Tips to ensure a smooth immigration process to Australia

There’s nothing more exciting than stepping out of your comfort zone and taking that big step to immigrate to a different country. This, however, can be a daunting task if you haven’t prepared for it properly. We’ve put together a list of helpful tips to keep in mind when planning the big move.

Understanding the Australian citizenship process

Travelling from overseas, you’ll need to make sure your 1300t Australian citizenship form is completed and there are no missing fields. If you miss any fields, this can cause delays in your application process and you might even have to start your application over.

According to Australian laws and regulations, before you can apply to become an Australian citizen, you’ll need to have first lived in the country for a period longer than one year as a permanent resident.

This applies to anyone who has applied for permanent residency after the 1st of July, 2007. So if you’re looking to make Australia your forever home, this is important to keep in mind.

Put a proper timeline in place for the move

If you’re looking for the smoothest possible transition then you’ll need to put a well thought out timeline and project plan for the big move together. As there are so many factors to take into consideration, be sure to include the following:

  • Passport and visa applications
  • Documentation for visa applications
  • Police clearance process
  • Finding accommodation and employment
  • Selling your current property, if you own one
  • Schools for your children
  • If you have a pension fund, check if it needs to be moved over to an Australian pension fund
  • Selling of furniture you won’t be taking over
  • Your flight arrangements
  • Cancelling insurance policies and accounts you might have

Ensure your paperwork is in order and completed correctly

As any visa application process, you need to ensure you have met all the requirements before submitting your documentation.

Be sure to first establish which documentation it is, you require for your application. This requires you to have your plan ironed out in terms of your living arrangements and employment.

Hire a reputable removal company

To ensure your possessions are taken care of, it’s of great importance you hire a removal company you know you can trust. After all, these people are going to have possession of your items for a large period of time as they prepare it for shipment.  

Get your finances sorted out

This is such a crucial factor in making any sort of move successful. As you plan to leave the country, be sure to check your finances are in order. Any sort of account be it clothing, gym or even cell phone provider is cancelled and anything other sort of debt you might have is cleared.

There is so much talk around having a certain amount of money in your bank account before you’re able to move. Within Australia, this is the case if you’re applying to immigrate on a 190 visa.

With this visa you’ll need to have a signed declaration in place stating you’re self sufficient and will be able to support your family once you have moved over. However, there is the other option of applying for a 189 visa which allows you to apply to immigrate without having to show any sort of financial proof.

Understanding the additional costs of immigration

Considering a migration agent

With any big move, there will be a few additional costs you’ll need to include. The most obvious one in this case, is deciding on whether or not you’ll be making use of the services of a migration agent.

Although each agent have their own rates, if you decide to make use of their services, you can plan to save up to $5000. Be sure to shop around when looking for an agent to make sure you’re getting the best possible rate. You’re also allowed to ask for references if you feel the need to.  

The Australian skills assessment

When working out your budget, you’ll need to factor in money for a skills assessment. This assessment is compulsory and can cost you up to $1500. The type of assessment you go through depends on your occupation and the skills body within Australia.

For some, they’re more than willing to accept certified copies of your qualifications and skills. For others, you might need to partake in a practical skills assessment.

These are just some of the factors to take into consideration when planning your immigration to Australia. As this is a big decision to make, be sure to include these points into your arrangements. This will result in you having a little stress as possible when you do move.

Samantha Collins
Samantha Collins
Wife. Mother. Dreamer. Writer. Aspiring World Traveller. Nature Lover. Simple Living Campaigner. Reader of Books. Foodie.
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