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The 5 Minute Guide On How To Emigrate To Australia
| Published: | 27 Sep at 7 PM |
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Filed: Emigrating,Australia
Read this useful guide that summarises key information you should know for immigrating and settling in Australia.
The Australian government offers several avenues to permanent residency that are based on boosting the economy and filling in-demand jobs. Skilled workers are actively sought after, and a points system is used to determine the actual value of each immigrant application. Most people get a visa through an employer-sponsored work position or the General Skilled Migration Programme, though there are also visas available for investors who plan to start a business in Australia.
The three most popular work visas are Business Skills visas, Independent visas and long-term business visas valid for a stay of four years. Business skills visas require an official job sponsorship from a recognised Australian employer. Independent visas are geared for experienced corporate executives and entrepreneurs with cash to invest in the national economy. All of the visa options are described on the Australian government’s immigration website. The online assessment questionnaire will help you determine which visa is right for you.
The first step in the application process for a long-term visa or permanent residency is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online at the website. Skilled workers must be under the age of 50 at the time of applying, and the progress of your application can be monitored online at this same website. Once your EOI has been approved, you will be allowed to actually apply for the specific visa you are eligible for. All the forms needed are available online.
There are a number of requirements for the skills-based and points visa application. They include being skilled at a job on the Skilled Occupation List, an IELTS English language certificate to prove competency in English and evidence of your relevant skills and work experience. Certified copies of all documents and the visa fee must be included with the initial application. You may also be asked to take a health exam, provide a criminal background check and have an interview with an Australian immigration officer. You can expect lengthy delays if any documents are missing or wrong.
The costs involved with living in Australia are comparable to other major developed countries like the USA and UK. Where you live in Australia will greatly affect the amount of monthly expenses required to live comfortably. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are among the most expensive destinations in terms of housing, food and leisure activities. Smaller cities like Darwin or rural towns are noticeably cheaper. Wherever you move, plan to save several thousands Australian dollars for the initial set up costs.
Property rental will be the biggest expense each month, but there are many options for apartments and houses to fit every budget. The rates for utilities like electricity, gas and water are equivalent to most countries, and petrol is slightly higher per litre than average. Tack on internet, mobile phone service and cable tv and you can expect a monthly expense of at least AU$2,000 and up. Food prices are also rather expensive in Australian cities, so it’s estimated that an annual income of AU$45,000 is needed to live comfortably in most parts of the country.
Australia is located in one of the most remote corners of the planet, so any move to this country will require a fairly lengthy sea shipping process. There are many international shipping companies that are experts at the logistics of moving a household from one side of the globe to Australia, and while not cheap, they are well worth the expense. Firms like OSS Worldwide Movers can handle every facet of the move, from land and sea transport of household goods to all the official paperwork required by Australian customs. They will even arrange to deliver your things right to your new home. It is easy to get a quote from any international moving company if you know the estimated quantity of goods you want to ship.
Australia has a fairly strong economy despite the global downturn. It welcomes emigrants with the right combination of skills and experience in certain fields where there is a shortage of jobs under the Skilled Migration Program. The government doesn’t give everyone a long-term work visa, so check their website to see exactly which skills and job sectors are in demand. The government also expects most visa applicants to secure a job in Australia before they apply. This letter of sponsorship is a key component of your long-term work visa. Engineering, the healthcare sector, teacher, oil and gas, and IT computer skills are just some of the jobs with solid future prospects in Australia.
Starting your own business or buying an existing one is a good avenue for many emigrants to achieve their goal of living in Australia. The government has several visas designed for investors and entrepreneurs like the Australian Business Owner (Provisional) visa for those with the financial backing to open a business. It’s also possible to invest in an existing Australian company through the State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner visa category. Again, this requires a fair amount of cash capital to be considered for the 4-year visa. But if successful, it can lead to permanent residency. The government’s website has a lot of useful information on this type of business visa.
Australia is a multicultural country, with a lively mix of Asians, Indians, Europeans and other people living in its cities. In the largest cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane there are entire neighbourhoods where a specific ethnic group has established a visual presence over the years. Most emigrants gravitate to these larger cities for the cultural support and ease of adjusting to a new life in Australian society. The government runs a useful website that addresses many concerns emigrants have about relocation.
