Emigrating to Oz: A Freewheeling, No-Holds-Barred Guide
Guide for American Relocation to Australia
Moving from the land of the free to a land Down Under, Australia, can be exhilarating yet complex. This guide is here to help you maneuver the hurdles of emigration, tackling visas, dwellings, health care, and more. Here's how to get started on your Aussie adventure:
How the Hell to Get Your Ass to Australia
Australia boasts a range of visa options tailored to your intended stay and occupation:
- Jobby-Dokey Visas: If you've got a job offer, your employer might sponsor you for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) for a more permanent gob.
- Skilled MIG-ERATION: The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program encompasses the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190). These visas rely on a points system evaluating your age, work experience, education, and Aussie-speak skills.
- Student Visas: Australia's an educational paradise, with the Student Visa (subclass 500) granting studies and part-time work.
- Fam-i-ly Tie-Downs: If an Aussie family member or spouse awaits your arrival on their sun-kissed shore, you may be eligible for a family visa.
- Entrepreneur-ooh-neer Visas: For business-minded adventurers, the Business Innovation and Investment Visas (subclass 188) could be the key to your new kingdom.
Scope the details of Australia's immigration system on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Exploring employment opportunities, like snagging a gig in the EB3 visa sector, can be beneficial for those planning to move. Browse job listings via platforms like Jooble to boost your employability in the land of vegemite and kangaroos.
Costs to Get Your Butt and Stuff to Australia
Australia's visa pathways come with fees ranging from couple-hundo to several thousand Aussie bucks:
Visa Dum-dums
- Skilled Migration Dum-dum: AUD $4,770 (US$3,138) for the main applicant, with additional fees for family members.
- Employer Dum-dum: Costs vary from AUD $1,290 to AUD $4,770 (US$810 - $3,138) based on visa type and duration.
- Student Dum-dum: AUD $1,600 (US$1,150).
- Fam-i-ly Dum-dum: AUD $8,850 (US$5,880) for partner visas, plus additional costs for dependents.
Additional costs include health checks, police clearances, and skills assessments, prices of which can range from AUD $100 to AUD $500.
Moving Your Belongings
Shifting personal belongings to the other side of the world can set you back:
- Sea Shipping: Prices for a typical household, shipped by sea, can run between AUD $3,000 and AUD $10,000 (US$1,900 - $6,300).
- Quickie Air Shipping: While more expensive, it's quicker than the sea option.
Sky-High Tickets
A one-way flight from the States to Australia typically costs between AUD $1,000 and AUD $2,000 (US$630 - $1,270), depending on the season and airline.
Crash-Pads
Temporary digs for your initial few weeks in Australia might cost between AUD $100 and AUD $300 (US$63 - $190) per night.
Rental Bonds
Most rentals require a bond (deposit) of four weeks’ rent, plus the first month’s rent upfront.
Wicked Aussie Towns to Call Home
Popular Aussie cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide all boast their unique lifestyles:
- Sydney: Australia's most populous city, with a bustling arts scene and iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
- Melbourne: Renowned for its coffee culture, vibrant street art scene, and live music venues.
- Brisbane: This riverside city is known for its warm climate, cosmopolitan charm, and laid-back vibe.
- Perth: Western Australia's capital city is known for its sunny climate, beaches, and thriving arts scene.
- Adelaide: The 'City of Churches' offers a more relaxed pace of life, with a focus on food and wine, parks, and festivals.
Websites like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au can help you find accommodations in these cities.
Aussie Medical Check-Up
Medicare: The Great Australian Healthcare System
Open to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and some temporary visa holders, Medicare provides essential healthcare coverage.
If you're not eligible for Medicare, you'll likely need private health insurance, as medical costs can be hefty without it. Some visa types require adequate health insurance, so it's essential to stay covered.
Stump Up for Health Insurance
- Single Person: AUD $2,000 (US$1,270) annually, on average.
- Family: AUD $4,000 (US$2,500) annually, on average.
Aussie Bankin'
While it's a good idea to open an Aussie bank account before you arrive, major banks like the CBA, Westpac, NAB, and ANZ are a safe pick. Ensure that you transfer funds efficiently utilizing services like Wise, OFX, or PayPal for favorable exchange rates.
