How to move to Australia guide begins with understanding your visa pathway, planning your budget, and preparing documents well ahead of your departure date. This friendly, practical roadmap is written for international students, skilled workers, and families who want clear steps without complex jargon.
Australia welcomes newcomers, but success depends on early planning. Visa rules, housing markets, and job search timelines can vary by city and by season. Use this guide to reduce stress, set realistic expectations, and map out your first 90 days with confidence.
What This Guide Covers
You will find the main visa options, the exact documents most applicants need, a month-by-month preparation plan, arrival checklists, and tips for housing, healthcare, banking, tax numbers, and driving. Where helpful, you will see links to reputable Australian websites for rentals and tenant rights.
If you are a student or a skilled worker, the sequence is similar: choose the right visa, gather documents, lodge your application, plan housing, and prepare for your first weeks on the ground. Families can follow the same structure, adjusting for school enrolments and childcare.
How To Choose The Right Visa
The first decision shapes everything else, from timelines to costs. Here is a plain-English overview of common pathways:
Student Visa (Higher Education, VET, ELICOS)
Best for people seeking a degree, diploma, or language course.
Requires a Confirmation Of Enrolment (COE), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), funds evidence, and English test results where applicable.
Allows limited work hours during study periods and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Pathway Potential: Graduates may apply for post-study work visas that lead to more time in Australia.
Skilled Visas (Points-Tested, State Nomination, Employer Sponsored)
For workers with in-demand occupations who meet skills, English, and age criteria.
May require a skills assessment and an Expression Of Interest (EOI).
Some visas are sponsored by an employer; others are state-nominated.
Pathway Potential: Can offer longer stays and, in some cases, a path to permanent residence.
Family And Partner Pathways
For partners, spouses, and some family categories.
Usually require evidence of a genuine relationship and may involve multi-stage processing.
Working Holiday And Work And Holiday
For eligible nationalities within certain age limits.
Great for short-term work and travel, with options to extend if specific work requirements are met.
If unsure, list your goals, occupation, English level, and timeline. Then match the visa that fits your skills and time horizon. This is the strategic core of any How to move to Australia guide.
Document Checklist Most People Need
Prepare clear scans of each item. Keep a digital folder with consistent filenames and a physical folder with originals.
Passport (valid for at least 12–18 months)
Birth Certificate And National ID (if relevant)
Academic Transcripts And Certificates
Professional Licenses And Registration Letters
Skills Assessment Result (for certain skilled visas)
English Test Result (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, as required)
Employment References And Contracts
Bank Statements Or Proof Of Funds
Health Insurance Documents (OSHC for students; other cover as needed)
Police Clearance Certificates (every country lived in for 12 months or more, where required)
Passport Photos (digital and printed)
Name files like “Surname_GivenName_DocumentName_YYYYMMDD.pdf”. Consistency prevents mistakes when you upload evidence.
Timeline: From Six Months Out To Landing
Use this timeline to shape your weekly tasks. Adjust according to your chosen visa.
6+ Months Before Departure
Confirm your visa pathway and eligibility.
Book your English test and, if needed, a skills assessment.
Students: apply to multiple institutions to improve choice and timing.
Start saving aggressively for visa fees, health checks, and the first three months of living costs.
4–5 Months Before Departure
Lodge your visa application once you have all core documents.
Begin city research: compare housing, transport, climate, and job markets.
Draft your targeted CV and LinkedIn profile aligned to Australian norms.
Build your budget and include moving costs, temporary accommodation, and bond for a rental.
2–3 Months Before Departure
Book flights with change flexibility.
Students: arrange OSHC for the full course duration.
Skilled Workers: coordinate with potential employers for interviews.
Shortlist suburbs near your campus or workplace; check commute times.
1 Month Before Departure
Arrange temporary stay (hotel, hostel, or short-term rental) for 2–4 weeks.
Prepare certified copies of key documents and pack originals in your carry-on.
Set up international banking access and enable your cards for overseas use.
Back up all scanned documents to cloud storage.
Final Week
Print your visa grant notice and travel insurance details.
Prepare a SIM plan strategy (eSIM or buy local on arrival).
Keep a small folder with your passport, visa, address of first stay, and emergency contacts.
Budgeting Your Move
Australian cities vary in cost. To build a resilient budget, separate once-off moving costs from monthly living costs.
One-Off Costs
Visa Charges And Health Exams
Flights And Airport Transfer
Temporary Housing For 2–4 Weeks
Initial Groceries, Bedding, And Phone Setup
Bond And First Two Weeks’ Rent (if you move directly into a lease)
Monthly Costs
Rent (share house vs. studio or one-bedroom unit)
Utilities (electricity, gas, water)
Internet And Mobile
Transport (public transport pass or petrol, if driving)
Groceries And Essentials
Health Insurance (OSHC or other cover)
Childcare Or School Expenses (if applicable)
Build a buffer for surprises. Many newcomers feel more comfortable with an emergency fund that covers three months of rent and living costs.
