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Everything you need to settle in Sydney and Australia — visas, housing, jobs, tax, healthcare, transport and more. Pick your situation below.

First steps Visa Housing Jobs Tax & Money Healthcare Transport

First steps when you arrive

Do these in your first week — they unlock everything else.

  1. Get a Tax File Number (TFN) — required to work legally and do your tax return
  2. Open an Australian bank account — you can apply before you arrive at most major banks
  3. Get an Opal card — tap on/off for all Sydney trains, buses, ferries and light rail
  4. Check Medicare eligibility — free public healthcare for permanent residents and citizens only; temporary visa holders (students, skilled, working holiday) need private health insurance or OSHC
  5. Understand your superannuation — your employer pays 12% of your salary into a super fund (as of 1 July 2025)
  6. Know your rental rights before signing any lease

Visa & Immigration

Understand your visa conditions, work rights, and how to extend or change your visa.

Housing & Rooms

Find a room or flat, understand your rental rights, and avoid scams.

Jobs & Work Rights

Find work, know your minimum wage, and understand your rights as an employee.

Tax & Money

Tax returns, superannuation, sending money home, and managing your finances in Australia.

Healthcare

Medicare, private health insurance, and how to access healthcare as a new arrival.

Transport

Opal cards, Sydney trains and buses, and getting your NSW driver licence.