Live and Work in Australia
Moving to Australia can present many opportunities, but preparation is the key to setting yourself up to live and work in Australia.
To work in Australia you require the following:
Finding accommodation in Australia can be made easier by visiting the websites of various hotels and rental accommodation providers:
Work Visa
To work in Australia you require a work visa. There are several visas available. Some examples are:
Working Holiday Makers
The Working Holiday and Work and Holiday programs provide opportunities for people between 18 and 30 years of age to holiday in Australia and to supplement their travel funds through incidental employment.
Business Visa
This visa is for people who want to come to Australia for a business-related visit. It is also for people to establish, manage or develop a new or existing business, or to invest in Australia.
Employee Sponsored Visa
This visa is for people with recognised skills who are looking to work in Australia after being sponsored by an Australian or overseas employer.
More Information on Visas
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs gives you information on 'Australia Needs' expos, which are held worldwide and provide information on current skills shortages in Australia.
Bank Account
You will need to set up a bank account within Australia. To do so, you will require your passport, a second form of identification and proof of an Australian residential address. There are a number of banks you can choose to open an account with. Some of the larger ones include:
| Commonwealth Bank of Australia |
www.commbank.com.au |
|---|---|
| Westpac Banking Corporation | www.westpac.com.au |
| National Australia Bank | www.nab.com.au |
| ANZ Bank | www.anz.com.au |
Tax File Number
You require a Tax File Number (TFN) in order to work in Australia. This number will be valid for your entire stay, regardless of where you work in Australia.
You can obtain a Tax File Number from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). You will require your passport, showing your visa, and a second form of identification. The ATO will then post your TFN to you within 4 weeks.
Superannuation Fund
All employers within Australia are required to make minimum levels of superannuation contributions to a complying superannuation fund for its employees. Your employer will ask you to nominate your preferred fund.
An excellent resource detailing further information about superannuation can be found at www.australia.gov.au and by typing ‘superannuation’ into the search function.
Hostels
Hostel accommodation is an excellent and cost effective way of getting started in Australia. It is reasonably priced and allows you to take the time to decide where you want to rent property on a more permanent basis during your stay. It is also a great way to meet fellow travellers and share information.
Some useful links are:
| YHA | www.yha.com.au |
|---|---|
| The Wake Up! Hostel | www.wakeup.com.au |
| Nomads World | www.nomadsworld.com |
Rental Accommodation
If you are intending to rent a property in Australia for a period of time, generally you will need to provide the following documentation:
- Identification
- References
- Place of employment
- Weekly/Monthly earnings
You will also be required by your real estate agent to pay a ‘bond’, which is usually 4 – 6 weeks’ rent, depending on the property.
This money is lodged with an independent body – the Rental Bond Board. Once your lease has expired and you have vacated the property, the property will be inspected by the real estate agent for damages, etc.
The real estate will then instruct the Rental Bond Board to release your bond. However, if there has been any damage to the property they will first deduct the cost of repairs and the balance will be released to you.
Some useful links for finding rental properties include:
| Real Estate | www.realestate.com.au |
|---|---|
| Domain | www.domain.com.au |
| Real Estate View | www.realestateview.com.au |