G’day! Are you thinking of heading down under?
If so, amazing choice. Moving to Australia is an incredible thing to do, as it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Not to mention it’s home to one of the world’s cutest creatures, the koala!
It also offers a high quality of life, plenty of diversity, it’s very safe, and there are many job opportunities. So, it’s no surprise that relocating to Australia is something millions think about each year.
If you’re ready to move to Australia, how do you actually get started? To find out more, keep reading to find the ultimate guide for anyone planning to move to Australia.
First, Secure a Visa
If you want to move down under and maybe eventually become an Australian citizen, you first need the right visa. If you’re not already an Australian citizen or resident, know that immigration requires everyone entering the country to have a valid visa.
So, before you can move abroad, you first need to apply for the right visa. Most visas can be applied for online, but some require an in-person interview.
Almost all visas require an application fee, which is non-refundable. This means you want to take great care when preparing your visa application, so it has the best chance of success.
You can also hire a migration agent to help you work out which visa type is best and to have assistance in preparing your application.
Many of these visas will allow you to eventually become a permanent resident and then apply for citizenship. If you’re interested in that, get more info here on preparing for the Australian citizenship test.
While there are quite a number of visa types available, here’s an introduction to the most common options.
ETA
If you only want to move to Australia for a few months, it’s easy for just about anyone to get an ETA, or Electronic Travel Authority. This visa is designed mainly for tourists and allows you to stay up to 90 days within the country.
However, you’re not legally able to work or study on an ETA, so it’s best for tourists or people who might want to test out life in Australia first.
Working Holiday
Australia has several working holiday visas, although most are designed for those under 30 years of age. On a working holiday visa, you can work for an employer for up to six months, helping you earn money for your travels.
Some of the best backpacker jobs in Australia include retail, hospitality, construction, and farm work.
Most working holiday visas are good for a year, but some can be extended to two years if you’re willing to do a few weeks of work in regional and remote parts of the country.
However, sometimes someone on a working holiday visa can get sponsored by an employer, meaning you can stay in the country for longer.
Student
Thinking about going back to school? If you applied for a university place in Australia and are accepted, you can get a student visa.
This will allow you to live in Australia and study. You can also legally work part-time during the school semesters, or full-time during breaks, to support yourself.
Skilled Employment
Depending on your occupation, you might get sponsorship from an employer to relocate to Australia. To do this, your company will apply for a skilled employment visa.
The occupations most in-demand for workers change yearly, so always check out the Department of Home Affairs to find the most current visa options.
Think About Job Opportunities
If you’re living in Australia, know that it can be an expensive country—especially in big cities like Sydney or Melbourne. This means most new arrivals will want to think about jobs once they arrive, if they don’t already have one.
Once you arrive, you’ll want to update your resume with your local address and start applying for jobs. Often, recruiting agencies can be useful, so sign up with a few (it’s free) and see if they can help with your job search.
Luckily, Australia’s minimum wage is very high, compared to other countries in the world.
To get paid, you’ll need to open a local bank account. This process is quite easy though! Some of Australia’s biggest banks include Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, and ANZ.
Decide Where You’d Like to Live
Have you decided where you’d like to live after moving to Australia? Many new arrivals are drawn to the major cities, like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
All offer amazing beaches, which is one of the drawcards to Australia! You’ll find amazing beaches, great food, and plenty of job opportunities in the big cities, but know that rent can be very expensive.
If you’re willing to move to a smaller coastal or country town, you can often save more money, but there will be fewer opportunities.
When you’re ready to move into an apartment, most real estate agencies will require references, proof of employment or income, and one month’s rent as a bond. You’ll get this back when you move out, as long as the property is in good condition.
You’ll also notice that apartment rental prices are listed as weekly, rather than monthly.
Domain and Realestate.com are the biggest sites to look for property, but there are also lots of house-sharing websites to help you find roommates. House sharing can save you money, but it’s also a fun way to meet new friends.
Be Prepared for Hot Weather
If you’re moving to Australia from a cooler climate, you might be in for a shock when it comes to the Australian summers! In the Southern Hemisphere, summer runs from November-March, opposite from Europe or North America.
Temperature is measured in Celsius and can regularly climb over 30 and 35 C in parts of the country. Hitting the beach to cool off always helps, but be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen—the Australian sun is extremely strong and can burn you quickly.
Stay hydrated as well and wear a hat to help reduce your sun exposure.
Of course, if the heat isn’t for you, know that Australia has a very diverse climate. You can find cooler weather in southern parts of the country and it even snows sometimes in winter!
There are several ski resorts in Australia if you feel like trying out the sport.
Explore Australia Whenever You Can
Once you’re in Australia, you’re sure to be blown away by the beauty and magic of the country. From endless Outback to sparkling beaches, it really is like something out of a movie.
To make the most of your time in Australia, try to plan trips as often as you can. Because Australia is so vast, it seems impossible to see everything, but there’s so much to be discovered.
Try to visit highlights such as Bondi Beach, the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Ocean Road, and Uluru. If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of hostels and backpacker companies that can help you travel without breaking the bank.
You’re sure to come across some of Australia’s famous wildlife as well, like kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles. Although many Aussie animals are small and cute, like wallabies, always keep a safe distance from any wild animal.
There are also plenty of wildlife parks where you can see Aussie animals too. Some even have petting areas where you can stroke a kangaroos’ back or hold a snake.
If you plan on driving within Australia, try to avoid driving at sunset and sunrise, or late in the evenings. Animals are most active at dusk and dawn.
Plus, driving at night in the countryside will be very dark, which increases your chances of hitting an animal or having an accident.
Moving to Australia Is Easy With This Guide
Are you ready to pack your things and head down under? If you’re moving to Australia, we hope this guide has helped you learn more about how to prepare and what to expect.
Once everything is in order, you can book your flights. Most international carriers fly into the country, including Qantas, the national airline.
Australia is far away from most places though, so be prepared for a long flight! It’s worth the effort though, as we’re sure you’ll love your new life in the country.
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