Moving to a different country for work always entails either excitement or uncertainty, or a mix of both. The sceneries, the beautiful stories that you hear about its people, the annual events, and so much more will surely make you want to pack now and leave! And if you are being sponsored by an employer to move to Australia, a rich variety of opportunities await you. However, it is a fact too that the relocation itself and the adjustment period can be a little overwhelming at first.
Almost all workers under skilled migration visa in Australia are able to go through this stage successfully. But just to set your expectations for the first few months that you are here and so as to make the transition as pleasant as possible, there are several aspects of your move that you should look into.
Finding a Place to Stay
Before moving to Australia for work, it is worthwhile to arrange temporary accommodation before your arrival. It’s also worth discussing such arrangement with your sponsoring employer. Quite often, they may be able to assist or recommend an ideal location for you. You can rent a serviced apartment for a few weeks before committing to a long-term rental arrangement. This will also allow you to take some time to walk the neighbourhoods, whilst exploring the city where your work is based as you would want to be staying near your workplace as much as possible
Other factors to consider before committing to a long-term rental property or home is the accessibility to public transportation, proximity to schools (if your kids are migrating along with you), closeness to major establishments like shopping centres and the market, nearby hospitals, and recreation areas. Generally, skilled visa holders in Australia prefer to rent because the process is easy, simple, and fast. Always bring previous rental references and copies of your passport for a quick transaction.
Websites that provide good choices for apartments and houses for rents in major cities and suburbs are www.realestate.com.au and www.domain.com.au. You may also want to try contacting local agents who can assist you with your rental applications and arrange viewing once you arrive.
Food and Dining
The Australian food scene is becoming richer and innovative. This is influenced by the diversity in the visitors and migrants that come over year on year. Just about any kinds of restaurants, bars, and food businesses that cater to all sorts of cuisines operate in Australia and a freshly migrated skilled worker like you will definitely not run out of food to try and enjoy.
It is also notable to mention that there are numerous differences when it comes to food etiquette and dining experience in Australia. Sharing dishes is quite a popular trend. People practice this so that everyone in the group sample a portion of a plate. “Casual, but neat” attire is common, although not a policy. Lastly, you should not expect a check, but rather a “bill”. Your bill will not be presented unless requested, as presenting it early is deemed as presumptuous.
If you prefer to cook food at home, native ingredients, spices or flavouring common in your home country are typically available in supermarkets. You will also have a wide range of options of fresh produce, meat, and dairy as Australia grows and produces these massively all year round.
Places of Interest
“The Land Down Under” is a traveller’s paradise. It is well known for its pristine beaches and untouched coral reefs, wildlife, vibrant cities, architectural marvels, and notable parks and museums. Depending on which state you will be based, each territory offers a unique experience for a new migrant like you. Migrant workers holding the skilled visa in Australia together with their families usually spend their weekends and holidays exploring these places of interest immersing themselves more into the Australian culture and way of living.
If you are staying in any of the key cities below, don’t skip the chance to visit and experience these popular spots:
- Sydney: Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
- Melbourne: Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Museum
- Brisbane: Story Bridge, Gallery of Modern Art, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Adelaide: Adelaide Botanic Garden, Art Gallery of South Australia, The State Library of South Australia
- Perth: Perth Zoo, Gravity Discovery Centre, Yanchep National Park – Crystal Cave
- Canberra: Museum of Australian Democracy, Lake Burley, National Gallery of Australia
Weekend Activities
If you are looking for ways to enjoy whilst resting from work during the weekends, there are a lot of options available. You may choose to engage in a few activities whether done indoor or outdoor. There are also several festivals which are usually being held in key spots within your city or at the community level.
Most skilled workers are curious of the Australians’ love for the outdoors that is why popular choices would be hiking and camping which most may be unable to do before if they are coming from a country with a different landscape or weather. Australian wildlife is another attraction to check that is why newly arrived migrants frequent zoos, sea worlds and aquariums, as well as animal sanctuaries. If you have young kids, this is a good way to educate them on how to deal with, take care of, and preserve these lovely creatures. Visiting the beach is another way to spend time with family and luckily, Australia is home to many beautiful ones most especially in the coastal regions.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for places to hang out and spend time with friends and workmates, there are cities well-known for their party vibe. Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide are favourites. Other activities include food and wine tasting, music festivals, historic events, and other types of adventures. Watch out for public holidays when most events are being organised.
A Few More Tips
If you are only starting to look at the option of a TSS visa, it would be useful to do thorough research on the requirements before you begin the application. You can check our Documents Needed section to check and understand the main documents you will need to gather. You will also see the documents you would have to prepare if you intend to bring your family with you.
If you have already lodged your application and waiting for results or have your visa approved, you can start planning on some things such as booking your flights and applying for a Tax File Number.
If you are bringing your family with you, you might also want to check on schooling fees and processes for your children. Our information on family documents can be a good starting point to review this.
