Things to be done on visa validation entry

[SoniaG]

Hello, 

I got my 189 visa granted in Oct 2018. I plan to enter Australia in April 2019 to validate my visa. I intend to be there just for a month and return back to my country of residence. I plan to make the permanent move only by the end of this year or early next year. My question here is, what are the mandatory things i have to get done during my validation trip? My agent advised to open up a bank account but i read an article advising the following (Word of caution: If you are on a visa validation trip, please refrain from applying for Medicare card, TFN number and Centrelink.) 

Can anyone please advise what has to be done in my case.

Thank you. 

Regards,

Sonia George

[vickyplum]

Hi @SoniaG. There are no "mandatory" things to be done on your validation trip, it's up to you what activities you undertake. 

When I came to Sydney to validate my visa, I just had a holiday and did some exploring to better understand the city and surrounding area(s). My bank account was opened from my home country (UK) and when I moved here permanently, I visited my nominated branch to finalise the application and pick up the debit card. I would assume you can also wait until you arrive permanently, to open the account.

I also visited my local Dept of Human Services within the first few days of arriving to apply for a Medicare card/account (https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/migrants-refugees-and-visitors). 

You will also need to look at what happens with your Driver's Licence; this depends on what visa you're on (NSW details here https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/moving-to-nsw.html). 

[SoniaG]

8 minutes ago, vickyplum said:

Hi @SoniaG. There are no "mandatory" things to be done on your validation trip, it's up to you what activities you undertake. 

When I came to Sydney to validate my visa, I just had a holiday and did some exploring to better understand the city and surrounding area(s). My bank account was opened from my home country (UK) and when I moved here permanently, I visited my nominated branch to finalise the application and pick up the debit card. I would assume you can also wait until you arrive permanently, to open the account.

I also visited my local Dept of Human Services within the first few days of arriving to apply for a Medicare card/account (https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/migrants-refugees-and-visitors). 

You will also need to look at what happens with your Driver's Licence; this depends on what visa you're on (NSW details here https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/moving-to-nsw.html). 

Thank you very much for your response.