ImmiAssist2AU

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✅ Follow the checklists

Each stage has tick-lists and numbered steps. Green ticks show what to do. Print the page (or save as PDF) to take checklists with you.

🚀 Sole trader vs company (ASIC fees)

Sole trader: free ABN, your marginal tax rates, simplest start. Pty Ltd company: limited liability but real recurring costs, regulated by ASIC:

⚠️ Personal Services Income (PSI) rules

IT, engineering and health contractors: if 50%+ of a contract pays for your personal skills, the ATO PSI rules may tax it as your personal income - even inside a company - and strip most business deductions.

You escape the rules if you run a genuine business:

• 80% rule: no single client provides 80%+ of your PSI, and you pass one of:
• Results test - paid for an outcome, own tools, fix defects at your cost
• Unrelated clients test - 2+ independent clients won by offering to the public
• Business premises test - dedicated premises separate from home and clients

🧾 The two rates everyone uses

• Working from home: 70c per hour (fixed rate). It bundles power, internet, phone and stationery - claiming those again on top is double-dipping and an audit magnet. Keep a year-round record of actual hours (no estimates), plus one bill per category. Office furniture and laptops are depreciated separately.
• Work car: 91c per km, capped at 5,000 km per car (max $4,550). All-inclusive - no extra fuel or servicing claims. Home-to-work commuting never counts. Driving more? Keep a 12-week logbook and claim actual costs instead.

🛡️ Compliance habits from day one

• Separate business bank account - mixing personal and business money invites audits
• Keep every receipt and record for 5 years
• Freelancing? Park ~30% of profit for tax; expect quarterly PAYG instalments after year one
• Payday Super: from 1 Jul 2026 your super must reach your fund within 7 business days of payday - check it does
• Check every payslip against the award - underpayment is reportable to Fair Work, and your visa is safe when you report

Are you likely to qualify?

Most people come through one of these doors. You probably fit one if:

• You have a skilled occupation Australia needs, plus qualifications and work experience (skilled visas).
• An Australian employer wants to sponsor you (employer visas).
• You have a partner, parent or child who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident (family visas).
• You want to study at an Australian institution (student visa).
• You are 18-30/35 from an eligible country and want to work and travel (working holiday).

Cost of living

Australia has high wages but is also expensive, especially housing in Sydney and Melbourne. Rough monthly guide for one person (varies a lot by city):

🧩 Documents specific to your pathway

🧑‍🔧 Skilled (189 / 190 / 491)

• Positive skills assessment from the right authority
• Invitation to apply + your EOI; qualifications & experience evidence
• State nomination (190/491) or family sponsorship (491)

💼 Employer-sponsored (482 / 186)

• Employer nomination and signed employment contract
• Skills, registration or licensing for the role

🧩 Family, study & working holiday

❤️ Partner / family

• Relationship evidence - shared finances, living together, photos, statements
• Your sponsor's documents and identity

🎓 Student (500)

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), OSHC, and evidence of funds / genuine student

🎒 Working holiday (417/462)

• Eligible passport, proof of funds, and (462) any required government support letter

🎯 The points test

Skilled visas (189, 190, 491) use points. You usually need at least 65 to be invited, but real cut-offs are often higher. Points come from:

• Age - most points at 25-32 (up to 30).
• English - "Superior" 20, "Proficient" 10.
• Skilled work experience - Australian and overseas (up to 20).
• Education - doctorate, degree, diploma.
• Extras - Australian study, a skilled partner, community language (NAATI), a professional year, state nomination or regional sponsorship.

🩺 Health & character

Nearly every visa requires two clearances:

• Health - a medical exam and sometimes chest X-ray by an approved panel doctor.
• Character - a police certificate from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more (in the last 10 years).

Two tools to know

• ImmiAccount - where you lodge and manage your visa online.
• VEVO - lets you and employers check your visa status and conditions any time.

📄 Documents to carry

• Passport with valid visa (check VEVO)
• Birth & marriage certificates (certified, translated)
• Qualifications, transcripts & skills assessment
• Driving licence (+ certified English translation)
• Medical & vaccination records, prescriptions
• Employment references & rental history
• Children's school reports & immunisation records
• Bank statements / proof of funds

🐾 Pets & biosecurity

Australia has strict biosecurity. Bringing a cat or dog needs an import permit, vaccinations, tests and usually quarantine - plan 6+ months ahead via the Department of Agriculture.

