Migration Assistance.
Recent figures show that Australia’s estimated resident population increased by 359,000 to 21,374,000 people the year ended 30 June 2008.
This increase shows the largest recorded for a 12 month period since the concept was introduced in 1971 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Figures also show that New Zealander’s represent the largest group of arrivals to Australia, followed by citizens from the UK, India and China. Long term movements, made up of arrivals and departures, are strongly influenced by both domestic and international conditions, particularly economic conditions. The strong economic conditions in Australia are usually associated with a high level of long-term arrivals into the country.
| Net Oveseas Migration End of Yr 2008 | Change over previous year (%) | |
| New South Wales | 144,910 | + 29.1 |
| Victoria | 108,650 | + 24.9 |
| Queensland | 87,325 | + 21.8 |
| South Australia | 25,675 | + 6.6 |
| Western Australia | 60,932 | + 15.2 |
| Tasmania | 3,798 | + 0.7 |
| Northern Territory | 4,676 | + 0.6 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 7,224 | +1.0 |
| Australia | 206,605 | + 21.4 |
Here are just a few simple answers to initial Migration questions that arise on a regular basis. To view more detailed, professional advice and data, please register to gain access to the Serendipity members' restricted information service.
- Can I open an Australian bank account before I set foot in Australia?
- How do I get an Australian driving licence?
- What do I need to know about driving in Australia?
- What are the first things I need to apply for on arrival in Australia?
- As a migrant, can I buy property when I arrive in Australia?
- If I leave my investments overseas, will I have to pay Australian tax on the income?
- What happens to my pension when I move to Australia?
- How do I contact the Australian Taxation Office from outside Australia?
- Are migrants eligible for the federal government's 'First homeowners grant'?
- What about my home country's State Pension, for example UK, that I have contributed to before migrating?
Can I open an Australian bank account before I set foot in Australia?
Yes, it is now possible to open an Australian bank account before arriving in Australia. Most of the larger banks, e.g National (NAB), Westpac and Commonwealth can help with this but check first with your own bank to see if they have any links with any of these or other Australian banks. Most of these banks have a migrant banking service so that you can collect all your cash cards & account details from your nominated branch upon arrival in Australia. NB: You cannot withdraw from your account until you have arrived in Australia and been fully identified. This precaution ensures the security of your money and complies with Australian laws.
If however, you choose to open a bank account upon arrival in Australia, this is normally a simple procedure. You will need to satisfy the 100 points identification system used but a passport and driving licence are enough evidence to meet this requirement. You will also have to provide a tax file number (TFN) once issued, to ensure that any interest paid to you is not taxed before you receive it.
How do I get an Australian driving licence?
If you are only visiting Australia and hold a full European driver's licence, you are able to drive the class of motor vehicle (Not Heavy Vehicles or Buses) that you are authorised to drive under that licence for the life of that licence.
However, if you become an Australian citizen, or permanent resident, you are only authorised to drive in Australia under your foreign driver's licence for a period of three months commencing on either your date of residence or the date that permanent or special category visas are issued. Thus, for example, if you hold a current full UK car license, you can apply for a drivers licence of the same class as your UK licence. Due to recent changes in the Australian licensing laws, UK license holders are now exempt from the practical driving test, but you will need to comply with the following requirements:
- Provide a valid foreign licence and supporting evidence of identity.
- Provide evidence of residence. (Visa In Passport)
- Complete an application, which includes a medical declaration.
- Pass an eyesight test or make a declaration. (*)
- Pass a Written Test, of approx 30 multiple-choice questions or you may not be required to take this test.(*)
- Complete all the above within the stated timeframe.
NB: (*) Each State or Territory does vary so please check.
What do I need to know about driving in Australia?
Driving in Australia is on the left side of the road, and all cars are right-hand drive. The speed limits however are generally slower than most other countries:
- 40km per hour speed limit applies around schools at the start & end of the school day.
- 50km per hour speed limit applies in residential areas in towns & cities.
- 60km per hour in other residential and commercial zones.
- 70 or 80km per hour on dual carriageways.
- 100km (or indicated) speed limit applies on most open roads and freeways.
