Australia has beautiful weather, gorgeous scenery, and interesting culture.If you need a change or a new job, you may be considering moving to this unique country.To move to Australia, you will need to apply for a visa.Make final arrangements so your arrival is stress-free and organize your travel and accommodations before you leave.
Step 1: If you have a job offer in Australia, apply for an employer sponsored migration visa.
There are two types of visas under this category: a temporary skilled work visa and an employer nominated visa scheme.If you have lined up a job in the country, your employer can sponsor you for a temporary work visa so you can live and work in Australia.You have to be employed by the company that sponsored you for the duration of the visa if you want to stay.If an employer sponsors you for a position that they can't fill with an Australian, a nominated scheme visa is a good option.Your employer needs to prove that they can only fill the position with a qualified expatriate.This visa lasts 4 years.
Step 2: If you don't have a job offer, apply for a skilled migration visa.
You can move to Australia and look for a job after you arrive.You don't need a sponsor if you have the skills and qualifications for the positions on the Australian Skilled Occupations List.The Australian Skilled Occupations List can be found at home affairs.gov.au.You will need to enter your personal information into the SkillSelect database in order to find a job quickly.
Step 3: If you are between the ages of 18 and 30 you can apply for a working holiday visa.
If you want to travel around Australia and take on temporary jobs, you cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months under this visa.The visa allows you to travel and work in the country for up to a year.If you are on this visa, you cannot sponsor family members or partners to move to Australia.
Step 4: If you want to go to school in Australia, you need a student visa.
Student visas require you to be a full time student at an Australian university.Many students apply for this visa and then try to stay in Australia with another visa once they graduate.A limited amount of hours can be worked for an Australian employer on this visa.
Step 5: Sponsor a person who already lives in Australia.
If you already have an immediate family member, spouse, or romantic partner who lives in the country, you can ask them to sponsor your visa.It may take years for the visa to process, making this option expensive and time consuming.You can find out more about getting sponsored by a family member or partner on the Australian government website.
Step 6: You can apply for a visa online.
The Australian Visa Bureau gives you access to the applications for each visa type.The application may take 10-30 minutes depending on the type of visa you apply for.To create an account on the site, you will need to provide basic personal information such as your name, address, gender, country of residence, age, and email.You can submit the visa application online if you create an account.You can get a free assessment on the website so you can determine the best visa for your skills and needs.
Step 7: The required documentation should be included.
A valid passport is required for most visa types.If you are applying for a Skilled Migration visa or a Working Holiday visa, you will need to provide bank statements to show you have enough money to support yourself when you first arrive.If you are applying for an employer sponsored migration visa, your sponsor will need to provide documents that show you have a job waiting for you in Australia.
Step 8: Have a good grasp of the English language.
Strong English language skills are required for a visa to land legally in Australia.If your first language is not English, you need to score well on an English language exam in order to get a visa.You may need to sign up for English classes in Australia before you arrive in the country.
Step 9: You should be in good health.
You should have no serious health issues or concerns if you meet the health requirements listed in your visa application form.Before you arrive in the country, you may be asked to have a health examination done by a certified doctor.
Step 10: Have a clean criminal record.
You may need to go through a background check to make sure you have a clean record.It's important to have no prior arrests or convictions in order to boost your chances of getting a visa.
Step 11: Sign the Australian Values Statement.
There are two types of temporary for individuals who are only planning to stay in Australia for a short period of time.The signed statement will be included with your visa application.
Step 12: Once you receive your visa, you can book a flight to Australia.
You cannot get into the country legally if you don't have a visa by mail.If you want to save money on a flight, try to fly on weekdays, as rates tend to be less expensive.The off season in Australia is from May-September.If you want to fit everything you need for the move in your luggage easier, look for airlines that allow a 30 kilo weight allowance for baggage.
Step 13: It's easier to find a job in a major city.
If you don't have a job lined up in Australia, you might be able to find one in one of the major cities.If you don't mind working in a rural area, you can choose to work in the countryside or a smaller city.You could travel around Australia by car, bus, or train if you decide to land in a major city.
Step 14: You can book a space online.
Rental websites can be used to find a short- and long-term rental.It will be cheaper to get a room in a shared space.You should book the rental before you leave for Australia.If you can afford it, you don't have to worry about buying your own furniture.
Step 15: You can save money by staying in a hostel.
You can book a room at a hostel in the city so you have somewhere to stay when you arrive.You can stay with a local and get a discounted rate.They are a great way to get to know others at the homestay and to see how locals live.If you book a room for several weeks or months in advance, you can get a discounted rate.
Step 16: If you are being sponsored, talk to your employer about your accommodations.
Before moving to Australia, work out your accommodations with your employer.When you arrive, many employers will help you find a place to live.Your employer can help you find a good place to live that fits your budget.
Step 17: You should apply for jobs before moving.
If you arrive during peak season, it can be difficult to find a job in Australia.If you want to get a job when you arrive in the country, you have to apply for as many jobs as you can.You can find job postings on the Australian government website as well as on websites for expatriates.Farm work is easy to get in rural areas.If you know someone who lives in Australia, you can ask them to look for positions that are a good fit for you.
Step 18: Save money to cover your relocation costs.
Basic items and accommodations in Australia can be more expensive than in other countries.If you want to have a financial safety net, you need to save a decent amount of money.If you don't have a job yet and need money to live off of, this will make a difference.You should save money for the first 8 weeks of your rent, as many rentals require a 4 week deposit and 1 month's rent in advance.The Working Holiday visa requires you to have a certain amount of money in the bank to support yourself when you arrive.
Step 19: Inform your bank and credit card company of your move.
Let them know you're moving so they don't freeze your credit card or bank account.When you are in Australia, you may want to speak to your bank about withdrawing money from your account.Once you move, you may want to get a travel credit card.You can cancel your credit card and get a new one once you arrive in Australia.
If you don't have a job in Australia that provides health insurance, you may want to get it so you are covered in the event of an accident.Once you get a job that covers it for you, you can cancel the insurance.The best health insurance providers in Australia can be found online.
Step 21: To avoid excess baggage fees, pack light.
It can be tempting to pack too much when you're moving.You may end up paying high fees for excess baggage.Pack as many bags as possible, usually 1-2 checked bags and a carry on bag.Bring essential items like clothing and travel documents.Large furniture items can be costly to travel with, so don't bring any decorative items.
Step 22: It's a good idea to ship large items to Australia in advance.
If you want to take furniture or books with you on your move, you should use the federal postal service.Send the items to a place where you can be sure they will be picked up and held safely, such as a friend's home in Australia.The cost of shipping items to Australia can be expensive if they are heavy, so make sure you budget for this option.It is possible to weigh the costs of shipping the item against buying a new item when you arrive in Australia.
Step 23: You have 6 weeks to open a bank account in Australia.
Most employers will deposit money into your Australian bank account rather than give you a check.It will be easier for you to get paid and manage your finances if you open a bank account in Australia sooner than later.When you arrive in Australia, you must get a Tax File Number from the Australian government in order to pay tax there.
Step 24: Public transit will save you money when you arrive in Australia.
Getting around Australia is easy with a network of buses, trains, trams, and ferries.Once you arrive in Australia, you can buy a weekly or monthly transit pass.Taxi services in Australia are reliable, but they can be expensive to use if you rely on them a lot.If you want to buy a car in Australia, you can use your foreign driver's license for 3 months.You have to get an Australian driver's license after 3 months.The cost of buying and maintaining a car in Australia is high so you may avoid this option until you get settled in.