A 2023 bilateral migration deal between the two countries makes access to Australia easier than ever for the Indian population, and there's reason to be excited! Planning to make the move? Here’s how to make your transition a smooth one.
Australia and India share not only a passion for cricket but a strong bond that goes beyond boundaries; there’s a deep connection built on mutual respect and values.
It’s no wonder that the Indian community down under is racing ahead as the fastest-growing migrant group in Australia, increasing five-fold in the last two decades.
According to the Australian Bureau of statistics nearly 60,000 people made their way from India to Australia in 2021-22. Almost 784,000 Australians have Indian ancestry, making up 3.1 per cent of Australia’s population. It’s not just about the movement of millions of people; trade between Australia and India is anticipated to hit $100 billion by 2035.
From visas and new partnership arrangements to healthcare, here are some topics to help prepare you before your move:
Before moving to Australia from India, it’s important to apply for the right visa, which can be points-based. You must meet specific criteria to be eligible for various visa categories, such as student visas, skilled worker visas, and business visas.
Depending on your purpose, you may require a minimum score on the points test and need to meet certain conditions. The points test is applicable to the Business Innovation and Investment visa, Skilled Independent visa, Skilled Nominated visa, Skilled Regional visa, and Skilled Work Regional visa.
There’s a range of visas to suit those looking to move to Australia from India. Some options might include:
Student visas: Indian students looking to study in Australia can do so on the subclass 500 student visa. To qualify, you’ll need to enrol in a registered course, show sufficient funds to support your stay, and have the required English proficiency.
Skilled migrant visas: If you have skills in high-demand occupations, you may be eligible for this visa. The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) outline eligible occupations for skilled migrants.
Business visas: If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur looking to get set up in Australia, there are certain conditions and financial requirements to meet.
Family visas: if you have close relatives who are Australian citizens or permanent residents, you might be eligible for family reunion visas. These visas allow Indian nationals to join their family in Australia.
Temporary work visas: The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) allows Indian nationals with a job offer from an Australian employer to work in Australia for a specific period.
Training visas: A training visa can help enhance your skills through training or professional development.
Permanent Residency visas: This permanent visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Options could include the skilled independent visa (subclass 189) and skilled nominated visa (subclass 190).
Indian graduates of Australian tertiary institutions on a student visa will soon be able to apply to work and pursue professional development without visa sponsorship for up to eight years.
A pilot program called MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme) will allow for university graduates and early-career professionals in India to come to Australia on a two-year visa without sponsorship. Eligible educational qualifications include renewable energy, mining, engineering, ICT, artifical intelligence, FinTech, and AgriTech.
Depending on your visa, private health insurance may be a condition of entry to Australia. However, it’s highly advisable for all visitors to Australia to have private health insurance (even if it’s not obligatory under your visa) to guarantee comprehensive coverage for unexpected medical or hospital expenses during your stay in Australia.
Usually, Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) plans offer suitable private health insurance coverage. However, it's important to carefully review the inclusions and exclusions of any insurance because not all plans provide a comprehensive level of coverage tailored to your specific healthcare requirements.
As you’re thinking about your move to Australia from India, make sure you have a solid grasp of finances. Understanding the cost of living in your chosen city or region, and expenses related to accommodation, groceries, transport, education and healthcare is crucial. There’s also the important step of setting up a bank account, but we’ll come to this later.
Whether you’re coming for work, study, or starting a business, here’s some information to help you get set up in your new country.
The Australian job market is diverse and offers opportunities in a wide range of industries. Work is a good way to make new friends and connect with your community.
Job opportunities depend on your qualifications, skills, experience, and the demand in your sector. Websites such as seek.com.au and LinkedIn are great places to start your search.
It’s important to obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) so you can meet your tax obligations while you’re here. It is free to apply for a TFN, and you can apply online.
Australia is renowned for its world-class education system. Its universities consistently rank among the top in the world, making it a prime destination for international students.
According to The Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2024, Australia has six universities in the top 100 list: University of Melbourne (34), Monash University (54), University of Sydney (60), Australian National University (67), University of Queensland (70), and University of New South Wales (84).
When researching your education options, be sure to look at different universities, vocational colleges, and courses that align with your career goals.
Whether you’re looking to expand your current operations or start a new business from scratch in Australia, the most important thing to consider is the visa process.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs oversees business visas in Australia. In most cases, you can apply for a business visa by submitting an expression of interest. It’s then up to the Australian state or territory government to decide whether they’d like to invite you to apply for a visa. Once you receive an invitation, you’ll need to fulfil specific criteria and provide necessary documents to support your application.
Australia is renowned for its multicultural society, welcoming millions of people from all corners of the globe. It’s worth participating in local festivals and events to celebrate the diverse cultures that make up this country!
After the United Kingdom, the Indian-born population is the second largest migrant community in Australia. There are endless opportunities to connect with your fellow expatriates through cultural events, community associations, and social gatherings.
It’s always a good idea to understand Australian culture and etiquette, while celebrating your culture! Australians are known for their friendly and laid-back nature, with a relaxed approach to hierarchies. It’s common to address people by their first names, regardless of their position.
Now, for the fun part! Deciding where to build your new life.
Finding a place to live will come down to the purpose of your move. If you’ve already got a job lined up, settling in a suburb close to work makes sense. The same goes for study. It’s also important to consider accessibility and convenience, your budget and the cost of living, and the lifestyle you want.
Australia’s cities and regional areas offer an amazing range of living options. Some of the most popular capital cities in Australia are:
Sydney: Australia’s harbour city, known for its cultural diversity and vibrant lifestyle, but high cost of living.
Melbourne: Another multicultural city known for its art, fashion, and café culture.
Brisbane: More affordable than Sydney and Melbourne, with a subtropical climate to go with it.
Adelaide: Known for its affordability and relaxed lifestyle, Adelaide hosts a range of festivals and sporting events.
Perth: On the west coast, Perth is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, but higher living costs.
One of the first things to do on arrival to Australia is open a bank account. Research different banks and their offerings, including savings accounts, transaction accounts, and international money transfer options.
For a list of documents that we accept, refer to Identification Checklist. (PDF 657KB)
Whether you want to send gifts for Diwali or support family members back in India, international money transfers are a common financial need. If you bank with Westpac and request international money transfers in Online Banking or the Westpac App, there are no fees to send foreign currency transfers.
Moving to Australia from India is a major life change. Whether you’re an international student, a skilled migrant, or seeking permanent residency, understanding Australia’s immigration process is key. Embrace the experience and embark on this new adventure to settle in with confidence.
Westpac Choice: Please consider terms and conditions (PDF 622KB) of this product before deciding if appropriate for you.
Fees and charges may apply for international money transfers.
The information in this article is general in nature (including any tax information provided) and does not take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account and does not constitute tax advice. Consider its appropriateness to these factors; and we recommend you seek independent professional legal and/or financial advice about your specific circumstances before making any decisions.