So you want to move to Queensland, Australia? BSMQ is starting a great series to help potential and current migrants with their important first stages of planning to settling down in Queensland (QLD). This introductory post will give you a brief overview of the migration process.*
*Please note this is a suggested process only and it is recommended that you seek independent migration advice based on your individual circumstances.
Step 1: Research, research, research!
Are you keen to look at new lifestyle opportunities for you and your family? The more information you have, the better prepared you will be and the more streamlined your migration process will be. This stage is the most important and can save you time and money in the end. Whether you are planning to enlist a migration agent or submit your application by yourself, you need to be well informed about settlement information, work and business opportunities, rules and regulations, cost of living, and the visa eligibility of your chosen migration destination.
Search the web, talk to friends and families, communicate with others that have already been through the migration process or enlist a migration agent. The BSMQ website can provide you with a list of important settlement, employment, business, education and tourism links to assist you in your research. You can never be too well informed.
Step 2: Application process
So you’ve done your research and you want to move to Queensland? You’ve looked into all your visa options and a Queensland State nominated visa is your best option. At this stage, BSMQ and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website (DIBP) (and your migration agent if you have one) will be your best resources to ensure you meet the necessary criteria to apply.
It is important to obtain all the required documents BEFORE submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI). This may include required English language certificates, skills assessment, financial assessments, and registrations.
Step 3: Preparing to move
Congratulations! Your visa has been granted and you are moving to Queensland! You’ll be feeling a sense of excitement and determination, but also some nervousness regarding the process. Whether you are moving temporarily or permanently, moving countries takes time and money. You may decide to sell up some of your current assets, and having time to organise this is important to get the best returns.
Planning new accommodation and job applications from overseas is a good idea but also can be challenging. You may wish to find temporary options before you settle into somewhere permanently. If you have children, planning well in advance for school or day care applications is important, so be sure to search the important settlement links in your region on our website. If you have friends or family in the region, ask for their advice. If you do not have personal contacts in the region, community groups or the council in the area can be contacted to help with settlement questions.
Step 4: Arriving in Queensland
Skilled and business migrants are expected to contact BSMQ with their new address and contact details once they have settled into more fixed lodgings. However, business migrants are encouraged to meet with BSMQ to discuss their business venture procedures.
It may be easier to search for employment once you have arrived in Queensland. So it is important to ensure you have sufficient settlement funds to support you through the job search period. When getting yourself job ready in Queensland, it is important to first research the job outlook for your occupation and have your overseas qualifications recognised. The Queensland Government’s Department of Education and Training Overseas Qualifications Unit provides free assessments of overseas qualifications for Queensland residents.
You will then need to research job search avenues and tips and tools when it comes to CV writing and interview techniques. View here for more information on working in Queensland.
Medical and educational entitlements vary depending on whether you are on a permanent or provisional visa. All migrants with permanent residency are able to access medicare and public school funding. You will however, need to become an Australian citizen in order to vote. Provisional visa holders maybe able to access public school funding, however be sure to visit the Department of Education and Training website to ensure you meet fee exemptions. Unless you are from a country with reciprocal healthcare arrangements, provisional visa holders will need to set up their own private health insurance. Be sure to research and compare the different private health policies to see which is best suited to your circumstances.
Step 5: Settling into Queensland
So you have been living in Queensland for a while now, and you want to get more involved in the community? Volunteering or joining other social and community activities is a great way to meet people in your area. Check out your local council’s website and Volunteering Queensland to see what’s available in your area.
Your local council will also have information about support and settlement information for new residents.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Weibo for informative upcoming posts, giving you further details on each migration step!
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Originally Published here:
Your Guide to Migrating to Queensland