Learning to Speak Bloke
Although Aussies speak English, slang and cultural norms may be different:
- Learn Australian slang and idioms: To fit in with the laid-back Aussie vibe.
- Grasp Aussie work culture: Understanding how Australian workplaces differ from those in the States is essential for success on the job market.
Aussie Roadway Wisdom
- U.S. Driver's License: If you possess a U.S. driver's license, you may be able to drive temporarily in Australia, but eventually, you'll need to obtain an Aussie driver's license.
- Cities like Sydney and Melbourne boast reliable public transportation, so consider whether investing in a car is necessary.
Taxin' Aussie Style
If you intend on working in Australia, familiarize yourself with the Australian Tax Office requirements, including the procurement of a Tax File Number (TFN).
Additionally, you may need to file taxes in the States, especially if you're a U.S. citizen, so it might be wise to consult a tax professional who understands the complexities of both tax systems.
Aussie Edu-mazing Adventures for the Kids
Australia has a mix of public and private schools. Public schools tend to be high-quality and are generally free for Aussie residents.
If your kiddos attend school, you'll need to research the options in your desired area and check eligibility requirements.
Moving Your Stuff Down Under
- Shipping Services: Consider utilizing international shipping and moving companies for a reliable transport of your belongings.
- Less is More: Transporting only essential items might save you a bundle, as the cost of moving can be steep.
ConneXploration
- Facebook Expats: Connect with other expats via Facebook groups to share challenges and opportunities.
- Forums: Explore platforms like Expat.com for community support and advice.
The Cost of Moving to Australia
The cost of moving to Australia can vary significantly, depending on visas, shipping, and living expenses:
Single Person Cost Breakdown
Initial Cost Ranges:
- Visas: AUD $5,000 - $15,000 (US$3,200 - $9,500).
- Shipping: AUD $3,000 - AUD $10,000 (US$1,900 - $6,300).
- Flights: AUD $1,000 - AUD $2,000 (US$630 - $1,270).
- Hotels/Airbnbs: AUD $100 - AUD $300 (US$63 - $190) per night.
- Rental Bonds: Four weeks' rent upfront.
Long-Term Living Costs (after initial settlement)
- Rent: Sydney: AUD $2,500 - AUD $4,000 (US$1,600 - $2,500). Melbourne: AUD $1,800 - AUD $3,000 (US$1,140 - $1,900). Brisbane: AUD $1,600 - AUD $2,500 (US$1,000 - $1,600).
- Purchase: House prices vary widely depending on location within Australia, with prices ranging from AUD $600,000 (US$380,000) to over AUD $1 million (US$635,000).
- OVHC: Required for some temporary visa holders, costing AUD $500 - AUD $1,200 (US$320 - $760) annually for an individual.
- Medicare: If eligible and not opting for private health insurance, average annual cost is AUD $0.
- Groceries and Dining Out: AUD $400 - AUD $700 (US$250 - $445).
- Utilities and Internet: AUD $150 - AUD $250 (US$95 - $160) per month. Internet costs AUD $60 (US$38) per month.
- Transportation: Public transport in cities costs around AUD $100 - AUD $150 (US$63 - $95) per month. Owning a car may involve additional expenses for insurance, registration, fuel, and maintenance.
- Furniture and Household Setup: Budget AUD $1,500 - AUD $3,000 (US$950 - $1,900) for basic essentials.
For a single person, the initial cost of moving to Australia might range from AUD $8,000 to AUD $15,000, excluding long-term housing and ongoing living expenses. Keep in mind that families will likely require a larger budget, especially if multiple visas and additional shipping are involved.
Read more:- How to Move to Australia from The US- How to Move to Canada from US- How to Move to New Zealand from the US
- To get your ass to Australia, you may apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) sponsored by an employer, or the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) if the arrangement is more permanent.
- For those seeking a more permanent solution, the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) are options through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.
- In the realm of personal-finance, preparation for moving to Australia involves understanding visa costs, which can range from $4,770 to several thousand Australian dollars for the main applicant and additional fees for family members.
- Upon arrival in the land down under, don't forget that you might need to open a bank account with a local bank like CBA, Westpac, NAB, or ANZ and learn some Aussie slang to better navigate daily life.
