by Migration is something that people want to learn and know more about. Of all the countries in the world, Australia attracts a lot of attention because it has become an international destination for tourism, education and business. Australia is home to diverse wildlife but also has some unique differences when compared with other developed countries around the globe. Before migrating to Australia, there are some important things you need to know and we have listed 17 of them.
What are the requirements for migrating to Australia?
There are a number of requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to migrate to Australia. These include demonstrating good character, and health and have not engaged in any adverse activities. In addition, the applicant must have a valid passport and two photographs. The visa needs to be paid for in advance, which is usually $275 AUD. The application requires pages of the applicant’s travel documentation, together with their passport and a completed visa application form.
What are the different visa options for migrating to Australia?
Australia has a variety of visas for those wishing to move there. The most straightforward and easy visa to get is a work visa. If you are a skilled professional or expert, have extensive professional experience, or are moving over to invest in a new business which will help grow the Australian economy, then this is your best option for migrating to Australia. However, some visas require an Australian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor you, while others are available directly through the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
Migrate to Australia using different visa options:
- The work visa: This is the simplest and easiest way to migrate if you already have a job offer from an Australian employer.
- The family reunion visa: This allows people who have a relative living in Australia as an Australian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor them for residency.
- The student visa: Student visas allow people who want to study in Australia at an approved educational institution full-time access to the country.
- the partner/spouse visa: A partner/spouse visa lets couples who are married or in a de facto relationship live together in Australia.
SEE ALSO:The Top 10 Most Migrated Countries and What They Offer Immigrants
17 Things to Know Before Moving to Australia
1. Australia is expensive.
Australia is a beautiful country with a great quality of life, but it can be expensive. The cost of living in Australia is high, especially in the major cities. Be prepared to pay more for groceries, transportation, and utilities than you would in other countries.
If you need emergency care while in Australia, be aware that the expense can be significant. Ambulance fees alone can range from $100-$200 AUD depending on the city. And if you require hospitalization, costs can quickly add up.
Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Australia that provide emergency care for Australian citizens without charge. So before travelling to Australia, make sure you are familiar with the health care arrangements between your home country and Australia.
2. Be prepared to pay tax in Australia on your income.
Australian residents pay 15% tax until they earn $37 000. The average refund for Australian resident taxpayers is AU$2600. After that, the rate of taxation increases gradually as income rises.
A working holiday visa allows you to move back and forth from Australia and still be taxed as a resident of that country, which can be helpful if you have some big debts or financial commitments in your home country.
The ATO handles tax obligations for Australians. Tax rates vary depending on income, with higher earners paying a greater percentage of their earnings to the government. To be considered an Australian resident for tax purposes, you need to have been in Australia at least six months and prove you’ve been there for more than that as well.
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If you work while living abroad, it is required to report your earnings to the IRS (note this may depend on where the taxpayer lives). Keep in mind though moving internationally doesn’t free a Global Citizen of having to file taxes back home – a US citizen will still have to report their worldwide income even if they reside in Australia on form 1040 Schedule A Line 7 Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.
Every US citizen and green card holder is still required to file a US tax return, even if they reside in Australia. The deadline for filing your US tax return is April 18th of the following year, and you can request a two-month extension if needed.
Renouncing your status as a U.S. citizen will allow you to stop filing taxes, but it comes with some hefty penalties if you forget to disclose foreign accounts (over $10,000 at any time across the course of a year) or assets on form 8854.
3. Book accommodation before you arrive through Booking.com.
Booking.com is a great resource for finding accommodation before you arrive in a new city. You can compare prices and read reviews from other travelers before making your decision. Additionally, many properties offer discounts if you book through the website, so be sure to check it out!
4. Wi-Fi costs extra in most places/hostels you will go to.
When travelling, one of the most important things to have is access to the internet. However, in Australia, Wi-Fi can be quite expensive in most places – including hostels. For example, the YHA (Youth Hostel Association) charges $6 per day for Wi-Fi access at all of their hostels across Australia.
SEE ALSO:How to Migrate to the UK: A Step by Step Guide
While this may not seem like a lot, it can quickly add up if you are staying in multiple places throughout your trip. If you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi with the purchase of food or drink. Just be sure to ask before you start using their networks!