💱 Money & shipping

• Use a money-transfer service (Wise, OFX) for better rates than banks.
• You can open some Australian bank accounts before you arrive and deposit funds ready to go.
• Get quotes for sea vs air freight; sea is cheaper but slow (weeks).
• Bringing AUD 10,000+ in cash (or equivalent)? You must declare it at the border.

🧾 Tax rates (2026-27)

Australia has a progressive system - you only pay the higher rate on the part of your income above each threshold.

• Add the 2% Medicare levy on top for most residents.
• The Low Income Tax Offset reduces tax for lower earners.
• Working holiday makers: 15% on the first $45,000.

🏦 Superannuation ("super")

Your employer must pay 12% of your ordinary earnings into a super fund on top of your wage. It is locked away for retirement.

• You usually choose your fund - compare fees and performance on moneysmart.gov.au.
• From 1 July 2026, super is paid on each payday ("Payday Super").
• Check your super is being paid via myGov → ATO.
• Temporary residents who leave permanently can often claim it back (a DASP).

🛒 GST

A 10% Goods and Services Tax is built into most prices already. The price on the shelf is what you pay.

📅 Tax returns

Lodge a return after 30 June, usually by 31 October, through myTax (in myGov) or a registered tax agent. Many people get a refund.

🧰 ABN & freelancing

Working for yourself? You need an ABN (Australian Business Number), you set aside your own tax, and you may register for GST if you earn enough.

📊 Building a credit history

Your overseas credit score does not transfer - you start fresh. Lenders here check an Australian credit file, so build one early.

• Pay rent, utilities and phone bills on time and in your name.
• A modest credit card or plan, paid off in full each month, builds history.
• Check your free credit report yearly (Equifax, Experian, illion).
• A thin file makes home loans harder at first - a bigger deposit helps.

💳 Everyday banking

• Your account has a BSB (6-digit branch code) + account number for transfers.
• PayID lets people pay you instantly using your phone/email; Osko transfers arrive in seconds.
• Tap-and-go card or phone is accepted almost everywhere; cash is used less and less.
• Buy Now Pay Later (Afterpay, Zip) is common - easy to overspend, so use with care.

🏦 How superannuation works

"Super" is money set aside for your retirement. On top of your wage, your employer must pay 12% of your ordinary earnings into a super fund. From 1 July 2026 this is paid on every payday ("Payday Super").

• You get super whether you are full-time, part-time, casual - and even as a temporary resident.
• Inside the fund, contributions are taxed at just 15% - usually far below your normal tax rate.
• You can usually choose your own fund; compare fees and insurance using the YourSuper tool in myGov.
• Consolidate multiple accounts (easy to collect when you change jobs) via myGov → ATO to stop paying duplicate fees.

📈 Contributions & access

• Before-tax (concessional) cap: $32,500 a year (2026-27) - includes your employer's 12% plus any salary sacrifice.
• After-tax (non-concessional) cap: $130,000 a year (2026-27).
• Government co-contribution: earn under about $64,293 and add after-tax money, and the government may add up to $500.

When can you access it?

• At your preservation age (60 for anyone born after 30 June 1964) once you retire, or
• At age 65 regardless of whether you are still working. It is generally tax-free from 60.

🔑 From search to keys

1. Search on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au. Rent is usually advertised per week.
2. Inspect the property (open homes or private viewings).
3. Apply - agents want ID, proof of income (payslips), references and rental history. New arrivals can offer extra references or rent in advance.
4. Sign the lease (tenancy agreement), usually 6 or 12 months.
5. Pay the bond + first rent and do a condition report before moving in.

💲 Bond & rent

• Bond - a security deposit, usually about 4 weeks' rent. It is lodged with a government bond authority, not kept by the agent, and returned when you leave if there's no damage or rent owing.
• Rent in advance - you usually pay 2-4 weeks up front, then ongoing (often fortnightly).
• Condition report - photograph everything on day one. This protects your bond.

⚖️ Your tenancy rights

Rules differ by state, but generally you are entitled to:

• Repairs and a safe, working home (urgent repairs handled fast)
• Proper notice before inspections and quiet enjoyment
• Correct process and notice for rent increases
• Your bond back if you leave the place clean and undamaged

🔌 Utilities & internet

• Electricity & gas - you choose a retailer. Compare plans on the government site Energy Made Easy (or Victorian Energy Compare in VIC).
• Water - usually arranged by the landlord; you may pay usage.
• Internet - most homes use the NBN. Pick a provider and plan speed; allow a few days to connect.
• Mobile - Telstra, Optus and Vodafone plus cheaper resellers. Prepaid or monthly plans.

