So, you’re considering making the big move to Australia? Whether you’re just starting to plan or already packing your bags, here’s a guide based on my own journey that might help you out. My boyfriend and I moved here just three weeks ago. While we’re not experts, we did plenty of research beforehand and have already learned so much since arriving!
Step 1: Visas – The Ticket to Your Aussie Adventure
The very first step we took was applying for working holiday visas. I’m a U.S. citizen, so I applied for the Subclass 462 visa, while my boyfriend, a U.K. citizen, applied for the Subclass 417 visa. To our surprise, both applications were approved within minutes—so keep a close eye on your inbox!
Step 2: Where to Stay – Pet Sitting to the Rescue
Once we knew we had the right to stay long-term, we needed a plan for where to live. Without jobs lined up, we wanted to save money while settling in. Enter: TrustedHousesitters.
Join the world of pet lovers offering in-home pet care in exchange for a free place to stay. Use my link to get 25% off your membership.
We scored an incredible 1.5-month petsit just outside of Sydney, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough! The homeowners were kind enough to meet with us online beforehand and even picked us up from the train station when we arrived. We stayed with them for two days before they left on their own travels, giving us time to adjust. And let me tell you—between jet lag and navigating a new city, those first few days were definitely the hardest!
Step 3: The Essentials – Tax, Phones, and Banking
The next priority was getting the practical stuff sorted:
- Tax File Number (TFN): Apply as soon as you arrive! It can take up to 28 days, but ours came through in just 10. You can apply online here: Apply for a TFN.
- Australian Phone Number: Employers love to see a local number. I went with Optus for around $20 USD a month, and it’s been perfect.
- Bank Account: We both opened accounts with CommBank (Commonwealth Bank). It’s free, user-friendly, and has branches everywhere. You can even apply online before you arrive!
Step 4: Landing a Job – More Than Just Online Applications
When it came to job hunting, I quickly learned that it’s not always about applying through SEEK or LinkedIn. For more serious career roles, I’ve found the best results from directly emailing companies or messaging hiring managers on LinkedIn. My boyfriend has had luck with straight-up applying, so both approaches work.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the cover letter. Many employers note (in the fine print!) that they won’t even consider your application without one.
Step 5: Tapping Into the Power of Facebook Groups
If you’re looking for work in hospitality, housing, or even your 88-day regional work opportunities, Facebook groups are gold. Australians really do love their community pages, and there’s a group for just about everything—from jobs and apartments to backpackers and local events.
Some to start with:
Step 6: Choosing Where to Live
This is the fun part—deciding where you’ll call home. For us, Sydney made the most sense because of our petsitting gig and the abundance of job opportunities. We considered Perth as well, but Sydney has quickly won us over. Eventually, we’d love to travel more and explore other parts of the country once we’re fully settled.
If you’re just visiting, Sydney is still a must. Between the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and so many hidden gems, it’s full of iconic Australian experiences.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Australia is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. From visas and petsitting to cover letters and Facebook groups, there’s a lot to juggle—but it’s worth it. I hope sharing our experience helps you feel more prepared for your own adventure. Who knows? Maybe our paths will even cross down under!