Featured insight
485 Visa Fee Doubled to $4,600: What International Graduates in Australia Need to Know
By SettleMate•5 Apr 2026
Read full storyStart here
How to use this guide
Three calm steps: follow the roadmap, dive into the guide you need, and reach out if your situation is unique.
Start with the roadmap
Follow the steps in order—from arrival to daily life.
Open the detailed guide
Jump to the topic that matches your next move.
Ask for personal help
If things are complex, we will map it with you.
The settlement roadmap
Arrival
Day 1-7
Compliance
TFN/ABN, rent
Living
Bank, Medicare, rent
Work & Growth
Jobs & career
Follow these seven steps
A calm, sequential path from your first week to finding your footing. Each step links to the guide you need.
- 1
Your first week in Australia
- SIM card, transit card, temporary stay, emergency contacts
- 2
Essential documents
- TFN, ABN (only if needed), MyGov setup
- 3
Banking & money setup
- Open accounts, understand payslips, first salary basics
- 4
Housing & renting
- How renting works, documents, bond, inspections
- 5
Healthcare & Medicare
- Eligibility, enrolment, private vs public
- 6
Jobs & work rights
- Resume, work restrictions, pay, super
- 7
Community & Growth
- Building networks, understanding local culture
Core settlement categories
Jump to the guide you need
Short, structured guides with the exact actions, documents, and timing.
Checklists & tools
Download, save, or print
High-value checklists to keep you organised. PDF-friendly and easy to reuse.
Checklist
Australian Tax Checklist for Migrants
A complete, stage-by-stage tax checklist for migrants and visa holders in Australia — covering TFN application, tax residency, workplace setup, superannuation, record-keeping throughout the year, and lodging your first tax return via myTax. Includes a 2025–26 quick reference rate table.
Published by: SettleMate
Version v1Updated Apr 20, 2026
Avoid these
Common mistakes newcomers make
Calm warnings, not fear. Fix these early and you stay ahead of the curve.
Applying for ABN when TFN is enough
Only get an ABN if you will invoice. Otherwise, TFN is sufficient.
Working before knowing restrictions
Understand your visa work limits to avoid compliance issues.
Signing rentals without reading terms
Check bond, inspections, and notice periods before signing.
Delaying Medicare enrolment
If eligible, enrol early to avoid out-of-pocket surprises.
Ignoring superannuation
Choose a fund, check stapling, and keep contributions visible.
Personalised support
When you might need personal help
If your situation is complex, tell us. We keep it calm and map next steps with you.
Visa situation is complex or changing
Overseas income or unsure about residency
Starting freelance or ABN work and need BAS rhythm
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed by paperwork
Friendly, confidential, and tailored.
Proof from newcomers
Testimonials from early settlers
Real stories from migrants, students, and freelancers using this hub.
“The arrival checklist saved me days—SIM, MyGov, and TFN were sorted in one evening.”
Sneha P.
Student, first week in Sydney
“Their TFN vs ABN explainer prevented a GST mistake and I set up BAS correctly from day one.”
Yusuf K.
Freelance designer, Melbourne
“I finally understood Medicare vs OSHC and picked a GP without overpaying.”
Elena V.
New migrant, Brisbane
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