5. Apply for jobs before you go.
It can be difficult to find a job in a new country, especially if you don’t have any contacts there. That’s why it’s important to start applying for jobs before you even leave for your new destination. This will give you time to fix your resume, write cover letters, and network with people in the country. You can also use websites like Indeed or Seek to find jobs in Australia.
6. Looking for farm work/regional work in Australia?
If you are looking for farm work or regional work in Australia, make sure you have the Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate. This certificate is required by many states before allowing you to start your agricultural training. You can check with your state on what they require in order for you to get a 1-day course or online certificate.
7. Renting your own house/apartment isn’t as easy as it might be in your home country.
If you are moving to Australia as a foreigner, it can be difficult finding your own home. You need to consider the cost of living and how much money you will have coming in per month. If you are an Australian citizen, there is a good chance that your parents will offer to let you live with them for the time being.
SEE ALSO: USA Visa Lottery– Relocate To USA
8. Backpacking around Australia can be easier by sharing a ride.
Australia is a big country, and it can be expensive to travel from one end to the other. If you’re looking to save money, or just meet some new people, consider using a ridesharing app like BlaBlaCar or Rideshare. These apps connect passengers with drivers who are making the same trip, so you can share the cost of gas and tolls. And even if you’re not looking for a free ride, it’s still a great way to meet locals and learn more about Australia’s culture.
9. It can be cheaper just to rent a car for a month or two.
When you’re planning a trip to Australia, it’s important to consider how you’ll get around. Renting a car can be expensive, but there are other options. You could try renting a car for a month or two and then returning it. This way, you won’t have to worry about the cost of long-term car rental. Another option is to take public transportation in the city and then rent a car when you want to explore outside of town.
10. Each state has a slightly different time zone.
Did you know that Australia is a huge country, with six states and two territories? And did you also know that each state has its own time zone? That can make things a little confusing when trying to organise meetings or social events. For example, Western Australia is three hours behind the eastern states!
SEE ALSO: How to Migrate to the UK: A Step by Step Guide
11. Western Australia has no daylight savings.
Western Australia is the only Australian state that does not observe daylight savings. This means that during the summer when the rest of the country is observing daylight savings, Western Australia remains in standard time. Conversely, during winter, when the rest of Australia observes daylight savings, Western Australia is in daylight saving time.
12. Australia does get snow
Yes, Australia does get snow! While it is not common, the snowy season can hit areas of the country like Victoria and Tasmania. Travelers should be prepared for the weather and come equipped with scarves, coats and rain boots if they’re going to visit during winter. Most of Australia experiences four seasons in a day – you might go from hot sun to cold rain or snow very quickly!
13. Australia Day is January 26th
Australia Day is celebrated annually on January 26th. This day commemorates the arrival of the first British ships to Australia in 1788. The holiday is similar to The Fourth of July in America, but with a few key differences:
Australians celebrate this day on January 26th, with the British first arriving in Australia on January 26th, 1788. Indigenous groups in Australia view this day as a celebration of cultural destruction. For them, it marks the beginning of over two centuries of struggle against colonialism and dispossession.
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Australian citizens celebrate their citizenship on the 26th of January. As with any celebrations, it’s important to be aware of potential issues that could arise with certain aspects on the day, such as indigenous people and immigration laws
14. They drive on the left
In most countries, driving is done on the right side of the road. However, in Australia, they drive on the left side. The reason for this dates back to when Australia was first colonized by the British. At that time, all of Britain’s colonies drove on the left side of the road. When Australia became a country in its own right, it continued this tradition.
While driving on the left may take some getting used to at first, it’s important to remember that Australian driving laws are different from those in other countries. For example, unlike in America, you must use your right hand to change gears while driving in Australia. This is known as Australia’s right-hand rule and is based on their version of the “left-hand rule” used elsewhere in the world.
15. Learn the metric system
The metric system is the standard measurement for distances, weights and volumes in Australia. This means that you’ll need to learn how many grams or millilitres are equivalent to ounces, cups or gallons.
16. It’s possible to be off the grid for a while
You may be able to live off the grid if you have a solar battery, but it’s not easy. Solar panels are expensive and you need a lot of them to power anything.
17. No guns allowed
Australia has strict gun laws, and it’s been successful in preventing mass shootings. This is why you won’t be able to find any guns in stores or on the streets. However, small scale gun crime still occurs in Australia.
