Settle in Australia
Moving to Australia is more than receiving a visa. Successful settlement depends on understanding your rights, obligations, and essential systems from day one. This page outlines the key steps and practical considerations after arriving in Australia.
Before You Arrive
Before travelling, carefully review your visa grant notice. It confirms:
Visa subclass and conditions
Travel facility validity
Work and study rights
Any reporting or compliance obligations
Failure to follow visa conditions can affect future visa applications.
Relocation and Arrival
After arrival, you should arrange:
Temporary or long term accommodation
Local contact details
Health insurance where required
Access to essential services
Professional relocation assistance may help with housing, schooling, and local orientation.
Tax File Number (TFN)
If your visa allows work, you must apply for a Tax File Number after arriving in Australia.
The TFN is issued by the Australian Taxation Office and is required for employment, banking, and taxation purposes.
Visa Aid does not provide tax advice. You should consult a registered tax agent for personalised guidance.
Medicare and Healthcare
Australia’s public healthcare system is known as Medicare.
Eligibility depends on:
Your visa type
Your country of passport
Any reciprocal healthcare agreement in place
Some temporary visa holders must maintain private health insurance. You should confirm your eligibility directly with Services Australia.
Opening a Bank Account
You may open an Australian bank account either before arrival or after entering Australia.
Most employers require an Australian account to process salary payments.
Visa Aid does not recommend specific banks.
Work, Licensing, and Registration
Some occupations require:
State or territory licensing
Professional registration
Industry accreditation
You are responsible for ensuring you meet all legal requirements before starting work. Employers may also require evidence of compliance.
Driving in Australia
Driving rules are managed by state and territory authorities.
You may be allowed to use an overseas licence for a limited period. After that, you may need to:
Convert your licence
Pass knowledge or driving tests
Obtain a local licence
Check requirements with the transport authority in your state or territory.
Travel Outside Australia
If you plan to travel internationally:
Ensure your visa includes a valid travel facility
Check whether a bridging visa allows re-entry
Apply for a Resident Return Visa if required
Leaving Australia without proper travel authority may prevent re-entry.
Change of Circumstances
You must notify relevant authorities of changes such as:
Address updates
Passport changes
Employment changes where required
Relationship status changes
Some changes can directly affect visa validity.
Emergency Services
In an emergency, call:
000 for police, ambulance, or fire services
How Visa Aid Can Assist
Visa Aid provides guidance on:
Settlement planning
Visa compliance obligations
Pathways to permanent residency
Citizenship eligibility assessment
Visa refusals, cancellations, and appeals
Migration outcomes depend on individual circumstances and Australian Government regulations.
