How to Move to Australia from The US

Moving to Australia from the U.S. can be an exciting but complex process, involving visas, housing, healthcare, and other key logistics. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

How to Move to Australia from The US

1. Understand Visa Options

Australia offers several visa options depending on your purpose and length of stay:

• Work Visas: If you have a job offer, the employer may sponsor you for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) for a more permanent stay.
• Skilled Migration: The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program includes the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190). These are based on a points system that considers your age, work experience, education, and English proficiency.
• Student Visas: Australia is a popular destination for students, and the Student Visa (subclass 500) allows you to study and work part-time.
• Partner/Family Visas: If you have a family member or spouse who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may qualify for a family visa.
• Business/Investment Visas: For entrepreneurs and investors, the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188) may be an option.

Check Australia’s Department of Home Affairs website for more details on eligibility and the application process.

2. Calculate Costs and Budget

• Visa Fees: Visa fees can vary from a few hundred to several thousand Australian dollars.
• Moving Costs: Consider the cost of shipping your belongings, flight tickets, and possible temporary accommodation upon arrival.
• Living Expenses: Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to research rental costs, groceries, utilities, and healthcare.
• Tax Considerations: Look into tax implications both in the U.S. and Australia to avoid double taxation. Australia has a tax treaty with the U.S., which may benefit you.

3. Research Housing and Location

• Popular cities include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, each offering a unique lifestyle.
• Rent varies widely depending on the city, neighborhood, and property type. Websites like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au are helpful for searching rentals.

4. Organize Healthcare

• Australia has a public healthcare system called Medicare, available to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and some temporary visa holders.
• If you’re not eligible for Medicare, you’ll need private health insurance, as healthcare can be costly without it. Some visa types require that you hold an adequate level of health insurance.

5. Arrange Finances

• Consider opening an Australian bank account before you arrive. Major banks include Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB, and ANZ.
• Transfer funds using services like Wise, OFX, or PayPal for favorable exchange rates.

6. Prepare for Culture and Language Differences

• While Australians speak English, slang and cultural norms may be different.
• Learn about Australian work culture, which is often more relaxed and focused on work-life balance compared to the U.S.

7. Understand Driving and Transportation

• Australia drives on the left side of the road. If you hold a U.S. driver’s license, you may be able to drive temporarily, but after a certain period, you’ll need to obtain an Australian driver’s license.
• Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have reliable public transportation, so consider if you’ll need a car.

8. Plan for Taxes

• If you intend to work, familiarize yourself with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) requirements, including obtaining a Tax File Number (TFN).
• You may also need to file taxes in the U.S. (especially if you’re a U.S. citizen), so consider speaking with a tax professional who understands both tax systems.

9. Schooling Options for Families

• Australia has a mix of public and private schools. Public schools are generally high-quality, and most are free for Australian residents.
• Research school options in your desired area and check eligibility requirements if you have school-aged children.

10. Relocation and Shipping Services

• Compare international shipping and moving services to find a reliable company for transporting your belongings.
• Consider bringing only essential items, as the cost of moving can be high, and it may be more cost-effective to buy furniture and household items locally.

Additional Tips

• Join online communities like Facebook expat groups or forums on websites like Expat.com to connect with others who have made the move.
• Plan ahead and allow ample time for each step, as visa processing and logistics can take longer than anticipated.

How much does it cost to move to Australia?

The cost of moving to Australia can vary widely depending on visa fees, shipping and moving costs, and general living expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the potential costs to help you estimate:

1. Visa Fees

• Skilled Migration Visa: AUD $4,770 (USD $3,138) for the primary applicant, plus additional fees for family members.
• Employer-Sponsored Visa: Costs range from AUD $1,290 to AUD $4,770 (USD $810 – $3,138) based on the type and duration.
• Student Visa: AUD $1600 (USD $1150).
• Partner/Family Visa: AUD $8,850 (USD $5,580) for a partner visa, with additional costs for dependents.

Note: Some visas may require health checks, police clearances, and skills assessments, each with additional costs ranging from AUD $100 to AUD $500.

2. Moving and Shipping Costs

• International Moving Services: Shipping personal belongings by sea can range from AUD $3,000 to AUD $10,000 (USD $1,900 – $6,300) for a typical household, depending on volume and distance. Air shipping is faster but more expensive.
• Flights: A one-way flight from the U.S. to Australia typically costs between AUD $1,000 and AUD $2,000 (USD $630 – $1,270), depending on the season and airline.

3. Temporary Accommodation

• Hotels/Airbnbs: Temporary accommodation for the first few weeks can range from AUD $100 to AUD $300 (USD $63 – $190) per night.
• Rental Deposits: Most rentals require a bond (deposit) of four weeks’ rent, plus the first month’s rent upfront.

4. Housing Costs

Rent: Monthly rent in major cities varies widely:

• Sydney: AUD $2,500 – AUD $4,000 (USD $1,600 – $2,500) for a one-bedroom apartment.
• Melbourne: AUD $1,800 – AUD $3,000 (USD $1,140 – $1,900).
• Brisbane: AUD $1,600 – AUD $2,500 (USD $1,000 – $1,600).

Purchase: If you’re buying a home, average house prices in cities range from AUD $600,000 (USD $380,000) to over AUD $1 million (USD $635,000) depending on the location.

5. Healthcare and Insurance

• Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC): Required for some temporary visa holders, costing AUD $500 – AUD $1,200 (USD $320 – $760) annually for an individual.
• Medicare: If eligible, basic public healthcare is free, but many opt for private health insurance, which costs an average of AUD $2,000 (USD $1,270) per year for a single person.

6. Cost of Living

• Groceries and Dining Out: An individual’s monthly food costs are roughly AUD $400 – AUD $700 (USD $250 – $445).
• Utilities and Internet: Utility costs range from AUD $150 – AUD $250 (USD $95 – $160) per month. Internet costs around AUD $60 (USD $38) per month.
• Transportation: Public transport in cities costs about AUD $100 – AUD $150 (USD $63 – $95) per month. Owning a car may involve higher expenses for insurance, registration, fuel, and maintenance.

7. Miscellaneous Costs

• Furniture and Household Setup: If you’re buying furniture locally, budget around AUD $1,500 – AUD $3,000 (USD $950 – $1,900) for basic essentials.
• Tax File Number (TFN): Free to obtain but necessary for working in Australia.
• Mobile Plans: Mobile plans start at around AUD $30 (USD $19) per month.

Overall Estimated Cost

For a single person, the initial cost of moving to Australia might range from AUD $8,000 to AUD $15,000 (USD $5,000 – $9,500), excluding long-term housing and ongoing living expenses. Families will generally require a larger budget, especially if multiple visas and additional shipping are involved.

Read more:

• How to Move to Australia from The US
• How to Move to Canada from US
• How to Move to New Zealand from the US