The first challenge is passing a points test which rates your eligibility for moving into the country. Your rating depends on your skill level, or what you can offer Australian society in terms of what services you can provide. The amount of points needed to pass and obtain a visa changes periodically, says the ADIC, so check the current requirements for an updated understanding of what is expected from you.
Typically you need a job if you plan on living in Australia. Like other countries, this rule is complemented by the "chicken and the egg" syndrome, being that it's difficult finding a job without a visa, and it's difficult obtaining a visa without a job, says the guide "Moon Living Abroad in Australia." Striving for Australian jobs that closely match the skill set and training you have will help you find a job more easily.
The Australian Skilled Occupation List (SOL) details different occupations and the expected training and skills relative to them. The list also shows the number of points you would earn for the points test if you have the appropriate training and skill set.
Being an island continent, a feeling of isolation can come about if you don't have access to frequent air travel. Being prepared for this dynamic will help you adjust to the situation once you move to Australia. New Zealand is the closest country at four hours away by air. The next major destination is Southeast Asia, being eight hours away, and then the U.S. at thirteen hours away.
The culture is inclined towards friendliness and "mateship," which is a cultural trait affecting the way business and entertaining is done. Those resisting such a trait will most likely encounter social hardships.
If moving from the U.S., most U.S. cell phones won't work in Australia, says "Moon Living." A 240-volt current is used in the country, so any appliance configured to anything else will need an adapter. Given the cost of moving larger appliances, bringing them with you is essentially a waste of money and time.
Additionally, understanding metric conversions will aid your transition, as the country primarily uses the metric system. This especially proves true if you're seeking employment that involves measurements.
