Anyone who has migrated to another country will tell you that emigration is not for the faint-hearted. It is stressful, frustrating, emotional, and downright scary. Thankfully you’re not alone. The information here will help you better understand what you need to do and when.

Step 1: Do your research
Figure out where you would like to live in Australia, take a map and decide which area you like more. Would you like to live near the water, the bush or the beach? Have a look at housing websites like Domain or Realestate.com.au to get an idea of the property market, prices, and the type of housing available.

One of the most important things to have is a job to make sure that your living expenses are covered. Most visas require a verifiable job to qualify.  It can take some time to get everything organised for your move, get a relocation checklist to get an idea of how long it will take and what is required along the way.

Step 2: Apply for a visa

Applying for a visa is a complex process. It is best left to professional immigration lawyers or a registered immigration agent who understands the process and will keep up with the ever-changing laws it governs.

Here is a list of registered MARA agents who can assist you with the process of immigration:

Call Australia Home

Contact Person:  Joey Barnard www.callaustraliahome.com.au

Migration Network Australia

Contact Person:  Marlene Prentice Tel: +61 (0) 407-161641 Skype: marlene.prentice E-mail: marlene@mignetau.com Website: www.migrationnetworkaustralia.com

Soft Landing Migrations

Contact Person:  Gerrit Van Rensburg Tel:  +61 (0) 497 318 444 E-mail:  gvanrensburg@softlanding.com.au Website:  http://www.softlandingmigrations.com.au/

Kotze Law

Contact Person: Karen and Jannie Kotze Tel: +61(08) 6146 1826 mail: karen@kotzelaw.com.au and jannie@kotzelaw.com.au website: www.kotzelaw.com.au

Step 3: Prepare to move

Organise your containers, insurance and gather your belongings. Remember to check what is allowed on board the aircraft and what you will need to declare before you land in Australia.

Step 4: Arrive and settle in

Most state governments offer services to help businesses, investors, and skilled migrants to settle in.  Join local groups on social media to help you in the first couple of months to find your way.

This list is by no means exhausted and only highlights a few points to consider.

© Chaleen Botha – All rights reserved

If you require help with creating a resume that highlights your Australian value proposition, or assistance with recruitment or setting up your LinkedIn profile, please feel free to contact me. Don’t hesitate to connect with me on LinkedIn and keep up with my frequent updates on both LinkedIn and  Facebook. You can easily reach me through a LinkedIn message or by finding my contact information here. 

About the Author

Having relocated twice from South Africa to China and then to Australia, and also moving from Queensland to Western Australia, has gained valuable insight into the intricacies of job searching in Australia.

Chaleen, who graduated from the University of South Africa with a background in accountancy, decided to embark on a new journey and discovered a passion for assisting others in their job search. Since 2012 she has played a pivotal role as a job coach, developing LinkedIn profiles and coaching job seekers.

Chaleen was eventually offered a position as a recruiter at a specialised recruitment company and later at an outsourced HR firm. It wasn’t long before she discovered that she had a passion for the recruitment process. Chaleen obtained her recruiter’s license and subsequently established her own recruitment company.

Chaleen enjoys reading, staying fit, and spending time with her family and their two furry pets when she is not working.

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