Relocating to Australia

Skilled Migration Visas

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): For skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): State or territory-nominated visa for skilled workers.

Employer- Sponsored Visas

• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): For skilled workers sponsored by an approved employer.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): For skilled workers nominated by an employer for a permanent visa.

Family Visas

• Partner Visas (subclass 309/100 and 820/801): For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Parent Visas (subclass 103 and 804): For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Student Visas (subclass 500)

• For international students enrolled in Australian educational institutions.

Visitor Visas

• Visitor Visa (subclass 600): For people who want to visit Australia for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends.

Working Holiday Visas

• Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462): For young people from eligible countries to work and holiday in Australia.

Humanitarian Visas

• Refugee and Humanitarian Program: Provides protection for people in need, including refugees and those subject to substantial discrimination.

Business and Investment Visas

• Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188 and 888): For individuals with business skills looking to establish, develop, or manage a business in Australia.

It's essential to note that immigration policies and visa requirements may be subject to change. Therefore, it's advisable to check the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or consult with a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date information.

Some contact agencies for you are:

https://techvisa.com.au/

https://hopeimmigration.com.au/

https://www.pathmigration.com/

https://www.migrationagentperth.com.au/

Define Your Requirements:

• Determine your budget.
• Outline your preferred location, size, and features.

Use Online Platforms:

• Explore real estate websites such as https://www.domain.com.au/ Or https://www.realestate.com.au/
• Download rental apps to stay updated on available listings.

Engage with Real Estate Agents:

• Contact local real estate agents who can help you find suitable rental properties.
• Attend open house inspections to get a feel for the property these are general held on Saturdays and Wednesday and we advise you to have your application filled out beforehand so you can apply for the property as soon as you have inspected it.
• You must inspect a property to lease it in Australia so be ready to start hunting as soon as you land as it can be quite competitive.

Network and Ask Around:

• Seek recommendations from locals or colleagues in terms of good locations.
• Join local community groups or forums for housing information.

Prepare Documentation:

• Have your rental history and references ready.
• Be prepared to provide proof of income.

Submit Applications:

• Submit applications for properties you're interested in.
• Be prompt in responding to inquiries from landlords or agents.

Determine Your Budget:

• Establish how much you can afford, including potential mortgage payments.

Get Pre-Approval for a Mortgage:

• Secure pre-approval for a mortgage to streamline the buying process.

Research Locations:

• Explore different neighbourhoods and consider factors like proximity to work, schools, and amenities.

Engage a Buyer's Agent:

• Consider hiring a buyer's agent to assist in the search process.

Utilise Real Estate Websites:

• Browse online platforms like https://www.domain.com.au/ or Real estate.com.
• Attend open house inspections to assess properties firsthand.

Attend Auctions or Negotiate:

• Participate in property auctions if relevant.
• Negotiate with sellers or their agents for the best deal.

Conduct Property Inspections:

• Arrange inspections to evaluate the condition of potential properties.

Legal and Conveyancing Process:

• Engage a solicitor or conveyancer to handle legal aspects of the purchase.

Finalise the Purchase:

• Complete necessary paperwork and settle the purchase with the seller.

Remember to be diligent in your research, seek professional advice when needed, and stay proactive throughout the process. Real estate practices and regulations can vary by state or territory, so it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the specific requirements in the area you're interested in.

Unique Identifier:

• The TFN is a unique combination of numbers and is used to identify individuals and entities in their dealings with the ATO.

Issued by the ATO:

• The ATO is the government agency responsible for issuing TFNs. You can apply for a TFN directly through the ATO.

Applying for a TFN:

• Individuals can apply for a TFN online through the ATO website or by completing a paper application form.
• TFNs are typically issued to residents, but certain non-residents may also be eligible to apply.

Usage:

• The TFN is used in various financial transactions, such as when you start a new job, open a bank account, or apply for government benefits.
• It is also used when lodging a tax return or dealing with other tax-related matters.

Confidentiality and Security:

• Your TFN is confidential, and you should be cautious about sharing it. Only provide your TFN to authorised entities, such as your employer, financial institutions, or the ATO.

Taxation Purposes:

• The TFN is crucial for tax purposes, as it helps the ATO track your income, deductions, and other financial details necessary for calculating your tax liability.

No Expiry Date:

• Once issued, your TFN remains the same throughout your life. There is no need to reapply for a new TFN unless your circumstances change, such as a legal name change.

