7 Tips for a Hassle-Free Move to Australia

Australia’s immigration rates keep rising. This is probably due to their stable economy, standard of living, multicultural society and healthcare system. If you too are one of these individuals seeking a change for the better, here are some tips for your move.

Apply for a visa

Obtaining a visa is the first thing that needs to be done in order to have a trouble-free move. You should know that there are several types of visas and you need to find the one that is right for you. A visa can be for permanent migration or temporary immigration. People on working holidays, skilled workers and international students usually apply for a temporary visa. All of these visas cover different things, so if you have any questions or worries, you should turn to a professional migration agent in Sydney to see which type would suit you best. Find all the requirements and collect the relevant documents. Once you submit your application, it can take from 30 minutes to a few weeks to get an answer.

Decide where you want to live

Australia is a huge country and you have to decide where you want to live. Sydney offers a wide variety of suburbs, from those quiet ones to those that provide a great nightlife. Melbourne is a bit smaller but a bit trendier. You can opt for Perth which is beautiful but very remote. If you have the time and budget, you can travel around a bit before you settle on a location. Consider your needs before deciding on a city.

Find a place to live

If you are going to Australia to study, you have plenty of options to choose from. You will probably want to look for a place near your university. If you already found a job, a place nearby would be perfect. On the other hand, if you are yet to find employment, you can stay at a friend’s or in a hostel. From Gumtree and Airbnb to Facebook, there are many online platforms that you can use to look for a place. You can even find housemates to lower the expenses. Just be careful of scams.

However, if you are moving with your entire family for a longer period of time, there are many things to consider. Other than your job, you need to think about your kids’ school, the neighborhood, public transport etc. You need to find a space that is big enough for all your needs and something that can hopefully serve you for a long time.

Look for cheap flights

No matter where you are located now, flights to Australia are arduously long. As soon as you get your visa and decide on where you want to live (or at least start your adventure), look for tickets online. Be on the lookout for various airline discounts and promotions. There are countless airlines that provide flights to all major cities in Australia. All that’s left is to prepare for the long flight.

Go through your belongings

You are probably aware that you cannot move your entire household to your new residence. Decide what you want and need to keep. The rest can be given to charity or sold online. What cannot be replaced, you should take with you; everything else might be easier to buy once you arrive than to pay for shipment and customs. These shipments can sometimes take several months to arrive. Consult several expert international movers to see what would be the best course of action and don’t forget to get insurance.

Depending on the season during which you will move, you need to bring appropriate clothing. Check the expected temperatures for the period, and pack accordingly. It might be best to move during summer; in Australia, that is from December to February. That means that you will not need a lot of winter clothes and you can wait for them to arrive later on. Also, that can be great for your kids as they will not have to transfer to school mid-term, but can start the new school year with everyone else.

Get a job

Australia is quite an expensive country so you should be prepared for the prices and start saving up on time. Getting a job will be essential for your life in Australia. If you are a student, you won’t be able to work full-time. However, working part-time could be enough to cover your food and rent. You can look for a job in national and local newspapers as well as online. On the other hand, if you would like to start your own business, there are some requirements you must meet.

Cover other necessities

You should open a bank account in Australia. This can be done online before your move. When it comes to healthcare, make sure to bring your medical records with you during the move. You should apply for Medicare as soon as you arrive. Moreover, keep in mind that you also need to pay taxes.

Moving is always a challenging experience, even if you’re just moving down the street. Moving to a whole new continent takes it to a whole new level. Just make sure you are well prepared and you will have no problems.