Checklist 1
Important documents to bring
These documents will be required for legal activites in Australia. If you do not currently have them, get them as soon as possible, as it can take time to have things processed in your country. It may be a good idea to keep these in a bank safe until you are settled in a secure home (i.e. not staying in a hostel).
- Birth certificates and passports for all family members
- Adoption documents, if applicable
- Your marriage certificate (or divorce or separation documents)
- Immunisation records of your children. These are absolutely necessary when enrolling your children in Australian schools or daycare centres.
- Medical records, including X-rays, dental records, and prescriptions.
- Copies of all school records, certificates, diplomas, degrees and academic transcripts. You might be asked to have your qualifications assessed by a professional evaluation service. This could make it easier to find work.
- Letters of reference, containing all contact details of your former employers.
- A professional portfolio or samples of your work. This is especially relevant for creative industries such as graphic design.
- A valid driver’s licence + international driver’s licence. You will be able to drive immediately using the driver’s licence from your home country and an international driver’s licence for three to six months, until you must apply for an Australian licence. Consult the traffic authority in your Australian state or territory for further information.
- Car insurance papers. If you have a good driving record in your home country, you may get a better premium on car insurance in Australia.
- Travel insurance documents to cover you in your first few weeks in Australia. Private health insurance providers in Australia have a waiting period for coverage after joining. You are responsible for your own coverage in the meantime and could face high costs for medical treatment, ambulance travel, or emergency surgery without it.
- Certificates of valuation and authenticity (including photographs) for jewellery and other valuables and heirlooms. If you are carrying more than A$10,000 in cash, you must declare it on your Incoming Passenger Card.
- Financial records that show your credit history/rating. These records will make it easier for you to get approved for credit in Australia.
- Documents relating to any foreign income, properties or other investments. You may be required to pay tax on these investments in Australia. Consult the Australian Taxation Office website for more information.
