Your Moving Checklist at a Glance

Before you land in Australia, work through this checklist in order. Each step builds on the last.

  1. Secure a valid visa (subclass 482, 494, or 189)
  2. Get a job offer from an Australian employer (if required by your visa)
  3. Arrange health insurance before arrival
  4. Open an Australian bank account
  5. Find accommodation in Sydney or your chosen city
  6. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
  7. Register with your state health system
  8. Understand Australian workplace rights and superannuation
  9. Set up utilities and internet at your address
  10. Arrange transport (Opal card, driver's license, or public transport)

Step 1: Secure Your Visa

Your visa is your legal permission to work and live in Australia. Indian tech workers typically apply for one of three visa subclasses.

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482)

This visa is for workers sponsored by an Australian employer for up to 4 years. Your employer nominates you for a specific role. Processing takes 8 to 16 weeks. You can bring your family with you. After 2 years on a 482, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189).

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

This is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers. You do not need an employer sponsor. You apply through the points-based system. Your occupation must be on the skilled occupation list. Points are awarded for age, English language ability, work experience, and qualifications. Processing takes 8 to 12 months. This visa gives you permanent residency immediately.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 494)

This visa is for skilled workers sponsored by employers in regional Australia. It lasts up to 5 years. After 3 years, you can apply for permanent residency. Regional areas include cities outside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.

Apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need your passport, qualifications, work references, and English language test results (IELTS or PTE).

Step 2: Secure a Job Offer (If Required)

If you are applying for a 482 or 494 visa, your employer must sponsor you. If you are applying for a 189 visa, you do not need a job offer before you arrive, but having one makes the move easier.

Finding Tech Jobs in Australia

Use these job boards to search for roles: LinkedIn, Seek, Indeed, and GitHub Jobs. Many Indian tech workers find roles in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Tech hubs include the CBD, Parramatta, and Barangaroo in Sydney.

When you receive a job offer, check these details:

  • Salary is in Australian dollars (AUD). Tech salaries in Sydney range from AUD 90,000 to AUD 180,000+ depending on experience and role.
  • The contract specifies your start date, probation period, and superannuation contribution rate (currently 12% as of July 2025).
  • Your employer will help with visa sponsorship costs and may offer relocation assistance.
  • The role is listed on the skilled occupation list if you need visa sponsorship.

Understanding Your Employment Contract

Australian employment contracts are legally binding. Read yours carefully. Key terms include notice period (usually 2 to 4 weeks), annual leave (minimum 4 weeks), sick leave (minimum 10 days), and superannuation. If anything is unclear, ask your employer or consult a migration agent.

Step 3: Arrange Health Insurance Before Arrival

Australia's Medicare system is only available to permanent residents, citizens, and people from reciprocal health care agreement countries. If you are on a temporary visa (482, 494, or similar), you must have private health insurance or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Private Health Insurance for Temporary Visa Holders

Buy private health insurance before you arrive. Major providers include Bupa, Medibank, and Ahm. A basic plan costs AUD 150 to AUD 300 per month. Cover includes doctor visits, hospital stays, and dental (depending on your plan). Compare plans on Moneysmart.

If You Become a Permanent Resident

Once you have permanent residency, you are eligible for Medicare. Register at your local Medicare office or online through Services Australia. Medicare covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, and prescription medicines. You will receive a Medicare card in the mail within 2 weeks.

Step 4: Open an Australian Bank Account

You need an Australian bank account to receive your salary. Open one before you arrive or within your first week.

Opening an Account Remotely

Most major banks allow you to open an account online before you arrive. You will need your passport, visa grant letter, and proof of address (a rental agreement or letter from your employer). Banks include Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days.

Opening an Account In Person

If you cannot open an account online, visit a bank branch in Sydney within your first week. Bring your passport and visa grant letter. You can open a basic account the same day.

Transferring Money from India

Use services like Wise, OFX, or your bank's international transfer service to move money from India to Australia. Wise typically offers the best exchange rates. A transfer of AUD 5,000 costs around AUD 10 to AUD 20 in fees.

Step 5: Find Accommodation in Sydney

Rent in Sydney is high. A one-bedroom apartment in the inner west costs AUD 450 to AUD 650 per week. Shared housing is cheaper: AUD 250 to AUD 400 per week for a room.

