Moving to Australia, one sensible step at a time.
The visa comes first, but a good move also needs the right papers in your suitcase and a short list of things to set up in your first weeks.
1. Choose the right pathway
Most people move to Australia through one of a few broad pathways. Each has its own rules, and some changed in 2026.
- Family: partner, parent, child and other family visas. See partner and family visas.
- Work and skills: employer sponsored and points-tested skilled visas. See skilled and employer sponsored visas.
- Study: Student visas, now mostly applied for from outside Australia. See student visas.
- Ballots and working holidays: for eligible nationalities. See visitor and other visas.
Business and investor visas under the Business Innovation and Investment Program closed to new applications on 31 July 2024.
2. Bring the right papers
Carry originals (and keep scanned copies somewhere safe) of the documents you are most likely to need again:
- passports for every family member, and your visa grant notices;
- birth, marriage, divorce and name-change certificates;
- qualifications, transcripts and employment references;
- your driver licence, and a driving record if you can get one;
- medical and vaccination records, especially for children;
- accredited English translations of anything not in English.
3. Know what you can bring in
Australia has strict biosecurity rules. Many foods, plant materials, seeds and animal products must be declared when you arrive, and some are not allowed at all. If you are unsure, declare it. Large amounts of cash must also be reported.
Source: Australian Border Force, can you bring it in?
4. Your first weeks
These are the usual first steps. Not every one applies to every visa.
- Tax file number. Apply to the Australian Taxation Office before you start work.
- Bank account. Many banks let new arrivals open an account with a passport soon after arrival.
- Medicare. Enrol with Services Australia if your visa makes you eligible. If not, keep private health insurance in place.
- myGov. Set up a myGov account to link government services in one place.
- Driving. Check your state or territory's rules for using an overseas licence and when you must change to a local one.
- Visa conditions. Save your grant notice and note every condition and end date.
Free help for new arrivals
- The Adult Migrant English Program offers free English classes to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants.
- The Department of Home Affairs has settling in Australia information, including the free Beginning a Life in Australia booklet in many languages.
- Local councils and community organisations often run welcome programs, playgroups and language groups.
General information only, checked 22 October 2026. For advice about your visa, speak with a registered migration agent.