🛡️ FIRB & your status

• Australian citizens and permanent residents (ordinarily resident) - no FIRB needed, buy like anyone else.
• New Zealand citizens - generally exempt from FIRB.
• Temporary residents & other foreign persons - need FIRB approval before signing, and are currently limited to new/off-the-plan/land (not established homes).
• Buying jointly with an Australian citizen/PR spouse as joint tenants can be exempt.

💲 What it really costs

• Deposit - ideally 20%. Less than 20% usually means paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
• Stamp duty (transfer duty) - a big state tax on the purchase. Foreign buyers pay an extra surcharge in most states.
• Conveyancer / solicitor, building & pest inspection, loan and FIRB fees.
• First Home Owner Grant and other schemes may help eligible citizens/PR - check your state.

🪪 Converting your overseas licence

You can usually drive on a valid overseas licence at first, but once you become a permanent resident you must convert to a local licence - typically within 3 to 6 months (the exact deadline varies by state).

• From a recognised country? You often swap directly - no tests.
• From other countries? You now sit a knowledge test and a practical driving test.
• Licence not in English? Bring a NAATI-certified translation (permanent residents can use the free government translating service).

🛑 Key driving laws

• Drive on the left; overtake on the right.
• Seatbelts compulsory for everyone; children in approved car seats.
• No phone in your hand while driving - heavy fines and demerit points.
• Alcohol limit 0.05 for full licences; 0.00 for learner and provisional drivers.
• Speed cameras and random breath/drug testing are common and strict.
• Obey give-way signs and roundabout rules (give way to the right).

🚙 Buying & running a car

1. Buy from a licensed dealer (more protection) or privately (cheaper).
2. Buying privately? Check the PPSR first (~$2) to confirm there's no money owing and it isn't stolen or written off.
3. Get a roadworthy / safety certificate where your state requires one.
4. Transfer the registration ("rego") into your name.

Insurance - know the difference

• CTP (Compulsory Third Party) - legally required, often part of rego. Covers injury to people only.
• Comprehensive (or third-party property) - strongly recommended. Covers damage to cars and property. CTP does not cover vehicle damage.

🏍️ Motorcycles & mopeds

• You need a separate motorcycle licence class, usually after a learner permit and a training course (names vary, e.g. Q-Ride, pre-learner).
• An approved helmet is compulsory for rider and passenger.
• New riders usually start on LAMS-approved (learner-legal) bikes.
• Lane filtering is allowed in most states under strict conditions (low speed, licensed riders).
• Same rego + CTP rules as cars apply.

💳 Medicare eligibility

• Citizens & permanent residents - full Medicare.
• Eligible New Zealand citizens living here.
• Regional 491 / 494 holders are generally eligible.
• People who've applied for PR onshore may be eligible.

Usually NOT eligible (need private cover)

• Most 482 (Skills in Demand) workers
• Student (500) - must hold OSHC
• Working holiday (417/462) and visitor (600)

👩‍⚕️ Using the system

• The GP is your gateway. You see a general practitioner first; they refer you to specialists.
• Bulk billing = the doctor charges Medicare directly and you pay nothing. Otherwise you pay a "gap".
• PBS subsidises many prescription medicines, so they cost less.
• Enrol in Medicare through Services Australia or myGov; you get a Medicare card (digital card available quickly).

➕ Private health insurance

Even with Medicare, many people add private cover for shorter waits, choice of doctor, and things Medicare doesn't cover (most dental, optical, physio).

• Hospital cover + Extras cover are bought separately or bundled. Compare on the government site privatehealth.gov.au.
• Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) - higher earners without hospital cover pay an extra 1-1.5%. For 2026-27 it starts above $105,000 (singles) or $210,000 (families, +$1,500 per child after the first). Basic hospital cover usually costs less than the surcharge.
• Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading - a 2% loading per year applies if you first take hospital cover after age 31.

💚 Mental health & support

Settling in a new country is hard. Your GP can create a mental health care plan giving Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist. Free, confidential helplines (24/7):

• Lifeline - 13 11 14 (crisis support, call or text)
• Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 (anxiety, depression)
• 13YARN - 13 92 76 (support for First Nations people)
• healthdirect - 1800 022 222 for 24/7 health advice

📚 AMEP - free English tuition

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) gives eligible migrants free English lessons - and since the old 510-hour cap was removed, you can now study unlimited hours until you reach vocational English.

