Guides for newcomers

21 guides · Updated August 2026

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Your complete guide
for every stage of the journey

Organised in the order you'll actually need each thing: which visa suits you, what to sort before you travel, on arrival, and while you're settling in.

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Which visa gets you into Australia?

The most common types, who each one is for, and the official link

Working Holiday visa

AUD $840, ages 18–30 (35 for some countries), 12 months

Student visa (subclass 500)

For studying a registered course, with part-time work rights

Partner visa (subclass 820/801)

For the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or resident

Employer sponsorship visa (Skills in Demand, subclass 482)

Your employer sponsors you for up to 4 years, with a path to residency

Permanent residency via employer (subclass 186)

The natural next step after time with your sponsoring employer

Visitor visa (subclass 600)

For coming to see the country, with no work rights

Parent visa (subclass 103 and others)

For bringing your parents — with very long wait times

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Still packing your bags?

Sort this out without leaving your country

How much money do I need to start out in Australia?

A $3,000–$5,000 AUD cushion for the first month

Open your bank account before you travel

Some banks let you apply online from your home country

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Did you just get off the plane?

The urgent stuff for your first weeks here

What is a TFN and how do I get one?

Free, 20 minutes online, arrives within 28 days

myGov and Medicare: how health cover works here

Only Permanent Residents get full Medicare access

SIM card and an Australian number

From $12.50/month with 25GB

Converting your foreign driver's licence

You have between 3 and 6 months depending on the state

Public transport: card and fare by city

Each city has its own card and its own app

Health and emergency numbers to save right now

Save these on your phone from day one

Finding work as a newcomer

$24.95 AUD/hour minimum wage (2025)

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Got a place and a job sorted?

Time to build your life here for the long run

Cost of living by city (2025–2026)

Ballpark figures — vary by area and season

Banking, saving, and sending money back to Latin America

Wise is the cheapest way to send money to LATAM

The government portals you'll use again and again

Centrelink requires 4 years of PR before you can access it

Where to find the Latino community in Australia

Groups, churches and markets in your city

Apps you'll use every day

Housing, health, free English classes and more

General information, not personalised migration advice. Always verify on the official Australian government websites.