Where to Look for Housing

Use these websites: Domain, Realestate.com.au, Flatmates.com.au, and Facebook groups like "Housing in Sydney" or "Indian Expats in Sydney". Many Indian tech workers live in Parramatta, Strathfield, Marrickville, and Coogee because of proximity to tech jobs and the Indian community.

Renting in Australia

In New South Wales, landlords can only ask for 4 weeks' bond (not more). Rent is usually paid fortnightly or monthly. You will sign a lease for 6 or 12 months. Before you move in, inspect the property and photograph any damage. Your landlord must return your bond within 14 days of your move-out date.

For more information on renting rights, see the NSW Fair Trading website.

Step 6: Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

You need a TFN to work in Australia. Your employer will ask for it on your first day. Apply for one as soon as you arrive.

How to Apply

Apply online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website. You will need your passport, visa grant letter, and Australian address. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. You will receive your TFN by mail or email.

If you need your TFN urgently, visit an ATO office in person. Bring your passport and visa grant letter. You can get a TFN the same day.

Tax Residency

Once you have a TFN, you are considered a tax resident of Australia. You must declare all income earned in Australia and overseas. Tax is withheld from your salary at source. At the end of the financial year (30 June), you lodge a tax return. The ATO typically refunds overpaid tax within 28 days.

Step 7: Register with Your State Health System

Once you arrive, register with a local GP (general practitioner). Your GP is your first point of contact for medical care. Find a GP near your home using the NSW Health website or ask your employer for a recommendation.

Registering with a GP

Call the GP clinic and ask to register. Bring your passport, visa grant letter, and private health insurance details. A first appointment typically costs AUD 60 to AUD 100 and takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Prescription Medicines

Prescription medicines in Australia are subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). A standard prescription costs AUD 30 to AUD 45. Some medicines are cheaper. Ask your GP or pharmacist about PBS prices.

Step 8: Understand Workplace Rights and Superannuation

Australian workplace law is strict. Your employer must follow the National Employment Standards and your industry award.

Key Workplace Rights

  • Minimum wage: as of 2026, the national minimum wage is AUD 23.23 per hour. Tech workers typically earn more.
  • Annual leave: minimum 4 weeks per year. You accrue 1 week per 13 weeks of work.
  • Sick leave: minimum 10 days per year.
  • Superannuation: your employer must contribute 12% of your gross salary into a superannuation fund (as of July 2025). This is retirement savings.
  • Unfair dismissal: your employer cannot fire you without a fair reason and process.

For more information, see the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Superannuation

Superannuation is compulsory retirement savings. Your employer contributes 12% of your salary into a fund you choose. You can access this money only after you turn 60 (or when you leave Australia permanently). Choose a fund with low fees. Popular funds include Hostplus, Aware Super, and Sunsuper.

Step 9: Set Up Utilities and Internet

Once you have an address, set up electricity, gas, water, and internet. Most landlords include water in the rent. You pay electricity and gas separately.

Electricity and Gas

Contact your local provider (Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, or Essential Energy in NSW). Set up an account online or by phone. Provide your address and move-in date. You will receive a bill every 3 months. Average bills are AUD 300 to AUD 500 per quarter depending on usage.

Internet

Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) is the main internet provider. Check if your address is connected at nbnco.com.au. If yes, choose an internet service provider (ISP) like Telstra, Optus, or iiNet. A standard plan costs AUD 60 to AUD 100 per month. Installation takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Step 10: Arrange Transport

Sydney has excellent public transport. Most tech workers use the train, bus, or light rail to get to work.

Opal Card

The Opal card is Sydney's public transport card. It works on trains, buses, ferries, and light rail. Buy a card at the airport or any convenience store. A weekly cap is AUD 50.80 (as of 2026). Daily cap is AUD 16.80. Tap on and off at each journey.

Getting a Driver's License

If you want to drive, you need an Australian driver's license. You can use your Indian license for 3 months. After that, apply for an NSW license through Service NSW. You must pass a written test and a driving test. The license costs AUD 168 and lasts 5 years.

Buying a Car

Cars are expensive in Australia. A used car costs AUD 10,000 to AUD 30,000. Petrol, insurance, and registration add up. Many tech workers in Sydney prefer public transport or ride-sharing (Uber).

Sources

This is general information only. It is not legal, migration, financial, tax, medical, or professional advice. Always check official sources before acting.