Your To Do List When You Arrive In Australia
Landing in Australia is exciting — but the first few weeks can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re arriving alone and starting from scratch. Between admin tasks, job hunting, and settling into a new country, it’s easy to miss something important.
This checklist covers the eight essential steps every skilled migrant should complete as soon as possible after landing. Get these done early and you’ll be job-ready — and stress-free — much faster.
- Step 1 — Get a local SIM card
This is your first priority, ideally before you leave the airport.
A local number is essential for job applications, employer callbacks, and staying connected. We recommend Telstra which offers the best network coverage across Australia, including remote and regional areas. This matters especially if you’re targeting FIFO, mining, or farm work where other networks simply don’t reach.
Most Telstra stores are quick and straightforward. Bring your passport or ID, and you’ll be set up within minutes.
- Step 2 — Open your Australian Bank Account
You’ll need a local bank account to receive your salary. The vast majority of Australian employers will not pay into an overseas account, so this needs to be sorted before you start work.
Head into a branch and ask for a new account appointment — it’s usually fast and straightforward. Bring your passport and any supporting ID.
The most commonly used banks among new migrants are Westpac and Commonwealth Bank, both of which have strong branch networks and migrant-friendly onboarding processes.
- Step 3 — Get your TFN and/or ABN
You cannot legally work in Australia without a Tax File Number (TFN). This is your individual tax identifier — every employer will ask for it.
If you plan to work as a sole trader or contractor (common in trades), you’ll also need an Australian Business Number (ABN).
Both can be applied for directly through the Australian Tax Office (ATO) online. It’s free, straightforward, and typically processed within a few days.
Don’t start working without your TFN in place — it affects your tax rate significantly.
- Step 4 — Set up your Superannuation
Superannuation is Australia’s compulsory retirement savings system. Your employer is legally required to contribute 11.5% of your salary on top of your wages directly into your super fund.
You’ll need to choose a fund and provide your employer with your details before your first payslip. We recommend Australian Retirement Trust — registration is fully online and takes just a few minutes.
One important tip: stick to a single super fund. Having multiple funds from different jobs means paying multiple sets of fees, which quietly eats into your retirement savings over time.
- Step 5 — Get your Australian Driver Licence
A driver’s licence is one of the most important documents you’ll need in Australia — not just for driving, but as your primary form of ID in everyday situations. Once you have it, your passport can stay safely at home.
The good news is that you don’t need an international driving permit. In most states, you can convert your overseas licence directly.
Oversix offers a NAATI-certified translation service for your original licence, which is required by the Department of Transport. Make sure you have the minimum points of ID ready when you attend your appointment.
A driver’s licence is often a mandatory requirement for trade and FIFO roles — sort this one early.
- Step 6 — Get the right tickets for your job
Depending on the industry you’re targeting, having the right certifications in place before you start applying can make a significant difference to how quickly you get hired.
Many employers — particularly in construction, trades, and FIFO — will screen out applications that don’t list the relevant tickets upfront. Common certifications include:
- White Card — mandatory for all construction and most FIFO sites
- RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) — required for hospitality roles
- Forklift Licence — needed for warehouse and logistics positions
- Working at Heights / Confined Spaces — essential for trade and mining roles
- High Risk Work Licence — required for operating cranes, EWPs, forklifts on certified sites
Getting these done early signals to employers that you’re job-ready and serious — which matters more than most candidates realise.
- Step 7 — Prepare your Resume
Australian resume standards are different from what you may be used to. Keep the following in mind:
- No photo — including one can actually work against you
- Keep it to 1–2 pages maximum — recruiters spend seconds, not minutes, on each application
- Lead with your key skills and experience — don’t bury them
- Include all relevant licences, tickets, and qualifications — in Australia, these carry serious weight
- Use clear, simple formatting — no graphics, no tables, no columns
A well-structured resume tailored to the Australian job market significantly improves your chances of getting called in for an interview.
If you’re looking to apply for FIFO jobs, you might like our article “Top Tips for your FIFO Job Application”
- Step 8 — Find a job & get your skills recognized
This is the step most skilled migrants don’t know about, and it can make the difference between working below your level for years or building a real trade career in Australia.
If you’re a qualified tradie (electrician, plumber, welder, mechanic, carpenter) or if you’re a cook, chef or baker… your overseas qualifications may be eligible for formal recognition in Australia. With the right skills recognition pathway, you could move from earning $22–$28/hr in an unrecognised role to $50–$65/hr or more as a licensed/qualified tradesperson.
Don’t default to farm work or labour jobs while your skills go to waste. There’s a pathway designed for people like you.
Oversix offers skills assessment and RPL for overseas qualified people.
To find info about Recognition of Prior Learning, read this article: What is RPL?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a local SIM card when I arrive in Australia?
Yes, it’s highly recommended so you can stay connected, access local services, and handle job or housing applications easily. Providers like Telstra offer strong nationwide coverage, especially in regional and remote areas.
Can I open an Australian bank account before arriving?
Some banks allow you to start the process online, but you’ll usually need to complete it in person once you arrive. The most common banks are Commonwealth Bank and Westpac.
What is the difference between a TFN and an ABN?
A TFN (Tax File Number) is required if you are employed in Australia. An ABN (Australian Business Number) is needed if you work as self-employed or freelance. Both can be applied for through the Australian Taxation Office.
Do I need superannuation in Australia?
Yes. Superannuation is mandatory for employees. Your employer contributes a percentage of your salary into your retirement fund. You can choose your fund, such as Australian Retirement Trust.
Do I need an international driver licence in Australia?
Not always. In many cases, a NAATI-certified translation of your original driver’s licence is enough. NAATI services are provided by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters, please reach out to us so we can connect you with our NAATI partners.
Where can I find accommodation quickly when I arrive?
First you can use platforms such as Hostelworld for hostels, Flatmates for shared housing, and Facebook Marketplace for private listings.
How can I avoid rental scams in Australia?
Never send money before visiting the property or signing a proper lease agreement. Be cautious of listings that seem too good to be true or pressure you to pay quickly.
What should an Australian CV look like?
Keep it simple and professional. Do not include a photo. Focus on skills, experience, and relevant qualifications or licences. Tailor it depending on the industry you are applying for.
Is it useful to get my skills recognised in Australia?
Yes. Some occupations allow Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which can help you get qualified locally and avoid starting from entry-level roles. Moving further, you can even do a skills assessment if you’re a licensed trade or if you want to apply for permanent visas.
Who can help me settle in Australia?
Our team at Oversix can assist with job placement, NAATI translations, skills recognition, and visa-related questions to help make your transition smoother.