Things to Know Before Moving to Australia

You can apply for different types of visas, depending on your purpose and personal circumstances. Before that, you must understand the pros and cons of each visa option.

You can find over 120 types of Australian visas and each is designed with its criteria. Here are some of the most applied visa types to move to Australia:

• Work visa
• Student visa
• Skilled visa
• Family and spouse visa
• Business visa

Note: You must be patient with the visa acceptance outcome because it might take a long period. So, you must start the visa application process beforehand.

In Australia, everyday transactions heavily rely on bank accounts. So, opening a bank account makes your day-to-day financial transactions easier. But, before setting up a bank account, research different banks and their offerings.

If you are planning to open an account before moving to Australia, you must know the following things:

1. Confirm your arrival date in Australia and arrive conveniently within 3 to 12 months after setting the account with applied limitations.
2. You can deposit money into your account, but can’t withdraw any funds until you visit the bank in person (within 6 weeks of arrival typically).
3. Finalise the city where you will be living and provide the correct address details to the bank.
4. Upload genuine documents, passports, visas and other important information.
5. You should be over 18 years of age.

If you are planning to open an account after moving to Australia, provide the following documents:

• Passport
• Phone number signed up in Australia
• Tax File Number
• Postal address in Australia

Australia offers numerous job opportunities with competitive salaries across various industries. The country actively seeks skilled professionals with the qualifications and experience to address workforce gaps.

To maximise your chances of securing a career, it is important to research job market trends and identify high-demand skills that align with your expertise.

Some of the most in-demand job opportunities over the next five years are:

• Registered Nurse
• Construction managers
• Software Developer
• Chef
• Early Childhood teacher
• Disability care workers
• Civil engineering professionals
• Plumber
• Electricians and many more.

Are you looking for career opportunities in Australia? Check out our article, ‘How to Find a Job in Australia for 2024’.

Australia’s healthcare system is known for its accessibility, affordability, and high-quality care. Familiarise yourself with how the system operates healthcare services.

Healthcare services are categorised into Medicare, public health insurance and others. As a new migrant, you may not be immediately eligible for Medicare. It is essential to arrange private health insurance to cover any gaps and ensure you have access to healthcare services upon arrival.

For certain temporary visa holders, there are healthcare services available under Medicare. These include:

• Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
• Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa.

However, public health insurance helps avoid unexpected medical bills and allows you to budget effectively for healthcare costs. The system covers most primary healthcare services in both public and private healthcare systems​​.

To achieve the standard lifestyle in Australia, you must understand the cost of living to manage your budget effectively and adjust spending. The living expenses are relatively high, particularly in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

If you are planning to live in Australia independently, you need to budget for the following expenses:

• Rent
• Utility bills, including phone and internet bills
• Food costs
• Transportation costs
• Entertainment costs

With proper budget management, you can ensure that your expenses are well-covered by your income.

To find a place that suits your budget and needs explore different housing options, including apartments, houses and shared accommodation. You can search online to compare various options before moving to Australia.

Here are some factors to take into consideration when finding the right accommodation for you:

• Costs may vary depending on your chosen state, city and type of accommodation from state to state.
• Estimate the total cost and other expenses (i.e. regular gas, water and electricity bills).
• Choose a place that can be easily reached by public transportation i.e. bus, tram, or train.
• For students, choose on-campus housing or any other location accessible to the university
• Find out about health, hospital and emergency services located nearby.

Australia offers a range of public transport options, including trains, trams, buses, and coaches, which connect cities and regions.

Research the transportation system of the place you are planning to stay. You can decide to use public or private transportation depending on the situation.

Familiarise yourself with local transport networks and understand fare systems to choose a convenient and budget-friendly way to get around.

Note: Immigrants with a student visa or full-time enrollment are eligible for a discount on transportation.

Australia is a multicultural society rich in traditions, customs, and languages. Before moving, learn about Indigenous Australian culture, local customs, and social norms.

Understanding these cultural differences will help you adapt to the local communication styles, respect personal space and engage with neighbours and colleagues.

These aspects enhance your living experience, fostering a more fulfilling life in your new home.