Posted on: September 3, 2019 Posted by: Allene Lewis Comments: 0

It’s estimated 165,000 migrants moved to Australia in 2017-18.  If you’ve fallen in love with Australia’s climate, natural landscapes, and laidback lifestyle, you may also be considering uprooting your life and making Australia your new home. Migrating there is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. However, it’s not easy and there are numerous aspects you need to consider.

You need the right visa

Applying for a visa is a lengthy process and can take as long as 6-8 months, so it should be your first priority. It’s essential you have the correct visa (holiday, work, or skilled migration) to be let into the country. Fortunately, applying for an Australian visa isn’t too complicated — it’s actually a simpler process than it is for many other countries. Visit the Australian Department of Immigration website and use their visa finder tool to select the visa that suits you and your individual circumstances. 

Figuring out health insurance 

Medicare is Australia’s government-run healthcare system, which typically covers free or subsidised medical treatments. It’s available to permanent visa holders and Australian citizens. You can register for Medicare 7-10 days after arriving in Australia (bring your passport or travel documents to your nearest Medicare office). Alternatively, services including private treatment, ambulances, most dental treatment, and cosmetic procedures are covered by private insurance. Health cover from Qantas, in particular, is ideal for people who travel often. It helps cover the costs of certain treatments, allows you to choose a doctor, and eliminates long wait times, as well as provides points you can put towards your next holiday, visit home, or flight upgrades.

Renting a property is competitive

To rent a place to live in Australia, you need to provide 100 points of Australian or state-issued identification. You must provide either a birth certificate (50 points), Australian driver’s license (60 points), or passport (50 points), along with one or two secondary documents (Australian visa, marriage certificate, or Medicare card, for example). Renters also typically need to make a deposit of four to six weeks rent. It’s also wise to photograph or film your rental at the end of your lease to avoid estate agents trying to hold onto your security deposit unfairly. 

Migrating to Australia is a huge step. Research as much as you can about the process, so you know exactly what to do and expect. You’ll therefore help make your move to Australia smooth, straightforward, and enjoyable.

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