- 110km per hour is the maximum speed allowed in WA and usually applies to country/bush roads
It is compulsory for every person in a vehicle to wear a seat beat in Australia. An "on the spot" fine and 3 demerit points are issued to the driver if anyone in the vehicle is not wearing a seatbelt. It is a criminal offence in all Australian states and territories to drive a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol. The maximum legal blood alcohol level is .05 for private drivers, Zero if you are driving a coach or multi passenger vehicle.
"Booze buses" are a West Australian police effort to combat drink driving. Roadblocks are randomly set up where you must stop if directed, and be breathalysed. If you are over the limit, you will be charged. Adjoining roads are also patrolled by police to catch escaping drink drivers, so there is really no escaping a booze bus!
Another police effort to combat speeding motorists are mobile speed cameras - these are often hidden even though they are supposed to be visible to drivers. They resemble a video camera on a short tripod stand. Beware, they are everywhere!
What are the first things I need to apply for on arrival in Australia?
The very first things you will need to apply for are your medicare cards and TFN numbers. What are these I hear you saying?!
Medicare card: Issued by the government to all Australian citizens and residents to provide a certain amount of free and subsidised health care and prescriptions. Private Health care insurance is highly recommended as these services are costly. You should apply at your local Medicare centre and you will be required to provide evidence of identity (100 points) and residency (visa/passport).
TFN number: This can be obtained online or by visiting the ATO (tax department). Without a TFN number you cannot work. To be self employed you will also need to apply for an ABN number.
As a migrant, can I buy property when I arrive in Australia?
It is dependant on your visa type. If you hold a permanent residence visa then you can purchase property on the same terms as Australian citizens. Temporary residents and visitors normally have to get Foreign Investment Review Board approval to buy residential property and this can only usually be brand new property or land. More information (external link)
If I leave my investments overseas, will I have to pay Australian tax on the income?
Once you become an Australian permanent resident, you will be liable for Australian tax on your worldwide income regardless of where you have it invested, most migrants do not realise this. To ensure you comply with the Australia's Foreign Investment Fund taxation regulations, all investments (including pension funds and insurance policies) located outside Australia must be declared.
Australia does have agreements in place with many countries to avoid double taxation. However, money earned for example, in UK pounds will be taxed in the UK, and the remainder is then converted into Australian dollars & added to your Australian income & taxed at your marginal rate. This is a very complicated and often enormously confusing subject which is why we recommend professional tax and legal advice and services.
What happens to my pension when I move to Australia?
This is another complicated and confusing subject! Firstly, you need to check with your fund to see if can transfer your pension to Australia (Your home country and Australia must both allow the transfer). If allowed, then you must comply with strict time limits to start the transfer - currently official proceedings must commence within six months of arriving in Australia to avoid paying additional tax. There is usually no way of completing this within six months but providing you have commenced official proceedings everyone is usually happy. If you can't transfer your pension into an Australian superannuation fund then you must remember that when you retire, the money from your overseas pension could be subjected to Australian tax laws. Australian Pensions (called superannuation) & Overseas Pensions Laws are complex, so it is best to seek professional advice before you leave for Australia.
How do I contact the Australian Taxation Office from outside Australia?
For general information the ATO web site is very informative. If you are trying by phone then good luck, most of the phone numbers are '13' numbers that can only be called from within Australia! You can try calling the main ATO number in Canberra on +612 6216 1111 - this is a semi automated service so you may or may not get through to a real person eventually!
Are migrants eligible for the federal government's 'First homeowners grant'?
If you are buying a property for the first time you may be eligible for a $7,000.00 first time buyer's grant which is a very nice gift!
Even if you have owned a property in another country, provided this is your first property in Australia you will be entitled to the grant. Some other conditions which must be satisfied are:
- You, or a joint applicant, must be Australian citizen or a permanent resident.
- You or your spouses have not previously owned an interest in Australian land that had a residence on it prior to 1 July 2000. (This includes investment homes)
What about my home country's State Pension, for example UK, that I have contributed to before migrating?
You can continue to contribute if you wish, for example, back to the UK at a cost of approx £106 per annum if you are working or approx £350 if you are not working. This is a thoroughly recommended practice as the Australian government does not have a similar scheme. Full details can be requested from British Pensions in Australia (BPiA)