Many people dream of living in a new country, especially one as vibrant and sunny as Australia. For many people, this is usually just a dream, but others make this dream come true. Although it’s the ultimate dream to move halfway across the world and spend days relaxing in the sun rather than the 2 sunny days a year we get in England, it’s not easy. Though it’s easy to say and see yourself living in Australia and leaving behind your British citizenship, the process to get there can be confusing, long and tedious. From visas to relocation logistics, it can feel overwhelming, but this is why we have made the ultimate guide, with checklists and everything you need to know and sort before you head over to Australia for your new life.
So, without further ado, read on and find out some tips and tricks that can help you out when you move to Australia, so you can start getting excited by the move rather than feeling the dread of all of the unknown tasks ahead.
Choosing the right visa
Obtaining the correct visa is the cornerstone of any move, and with so many different paths to get a visa, it can become confusing for those aiming to move. In Australia in particular, there are several types of visa that you can get to move over, including the skilled migration visa, employer-sponsored visa, partner and student visas, and choosing the best fit for you is essential.
Skilled migration visas: Skilled emigration visas are available in Australia on a points-based system, with individuals wanting to make the move needing at least 65 points to get the visa. This only applies to those who have an occupation or skill in the list of in-demand skills in Australia and have enough points. These points differ in age, skills, education and work experience, with extra points for those with state sponsorship or previous study in Australia.
Employer-sponsored visa- If you secure employment before moving to Australia, then you may be eligible for an employer-sponsored visa, where you can come over to Australia on a skill shortage visa before applying for other visas when you start working in Australia.
Partner or student visas- Just like the Spouse visa UK, Australia has a similar visa which can let you move across with you Australia partner, or if you wish to study in the country.
Relocating logistics
Relocating halfway across the world is never easy, especially when it comes to taking all your belongings and life necessities with you. But with a bit of planning and a lot of shipping, this doesn’t have to feel difficult. Firstly, you need quotes from international shipping companies to take your things over several months before you move to ensure that you have time. In addition to this, ensuring that you sort accommodation for when you move over is essential, especially as Australia has a housing shortage issue; therefore, searching well in advance is a high priority.