Anyone immigrating to a different country for life and work needs time to prepare and adapt. It is recommended to begin preparing for your move to Australia at least two years in advance. This guide outlines the various stages and essential information for immigrating to Australia, covering five key areas: planning, preparation, arrival, settlement, and daily life.
I. Planning: 12 - 24 Months Before Arrival
1. Research potential job opportunities;
2. Contact an immigration agent to help you arrange your itinerary;
3. Consult with an immigration agent regarding Australian visa options:
Taking the 2014-15 financial year as an example, 68% of those who immigrated to Australia did so through the skilled migration category, while 32% did so through the family visa category, broken down as follows:
(1) Skilled migration category: 38% were employer-sponsored, 34% were skilled migrants, 22% were state, territory, and regional nominees, and 6% were business migrants;
(2) Family migration category: 79% were partner visas, 14% were parent visas, 6% were child visas, and 1% were other categories.
II. Preparation: 2-6 Months Before Arrival
1. Open an Australian bank account:
In Australia, money is typically kept in banks, building societies, or credit unions, and debit and credit cards are widely used. For bill payments, online banking is the most common method. After arriving in Australia, you can bring your identification to a bank to open an account. Banks may require multiple forms of identification, so please check the bank's website before visiting.
2. Prepare all necessary medical and financial documents;
3. If necessary, renew your passport to ensure it remains valid for the duration of your visa;
4. Book your flight to Australia;
5. Exchange currency for Australian Dollars;
6. Arrange a mobile SIM card: You can order a SIM card online and have it mailed to you before you arrive in Australia, so it is ready for use as soon as you land.
III. Arrival: The First Month
1. Find accommodation and sign a lease;
2. Set up essential utilities such as telephone, water, electricity, and internet;
3. Register your mobile SIM card;
4. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN):
In Australia, if you intend to earn income, receive investment returns, or collect government subsidies, you must have a Tax File Number. The TFN is issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to individuals and entities and consists of a unique 9-digit number. The use of a TFN assists the Australian Taxation Office in managing tax and other Australian government systems.
If you are an Australian permanent resident or a temporary visitor, you can apply for a TFN online, and it will be mailed to the address you provided during the application. If you do not have a TFN, you may be taxed at a higher rate than normal or may be unable to apply for government benefits to which you are entitled.
To apply online, you must hold a valid passport or relevant travel document and must:
(1) Have approval from the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection to work in Australia, or hold a valid student visa with work authorization, or
(2) Have permission to reside permanently in Australia, and
(3) Be physically present in Australia when submitting the application.
When applying for a TFN online, you do not need to provide the physical identity documents themselves. The ATO will verify the information from your personal and travel documents against the records of the Department of Immigration. Once the information is confirmed, you will be given an application reference number. Alternatively, if you cannot use the internet, you can apply in person at an ATO office location.
5. If eligible, complete the Medicare enrollment form:
Medicare is Australia's national public health insurance scheme. It is funded by taxes, but there is no cost to join. Medicare helps cover the costs of essential medical services and public hospital care. Residents living in Australia who hold an Australian permanent residency visa are generally eligible for this service. Holders of Australian permanent residency visas can immediately access health services and programs, such as free public hospital services, subsidized outpatient services, and subsidized prescription medications.
IV. Settlement: The First 3 Months
If eligible, contact Centrelink to learn about employment and financial benefits:
Centrelink is a government agency that provides a range of services to new immigrants, including job search assistance (if eligible), information on family assistance, access to courses, and applications for overseas pensions.
New immigrants to Australia can contact Centrelink to obtain information on the services they are entitled to. You can call your nearest Centrelink branch to inquire about the required supporting documents. Centrelink provides services in multiple languages to assist new immigrants with any questions regarding Australian laws, regulations, and customs.