• Open to permanent visa holders, many temporary visa holders, and citizens who once held an eligible visa (aged 18+, some youth 15-17).
• Classes are flexible - daytime, evening, or online (AMEP Online).
• Free childcare for under-school-age children while you attend face-to-face classes.
• Enrol through an AMEP provider (many TAFEs and community colleges) or call Home Affairs on 131 881.

🗣️ If English is hard right now

• TIS National - 131 450. A free phone interpreter in 100+ languages, 24/7. Call TIS, ask for your language, and they'll connect you to the service you need (doctor, Centrelink, agency).
• Many government services have their own free interpreter - just ask.
• Free Translating Service - permanent residents can get key documents (for work, study, community) translated free in their first years.

🏘️ Settlement & community services

• Migrant Resource Centres and settlement agencies help with housing, jobs, school, forms and connecting to your community - often free.
• Humanitarian entrants get extra help through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program.
• Local councils and libraries run free conversation groups, playgroups and welcome programs.

⚖️ Free legal & money help

• Community Legal Centres and Legal Aid in each state give free legal advice on tenancy, work, family and more.
• Services Australia's Financial Information Service (FIS) is a free, unbiased money-info service.
• moneysmart.gov.au - free tools for budgeting, super and avoiding scams.
• Never pay someone who "guarantees" a visa or asks for cash for free government services - that's a scam.

🛡️ Your minimum rights

Set by the National Employment Standards and industry awards:

• At least the minimum wage (many awards pay more)
• Super paid into your fund (12%)
• A payslip within one day of being paid
• Paid annual leave and sick/carer's leave (not casuals)
• Public holidays and penalty rates in many jobs
• Protection from unfair dismissal

🔎 Finding work

• Main job sites: Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn, Jora.
• Government service: Workforce Australia.
• Write an Australian-style resume (short, achievement-focused, no photo or birthdate).
• Local references and volunteering help you break in.

🧭 Assessment vs registration

• Skills assessment - a body confirms your qualifications and experience match an Australian occupation. Needed for most points-tested visas and some jobs.
• Registration / licensing - for regulated jobs you must be licensed to work at all (health, teaching, law, many trades, electrical, plumbing).
• Some roles need both; some need neither. Check your exact occupation.

🩺 If your job is licensed

• Health practitioners (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physios, psychologists and more) register with AHPRA and their national board.
• Teachers register with their state teacher regulator.
• Lawyers, electricians, plumbers, builders, security and others need state licences.
• Trades often need a skills assessment via Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) and may need a gap-training or a licence.

🏫 Schools

Three types: public (government), Catholic, and independent/private. School is compulsory from about age 6 to 16-17.

• Public schools are often zoned to where you live.
• Enrol through your state education department.
• Temporary residents may pay fees for public school - this varies by state and visa.

🧸 Childcare

Long day care, family day care and outside-school-hours care are available but can be costly.

• The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps eligible families - usually citizens/PR and some visa holders.
• Places fill up; join waitlists early.

🎓 University

World-class universities. Cost depends on status:

• Citizens/PR pay lower domestic fees and may access HECS-HELP loans.
• International students pay full fees up front.

🍺 Alcohol, smoking & vaping

• You must be 18+ to buy or drink alcohol; carry photo ID.
• Alcohol is sold in licensed shops ("bottle-o") and venues, not supermarkets in most states.
• Smoking is banned indoors and in many public areas; 18+ to buy.
• Vapes: laws tightened - nicotine vapes are generally available only through pharmacies, not corner shops.
• Illicit drugs are illegal with serious penalties.

🛒 Shopping & money habits

• Prices shown include GST - no surprise tax at the till.
• Tipping is not expected - it's optional and modest.
• Cards and phone tap dominate; some places add a small surcharge.
• Bank details = BSB + account number; PayID/Osko gives instant transfers; BPAY pays bills.
• Strong consumer rights: faulty goods get a refund, repair or replacement (Australian Consumer Law).

🌏 Fitting in

• Culture is casual, multicultural and direct; a "fair go" for everyone matters.
• Being on time is polite. First names are normal.
• BYO = bring your own (drinks, or a plate to share).
• Respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Country is important.

