Follow our advice for a fuss-free transition.
Deciding to emigrate from one country to another is a huge step. It is going to mean a tremendous upheaval in your life. Whether you are moving for work or because you want a fresh start, you will face joining the 1.2 million UK ex-pats already resident in Australia. With such a substantial British population, plus the sun, sea, and sand, to look forward to. It’s no wonder that more and more of us call Australia home every year.
Emigrating is no picnic. Here is the best advice we can give you before you head down south.
The 5 Tips to Make Australian Emigration Easier
Want to leave the UK for good? Here are five tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
1 – Know where to seek help
Before you rush off to apply for your visa, consider checking into your new potential local area. Look for a few things. Check for local groups you can join, which will help you meet other ex-pats in your region. Consider finding out where the local emergency services are. Be sure to read all information you can find about your local area. Don’t stop there, either. Research where you can go for help with visa complaints, and you should see a lawyer in Sydney before you get there.
2 – Apply for your Visa well in advance
Applying for your visa should be at the top of your list of priorities. It might be that you use it as a family, and the visa regulators decline or raise questions over one member. If you apply for your visas individually, there is a greater risk that the government won’t permit all your entry. Alternatively, they could allow you, but all at separate times. Visa applications can take months to process. File for your visa before you buy your house.
3 – Check the prices
We don’t just mean the conversion rate between Australian dollars and GBP; we mean the prices of your daily supplies. Australia is a little more expensive than the UK. Even including the rising cost of living, Australia still outprices the UK. Check how much extra you might pay for things like bread and milk, transport costs, and dining out. Checking local prices is the best way to budget for your new life in Australia.
4 – Find work early
Finding work in Australia is about the same as in the UK. The difference is that many workplaces in Australia are familiar with the visa application process. This is because thousands of backpackers annually use sponsored work placements to either extend their visa application or remain in the country. What does this mean for you? Australian employers regularly go through the hiring and firing process while their employees are overseas.
5 – Set up a bank account before you leave
In some cases, you can set up your Australian bank account before you ever leave the UK. The UK and Australia have reciprocal agreements thanks to Australia’s place in the Commonwealth. It is a straightforward process to open an Australian bank account. You are going to need it if you want to emigrate successfully.
