Admin & Government
The admin stuff that keeps you up at night. IDs, government accounts, and official paperwork — sorted step by step.
36 tasks in this category
First Week
Create a myGov account
myGov is your gateway to Australian government services. You'll use it for Medicare, Centrelink, tax returns, and more. Think of it as your digital government ID.
Check your visa conditions in VEVO
VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) shows your exact visa conditions - work rights, study rights, expiry dates, and travel conditions.
Learn to spot Australian scams
Scammers often target newcomers who don't know Australian systems. Learn the warning signs and report suspicious contacts.
Know about free interpreting services
TIS National provides free interpreters for government services, medical appointments, and some other situations. Don't let language hold you back.
Create your USI (Unique Student Identifier)
A USI is your personal education ID number. You need it to enrol in any course in Australia. It's free and stays with you for life.
Save the Police Assistance Line: 131 444
For non-emergency police matters, call 131 444 instead of 000. Use it for reporting theft, damage, or suspicious activity.
Attend your university orientation
Orientation week (O-week) introduces you to campus, services, and other students. Don't miss it.
Choose a mobile phone plan
Australia has three networks (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) and many providers using them. Prepaid is easiest for newcomers.
First Month
Transfer your overseas licence to NSW
If you become a NSW resident, you can drive on your overseas licence for 3 months. Then you must transfer to a NSW licence.
Check overseas licence rules for your visa
Temporary visa holders can usually drive on their overseas licence in NSW without transferring. But rules vary by state and visa type.
Keep evidence of your genuine relationship
For Partner visa applicants, you need to prove your relationship is genuine. Start collecting evidence from day one.
Update your address in ImmiAccount
You must notify the Department of Home Affairs within 14 days of changing your address. Do it online through ImmiAccount.
Transfer your overseas licence to Victoria
If you become a Victorian resident, you can drive on your overseas licence for 6 months. Then you must transfer to a Victorian licence.
Transfer your overseas licence to Queensland
Queensland residents can drive on overseas licences for 3 months. After that, transfer to a QLD licence.
Transfer your overseas licence to Western Australia
WA residents can drive on overseas licences for 3 months. Then transfer to a WA licence through DoT.
Transfer your overseas licence to South Australia
SA residents can drive on overseas licences for 3 months. Transfer via Service SA or online.
Set up home internet
Most Australian homes use NBN. Compare providers carefully - prices and quality vary significantly.
Access student support services
Universities have extensive support services: academic skills, counselling, career advice, disability support, and more.
Enrol children in school
School is compulsory for children 6-16 in Australia. Public schools are free for citizens/PR, fees apply for temporary visa holders.
First 3 Months
Understand course progress requirements
Student visa holders must maintain satisfactory course progress. Failing too many units can lead to visa cancellation.
Take an English test if needed
Many visas and professional registrations require proof of English. IELTS and PTE are the most common tests.
Get documents translated by NAATI
For official purposes (driver licence, visa applications), you need translations by NAATI-accredited translators.
Know where to get free legal help
Each state has Legal Aid services offering free legal advice for those who can't afford lawyers.
Know your consumer rights
Australian consumer law is strong. You have rights when things are faulty, not as described, or services aren't delivered.
First 6 Months
Know your 5-year travel facility as a PR
When you get permanent residency, you have 5 years of travel rights. After that, you need a Resident Return Visa to re-enter Australia.
Plan your PR pathway early
If you want permanent residency, start planning now. Some visas require specific work experience, regional work, or employer sponsorship.
Calculate your skilled migration points
General Skilled Migration (189, 190, 491 visas) uses a points test. Calculate yours to see if you're competitive.
Get your skills assessed
For most skilled visas, you need a skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation.
Join a community or cultural association
Connecting with others from your background or interests helps with belonging and mental health. Many associations exist across Australia.
First Year
Understand the citizenship pathway
As a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years of residency, including 1 year as a PR.
Enrol to vote (Permanent Residents becoming citizens)
Once you become an Australian citizen, you must enrol to vote. It's compulsory for federal, state, and most local elections.
Apply for your second Working Holiday visa
Completed 88 days of specified regional work? You can apply for a second year WHM visa.
Review your settlement progress and next visa steps
After a year, take stock of what you've achieved and plan your next steps. Are you on track for your goals?
Check eligibility for permanent residency upgrade
If you're on a temporary visa, check if you're now eligible for PR. Requirements often include time in Australia, skills assessment, or employer sponsorship.
Check Resident Return Visa requirements
If you're a PR planning overseas travel, check your travel facility is still valid. You may need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia.
Plan for family reunion visa sponsorship
If you have family overseas you want to bring to Australia, understand the sponsorship process and plan ahead.
Australian Jargon You'll Need
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