Apply for a visa. As of 2010, Australia offers visas in several categories, including visas for people with skills that are scarce in Australia (skilled migrants), special procedures for spouses or family members of Australian nationals, employer-sponsored visas and visas for individuals who want to open a business in Australia. Determine whether you are eligible to emigrate under one of the visa plans. Contact the Australian Embassy in the United States or the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship for a visa application. (See Resources.)
Comply with all requirements for the visa approval process. The process includes providing evidence of good health, undergoing a background check and submitting character references. You must complete each of these steps before the government will issue a visa.
Hire a moving company to ship furniture, automobiles and other personal items to Australia. Identify international moving companies and choose one to coordinate your move to Australia. International moving companies advertise online at sites such as intlmovers.com and 123movers.com.
Ship books and smaller items via mail or international courier. Federal Express, the U.S. Post Office, and United Parcel Service ship internationally and offer insurance for books, documents and similar items being sent to Australia.
Book an airplane flight to Australia. Use an online service such as Expedia.com or Travelocity.com to find the best rates to Australia from the United States. Be sure you have a valid visa before traveling.
Comply with post-arrival visa requirements. After your arrival in Australia, you may need to appear at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to finalize your status as an immigrant.
