You’ve got your visa, your accommodation is booked, and you’re on your way to Australia. Congratulations! Moving to a new country is exciting, but daunting, and the more prepared you are, the better. But it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the things you need to do. To make it easier, we’ve made a list of what you need to do in your first week. The rest will come in due time.

Step 1: Get your tax file number

A tax file number (TFN) is your personal reference number in the tax and superannuation systems. It is free to apply for a TFN. Your TFN is a unique number (usually 9 digits), an important part of your identity, yours for life even if you change jobs or name, move interstate or go overseas. It’s easy to apply for one online.

Step 2: Set up your myGov account

Your myGov account is important as it allows users to log into one website to access their tax (ATO) online, as well as a range of other government services. While it might seem confusing at first, it’s good to open the account as early as possible as you will eventually be linking all your services to it. Thankfully, it’s simple to open one up.

Step 3: Get your Medicare card

A Medicare card provides access to a range of medical services in Australia’s public health system. If you live in Australia and meet specific criteria, you can apply for this healthcare system. Medicare helps cover a portion of your hospital, medical, and prescription costs. The Australian government sets the fee schedule that determines your Medicare benefits, and you may need to pay a gap payment if the provider charges more than the scheduled fee. Simply apply for a Medicare card online.

Step 4: Open up your bank account

It’s quick and easy to open a bank account in Australia. You can do this online before arriving in the country, over the phone or go in person to a bank. You’ll need valid forms of identity that add up to 100 points so make sure you have this with you. Primary documents like your birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or current passport are worth 70 points. Secondary documents are worth either 40 or 35 points and some of these include your Australian driver’s license, your council rates notice, a document from your current employer, your marriage certificate, Medicare card, and foreign driver’s licence to name a few.

Step 5: Get your driver’s licence

If you already have a driver’s licence from your home country, you may not have to go through the process of doing a driver’s test. In most states, you’re able to drive with an international driver’s licence for three months which gives you ample time to transfer your current licence to an Australian one. The process of transferring an international driver's licence to an Australian driver's licence varies from state to state. To make it easier it’s always best to have proof of address and your bank account secured, that way you’ll quickly be able to prove your identity to get your driver’s licence.

Meet the Experts on Allied Health Jobs Australia 

Imagine a service that helps you take care of the whole process of taking the plunge to live and work overseas. From deciding where to live, securing employment, and helping you to navigate the relevant migration approvals, at Allied Health Jobs Australia, these are the core of what we do best. 

Unlike agents who only help with the migration process, or recruiters who only take care of job placement, AHJA has consciously niched down into allied health as our area of expertise. Fundamentally, becoming an AHJA client doesn’t mean that the services stop once your visas are approved. For people who have made it to the migration application process, our 100% success rate means that we’re just as invested in your journey as you are.

As a qualified allied health care professional, you’re in demand - and Australia wants you. If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about what a future in the Land Down Under could look like for you, get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation chat to explore your options.