Australia Visa Timeline: 7 Steps to Approval

Navigating the Australian visa system often means juggling forms, health examinations and deadlines—one small oversight can stall your application by months. That’s why this guide lays out a seven-step roadmap, taking you from an expert consultation to the moment you receive your visa grant. You’ll learn how to select the right visa subclass, assemble flawless documentation, meet health and character requirements, and respond swiftly to any departmental requests.

Drawing on more than 22 years of migration law experience at Simon Mander Consulting P/L, this timeline has helped thousands of skilled workers, partner visa applicants and business sponsors turn complex procedures into clear, manageable tasks. Along the way, you’ll pick up practical tips to avoid common pitfalls and keep your application moving without unnecessary delays.

With each milestone clearly mapped out, you can plan ahead, stay organised and move towards your Australian dream with confidence. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Obtain Expert Guidance from Simon Mander Consulting P/L

Embarking on your Australia visa timeline starts with solid advice from a migration expert. Simon Mander Consulting P/L has helped thousands of applicants translate complex regulations into clear, personalised plans. By working with a seasoned team, you’ll set realistic expectations and avoid avoidable mistakes from day one.

Why Choose Simon Mander Consulting P/L

With over 22 years of experience in migration law, Simon Mander Consulting P/L has a proven track record of securing visa grants across a wide range of subclasses. Whether you’re applying under employer-sponsored streams or seeking partner visas, our consultants bring deep technical knowledge and a solution-oriented approach to every case.

We specialise in:

• Employer-sponsored visas (482, 186)
• Skilled independent and nominated visas (189, 190)
• Partner visas (820/801, 309/100)
• Visa appeals and complex case management

“Thanks to Simon Mander Consulting, my Skilled Independent Visa was granted smoothly,” shares Maria Santos, a registered nurse from Manila. “They guided me through every step and answered all my questions promptly.”

What to Expect in Your Initial Consultation

Your first meeting will lay the groundwork for a seamless application. A consultant will:

1. Review your profile and outline the most suitable visa options.
2. Conduct an eligibility check and estimate processing timelines.
3. Map out a tailored strategy, highlighting risk factors and cost considerations.

Expect clear advice on gathering documents, scheduling health checks and meeting character requirements. This strategic roadmap helps you focus on essential tasks and keeps your application on track.

Preparing Questions and Documents for Your Consultation

Make the most of your consultation by preparing in advance. Here’s what to bring and ask:

Key questions:

• Which visa subclass best fits my background and goals?
• What processing time should I expect for my profile?
• How can I maximise my points score or strengthen my partner evidence?

Essential documents:

• Passport bio page and any previous travel visas
• Résumé/CV detailing work history and qualifications
• Academic transcripts and professional certifications
• Employment references or nomination letters
• Relationship evidence (photos, joint accounts, affidavits) if applying for a partner visa

Having these materials ready ensures a comprehensive review and a more accurate strategy estimate. With expert guidance secured, you’re ready to move on to the next step: determining your eligibility.

Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility and Select the Right Visa Category

Before diving into paperwork, it’s crucial to assess whether you meet Australia’s visa requirements and choose the right pathway. A mismatch between your profile and visa criteria can not only delay your application but also jeopardise your outcome. In this step, you’ll get a clear overview of major visa streams, work out where you stand against eligibility benchmarks, and pick the option that aligns with your short- and long-term plans.

Overview of Australian Visa Categories

Australian visas fall into several broad streams, each with its own purpose, requirements and processing times. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Skilled Independent (Subclass 189):
  • Points-tested, no sponsor needed
  • Ideal for professionals with high points
  • Typical processing time: 6–11 months
• Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190):
  • Requires state/territory nomination
  • Adds 5 points to your total score
  • Typical processing time: 6–8 months
• Employer-Sponsored (Subclass 482/186):
  • Temporary (482) or permanent (186)
  • Sponsored by an Australian business
  • Processing time can range from 2 months (short-term) to 12 months (permanent)
• Partner Visas (Subclasses 820/801 and 309/100):
  • For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or residents
  • Two-stage process (temporary then permanent)
  • Combined processing time: 12–24 months
• Student Visa (Subclass 500):
  • Full-time study at a registered institution
  • Work rights limited to 48 hours per fortnight
  • Processing time: 4–11 weeks
• Visitor Visa (Subclass 600):
  • Tourism, business short-stay or family visits
  • Validity up to 10 years in some streams
  • Processing time: 1 day to 2 months, depending on country of application

Keep in mind that eligibility basics—such as health, character, financial capacity and (where relevant) sponsorship—vary across these streams.

Assessing Your Eligibility: Points Test and Criteria

For point-tested visas (189, 190), you need at least 65 points calculated against a set of criteria. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Age (maximum 30–33 years): up to 30 points
• English proficiency (Competent to Superior): up to 20 points
• Skilled employment (inside/outside Australia): up to 20 points
• Qualifications (PhD to Diploma): up to 20 points
• Australian study requirement: 5 points
• State nomination (Subclass 190): 5 points
• Partner skills (meeting age, English, points test): 10 points
• Specialist credentials (community language, regional study): up to 5 points

Ask yourself:

• Am I under 45 and in peak employable age?
• Can I score at least “Proficient” or “Superior” English?
• Do my qualifications match an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List?
• Do I have at least three years’ full-time skilled work?
• Can I secure state nomination or an employer sponsor?

Tallying your points honestly will show whether you’re competitive for a points-tested visa or better off exploring alternative streams.

Choosing the Best Pathway for Your Goals

Your ideal visa strikes a balance between speed, cost and long-term aspirations:

• If you’ve landed a job offer from an Australian company, a 482 Visa often processes faster than applying independently for a 189 Visa.
• Want immediate work and study rights but don’t yet hit the points threshold? A Student Visa can be a bridge to gaining local qualifications and boosting your points later.
• Seeking permanent residency straight away? Points-tested visas (189/190) lead directly to PR, but partner visas (820/801 or 309/100) may be simpler for couples who can clearly demonstrate their relationship.