There are few official steps to take when you first arrive in Australia such as getting a Tax File Number (TFN) and registering with Medicare. You can open Australian bank accounts overseas, or wait until you’ve settled in. The government’s Medicare healthcare system guarantees free medical care for all residents, and public schooling is also free.
Being in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in most other countries. It has a subtropical climate along the northern coast near Darwin, while the southern coast is more temperate and has cool winters. The interior Outback is hot and dry all year round, while conditions along its coasts are generally very pleasant. Most Australians are outdoor types, and can be frequently found surfing, jogging, biking and playing sports in their free time. They enjoy beers at the local pub and barbecues in the back yard with friends and family. This is a very welcoming society, with an easy-going attitude towards life and a desire to work and play in equal amounts.
Nearly 70 per cent of Australians own their own home, a goal that is very feasible for newly-arriving emigrants. There is no limit to the quantity of real estate a person can own in Australia, which is more often a private home than an apartment unit. Websites like www.realestate.com.au are very helpful for getting a sense of housing prices in specific regions and cities in Australia. Property buyers almost always use a real estate broker to negotiate the deal. They earn a small commission off the sale and help with a tangle of paperwork and legal fees and taxes involved with title transfer.
Renting is also a popular option in Australia, especially for newcomers. There are a number of documents that must be provided to achieve approval to rent a property in most cases. This includes references from previous rentals (even if they are from your home country), bank statement that prove sufficient savings or regular income and often a cover letter detailing your current income and family status. Passports, driving licenses and other forms of identification are also required for the application process. Not everyone is approved for a specific property since there is typically more renters than properties available. Real estate agents use a point system to satisfy the requirements of each landlord. Websites like www.realestate.com.au and www.rentaustralia.com.au will give you an idea of current rates.
The Australian government’s Medicare program is designed to give every resident free comprehensive healthcare coverage. The costs are partially subsidised by your federal income tax and the rest paid for by the federal government. Medicare covers 100 per cent of your healthcare bill when using the public hospitals, provides 85 per cent coverage for general practitioner (GP) fees, and 75 per cent for certain specialised services. Private medical insurance is also an option to increase your health cover. Medibank Private is the nation’s largest insurer. The government has a website dedicated to its Medicare system.
The public school system in Australia is very good. The government ensures free education for every child through the end of high school at age 18. There are some costs involved with public school such as uniforms and books, but for the most part it is free. Private schools are also available, and offer excellent education and facilities that rival those of many universities. At the low end of the scale, private school tuition costs around AU$4,000 per year, but can be as much as AU$20,000 annually for the top schools. There are currently 39 universities in Australia, most of which are operated by the government. They are generally very good, attracting thousands of international students every year to study at reasonable tuition rates.
The outdoors and sports are a major part of Australian culture and society. With superb weather most of the year and a population of people who love recreation and being outside the topic of sports is never far away. Most Australians enjoy drinking after work and on weekends, and propagate a culture of hearty friendliness. The pace of life in nearly every corner of the country is far more relaxed than in another developed nations.
Although Australia’s indigenous Aboriginal population has been notably repressed since Europeans first colonised the continent several centuries ago, they still maintain their unique culture, heritage and way of thinking. Large cities like Sydney have thriving communities of emigrants from all over the world, especially Asian countries and parts of Europe. If you can talk a bit of cricket or rugby and enjoy a cold beer you’ll have no problem meeting friends in this outgoing country.
Being able to speak English at a high level is essential to really integrating into Australian society. It is the official language of government, business and media here and few other languages are used. In fact, all long-term visa applicants must pass the IELTS English language exam to get their visa. There are numerous English language schools in cities like Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney that help students and emigrants improve their skills. Websites like this one from the Australian government provide excellent information.
There is an amazing range of travel destinations right in Australia, so many people simply stay in country for their holidays. With thousands of miles of beautiful beach, the Great Barrier Reef, the Outback desert interior and hundreds of towns and cities there is a lot to explore. Australians are also inveterate travellers. They frequently head off to Asian destinations like Bali, Thailand and India when they want to experience a different culture.
Since Australia is such a vast country, the preferred way to travel is by domestic flight. There are excellent low-cost carriers and airports in all of the main cities that make jumping from one side of the country to the other a breeze. Land travel is managed by long-distance buses and even a few train routes. While these are incredibly slow going, they are certainly scenic and very affordable. Australia also has an excellent road network, so most Aussies simply drive if the distances aren’t too great. The national tourism website is a great place to see the myriad wonders of Australia.