Housing: Shortlisting, Inspections, And Tenant Rights
The rental market moves quickly. Learn the rhythm of inspections and applications in your chosen city. A smart How to move to Australia guide must point you to reliable portals and official tenant-rights pages:
Browse listings on Realestate.com.au and Domain to gauge prices and suburbs.
For shared housing, check Flatmates.com.au and read profiles carefully.
Review tenant rights at a government tenancy authority such as NSW Fair Trading: fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
Practical Tips
Prepare a rental “pack”: photo ID, proof of income or funds, references, and a short cover letter.
Attend inspections on time. Have questions ready about lease term, inclusions, and utility setup.
Understand the bond process and entry condition report before signing.
If you are brand new, consider a short-term furnished place while you learn the market.
This section of our How to move to Australia guide will save you hours of confusion and help you apply with confidence.
Banking, Tax Numbers, And Essential Registrations
Set these up early to avoid delays in getting paid or enrolling in services.
Bank Account
Choose a major bank or a reputable digital bank with good branch and ATM access.
Bring your passport and proof of address. Some banks let you pre-open accounts before arrival.
TFN (Tax File Number)
Apply online after you arrive and have a local address.
A TFN is essential for work and ensures correct tax withholding.
ABN (Australian Business Number)
Needed if you plan to freelance or contract.
Register online; keep records for tax purposes.
Medicare And Health Cover
Citizens and permanent residents can enrol in Medicare.
Students must hold OSHC; other visitors should keep valid private cover.
Carry your policy documents on your phone for quick access.
Driving, Transport, And Everyday Mobility
Check whether you can drive on your current licence, and for how long, in your state or territory.
Book a practical test or licence transfer if you plan to drive long-term.
Learn local road rules and toll systems.
Public Transport: download your city’s official transport app and obtain the local card (e.g., Opal, Myki, Go Card).
Cycling is common in some suburbs; note helmet laws and bike-lane etiquette.
Education, Childcare, And Community
Families should plan for school enrolments well in advance. Each state has its own enrolment process and catchment areas.
Gather translated report cards and immunisation records.
Contact schools early, especially for popular zones.
For childcare, research waitlists and fees, which vary by centre and suburb.
Join local community groups to learn about activities, sports clubs, and weekend events.
Job Search: Resumes, Networking, And Interviews
Australian employers value clarity, proof of outcomes, and local context.
Keep your resume to 2–3 pages, focus on achievements with numbers, and align to the job ad.
Add a simple cover letter that mirrors the language of the role.
Optimise your LinkedIn headline, about section, and key skills.
Practice behavioural interview answers using the STAR method.
For students, engage campus career services early and target internships aligned to your course.
Health And Wellbeing On Arrival
Moving countries is exciting but stressful. Support your wellbeing from day one.
Register with a local GP.
Save important contacts: emergency number (000), after-hours clinics, and your insurer’s helpline.
Stay active with walking routes, gyms, or free outdoor workouts in parks.
Connect socially through cultural associations, language groups, or volunteer programs.
How to move to Australia guide: Visa Pathways Explained (In Plain English)
This section keeps jargon away and focuses on what you actually do.
Identify your goal and horizon. Short study? Long-term work? Family reunification?
Map the visa that matches your plan. Student for study, skilled for work, partner for families, or working holiday for short-term.
Check key requirements: skills assessment, English results, funds, and health cover.
Sequence tasks: collect documents, lodge application, plan housing, and prepare for arrival.
Build flexibility: allow buffer time in case documents take longer than expected.
You do not need to be an expert. You just need a structure and consistency—exactly what this How to move to Australia guide provides.
How to move to Australia guide: First 30 Days Checklist
Your first month sets the tone. Keep this list handy:
Day 1–3: Activate SIM, connect to Wi-Fi, and share your temporary address with family.
Day 1–7: Apply for TFN, open bank account if not pre-opened, and save digital receipts.
Day 1–10: Attend rental inspections, prepare applications, and understand bond rules via an official tenancy authority.
Day 1–14: Register with a GP and arrange any ongoing prescriptions.
Day 1–21: Finalise long-term housing or extend temporary stay if needed.
Day 1–30: Join local groups, attend meetups, and start your job search rhythm (2–3 quality applications per day).
Bookmark this section of the How to move to Australia guide so you can tick items off as you go.
Culture, Etiquette, And Everyday Life
Punctuality matters for interviews and inspections.
Workplaces value collaboration and clear communication.
Tipping is optional; service staff are paid wages, but small tips are appreciated.
Weekends often revolve around outdoor activities, markets, and sport.
Recycling practices vary by council; check local guidelines.
Tech, Security, And Digital Setup
Use two-factor authentication for banks, email, and government portals.
Keep scans of all documents in a secure cloud folder.
