Permanent Resident Settlement Guide
Your Work Rights
No work restrictions. Full and unrestricted work rights.
- You now have access to government jobs — check APS Jobs for federal positions
- Apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years of permanent residency (1 year as PR)
- You can access all Centrelink services and payments
- Consider getting your overseas qualifications formally recognised through the relevant authority
First Week
22 tasksApply for your TFN (Tax File Number)
A TFN is your unique tax ID in Australia. You need it to work, open bank accounts, and lodge tax returns. Without it, you'll be taxed at the highest rate.
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.
Open an Australian bank account
You need a local bank account to get paid, pay rent, and manage daily expenses. Most banks have accounts designed for newcomers.
Enrol in Medicare
Medicare is Australia's public health system. It covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, and some medical costs. Not all visa types are eligible.
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.
Know your workplace rights
Australian workplace law protects all workers, regardless of visa type. You have rights to minimum wage, breaks, leave, and safe conditions.
Get an Opal card for Sydney transport
The Opal card is your ticket to Sydney's buses, trains, ferries, and light rail. Tap on and off, and fares are automatically calculated.
Get a myki card for Melbourne transport
myki is Melbourne's public transport card. Use it on trains, trams, and buses across the city and regional Victoria.
Get a go card for Brisbane transport
go card is South East Queensland's travel card. Use it on Translink buses, trains, ferries, and trams in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast.
Get a SmartRider for Perth transport
SmartRider is Perth's transport card for buses, trains, and ferries. It gives you discounted fares compared to cash tickets.
Get a metroCARD for Adelaide transport
metroCARD is Adelaide's public transport card for buses, trains, and trams. It's cheaper and more convenient than paper tickets.
Know the emergency number: 000
000 is Australia's emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance. Call only in life-threatening or time-critical situations.
Save Lifeline for mental health crises
Lifeline is a 24/7 crisis support service. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or suicidal, call them. It's free and confidential.
Access Beyond Blue for anxiety and depression
Beyond Blue provides information and support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Their counsellors understand the challenges of starting over.
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.
Save Kids Helpline for under 25s
Kids Helpline is a free, confidential counselling service for anyone under 25. Available 24/7 by phone, chat, or email.
Know 1800RESPECT for domestic violence support
1800RESPECT is Australia's national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Free, confidential, 24/7.
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.
Save the Fair Work hotline: 13 13 94
Fair Work provides free advice about pay, conditions, and workplace issues. Your visa won't be affected by calling.
Track your work hours with the Fair Work app
The Record My Hours app lets you track when you work, including breaks. It's evidence if there's a pay dispute.
Choose a mobile phone plan
Australia has three networks (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) and many providers using them. Prepaid is easiest for newcomers.
First Month
28 tasksChoose your superannuation fund
Super is Australia's retirement savings system. Your employer must pay 11.5% of your salary into a super fund. You can choose which fund.
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.
Understand rental bonds in NSW
When you rent in NSW, you'll pay a bond (usually 4 weeks rent). This is held by NSW Fair Trading, not your landlord.
Know your tenants' rights in NSW
Tenants Union NSW provides free advice on rental issues, disputes, and your rights as a renter.
Know your tenants' rights in Victoria
Tenants Victoria provides free advice for renters in Melbourne and across the state.
Know your tenants' rights in Queensland
The RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority) manages bonds and provides advice for Queensland renters.
Find a bulk-billing GP near you
A bulk-billing GP is a doctor who accepts Medicare as full payment - no out-of-pocket cost. Find one before you get sick.
Check your pay rate with the Fair Work calculator
The Pay Calculator shows your minimum legal pay rate based on your job, age, and employment type.
Know the minimum wage
As of July 2025, Australia's national minimum wage is $24.10 per hour (or $915.90 per week for full-time). Casuals get 25% loading on top.
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.
Understand rental bonds in Victoria
Victorian bonds are held by the RTBA (Residential Tenancies Bond Authority). Your landlord doesn't hold it.
Understand rental bonds in Queensland
QLD bonds are lodged with the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority). Maximum is 4 weeks rent.
Understand rental bonds in Western Australia
WA bonds are held by the Bond Administrator at DMIRS. Maximum is 4 weeks rent.
Understand rental bonds in South Australia
SA bonds are held by CBS (Consumer and Business Services). Maximum is 4 weeks rent.
Understand Sydney's rental market
Sydney has Australia's most expensive rentals. Know median prices before you search to budget correctly.
Understand Melbourne's rental market
Melbourne offers better value than Sydney. Inner suburbs are popular but outer suburbs are much cheaper.
Understand Brisbane's rental market
Brisbane is more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne. The rental market has tightened recently.
Understand Perth's rental market
Perth has the most affordable capital city rentals. But availability can be tight.
Understand Adelaide's rental market
Adelaide has Australia's most affordable capital city rentals. Great value for newcomers.
Register on Australian job sites
Create profiles on Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn. These are where most Australian jobs are advertised.
Set up home internet
Most Australian homes use NBN. Compare providers carefully - prices and quality vary significantly.
