migrate to when you arrive and beyond. We care for our clients and look upon them as friends that we treat with honesty & respect throughout the entire process.