2008/09/13

Moving to Australia

Migration to Australia has been popular for a long time and has been taken up by British people, particularly since the 1950s. Migrants are attracted by the thought of sunshine, wide open spaces and friendly people. Moving to Australia can bring lots of opportunities. For anyone contemplating this step, it's advisable to find out about the correct procedure.

Skilled workers are welcomed as long as they fit all the criteria for entry. One route is for an Australian employer to sponsor a worker migrant. This reassures the authorities that the person would make a valuable contribution to the workforce. Would be migrants who don't have sponsorship need to fall into the category of specific jobs and have the necessary skills to work in those listed occupations. These jobs are varied and include engineering, medicine, teaching and journalism.

Other requirements state that the migrant must be over 18 years of age and under 45 years old. They must also have a command of the English language to be eligible for moving to Australia. The authorities need to see certain original documents, including birth certificate, marriage certificate and medical and work records. With regard to children and young people, it's advisable to take school reports or University or trade papers. When moving to Australia, large amounts of overseas currency should be declared on arrival and the majority of plant and animal material is forbidden to enter.

There are a number of tasks that will make the transition go smoother. To earn a living, the migrant must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). It's important to remember that every country has its own health care arrangements and the new arrival needs to register with Medicare in order to qualify for standard medical expenses. It's a good idea to open a bank account as salaries and benefits tend to be paid directly into accounts.

Registering with Centrelink, a government agency ensures that the migrant will receive information on job courses, family assistance payments and other matters. For anyone that needs to improve their English language skills, they may be eligible for some free tuition. School age children, of course, need to be enrolled at school on moving to Australia. Drivers can drive on their current license for the first three months of their stay but then are required to get a new license. They must pass a theory test and a practical test and must also be examined for an eyesight test.