A QUICK GUIDE TO MOVING TO AUSTRALIA FROM THE US

While many people worldwide nurture hopes of moving to the US and living the American dream, many Americans are moving to Australia for various reasons. Some of these reasons include a love for Australia’s stunning natural beauty, quality healthcare, and better working conditions.

Invariably, shipping to Australia from USA has become a regular norm recently, with more Americans calling popular cities like Melbourne and Sydney their new home. On average, around a thousand to four thousand US natives move to this fabulous country each year.

Americans contemplating making this incredible shift themselves can refer to the following brief guidelines for a push in the right direction.

Understand the various visas

Immigration to Australia has been steadily increasing over the last couple of years, with scores of people from various countries calling popular Australian cities home. However, when moving from the US, there are specific visas that applicants must qualify for, depending on multiple criteria such as work, age, etc.

For instance, you can opt for a student or graduate visa if you wish to study at any of the top Australian universities. In contrast, workers can qualify for employer-sponsored visas after passing the basic skills tests. Immigrants can also consider General Skilled Migration (GSM), Business Visas, Family Visas, and Distinguished Talent Visas.

Once you have the correct visa, you can begin the next phase of planning your shift to Australia.

Find a suitable home and become familiar with the culture

Most people are unaware that Australia measures over three million square miles – almost the size of Europe. Invariably, you will find several fantastic cities worth calling your home, making it nearly impossible to pick just one. The trick is to find the place that best suits your needs.

For instance, Canberra is fantastic for families with its stunning greenery, extraordinary small-town charm, and loads of entertainment options. Adelaide is excellent for those affiliated with the healthcare, manufacturing, and education industries. Located on the west coast, Perth has the best climate, besides offering fabulous employment opportunities.

With that done, you should also read up on Australian culture, helping you adjust quickly to your new life. Learn critical things such as how Australians value equal rights and work opportunities, are large-hearted and open-minded, and speak English differently than Americans. So, picking up a few slang terms is prudent if you wish to communicate effectively with the locals. They also love to eat and are passionate about surfing and all things sea, having many beaches to enjoy.

Determine the best way to move your belongings

When shipping to Australia from the USA, the most critical part of the migration process is finding the right company. Look for a reputable service provider who can aid you in shifting your valuables and goods safely and in a manner suitable to you (such as via air or sea). Preferably, select a company with at least a decade of experience moving people worldwide at affordable costs. Also, additional benefits such as discounts, door delivery and pickup, and tracking provision can be helpful.

Finally, note that your safest bet is a family-friendly agency that can help you plan the process well in advance, take care of significant paperwork, and ensure flexible scheduling. You can check customer reviews, payment options, and other pivotal details to determine if a company best fits your needs.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.