new in australia:tips from immigration department

Having arrived as a skilled or family migrant, or a refugee or humanitarian entrant, there may be many new things for you to adjust to in your new country. 'Settlement' is the process of adjustment you experience as you become established and independent in Australia.

Some migrants feel settled quite quickly, perhaps within six to 12 months. For others it may take some years. How quickly you settle into your new environment may depend on a range of factors, such as your English ability and your level of health, and whether you came as a skilled or family migrant or as a refugee. If you have visited Australia in the past and you are familiar with this country and society or if you join the work force quickly, you may settle quite quickly.

the immigration department recommends the newly arrived immigrants to do the below mentioned 7 things:


1. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) : http://www.ato.gov.au/
Do this first. To receive an income in Australia, you need a Tax File Number (TFN).

2. Register with Medicare :http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/
The Australian Government provides help with basic medical expenses through a scheme called Medicare.

3. Open a bank account
In Australia, most income including salary or wages and government benefits are paid directly into a bank account. here is a list of some banks.
commonwealth bank : http://www.commbank.com.au/
national bank : http://www.nab.com.au/
bankwest :http://www.bankwest.com.au/
westpac bank :http://www.westpac.com.au/
st. george bank :http://www.stgeorge.com.au/
arab bank :http://www.arabbank.com.au/

4. Register with Centrelink : http://www.centrelink.gov.au/
Centrelink is a government agency which delivers a range of services to the community.

5. Register for English Classes http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/help-with-english/amep/
Communicating in English is very important and the key to your successful settlement.
it is free and can give the new residents of up to 510 hours of free classes.

6. Enrol Your Children in School
Under Australian law, children must attend school until they are 15 years old.

7. Apply for a Driver's Licence www.rta.nsw.gov.au
Information on gaining a driver's licence.
these are the basic things ,the immigration website has a lot of advices on settlement ,simply follow the link:http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/settle-in-australia/
my tips is start getting in contact with the community services organisation in your place .they always have programmes, services or at least information for you.