Relocating to Australia — Visa, Setup & Shipping Guide

Australia's immigration system is administered by the Department of Home Affairs and is mostly points-based. The major routes are the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated visa (190), the Skilled Work Regional visa (491) and the employer-sponsored Temporary Skill Shortage (482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (186) visas. Australia also has Working Holiday, partner, business-investor and global-talent visas. This guide is a planning-level overview only — always work with a registered migration agent (MARA) or licensed immigration lawyer for your specific case.

Major visa categories

Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent visa, points-tested, no sponsorship required.
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated visa, requires state/territory nomination.
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (provisional), 5 years, leads to PR via 191.
Subclass 482 — Temporary Skill Shortage, employer-sponsored; subject to Skilled Occupation List.
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme, permanent employer-sponsored visa.
Partner visas (subclasses 309/100 offshore, 820/801 onshore).
Subclass 462/417 — Working Holiday Maker visas for eligible nationalities.
Global Talent visa (subclass 858) — for highly skilled individuals in target sectors.

Your first 30 days on the ground

Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Open an Australian bank account — many banks let you start the process before arrival.
Enrol in Medicare if your visa makes you eligible (PR holders and certain reciprocal-country nationals).
Take out private health insurance if required by your visa or recommended.
Sign a lease — residential rental agencies require references and proof of income.
Apply for or convert your driver's licence — rules vary by state and nationality.
Enrol children in school — public schools by catchment, plus private and international options.

Healthcare, schools and superannuation

Medicare provides public healthcare for permanent residents and certain visa categories; many residents also hold private health insurance for shorter wait times and extras (dental, optical). Schools are state-run by catchment, with extensive Catholic and independent sectors and a smaller international-school footprint than other regions.

Employer superannuation contributions (currently 11.5%, rising under legislated phase-in) are mandatory for employees and form a significant part of total compensation. Plan how this interacts with retirement schemes in your home country.

Shipping personal effects to Australia

Used household goods can be imported duty-free under the Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE) provisions, declared on Form B534 to the Australian Border Force (ABF). All shipments are subject to strict biosecurity inspection by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — wood, food, plant material, used outdoor equipment and dirty items can trigger holds, fumigation or destruction. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle are the main ports. Plan biosecurity compliance carefully with your appointed mover.

How The Expats Hub helps with country relocations

For Australia, the practical sequence below works well: country-level moves involve coordinated decisions across visas, banking, schools, housing and shipping — and the order in which you make them matters. We help newcomers map a realistic 90–180 day plan, vet local advisors and avoid the most common sequencing mistakes (such as shipping before residency is confirmed, or signing leases before opening a local bank account).

Lane-aware shipping quotes that reflect customs realities, not just freight cost.
Introductions to vetted immigration, tax and real-estate advisors in-country.
Checklists for first 30/60/90 days so nothing slips through the cracks.

Planning a move to Australia?

Get a verified shipping quote into Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth — with biosecurity-aware packing guidance.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does the points-based skilled visa take?

Processing times vary by occupation, points score and visa subclass. Some 189/190 visas can be granted within months of invitation; others take much longer. Confirm current processing times with the Department of Home Affairs.

Do I need a job offer for a skilled visa?

189 (Skilled Independent) does not require a job offer. 190 requires state nomination, 491 requires state or family nomination, and 482/186 are employer-sponsored. Choose the route that matches your situation.

What is biosecurity and why does it matter?

Australia has some of the world's strictest biosecurity rules. Wooden items, food, plant material, used garden tools, surfboards and similar items will be inspected and may be treated, destroyed or refused entry. Disclose everything on the B534.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, but only from approved countries and with significant lead time (rabies titre tests, treatments, post-arrival quarantine at Mickleham). Use a specialist pet relocator and start at least 6 months before travel.

Where do most newcomers settle?

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are the main metros. Regional cities (Hobart, Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong) are increasingly common for cost-of-living reasons and 491-visa nominations.

Related guides

This guide is general information for planning purposes only. Visa, customs, tax, school admissions and shipping rules change. Always confirm requirements with the relevant government authority, school or licensed advisor before making decisions.