Learn the official apps you will use frequently: public transport, banking, real estate alerts, and your university or employer platform.
Building Your Australian Credit Profile
Credit history helps with rental approvals and utilities.
Pay bills on time and keep clean records.
Consider a low-limit credit card only if you can pay in full monthly.
Keep your address details updated with your bank and employer.
Renting: From Inspection To Keys
When you find a suitable apartment or share house:
Submit applications quickly and completely.
Provide references your agent can contact promptly.
If accepted, pay the bond to the correct authority and complete the condition report carefully.
Photograph every room on move-in day and save the images in a dated folder.
This How to move to Australia guide highlights one golden rule: never skip the condition report. It protects your bond when you move out.
Packing And Shipping
Pack lighter than you think you need; furnished rentals and second-hand markets make it easy to buy later.
Use a luggage scale to avoid airport fees.
If shipping, compare door-to-door quotes and delivery times.
Keep valuables and documents with you in carry-on, not in checked baggage.
Pets And Quarantine
Australia has strict biosecurity rules. If you plan to bring a pet, start early.
Check breed eligibility, vaccinations, and quarantine requirements.
Book quarantine space well in advance.
Work with an accredited pet relocation service to avoid errors.
Money-Saving Tips For Newcomers
Consider share housing for the first six months.
Cook at home most days and explore markets for fresh produce.
Use concession or off-peak transport fares if eligible.
Buy second-hand furniture and bikes to cut setup costs.
City Snapshots (Quick Orientation)
Sydney: Fast-paced, diverse job market, strong tech and finance presence.
Melbourne: Known for culture, education, and health sectors; great public transport.
Brisbane: Warmer climate, growing industries, and access to Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Perth: Mining, engineering, and energy; beautiful beaches and parks.
Adelaide: Affordable housing, advanced manufacturing, and defence projects.
Canberra: Government roles, research institutions, and high quality of life.
Use real estate portals like Realestate.com.au and Domain to compare median rents by suburb. For share houses near campuses and CBDs, check Flatmates.com.au. For tenancy rules and bond rights, a front-page authority like NSW Fair Trading is a reliable starting point: fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Waiting Too Long To Start Documents: Police checks and skills assessments can take weeks.
No Buffer Fund: Unexpected delays or higher rents can strain your plan.
Using A One-Size-Fits-All Resume: Tailor it to each role and industry.
Skipping Tenant-Rights Reading: Understand your bond, lease, and break-lease rules.
Overpacking: Shipping heavy items can be costlier than buying locally.
A Mindset That Works
Relocation is a series of small steps, not a single leap. Celebrate each milestone: visa submitted, TFN applied, first inspection attended, first interview booked. Small, steady progress is how newcomers settle faster.
In this How to move to Australia guide, the focus is on clarity and action. Keep your documents tidy, your budget realistic, and your calendar organised. Australia rewards planning, reliability, and willingness to learn.
60-Day And 90-Day Milestones
By 60 Days
Long-term lease secured and utilities set up.
Bank, TFN, and healthcare fully active.
Resume refined based on early feedback from applications.
At least two community or professional groups where you are active weekly.
By 90 Days
Stable daily rhythm: study schedule or work hours, exercise, and social time.
Clear savings or repayment plan.
Updated list of goals for the next quarter (e.g., licence transfer, certification course, or internal promotion steps).
This is why a practical How to move to Australia guide matters. It turns uncertainty into a realistic timeline you can follow.
Final Reminders Before You Fly
Back up all visa and insurance PDFs to two separate places.
Keep at least two forms of photo ID on you.
Arrive with enough local currency or an international card that works at Australian ATMs.
Pack a light jacket, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle—seasons and UV levels can surprise newcomers.
FAQ: Quick Answers For Newcomers
Q1. How long does the process usually take?
It varies by visa and by your document readiness. Many students plan 3–6 months from course offer to landing. Skilled applicants often allow several extra months for assessments and state nomination or sponsorship steps.
Q2. Do I need a job offer before I move?
Not always. Some skilled visas require sponsorship, while others are points-tested without an offer. Students normally arrive with a COE, then look for part-time roles. A job offer can help, but it is not universal.
Q3. How much money should I bring for the first months?
Plan for the bond, the first two weeks of rent, basic setup costs, transport, and food. Add a buffer for surprises. The exact figure depends on your city, room type, and lifestyle.
Q4. Can I rent without local references?
Yes, but a strong application helps. Provide overseas references, proof of funds, and a short cover note explaining your situation. Consider short-term stays while you build local references.
Q5. What if my English test expires soon?
Book a retake early to avoid delays. Keep a calendar reminder for document expiry dates, including passports, health cover, and police checks.
In short, this How to move to Australia guide gives you a reliable structure for visas, housing, work, banking, and everyday life. Keep it close as you plan and during your first 90 days, and update your personal checklist as you learn more about your chosen city and pathway.
