Things to do when you arrive
Here are some handy tips to assist you when you arrive in Australia. For information on immigration, please visit the
Department of Immigration and Citizenship website www.immi.gov.au.
| 1. |
Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
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To receive an income in Australia, you need a Tax File Number (TFN). Income includes wages or salary from a job, payments from the government, and money earned from investments including interest on savings accounts.
Contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO): 132 861 | www.ato.gov.au |
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| 2. |
Register with Medicare
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The Australian Government provides help with basic medical expenses through a scheme called Medicare. You may be eligible to join Medicare and gain immediate access to health care services and programs. To enrol in Medicare, will need your passport or travel documents. There are also many different private health insurance options you may wish to consider, as Medicare does not provide for all services. Contact Medicare: 132 011 | www.medicareaustralia.gov.au |
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| 3. |
Open a bank account
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In Australia, most income including salary or wages and government benefits are paid directly into a bank account. You should open a bank account within six weeks of your arrival, as you usually need only your passport as identification. After six weeks you will need extra identification to open an account. | |
| 4. |
Register with Centrelink
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Centrelink is a government agency that can help you find a job, arrange for recognition of your skills and qualifications, and to access certain courses. Centrelink can also help you with Family Assistance payments to help with the cost of raising children.As a newly arrived migrant, you are not immediately eligible for social security (unless you are a refugee or humanitarian entrant). You do not have access to the full range of government employment services. If you are a permanent resident, you may be eligible to access some services.
Contact Centrelink: Family Assistance Office: 136 150 Employment Services: 132 850 | www.centrelink.gov.au |
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| 5. |
Register for English Classes
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English languages courses for new arrivals in Australia are provided under the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). As a new resident, you may be entitled to receive free English language tuition of up to 510 hours. Register as soon as possible or you could lose your entitlement. Contact the Adult Migrant English Program: 131 881 |
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| 6. |
Enrol Your Children in School
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Under Australian law, school is compulsory for all children aged between five and fifteen years. The government provides public schools. Public schooling is free and users pay fees for private schooling. Note: Students holding temporary visas may be required to pay full school fees. Check with individual schools for details. |
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| 7. |
Apply for a Driver's Licence
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If you are a permanent resident visa holder and have a current driver's licence from another country, in English or with an official translation, you are allowed to drive for your first three months after arrival. After the three months, if you want to drive, you will need to have the appropriate driver's licence. This will usually require you to pass a knowledge test, a practical driving test, and an eyesight test. Contact Queensland Transport: 132 380 | www.transport.qld.gov.au |
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