10 Must-know Key points for Australian Migrants

Australia is one of the most beautiful countries to settle in. Australia is also considered the land of opportunities nowadays. Many skilled professionals are willing to shift to Australia and explore new possibilities.

Australia’s Skilled Worker Migration program makes it possible for immigrants to migrate, work and settle in Australia permanently. Let’s now consider the 10 key points every Australian migrant must know.

1. Cost of Living in Australia

Australian Migrants will look for accommodation upon landing in Australia. The cost of living in Australia for a person or family will depend on their accommodation and lifestyle. For example, a smaller room or flat will be less expensive than a bigger flat or a house.

The cost of living in Australia also depends on the city where you live. Cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne are relatively expensive than other cities.

Your money in Australia will be spent on the following –

• House Rent
• Transportation
• Groceries
• Health Care
• Utilities like Mobile, Electricity, Gas, Internet, etc

2. Taxation in Australia

Only the federal government collects income tax in Australia. The State government has not been collecting any income tax since World War 2. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a value-added tax of flat 10% levied by the federal government.

The GST is levied on the supply of most goods and services. GST applies to some supplies. However, it is not imposed on basic foodstuffs, medical services, education, and financial services, etc.

There are different payroll taxes levied on salaries across other Australian states by the federal government.

3. Job Opportunities in Australia

As mentioned earlier, Australia is now known as the land of opportunities. Nevertheless, did you know that finding a job in Australia is not easy? It takes a lot of effort, preparation, hard work and determination to be successful and crack an interview.

Although you might have all the necessary skill set that an Australian employer requires, you will still need to hold a respective Visa to migrate to Australia and work. The permanent residence visa we deal with allows professionals to migrate to Australia, settle, and work with top employers in Australia.

Applying for a job in Australia can begin by listing down Australian job assistance websites and contacting the employers you are interested in. You can also sign up for a LinkedIn account and connect with Australian employers and have a chat session with them. These were just a few methods of applying for an Australian job, but there are many more ways to use.

4. Food to Explore in Australia

Australia has been witnessing immigration to the country for a long time. People from diverse regions and cultures began settling in Australia, leading to the introduction of various culinary styles.

So, if you visit Australia, you will be greeted with a variety of cuisines and delicacies, ranging from Chinese, Mexican, Thai, and Japanese. Australian chefs are best known for fusion cooking which involves Mexican style cooking with an Asian taste.

Australia is considered the meat-eating capital of the world. As agriculture has become a significant part of the Australian economy, many Australians are adopting a vegetarian lifestyle. This has led many restaurants to add more vegetarian options to their menus.

5. Social Benefits for PR Holders in Australia

Being a PR Holder of Australia comes with several benefits. These benefits help an Australian PR holder feel comfortable in a new country, rather than their country of origin. Holding a PR Visa makes you a permanent resident of Australia, which lets you enjoy most of the Australian citizen rights except for holding government jobs and casting votes.

Working in Australia is easier if you have a permanent residency Visa. When social security is taken into account, a permanent residency holder in Australia is entitled to receive healthcare and unemployment benefits. Australian Permanent Residents will enjoy the healthcare service run by the Australian government called Medicare.

If you are an Australian PR holder, you can also apply for a New Zealand Visa easily. Moreover, PR holders in Australia can use their PR for any occupation in Australia.

6. Driving License in Australia for Foreign National People

The laws of driving in Australia differ from state to state. Some states request you to carry your international driving license as well as your foreign license. In contrast, other states might want you to have your foreign license and a formal translation of your international license.

In most Australian states and territories, you are allowed to drive around with an overseas license. You can use your overseas permit as long as it is considered current. Although you are only allowed to drive vehicles listed on your overseas license, you are to follow the driving rules as well.

7. Health Care Benefits in Australia for PR Holders

Australian permanent residents (PR holders) are entitled to the healthcare services offered by the Australian government, called Medicare. Taxpayers fund the Medicare service of Australia. Healthcare through Medicare is readily available to Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents.

Most people will pay a tax on their salary, called the Medicare levy. The current Medicare levy is 1.5 per cent.

As a new resident in Australia, you will need to register with the Medicare office. You will be required to complete a Medicare form and then take your passport and visa documents as evidence. After the registration is done, you will be awarded the Medicare card. You can include up to five people in your Medicare card.

Read more about Health Care Benefits here: Healthcare Insurance and Medicare in Australia for PR Holders and Immigrants

8. Unemployment Benefits for Australian PR Holders

The unemployment benefits of Australian PR holders are worth noting. An Australian PR holder can claim the unemployment benefits if they lose their job, are fired or retrenched. Only Australian citizens and permanent residency visa holders can claim unemployment benefits.

Receiving unemployment benefits depends on several factors. First of all, you should show that you are willing to work. Many unemployment benefits are available via Centrelink to support people who have lost their jobs.

Firstly, Centrelink will help you in finding a job, and if everything fails, will provide you with certain funds to survive while you hunt for a job.

Read more about unemployment benefits: Unemployment Benefits for Australian Permanent Residence Holders

9. Job Options for PR Holders and Spouses

If you are a PR holder of Australia, you can efficiently work in any job sector of your choice after cracking the respective interviews. It’s not just you who can enjoy this, but if you have your spouse along, they can also work in Australia full-time. This means that a couple working in Australia will be able to earn a substantial amount and accumulate sufficient savings.

10. Australia Citizenship Options and Benefits for Australia PR Holders

Becoming an Australian citizen grants you several benefits. A PR holder who becomes a citizen of Australia will be able to join the defence and take a political stand. He is also eligible to cast votes. After becoming a citizen of Australia, you can also apply for an Australian passport. Children born to you overseas will be declared Australian citizens by birth.