Visas
The Australian government offers several avenues to permanent residency that are based on boosting the economy and filling in-demand jobs. Skilled workers are actively sought after, and a points system is used to determine the actual value of each immigrant application. Most people get a visa through an employer-sponsored work position or the General Skilled Migration Programme, though there are also visas available for investors who plan to start a business in Australia.
The three most popular work visas are Business Skills visas, Independent visas and long-term business visas valid for a stay of four years. Business skills visas require an official job sponsorship from a recognised Australian employer. Independent visas are geared for experienced corporate executives and entrepreneurs with cash to invest in the national economy. All of the visa options are described on the Australian government’s immigration website. The online assessment questionnaire will help you determine which visa is right for you.
The first step in the application process for a long-term visa or permanent residency is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online at the website. Skilled workers must be under the age of 50 at the time of applying, and the progress of your application can be monitored online at this same website. Once your EOI has been approved, you will be allowed to actually apply for the specific visa you are eligible for. All the forms needed are available online.
There are a number of requirements for the skills-based and points visa application. They include being skilled at a job on the Skilled Occupation List, an IELTS English language certificate to prove competency in English and evidence of your relevant skills and work experience. Certified copies of all documents and the visa fee must be included with the initial application. You may also be asked to take a health exam, provide a criminal background check and have an interview with an Australian immigration officer. You can expect lengthy delays if any documents are missing or wrong.
Money and Costs
The costs involved with living in Australia are comparable to other major developed countries like the USA and UK. Where you live in Australia will greatly affect the amount of monthly expenses required to live comfortably. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are among the most expensive destinations in terms of housing, food and leisure activities. Smaller cities like Darwin or rural towns are noticeably cheaper. Wherever you move, plan to save several thousands Australian dollars for the initial set up costs.
Property rental will be the biggest expense each month, but there are many options for apartments and houses to fit every budget. The rates for utilities like electricity, gas and water are equivalent to most countries, and petrol is slightly higher per litre than average. Tack on internet, mobile phone service and cable tv and you can expect a monthly expense of at least AU$2,000 and up. Food prices are also rather expensive in Australian cities, so it’s estimated that an annual income of AU$45,000 is needed to live comfortably in most parts of the country.
Moving
Australia is located in one of the most remote corners of the planet, so any move to this country will require a fairly lengthy sea shipping process. There are many international shipping companies that are experts at the logistics of moving a household from one side of the globe to Australia, and while not cheap, they are well worth the expense. Firms like OSS Worldwide Movers can handle every facet of the move, from land and sea transport of household goods to all the official paperwork required by Australian customs. They will even arrange to deliver your things right to your new home. It is easy to get a quote from any international moving company if you know the estimated quantity of goods you want to ship.
Careers
Australia has a fairly strong economy despite the global downturn. It welcomes emigrants with the right combination of skills and experience in certain fields where there is a shortage of jobs under the Skilled Migration Program. The government doesn’t give everyone a long-term work visa, so check their website to see exactly which skills and job sectors are in demand. The government also expects most visa applicants to secure a job in Australia before they apply. This letter of sponsorship is a key component of your long-term work visa. Engineering, the healthcare sector, teacher, oil and gas, and IT computer skills are just some of the jobs with solid future prospects in Australia.
Business
Starting your own business or buying an existing one is a good avenue for many emigrants to achieve their goal of living in Australia. The government has several visas designed for investors and entrepreneurs like the Australian Business Owner (Provisional) visa for those with the financial backing to open a business. It’s also possible to invest in an existing Australian company through the State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner visa category. Again, this requires a fair amount of cash capital to be considered for the 4-year visa. But if successful, it can lead to permanent residency. The government’s website has a lot of useful information on this type of business visa.
Living
Australia is a multicultural country, with a lively mix of Asians, Indians, Europeans and other people living in its cities. In the largest cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane there are entire neighbourhoods where a specific ethnic group has established a visual presence over the years. Most emigrants gravitate to these larger cities for the cultural support and ease of adjusting to a new life in Australian society. The government runs a useful website that addresses many concerns emigrants have about relocation.
There are few official steps to take when you first arrive in Australia such as getting a Tax File Number (TFN) and registering with Medicare. You can open Australian bank accounts overseas, or wait until you’ve settled in. The government’s Medicare healthcare system guarantees free medical care for all residents, and public schooling is also free.