It's important to note that providing false information when applying for a TFN is an offence. If you are a newcomer to Australia or need a TFN for the first time, it is recommended to apply for one as soon as possible, especially if you plan to work or engage in financial transactions in the country.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA):

• As one of the "Big Four" banks in Australia, CBA is known for its extensive range of banking and financial services, including retail, business, and institutional banking.

https://www.commbank.com.au/

Westpac Banking Corporation:

• Another member of the "Big Four," Westpac provides a comprehensive suite of banking services, including retail, business, and institutional banking.

https://www.westpac.com.au/

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ):

• ANZ is a major player in the Australian banking scene, offering a wide array of banking and financial services to individuals and businesses.

https://www.anz.com.au/personal/

National Australia Bank (NAB):

• NAB is one of Australia's largest banks, providing a diverse range of banking and financial solutions for personal and business customers.

https://www.nab.com.au/

Macquarie Bank:

• Known for its focus on investment banking, Macquarie Bank offers a range of financial services, including asset management, leasing, and retail banking.

https://www.macquarie.com.au/

ING Australia:

• ING operates as an online bank in Australia, offering savings accounts, home loans, and other financial products with a customer-centric approach.

https://www.ing.com.au/

Bank of Queensland (BOQ):

• BOQ is a regional bank that provides retail banking, business banking, and wealth management services, with a focus on local communities.

https://www.boq.com.au/

Suncorp Group:

• Suncorp operates as a financial services conglomerate, offering banking, insurance, and wealth management services to customers in Australia and New Zealand.

https://www.suncorp.com.au/

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank:

• This regional bank has a network of branches across Australia, providing a range of banking services, including retail banking and business banking.

https://www.bendigoadelaide.com.au/

ME Bank:

• ME Bank is an online bank that offers a range of banking products, including savings accounts, home loans, and personal loans.

https://www.mebank.com.au/

UP:

• UP is a digital Bank designed to help you organise your money and simplify your life. Join in minutes and pay no monthly fees. 

  Up was created as a collaboration between software development company Ferocia and Bendigo & Adelaide Bank.

https://up.com.au/

These are just a few examples, and there are other smaller banks, credit unions, and financial institutions that cater to specific regions or niche markets. When choosing a bank in Australia, consider factors such as the range of services offered, fees, customer service, and branch/ATM accessibility based on your needs and preferences.

PLEASE NOTE : You will need a TFN and a Bank Account before you start work in Australia otherwise you will not be able to get paid.

Compulsory Contributions:

• Employer Contributions: Employers are required to contribute a percentage of your salary to your super fund. This is known as the Superannuation Guarantee (SG). Current rate in 2024 is 11.5%

Personal Contributions:

• Voluntary Contributions: You can also make additional contributions to your super fund on top of the compulsory employer contributions. These can be concessional (before-tax) or non-concessional (after-tax) contributions.

Choosing a Super Fund:

• Default Fund: If you don't choose a specific super fund, your employer may contribute to a default fund of their choice.
• Choosing Your Fund: You have the option to choose your own super fund. You can either use your employer's chosen fund or select your own from the wide range of funds available.

Applying for Superannuation:

• Automatic Setup: In most cases, your employer will automatically set up your superannuation when you start a new job. They will need your Tax File Number (TFN) to do this.
• Choosing Your Fund: If you want to choose your own super fund, you'll need to provide your employer with the necessary details. You can get this information from the fund you choose.

Accessing Your Super:

• Preservation Age: You generally cannot access your super until you reach preservation age, which varies depending on your date of birth.
• Retirement or Special Circumstances: You can access your super when you retire, reach preservation age, or under specific circumstances like severe financial hardship or a terminal medical condition.

Investment Options:

• Investment Choices: Super funds offer a range of investment options. You can choose how your money is invested based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Tax Considerations:

• Concessional Contributions Tax: Contributions made by your employer and salary sacrificing are taxed at a concessional rate.
• Non-concessional Contributions Tax: Personal after-tax contributions are not taxed.

Important Tips:

• Consolidate Super Accounts: If you've had multiple jobs, consider consolidating your super accounts to save on fees.
• Regularly Review: It's a good practice to review your superannuation periodically to ensure it aligns with your retirement goals.

Note:

Superannuation regulations and policies can change, so it's advisable to check with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or a financial advisor for the most up-to-date information.