Australia - got the visa, now what? - things to do when you get there.

Second post in our series of articles aimed at making your move over to Oz easy as pie.


Tax File Number application: You cannot receive any income in Australia unless you have a Tax File Number (TFN). To receive this number you need to fill up an application form. This form can be delivered to you as you make the phone call to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and request the same. Alternatively, you may apply for TFN at the ATO website, which is easily accessible 24*7. Another option is to collect it from the ATO offices or Centrelink shop-fronts, which is listed in the White Pages telephone book.

Medicare registration: Medicare Australia is responsible for administration of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and medical expenses reimbursement. To register, you must present your passport, travel documents and permanent visa to the nearest Medicare office. This must be done within 7-10 days of your first arrival in Australia. If all registration requirements are found to be in order, Medicare will then allocate a Medicare card number to you. The Medicare card is normally delivered to you by post, within 3-4 weeks of your successful registration. In case of a medical emergency, you can register with Medicare without waiting for 7-10 days and request issuance of an interim number.

Opening a bank account: Being a newly landed immigrant, you can open a bank account against the presentation of the passport, provided you do so within 6 weeks of your arrival. If you fail to open the bank account within six weeks, you will have to provide additional documentation requirements.

NB: You can open a bank account with Commonwealth Bank from within South Africa, give us a call to send you relevant contact information if you get stuck.


Centrelink registration: Centerlink is the designated Government agency. This agency extends a helping hand to jobseekers and is responsible for screening and approving demands for social security payments and other government assistance.
Contact the Health Undertaking Service: This requirement is applicable only to the newly arriving residents who have signed a Health Undertaking under the Form 815, at the request of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). When you contact them, the Health Undertaking Service will advise you about the nearest Health Authority Clinic where you can have your follow-up medical checks.

Enrol your children in a school: Under the Australian law, it is mandatory for children between the age group of 5 and 15 years to attend school. School education is normally free. Newly arriving residents should enrol their children in a school as soon as possible.

Apply for a driver’s licence: A newly arriving resident, having an international license from the originating country is permitted to drive for first 3 months after arrival. After this time period, it is essential to have the appropriate Australian driver’s licence. For this, you are normally required to pass a knowledge test, a practical driving test, and an eyesight test. In Australia, driver’s licences are issued by state and territory governments. Those not holding a licence from another country will need to pass a Driver’s Knowledge Test to get a learner’s permit.


We welcome comment from our clients or other interested people - if you have any specific questions you would like answering, let us know!