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.
Know your tenants' rights in Western Australia
WA tenant protections are managed by Consumer Protection WA. Know your rights for repairs, rent increases, and evictions.
Know your tenants' rights in South Australia
SA tenant rights are managed by Consumer and Business Services (CBS). They handle bonds, disputes, and tenancy advice.
First 3 Months
21 tasksCompare electricity and gas providers
Australia has many energy retailers with varying rates. Compare plans to find the best deal for your usage.
Compare private health insurance
Consider private health insurance to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge and get faster access to specialists.
Confirm your super guarantee rate
As of July 2025, employers must pay 12% super guarantee on top of your salary. This is going up each year.
Get an ABN for freelance/contractor work
If you're doing freelance, gig economy, or contractor work, you may need an Australian Business Number (ABN).
Check Centrelink support for new residents
Some PR holders and visa types can access Centrelink payments after waiting periods. Check what you're eligible for.
Format your resume for Australia
Australian resumes are different from other countries. Keep it to 2-3 pages, focus on achievements, and include a career summary.
Write Australian-style cover letters
Cover letters are expected for most professional jobs in Australia. They should be brief, tailored, and address the selection criteria.
Find an after-hours doctor service
Medical issues don't always happen during business hours. Know your local after-hours GP options.
Find your local pharmacy (chemist)
Pharmacists can help with minor ailments without a GP appointment. Know where your nearest one is.
Get a Mental Health Care Plan
If you're struggling with mental health, a GP can create a Mental Health Care Plan giving you Medicare-subsidised psychologist sessions.
Volunteer to build Australian connections
Volunteering is a great way to meet people, gain local experience, and contribute to your community.
Attend industry networking events
Many jobs in Australia come through connections. Networking events help you build your professional network.
Check professional registration requirements
Some professions (nursing, teaching, engineering, accounting) require Australian registration or membership.
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.
Claim the tax-free threshold
Australian residents for tax purposes don't pay tax on the first $18,200 earned. Tell your employer to reduce withholding.
Get car insurance (compulsory and optional)
CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance is required for registration. Additional insurance protects your car.
Get contents insurance for your belongings
Contents insurance covers your stuff against theft, fire, and damage. Your landlord's insurance doesn't cover your things.
Learn Australian road rules
Australia has unique road rules. Even experienced drivers should review them before driving here.
First 6 Months
17 tasksKnow 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.
Consolidate multiple super accounts
If you've had multiple jobs, you may have multiple super accounts. Each charges fees. Combine them to save money.
Review super fund insurance
Many super funds include life, TPD, and income protection insurance. Check if yours covers you and if it's good value.
Understand Australian credit scores
Australia has credit scores like other countries. Your credit history here starts fresh, but matters for loans and rentals.
Understand HECS-HELP for citizens/PR students
If you're an Australian citizen or PR studying at university, you may be eligible for HECS-HELP - a government loan for tuition.
Apply for Child Care Subsidy
If you have children in childcare, you may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy to reduce fees.
Get travel insurance for overseas trips
When leaving Australia for holidays, get travel insurance. Medicare doesn't cover you overseas.
Review and compare MySuper products
MySuper is a simple, low-cost default super option. If you're in a default fund, check if a MySuper product or a different investment option suits you better.
Avoid Lifetime Health Cover loading
If you don't have private hospital cover by July 1 after your 31st birthday, you pay a 2% loading for each year you're late (up to 70%).
Check your credit report (free annual check)
You're entitled to a free credit report every 3 months from each credit bureau. Check for errors and understand your score.
Update your resume with Australian experience
After 6 months, you have Australian experience to add. Refresh your resume with local roles, achievements, and referees.
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.
Get a National Police Check
Many jobs, volunteer roles, and visa applications require a National Police Check. It shows any criminal history in Australia.
Register for Australian professional development
Many professions require Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Stay current with Australian standards and practices.
Get your RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol)
If you work or want to work in hospitality, you need an RSA certificate. It's mandatory for serving alcohol in Australia.
Review your energy plan
Energy plan discounts often expire after 12 months. Check if you're still on a good deal or if it's time to switch.
Set up salary sacrifice for super
Salary sacrifice lets you contribute extra to super from your pre-tax salary. It reduces your taxable income and boosts retirement savings.
First Year
10 tasksUnderstand the citizenship pathway
As a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years of residency, including 1 year as a PR.
Lodge your annual tax return
Australian tax year runs July 1 to June 30. Lodge your tax return by October 31 to avoid penalties.
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.
Use First Home Super Saver Scheme
First home buyers can withdraw voluntary super contributions to buy a home. Tax benefits make this attractive.
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?
File your first Australian tax return (step-by-step)
Your first Australian tax return can be confusing. Gather your documents, understand what you can claim, and lodge before the deadline.
Create or update your will and power of attorney
If you have assets in Australia, make sure your will is valid under Australian law. Consider a power of attorney for medical and financial decisions.
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.
Review rental lease or consider buying
After a year, your lease may be up for renewal. Consider whether to stay, move, or even explore buying property.
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