{"id":50,"date":"2014-01-03T06:28:51","date_gmt":"2014-01-03T06:28:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ofwaustralia.wpengine.com\/?p=50"},"modified":"2025-06-27T11:08:27","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T11:08:27","slug":"arrive-australia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/50-arrive-australia.html","title":{"rendered":"7 Things To Do Upon Your Arrival in Australia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Australia consistently ranks among the world\u2019s most livable countries, making it a top destination for those seeking to study, work, or settle down.<\/p>\n<p>However, starting a new life in Australia involves navigating several important steps to ensure a smooth transition and to fully access the benefits available to residents and migrants. Below is an updated and expanded guide to essential tasks for new arrivals.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1032\" src=\"http:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/01\/mrs-macquarie-chair.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"590\" height=\"398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/01\/mrs-macquarie-chair.jpg 590w, https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/01\/mrs-macquarie-chair-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/01\/mrs-macquarie-chair-150x101.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Essential steps for starting life in Australia<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)<\/h3>\n<p>A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique personal reference number used for tax and superannuation purposes. You need a TFN to work, open a bank account, apply for government benefits, and lodge your tax return.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How to Apply:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ato.gov.au\/individuals-and-families\/tax-file-number\/apply-for-a-tfn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apply online<\/a> via the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if you are an Australian resident, citizen, or eligible visa holder.<\/li>\n<li>You may also apply at participating Australia Post offices. Gather your identity documents and attend an interview if required.<\/li>\n<li>Applications are free, and you should receive your TFN within 28 days.<\/li>\n<li>If you already have a TFN but forgot it, you can retrieve it via your <a href=\"https:\/\/my.gov.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">myGov account<\/a> or on official tax documents.<\/li>\n<li>Not having a TFN means higher tax rates and limited access to government services.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>For more details, visit the ATO website.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1074\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1074\" style=\"width: 696px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-1074\" src=\"http:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/09\/marques-thomas-8vgsOVj0OfM-unsplash-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"696\" height=\"522\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/09\/marques-thomas-8vgsOVj0OfM-unsplash-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/09\/marques-thomas-8vgsOVj0OfM-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/09\/marques-thomas-8vgsOVj0OfM-unsplash-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/09\/marques-thomas-8vgsOVj0OfM-unsplash-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/09\/marques-thomas-8vgsOVj0OfM-unsplash-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/09\/marques-thomas-8vgsOVj0OfM-unsplash-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/09\/marques-thomas-8vgsOVj0OfM-unsplash-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/09\/marques-thomas-8vgsOVj0OfM-unsplash-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/09\/marques-thomas-8vgsOVj0OfM-unsplash-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/09\/marques-thomas-8vgsOVj0OfM-unsplash-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2014\/09\/marques-thomas-8vgsOVj0OfM-unsplash-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1074\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">ALDI Supermarket. Marques Thomas \/ Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>2. Enroll in Medicare<\/h3>\n<p>Medicare is Australia\u2019s public healthcare system, providing access to free or subsidized medical services, hospital care, and prescription medicines.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Eligibility: Permanent residents, citizens, and some temporary visa holders from countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements.<\/li>\n<li>How to Enroll: Visit a Medicare office with your passport and travel documents.<\/li>\n<li>What\u2019s Covered: Doctor visits, hospital treatment, and some medicines. Dental, ophthalmology, and ambulance services are generally not included.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>3. Open a bank account<\/h3>\n<p>Most employers pay salaries directly into Australian bank accounts.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>When to open: Within six weeks of arrival, as requirements are simpler during this period.<\/li>\n<li>What you need: Passport and other identification documents. After six weeks, additional proof of address or identification may be required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>4. Register with Centrelink<\/h3>\n<p>Centrelink provides social security payments and services, including job-seeking assistance and family support.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Eligibility: Generally for citizens and permanent residents; newly arrived migrants may have waiting periods for some benefits.<\/li>\n<li>What\u2019s Offered: Job search support, study assistance, and family payments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>5. Improve your English<\/h3>\n<p>Proficiency in English is crucial for employment, education, and daily life.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Support: Newly arrived migrants may be eligible for free or <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/settling-in-australia\/amep\/about-the-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">subsidized English language courses<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>6. Enroll children in school<\/h3>\n<p>Schooling is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16 (age requirements may vary by state).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How to Enroll: Contact your local public or private school with your child\u2019s passport, visa, and immunization records.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>7. Obtain a driver\u2019s license<\/h3>\n<p>A valid driver\u2019s license is necessary for legal driving in Australia.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Process: Pass vision, knowledge, and practical driving tests.<\/li>\n<li>International Licenses: Permanent residents can drive with an overseas license for up to three months after arrival; after that, an Australian license is required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Additional considerations<\/h2>\n<h3>Housing and cost of living<\/h3>\n<p>Australia\u2019s cities are highly livable but can be expensive, especially in Sydney and Melbourne. Housing affordability is a growing concern, with prices rising faster than incomes in recent decades. New arrivals should budget carefully and explore different suburbs or regional areas for more affordable options.<\/p>\n<h3>Superannuation (Retirement Savings)<\/h3>\n<p>When you start work, your employer will contribute to your superannuation fund. You can choose your own fund or use your employer\u2019s default.<\/p>\n<h3>Emergency Services and Safety<\/h3>\n<p>Dial 000 for police, fire, or ambulance emergencies. Australia is generally safe, but it\u2019s important to be aware of local laws and safety guidelines.<\/p>\n<h3>Community and Support Services<\/h3>\n<p>Many community organizations offer settlement support, legal advice, and cultural programs for migrants and refugees.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Australia consistently ranks among the world\u2019s most livable countries, making it a top destination for those seeking to study, work, or settle down. However, starting a new life in Australia involves navigating several important steps to ensure a smooth transition and to fully access the benefits available to residents and migrants. Below is an updated [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1033,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-50","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-australian-life"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1331,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50\/revisions\/1331"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1033"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}