🔌 Power & plugs

• Mains power is 230 volts, 50 Hz.
• The plug is Type I - two flat pins in a V, plus earth.
• Bring adapters; check devices are 230V-ready (most phones/laptops are; many US 110V appliances are not).
• Wall sockets often have an on/off switch - flick it on.

📏 Measurements

• Australia is fully metric: kilometres, kilograms, litres.
• Temperature is in degrees Celsius (0°C freezing, ~37°C body, 40°C+ is a hot day).
• Speed limits are km/h; petrol is sold per litre; food per kg or 100g.
• Paper size is A4, not "letter".

🕑 Time zones

• Three main zones: AEST (east), ACST (central, :30 offset), AWST (west).
• Daylight saving (Oct-Apr) runs in NSW, VIC, SA, TAS, ACT - but not QLD, WA or NT.
• That means up to 3 hours difference across the country.

🌏 Seasons & the year

• Seasons are reversed: summer is December-February, winter is June-August.
• Christmas is in summer - often a beach barbecue, not snow.
• The school year runs Jan/Feb to December, in 4 terms with holidays between.
• The financial year is 1 July - 30 June (different from the calendar year).

📅 Public holidays

There are national holidays plus state-specific ones, so your days off depend on where you live. National ones include:

• New Year's Day, Australia Day (26 Jan), Good Friday & Easter, Anzac Day (25 Apr), Christmas Day (25 Dec) and Boxing Day (26 Dec).
• State extras include Labour Day, Queen's/King's Birthday, and local show days.
• On public holidays many shops have shorter hours; some jobs pay penalty rates.

🤝 Shared values

• A "fair go" - everyone deserves a fair chance, regardless of background.
• Equality & respect - men and women are equal; discrimination and racism are unlawful.
• Mateship - helping others and being easy-going and direct.
• Freedom of speech, religion and association, under the rule of law.

🪃 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Nations of Australia, with the world's oldest continuing cultures - tens of thousands of years.

• You'll often hear an Acknowledgement of Country or Welcome to Country at events, respecting the traditional owners of the land.
• Learning a little of this history is a warm way to understand your new home.

🏛️ Three levels of government

• Federal (national) - immigration, tax, Medicare, defence.
• State/territory - schools, hospitals, police, roads, licensing.
• Local council - rubbish, parks, planning, local roads.

Australia is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with an elected parliament.

🗳️ Voting is compulsory

• Once you're a citizen aged 18+, enrolling and voting is compulsory - you can be fined for not voting.
• Enrol with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) at aec.gov.au.
• Voting is by secret ballot; elections are often on a Saturday, with a famous "democracy sausage" barbecue at many polling places.

🛤️ Common PR pathways

• Skilled PR - subclass 189, 190, or 186 (employer), or 191 after a regional 491.
• Partner/family - the permanent stage of a partner or family visa.
• Business/talent - e.g. National Innovation visa.

✨ Your new rights

• Live, work and study anywhere, indefinitely
• Medicare access
• Sponsor eligible family members
• Access most government services (after any waiting periods)
• Domestic uni fees and HECS-HELP loans
• A clear path to citizenship

📆 The residence rule (conferral)

Generally, the day before you apply you must have:

• Lived in Australia lawfully for 4 years
• Held permanent residency for the last 12 months
• Been away no more than 12 months total in those 4 years
• Been away no more than 90 days in the final 12 months

You must also be of good character (18+) and intend to keep living in or staying closely connected to Australia.

📖 Test, fee & ceremony

• Citizenship test - 20 questions, 45 minutes, 75% to pass, and you must get all 5 "Australian values" questions right. Study the free booklet "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond".
• Applicants aged 60+ are usually exempt from the test.
• Fee (as at mid-2026): about $575 general, $80 concession, and free for a child 15 or under on a parent's application.
• Ceremony - you make the Pledge of Commitment and become a citizen. It usually happens within about 6 months of approval.

🏅 What citizenship gives you

• An Australian passport and consular help abroad
• Vote in elections and referendums
• Stand for public office
• Access citizen-only government and defence jobs
• Register children born overseas as citizens by descent
• Live overseas as long as you like and always return

🌐 Other routes & dual citizenship

• By birth - generally if born in Australia with a citizen/PR parent.
• By descent - born overseas to an Australian citizen parent.
• Dual citizenship: Australia allows you to keep your other citizenship - but check whether your home country does, as some require you to give it up.