How To Prepare Yourself if You Want to Settle in Australia
If you want to move to Australia permanently, it can be hectic because it entails a new job, a new house, and sometimes a new school. However, we have put together a comprehensive guide to the steps you can take to help you adjust to life in Australia.
Beyond that, we will also discuss how you can prepare yourself if you want to settle in Australia as a permanent resident. Let’s get started!
Take an Approved Language Test
If you want to become a permanent resident of Australia, you need to prove that you’re proficient in English. To do this, you must pass the required language test within 1 year before you apply for the visa. More succinctly, you could take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Nevertheless, the Department of Home Affairs will only accept English-language test scores from approved, accredited agencies — this includes the British Council, Cambridge Assessment English, or the International Development Programme.
Apply To Become a Permanent Resident of Australia
Once you have passed your language test, you can go ahead and apply online to become a permanent resident of Australia. You can either fill out the expression of interest form for the Skilled Nominated visa or the Skilled Independent visa if you have a skill that is on the skilled occupation list. Alternatively, you could apply for the Skilled Work Regional visa.
In addition to workstream visas, you can become a permanent resident of Australia through a business stream visa or a family stream visa. Also, if you’re in Australia with a temporary work visa and have worked for the same employer for more than two years, you could apply for a transitional visa with the sponsorship of your employer. However, if your employer can’t sponsor you, you could also apply for a Skilled Independent visa.
It will cost you between AUD 425 and AUD 9445 to apply for permanent residency–but it depends on the type of visa application.
Take The Medical Test
Anyone applying for permanent residency using the 189 or 190 subclass visa is required to take a medical test — this includes your family members who are over 2 years old. Not to mention, in some cases, even family members who are not traveling might need to have health examinations. This helps the immigration department prove that you meet the health requirements.
Before your visa application is approved, you might need to take a medical examination, TB test, and a chest X-ray. In addition to that, if you’re above 15 years, you will also need to take an HIV test. Some situations might also require Hepatitis B, C, and Syphilis tests.
Once you file your visa application, you will need to create an account with e-medical to obtain a referral letter with your HAP ID (health assessment program identification number). You will then use the HAP ID to schedule your health examination. If you’re in Australia, you can schedule your health examination with Bupa Medical Services using their online booking system.
On the other hand, if you’re outside Australia, you need to conduct the medical examination in a center approved by an Australian immigration center nearest to you.
Have Sufficient Proof of Funds
If you’re moving to Australia, you could be required to show evidence of funds. But if you’re applying for a Skilled Independent visa, you’re not required to show proof of funds. However, if you’re applying for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), Australian immigration officials might ask you to show proof of funds.
Beyond that, some states might require the amount to be paid in cash or in liquid assets, which include property. Similarly, if you’re applying for a student visa, you may be required to show proof of at least AUD 21,041 in funds.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to keep in mind that immigration requirements are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and it’s possible to migrate to Australia if you submit a declaration. Even so, it’s essential to consider proof of funds when you’re applying for a permanent residency status in Australia. In other words, you should keep a minimum closing balance of AUD 5000 on your bank statements at least three months before you file your application.
Find Temporary Accommodation
If you’re migrating to Australia on a family visa, you can be hosted by your family member living in Australia. However, if you’re moving to Australia with a subclass 189, 190, or 489 visa and don’t know anyone, you could reach out to an organization that helps immigrants to settle in Australia.
Another option is to book a hotel room or an Airbnb apartment before you arrive in Australia. Of course, you could purchase or lease a house or an apartment after you’ve settled in Australia.