You might think moving to Australia is a wild adventure and sure to be a lot of fun. Who wouldn’t want to wrestle kangaroos, see swarms of budgies, and fight off giant spiders? But believe it or not, Australian immigration has been on a slight decline over the last two years.
According to Macro Trends, the net migration rate in 2022 was 5.419 per 1000 population, a 4.34% decline from the previous year. In fact, the net migration in 2021 was 5.665 per 1000 population, a 4.16% decline from the year before that.
So if you’re thinking maybe now that everyone is avoiding the urge to move to Australia…it’s actually the perfect time for YOU to move to Australia, that’s smart thinking.
But first, there are a few practicalities you should know.
1. You Need a Specific Type of Visa
The only way you can legally move to Australia is to enter with a visa. But certain visas have requirements. Choosing a visa depends on your circumstances as well as your job opportunities.
Research all the categories of available visas and determine which one is most appropriate.
You can also choose between a permanent visa (while still staying a resident of your home country) or simply becoming an Australian citizen.
2. Start Opening New Accounts Now
As a visitor, you can open an account overseas three months before you arrive in Australia or up to three months after your arrival. But in order to open a new Australian bank account, you must live in Australia and have a phone number in the country.
There are also migrant programs that can help you set up a new account even when you’re still living in the U.S. while waiting to catch a flight. In the meantime, you can always take out a credit card in the U.S. that’s specifically made for overseas spending.
In case you’re still in “single digits” when it comes to that dream, don’t give up. Read our article on how to fund your travel dreams.
3. Research the Job Market
The Australian job market is competitive, and many new arrivals usually enter the construction, hospitality, or education sector. It’s best to approach job-finding as you would in your home country, namely by creating a resume, highlighting your skills, and researching the job portals online.
It’s also best to find a job first before you finalize your visa and spend some time learning the culture and lingo.
4. Make Sure You Have Appropriate Car Insurance & Health Insurance
While you may qualify for public health insurance someday, find the beginning, you will have to buy private health insurance, as an expat. A global medical plan will ensure you get the best medical treatment.
Similarly, you must also purchase private car insurance (such as companies listed here by iSelect) and it works similarly to your home country, in that there is comprehensive, Compulsory Third Party Insurance (liability) as well as other third-party damage contracts.
You don’t have to go shopping for an Australian car…but just know that shipping your car from your home country can cost upwards of $6000.
5. Research Your New Home City and the Real Estate Market
People very often underestimate how huge Australia is in terms of size, and yet, how underpopulated it is compared to North American countries. You either stay close to the big cities or go “off the grid” and use your survivalist training while walking in the wilderness.
Bear in mind the cost of living can be expensive near big cities and rent is usually paid weekly. Talk to a real estate agent about the best locations for expats.
6. Don’t Forget to Say Goodbye Officially
Finally, once everything is prepared, it’s time to formally close all of your accounts, and take care of other government entities as well, such as the proper channels for tax, jury service, and so on. You must inform them you’re leaving the country permanently, while also closing out all other loans, mortgages, or debts.
Get a copy of your medical records too, since your new healthcare providers will need that information.
Follow Your Dreams!
If you’ve always dreamed of living in Australia, now is the time to come! It’s not an easy process, but it’s sure going to be worth it in the end – when you finally get to look out and see the majestic views of the Outback, Big City Oz, and the Aussie sightseeing of a lifetime.