Moving to Australia

A move to Australia can be the best thing a person or family can do.  With the highest standards of living and excellent climate Australia has something for everyone.  Our experts guide our clients every step of the way with some sound advice.

When you move to Australia here are a few things you will need to do.

• Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) as soon as you move to Australia. You will need a TFN in order to receive wages from your job in Australia, or receive money earned from investments including interest on savings accounts.

• Register with Medicare so you will be covered for basic medical expenses and have immediate access to health care services, including free public hospital care and subsidized medicines.

• Open a bank account within six weeks of moving to Australia using your passport so you can get your salary, wages or government benefits paid directly into your account. If you leave it longer than six weeks you will need additional identification.

• Register your details with CentreLink and get government assistance with your skills, qualifications and Family Assistance payments to help you raise your children.

• If you need help with your English register for free classes. Australian immigration believe this is key to your success and provide up to 510 hours of free tuition under the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

• Enrol your children in school as soon as possible; under Australian law children must attend school up to the age of 15.

• Apply for a driver’s license within three months of arriving. If you have a drivers licence from another country you can use it for up to 3 months, after which you are required to have an Australian one.  

When it comes to Australia it is important to be prepared.  We have published a complete guide on moving to Australia to help our clients.