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Before moving to Australia there’s lots to think about and plan. Use this Emigrating to Australia check-list to assist you with your planning.
18 months priorResearch, Research, Research !
Remember, Australia is a large country (30x bigger than the UK)! Compile a shortlist of where in Australia you'd like to live. Talk to friends and relatives already living in the State. Conduct research on the internet, useful websites include:
- Poms in Oz
- South Australia. Make the move
- Living in Western Australia
- Live & work in New South Wales
- Live in Victoria
- Queensland: Work Live Play
- The (Northern) Territory
- Migrating to Tasmania
Learn more about property prices and the cost of living. Develop a budget for when you move. Useful property websites include:
Research job opportunities and business opportunities for you and your family. Useful websites include:
Attend migration expos to obtain more information and ask questions
Find a migration agent or research your migration visa options if you plan to apply yourself. Useful websites include:
Make sure you’re ready
Talk to your doctor about any medical conditions that may need attention.
Prepare your current home for sale or rent.
12 months priorApply for your visas
Ensure that you and your family all have valid passports.
Complete your visa applications forms – seek assistance from your Migration Agent if required.
Communicate your plans
Inform your children’s schools of your relocation plans. Request copies of all relevant documentation such as school reports.
Talk to your family and friends about your plans to relocate.
Organise your finances
Consolidate accounts and reduce debts wherever possible.
Check the cost of moving
Research costs for relocation services and source airfare quotes.
Familiarise yourself with Australia’s customs and quarantine requirements for your pets and belongings.
6 months priorPrepare to move out
If your permanent residency visa has been granted, put your home on the market for sale and source temporary accommodation should your house sell sooner than anticipated
Check the required notice period for vacating your property if you are renting
Sell or donate unwanted furniture and household goods
Research processes involved with transporting pets i.e. quarantine, vaccinations, costs involved
Consider advising your employer of your relocation plans.
Get paperwork sorted
Undertake medical and police checks if required.
Create or update your Last Will and Testament.
Obtain copies of medical and dental records for you and your family.
Request credit references from your bank and other lenders.
Plan where you’ll live in Australia
Narrow down your search for places you would like to live in Australia.
2 months priorOrganise temporary living arrangements in Australia
Source and book temporary accommodation in Australia for when you arrive. Useful websites include:
Many of our members on our forums also provide short term furnished accommodation. Have a look at:
Investigate transport options to your temporary accommodation when you arrive.
Investigate new schools or childcare providers for your children and register them if possible
Book your pets into quarantine service and boarding kennels if necessary.
Begin packing items you do not regularly use.
Prepare for your job search
Update your Curriculum Vitae/Resume including employer references. Start applying for positions via employer and recruitment websites. Follow up by phone if possible.
Contact potential employers in Australia and notify them of your interest and expected arrival time. Arrange a telephone interview if appropriate.
Get finances, insurance and legal matters sorted
Obtain statements from your financial institutions and any pension /superannuation funds.
Arrange necessary insurance cover for you and your family. Ensure it is valid until you take out a new policy in Australia.
Settle any outstanding legal matters if applicable.
Get ready to leave
Service your vehicle, prepare for sale or storage.
Confirm your departure date with removalists.
1 month priorSell or store your car.
Organise bills and records
Provide a forwarding address to your bank, migration agent, post office, financial institutions, employer, friends and family, and relevant authorities. Arrange for your mail to be redirected.
Compile personal records and paperwork into a secure travel file.
Pay all bills, cancel subscriptions and ensure any direct debits will be stopped once you move.
If possible, set up a bank account in Australia.
Organise health and medical
Arrange for current prescriptions and a sufficient supply of any medicines.
Organise private health and other insurance for when you arrive in Australia.
Get things ready in Australia
Confirm temporary accommodation booking for when you arrive.
If you are heading to South Australia, Register with Skilled Recognition Services and Employment Linkages Services if eligible.These provide workshops and information sessions to assist new migrants in making the transition into employment.
If you are heading to Victoria, Register to attend a skilled seminar or business seminar for when you arrive in Victoria. These seminars will provide you with tips and contacts to make a rapid transition into work or business.
2 weeks prior
Obtain some Australian dollars and/or travellers’ cheques for when you arrive.
Finish packing all non-essential items.
Back up your computer files.
1 week priorOrganise transport to the airport.
Pack essential items and on-board luggage. Include activities for children if applicable.
Leave forwarding contact details for the new occupants of your home.