Being in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in most other countries. It has a subtropical climate along the northern coast near Darwin, while the southern coast is more temperate and has cool winters. The interior Outback is hot and dry all year round, while conditions along its coasts are generally very pleasant. Most Australians are outdoor types, and can be frequently found surfing, jogging, biking and playing sports in their free time. They enjoy beers at the local pub and barbecues in the back yard with friends and family. This is a very welcoming society, with an easy-going attitude towards life and a desire to work and play in equal amounts.
Property
Nearly 70 per cent of Australians own their own home, a goal that is very feasible for newly-arriving emigrants. There is no limit to the quantity of real estate a person can own in Australia, which is more often a private home than an apartment unit. Websites like www.realestate.com.au are very helpful for getting a sense of housing prices in specific regions and cities in Australia. Property buyers almost always use a real estate broker to negotiate the deal. They earn a small commission off the sale and help with a tangle of paperwork and legal fees and taxes involved with title transfer.
Renting is also a popular option in Australia, especially for newcomers. There are a number of documents that must be provided to achieve approval to rent a property in most cases. This includes references from previous rentals (even if they are from your home country), bank statement that prove sufficient savings or regular income and often a cover letter detailing your current income and family status. Passports, driving licenses and other forms of identification are also required for the application process. Not everyone is approved for a specific property since there is typically more renters than properties available. Real estate agents use a point system to satisfy the requirements of each landlord. Websites like www.realestate.com.au and www.rentaustralia.com.au will give you an idea of current rates.
Health
The Australian government’s Medicare program is designed to give every resident free comprehensive healthcare coverage. The costs are partially subsidised by your federal income tax and the rest paid for by the federal government. Medicare covers 100 per cent of your healthcare bill when using the public hospitals, provides 85 per cent coverage for general practitioner (GP) fees, and 75 per cent for certain specialised services. Private medical insurance is also an option to increase your health cover. Medibank Private is the nation’s largest insurer. The government has a website dedicated to its Medicare system.
Education
The public school system in Australia is very good. The government ensures free education for every child through the end of high school at age 18. There are some costs involved with public school such as uniforms and books, but for the most part it is free. Private schools are also available, and offer excellent education and facilities that rival those of many universities. At the low end of the scale, private school tuition costs around AU$4,000 per year, but can be as much as AU$20,000 annually for the top schools. There are currently 39 universities in Australia, most of which are operated by the government. They are generally very good, attracting thousands of international students every year to study at reasonable tuition rates.
Culture
The outdoors and sports are a major part of Australian culture and society. With superb weather most of the year and a population of people who love recreation and being outside the topic of sports is never far away. Most Australians enjoy drinking after work and on weekends, and propagate a culture of hearty friendliness. The pace of life in nearly every corner of the country is far more relaxed than in another developed nations.
Although Australia’s indigenous Aboriginal population has been notably repressed since Europeans first colonised the continent several centuries ago, they still maintain their unique culture, heritage and way of thinking. Large cities like Sydney have thriving communities of emigrants from all over the world, especially Asian countries and parts of Europe. If you can talk a bit of cricket or rugby and enjoy a cold beer you’ll have no problem meeting friends in this outgoing country.
Language
Being able to speak English at a high level is essential to really integrating into Australian society. It is the official language of government, business and media here and few other languages are used. In fact, all long-term visa applicants must pass the IELTS English language exam to get their visa. There are numerous English language schools in cities like Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney that help students and emigrants improve their skills. Websites like this one from the Australian government provide excellent information.
Travel & Leisure
There is an amazing range of travel destinations right in Australia, so many people simply stay in country for their holidays. With thousands of miles of beautiful beach, the Great Barrier Reef, the Outback desert interior and hundreds of towns and cities there is a lot to explore. Australians are also inveterate travellers. They frequently head off to Asian destinations like Bali, Thailand and India when they want to experience a different culture.
Since Australia is such a vast country, the preferred way to travel is by domestic flight. There are excellent low-cost carriers and airports in all of the main cities that make jumping from one side of the country to the other a breeze. Land travel is managed by long-distance buses and even a few train routes. While these are incredibly slow going, they are certainly scenic and very affordable. Australia also has an excellent road network, so most Aussies simply drive if the distances aren’t too great. The national tourism website is a great place to see the myriad wonders of Australia.
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