Helpful tips for your move Down-under

Are you thinking about making the move to Australia? What an adventure! Here are some tips to ensure a smooth journey down-under.

Immigration and Visa Requirements

Visa: You’ll need a valid visa to live and work in Australia. The most common types are the Skilled Migration Visa (if you have skills in demand) or the Temporary Work Visa (if you’re on a temporary assignment). Make sure to apply for your visa ahead of time. The process can take several weeks to months depending on the visa type.

Temporary Skill Shortage (Short-term) Visa (subclass 482)

On December 7, 2024, the Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa.

All TSS nominations and visa applications lodged prior to the implementation of the SID visa will be processed using the requirements in force at the time the application was lodged.

If your employer has lodged a TSS nomination and you have not lodged your associated TSS visa application before 7 December 2024, if the nomination is approved it will be deemed a SID nomination, and you can lodge an associated application for a SID visa.

Stay longer

If your visa is expiring and you want to stay in Australia to work for your existing employer:

your employer will need to submit a new nomination
you must apply for a new visa.

Your employer may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence through the:

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

Arrival Documentation: Upon arrival, you’ll need to present your passport and visa at immigration. It’s important to have all paperwork ready to avoid any delays.

Customs and Quarantine

Quarantine Restrictions: Australia has strict quarantine laws to prevent pests and diseases. Be sure to check what items you’re allowed to bring with you. For instance, certain foods, plants, and animal products may be prohibited or require special declarations, for instance, items made of ivory and certain sea shells may require a CITIES Permit CITES | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which can only be obtained at the point of origin.
Personal Items: You’ll need to declare any items that have been in contact with soil (e.g., shoes, camping equipment) or food products. If you’re moving large personal items, it’s wise to check with Australian Customs (Australian Border Force) to make sure they comply with regulations.
Prohibited Items: Avoid packing things like fresh produce, wood products, or items that could carry insects also avoid using fruit cartons if packing your own cartons.

Healthcare

Medicare: If you’re planning on staying long-term, investigate how you can access Australia’s healthcare system (Medicare). You may be eligible for it depending on your visa, or you may need private health insurance in the interim.
Health Records: Bring a copy of your medical records, especially if you have ongoing treatments or prescriptions. Some prescriptions may need to be reauthorized by an Australian doctor. If including medication in your shipment, please ensure to keep a copy of the prescriptions on you and not in your shipment or obtain a letter from your doctor stating what medication you on.

Banking and Finances

Open an Australian Bank Account: It’s recommended to open a bank account as soon as possible to avoid international transaction fees. Some banks allow you to open an account online before you even arrive.
Currency Exchange: Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). You may want to exchange some currency ahead of time, but ATMs and currency exchange services will be available when you arrive.

Moving Your Belongings

Shipping: Decide whether to ship your belongings in a container or use air freight. Containers are more cost-effective but can take longer. Air freight is faster but more expensive.
Shipping Insurance: Make sure to get insurance for your goods in case something happens during transit.

Adapting to Life in Australia

Cost of Living: Smaller cities and regional areas, such as Perth, Adelaide and Tasmania are your best bet for affordable housing in Australia but be sure to research local markets as they can fluctuate. Keep in mind that the cost of living can also vary depending on proximity to major cities, so areas further from the city centre tend to offer better value. However, you should still expect higher costs for things like housing, utilities, and dining out compared to the US.
Driving: In Australia, they drive on the left side of the road, so be prepared for a change in driving habits. You may also need to convert your US driver’s license to an Australian one after a certain period, depending on your visa status.
Weather: While both Australia and the US experience a range of climates, Australia’s weather is often more extreme in certain areas (especially the heat, UV radiation, and drought conditions). If you’re moving from the US, it’s important to adjust to these differences, especially when it comes to sun protection, hydration, and being mindful of the weather extremes in different regions. Generally, there’s less snow!

Socialising and Networking

Local Culture: Australians are friendly and laid-back. It’s a good idea to get involved in local events and communities to build a social network. Eating outdoors, utilising one of the many public BBQ areas at local parks and beaches is popular and a great way to get amongst the Australian way of life.
Sports: Australian Rules Football (AFL) is incredibly popular, but there are also opportunities to play or watch other sports like rugby, cricket, or even surfing.

Pets

Pet Quarantine: If you’re bringing a pet, you’ll need to go through Australia’s strict quarantine process. Pets from the US generally need to be held in quarantine for a minimum of 10 days upon arrival, and there are specific health checks and vaccinations required. We have professional partners who can assist with this process.

Emergency Contacts

Have the contact information for your local embassy, emergency numbers (the number for emergency services in Australia is 000), and your visa details in case you need assistance when you arrive.

Timeline

If you plan ahead and take care of the logistics early, your move should go smoothly. We recommend planning and booking your move at least six months in advance to ensure your belongings are with you when you arrive in your new destination.

Arrival time of the goods

Your personal effects may arrive in Australia before or after you. There must be a connection between your travel to Australia and the importation of the personal effects. For example, you cannot use the UPE concession if you arrange to import your personal effects months after you arrive in Australia.

The goods must be imported by an arriving person.
The person must have personally owned and used the goods overseas for the twelve months preceding the arriving person’s departure for Australia.