Complete a visa application to enter Australia. Student visas and working holiday visas allow temporary residence, while work visas, such as the skilled independent migrant visa, allow long-term or permanent stays. Visit immi.gov.au/visawizard to find the visa that fits your situation.
Submit your job skills to an Australian skills recognition authority if you are applying for a work visa. Find the relevant authority for your job field on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's skills recognition page (see Resources). This authority must approve you before you submit your visa application.
Submit your visa application to the nearest Australian consulate. Include the necessary supporting documents, such as those found on the Australian government's "Skilled - Independent (Migrant) Visa Application Document Checklist" (see Resources).
Complete a health examination with a government-approved panel doctor and obtain police certificates if the Australian government prompts you to do so. These are the final steps to gain visa approval.
Book your flight to Australia six months in advance.
Give notice to your employer and landlord two to three months in advance, or put your house on the market at least six months before your move.
Get quotes from shipping companies to transport your belongings to Australia, including your motorcycle. Several companies specialize in transporting motorcycles overseas, according to Web Bike World. Keep in mind that the price tag might be hefty.
Book temporary housing and arrange transportation for your arrival in Australia two months in advance.
Open an Australian bank account and transfer funds one month before moving. Cancel subscriptions, such as Internet, TV and magazine subscriptions.
Ship your motorcycle three to four weeks before you plan to reunite with it in Australia, or whenever your freight company recommends. You may need to prepare your motorcycle for shipping by cleaning it, removing loose parts, folding in the mirrors, turning off the alarm and fixing leaks, per your freight company's instructions. Take note of any damage and scratches before shipping.
Have a garage sale to get rid of items you are not taking with you to Australia. Say good bye to friends and family before you embark on your journey to your new home.
Pick up your motorcycle and inspect it for any damage incurred during the shipping process. In most states, you may drive your motorcycle for up to three months on your home country's driver's license, according to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The only exception is Western Australia, where the law allows you to drive for three months after being granted your visa, not for three months after arrival.
Look for long-term accommodation and begin job hunting as soon as you arrive in Australia. Visit Australian job websites such as seek.com.au.
Apply for a rider license to drive your motorcycle long-term. Each state or territory has its own laws on licensing. If living in New South Wales, visit a Roads and Traffic Authority registry and present your previous motorcycle license. Show evidence of your local address and identity, pay the licensing fee and take an eyesight exam to obtain a New South Wales rider license. Riders from some countries must also take a theory test and Motorcycle Operator Skills Test; those from the United States, United Kingdom and several other countries are exempt.
