Indeed, Australia is a very wonderful country with numerous cultures and rich resources. Although the cost of living is higher than most countries, you can genuinely enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and natural wonders found in the country. If you are looking to move to Australia permanently, there are numerous routes available.
First and foremost, you will need a viable reason for wanting to move to Australia permanently, and this might include work, study, or family. You also have to get a valid Australian visa to support your reason. You equally need to have a thorough understanding of the country to ensure you will enjoy living, working, or staying in Australia.
Note that you are not permitted to enter the country with more than 2.25 liters of alcohol per traveler, and only 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of tobacco products can be brought in per person aged 18 years or older. In terms of vaccinations, the major one to ensure you obtain is the yellow fever vaccine.
This is compulsory for individuals coming to Australia from a country with a risk of yellow fever. You are also advised to seek routine vaccinations too, such as the measles vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and a yearly flu shot.
Also note that certain health requirements and medical examinations will be required depending on your age, the type of visa you apply for, and the country you are coming from.
Tips to Live, Work and Enjoy Australia
Australia is really one of the best places to move to in the world. To help you get a grip on the Australian way of life, here are tips on how to live, work, and enjoy Australia.
Be Prepared for Australia’s Climate
Australia is not just “a bit warmer” than the UK, have it in mind that the difference is massive depending on where you are coming from. While climates will definitely vary between different parts of Australia, the national average summer temperature is around 30°C, and that is about twice as high as the UK’s summer average.
You must understand Australia’s climate to ensure your comfort and safety. You should also note that the seasons are flipped in the southern hemisphere and if you move in the middle of the British winter, you’ll be touching down under at the height of the Australian summer.
Choose Where to Live
Your new home – at least in terms of geographic area – will be determined by factors such as a job move. Nonetheless, if you have the opportunity to choose, you need to take time to find a location that suits not only your needs but also your personality and lifestyle.
There are some seriously amazing places in Australia once you get away from the cities. Wilsons Promontory, the Blue Mountains, and Boodjamulla are all very good places to visit. You’ll be away from the air-con for a day, but you can just bring one of those small handheld fans.
Extensively Research Your Destination
Once you’ve decided where you want to live, note that you must carry out extensive research to ensure you will enjoy living in the area.
Have it in mind that all the practicalities, such as the local property market, transportation, schools, and amenities, will all need to be researched, but it’s also necessary to fund out factors such as the economy and cultural norms of not just the country as a whole, but the city and even neighborhood where you’ll be living or working.
Decide What You Need to Take With You
This is one of the vital tips to consider when moving to Australia. Moving large items like furniture or dozens of boxes of ornaments, books, clothes, toys, etc. to Australia can cost you so much, and in some cases, it can be more convenient and affordable to buy new items in Australia once you get there.
In the months and weeks before your move to the country, take your time to scale down your belongings. Note the things that can stay, what can be sold, what can be donated to charity, and what you intend to move with.
Stay On the Left
Aside from the fact that Aussies drive on the left, the truth remains that they also walk on the left. This is quite an orderly system, but it is not so in most developed and developing countries. For instance, the orderly road system in the UK falls apart once you’re on the pavement; you can walk on whatever side you want.
Howbeit, in Australia, you are expected to follow certain rules when you’re on foot. Unless you’re overtaking on an escalator, always make sure you stay on the left. Although it is not a crime to walk on the right, it tells a lot about you in the country.
Respect the Workers
Have it in mind that Aussies care so much about their workers’ rights! Coupled with being one of the first countries to adopt the 40-hour workweek, they also pay one of the highest minimum wages in the world. Once taxes and the cost of living are taken into consideration, people on minimum wage in Australia make around USD$9.54 per hour.
Also have it in mind that taxes for low-income workers are not so high, especially when put in contrast with other developed countries around the world.
Jaywalking is Considered a Crime
You are not permitted to cross the road whenever you feel like it unless you have a fine of AUD$70 to pay. In. In Australia, the rules are quite simple: you are expected to always use a designated crossing point, such as a zebra or pelican crossing.
While walking, if you can’t see one, walk for miles until you can. If you do not think you can do it properly, then you should probably just stay at home
Expect Bushfires
Under certain natural arrangements, vast parts of rural Australia can light up in flames, and they occur more often than you would expect. Every year, the country witnesses an average of over 50,000 bushfires. Once temperatures are high and winds are strong, Australia’s dry vegetation can be lit in red hot flames.
It can also be started by a lightning storm or a ‘bushfire arsonist’ (these people are actually very common). Note that the damage can be devastating, destroying buildings, wildlife and sometimes killing people. Always ensure there isn’t much natural debris around your house by steadily clearing fallen leaves and branches.
Simple Steps to Move to Australia Permanently
If you are looking to move to Australia and spend a very long time, have in mind there are numerous ways to acquire permanent residency. With a permanent residency visa, you are allowed to live, work, and study in Australia. Here are simple steps to guide you;
Find The Right Visa For You
Note that there are over 40 Australian Migrant visas that offer you the provision to work and live in Australia permanently. Here are some popular migrant visa categories:
Family-Based Permanent Residency
First, check if you have an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident family member. If you do, you may be eligible to move to Australia. This type of visa is given to Partners, Fiancés, Children, and Dependent relatives.
Work-Based Permanent Residency
Note there are plenty of routes to Australian permanent residency via the worker category. The migrant worker categories include:
- Employer-Sponsored Workers. This involves an Australian employer sponsoring a foreign national to work in Australia.
- General Skilled Migration. This is for people not sponsored by Australian employers but who have a skill valued in Australia.
- Skill Select. This is for workers with certain skills valued or needed in Australia
- Doctors and Nurses. Permanent residency is available to doctors and nurses on a need-only basis.
New Zealand Visa
New Zealanders are not allowed to live and work permanently in Australia without a permanent resident visa; however, they can be granted a temporary SCV visa that offers almost the same benefits, but not the same rights as an Australian permanent resident or citizen.
Check If You Meet The Visa Requirements
You will have to find the best migration visa that works for you, and once you do, you have to make sure you meet all requirements. Migration can be time-consuming and expensive, therefore you don’t want to apply for a program you’re not eligible for.
You can find extensive visa information on the DHA website, where the eligibility requirements for all programs are well listed and explained. Just as it was noted above, some visas may require that you have a sponsor, a citizenship relative, a certain amount of money to invest in a business, or certain work skills.
Apply for an Australian Migrant Visa
Once you are certain that you meet the requirements for your visa application, now will be the time to apply for it. Applications are available for download or to apply online at the DHA website. Note that most of the applications require you to submit supporting documents and an application fee. Ensure your entire application is complete before forwarding it to the appropriate authority.
Get your Visa
Depending on the visa program you applied for and how many applications the DHA has to process, you may have to wait weeks or months for a decision to be reached on your application. However, once your application is approved, you will get your migrant visa and can live and work permanently in Australia.
In some circumstances, you will be eligible for citizenship in no distant time. Australian migrant visas are offered in increments of five years, subject to renewal. And as long as your visa is valid, you may leave and get back into the country freely.
Other benefits of permanent residency include the Right to work, the Right to apply for citizenship, the Right to public education, the Right to sponsor relatives to immigrate to Australia, the Right to travel freely between Australia and New Zealand without a visa, etc.
Conclusion
Living in Australia is the dream of many foreigners. Foreigners living in this country enjoy many benefits including a high quality of living, great education, good healthcare, fantastic work-life balance, and decent work benefits from employers.
Australia provides a range of options to apply for a permanent residency visa. You can pick the best option, depending on the requirements and your eligibility.