By weighing these trade-offs against your personal timeline and resources, you’ll pick a visa subclass that feels less like a gamble and more like a calculated step toward living in Australia.

Step 3: Gather and Organize All Required Documentation

Proper documentation is the backbone of a smooth visa application. Missing pages, blurry scans or unverified translations can trigger requests for further information—delaying your timeline by weeks or even months. In this step, you’ll learn how to assemble every required file, verify its authenticity and structure your digital folders so nothing slips through the cracks.

Creating a Comprehensive Document Checklist

Begin by breaking your documents into these core categories:

• Identity
  • Passport bio page
  • National ID or birth certificate
• Immigration History
  • Current and previous visas
  • Entry/exit stamps or travel records
• Employment
  • Resume/CV
  • References or nomination letters
  • Payslips or tax statements
• Education
  • Degree transcripts and certificates
  • English proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS)
• Financials
  • Bank statements
  • Proof of funds or sponsorship
• Relationship (if applicable)
  • Marriage certificate or statutory declarations
  • Joint bank account statements, leases or utility bills
• Health and Character
  • Panel physician health report
  • Police clearance certificates

Tip: Use a simple spreadsheet with columns for Document Name, Status (e.g., “Collected,” “Certified,” “Uploaded”), Expiry Date and Notes. This keeps you on top of deadlines—especially for health exams or police checks that can expire before your application is decided.

Authenticating and Translating Your Documents

Australian immigration authorities insist on certified copies and approved translations:

1. Certified Copies
   • Get originals certified by a notary public, solicitor or accredited official.
   • For some countries, you may need an apostille stamp—check your local foreign affairs office.
2. Translations
   • Any document not in English must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator (or equivalent).
   • Include both the original language and English translation, each certified.

Avoid these pitfalls: scanning only one side of a multi-page certificate, using a non-accredited translator or submitting low-contrast scans that make handwriting illegible. A single oversight here often leads to an RFI and stalls your application.

Organizing Your Files for Submission

A well-structured folder system and clear file names make uploads and departmental reviews effortless:

• Folder hierarchy example:
  • 01_Identity
  • 02_Immigration_History
  • 03_Employment
  • 04_Education
  • 05_Financials
  • 06_Relationship
  • 07_Health_Character

• File naming convention:
  • Passport_BioPage.pdf
  • Transcript_Bachelor_2018.pdf
  • PoliceCert_Philippines_2025.pdf

Best practices for digital files:

• Scan at 300 dpi in black-and-white or colour for text clarity.
• Save as PDF, keeping each file under 5 MB if possible.
• Run an OCR (optical character recognition) check to ensure text is searchable.

By grouping, authenticating and filing your documents systematically, you’ll minimise the risk of missing components and speed up the review process. With your paperwork in order, you’re ready to tackle mandatory health and character checks in Step 4.

Step 4: Undergo Mandatory Health and Character Checks

Before you lodge your visa application, you must satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements. Skipping or delaying these checks can lead to requests for further information (RFIs) and push your application timeline back. In this step, you’ll get clear on which medical exams you need, how to find an authorised doctor, and where to obtain the police clearances that meet Department of Home Affairs standards.

Completing health and character checks early not only helps you avoid last-minute stress but also demonstrates to immigration authorities that you’re proactive and organised. Since some certificates expire within months, it’s best to book your appointments as soon as your documentation is in order. Read on to learn exactly what tests you need, which doctors to use and how to get police certificates from every country where you’ve lived.

Understanding Immigration Health Requirements

Most visa subclasses require a medical examination to rule out health risks to the Australian community and public health system. Common tests include:

• Chest X-ray to detect tuberculosis
• General medical exam (physical check-up, height/weight)
• Blood tests for HIV, hepatitis and other conditions

Timing matters: test results must be no more than 12 months old at the date you lodge your application. For some visas—like the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or skilled independent (subclass 189)—you may also need specialist assessments (e.g., eye or hearing tests). Your migration consultant will confirm exactly which medical forms (for example, Form 1429 for offshore applications) and tests apply to your visa subclass.

Navigating the Approved Panel Physicians Directory

Australia only accepts health reports from doctors on the Department of Home Affairs’ panel physician list. To find an authorised physician in your country:

1. Visit the Department’s panel physician directory.
2. Search by country or city to locate nearby clinics.
3. Confirm the doctor’s current approval status before booking.

Using a non-panel doctor or an expired approval can invalidate your health results, forcing you to retake tests. Book directly with a clinic on the official list, mention your visa subclass and verify fees up front. Many panel clinics offer eMedical, which sends your results electronically to the Department, speeding up assessment.

Obtaining Police Certificates and Meeting Character Standards

Character requirements apply to most visas and hinge on police clearances from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. Here’s how to stay on top of this:

• Identify all relevant jurisdictions: include your home country and any overseas postings or study periods.
• Contact the appropriate local or national police authority to request a certificate.
• If the certificate isn’t in English, have it translated by a certified translator and include both versions.

Processing times can vary from a few days to several months, depending on local procedures. To avoid delays, apply for police checks as soon as you confirm your lodgement window. Make sure each certificate clearly shows your name, date of birth, issue date and—if applicable—any restrictions or findings. Once you have all clearances, label them in your document spreadsheet (e.g., “PoliceCert_Philippines_2025.pdf”) so you’re ready to upload when you lodge.

By completing these health and character checks early, you’ll clear critical hurdles in your visa timeline and keep your application moving smoothly toward lodgement. Next up: submitting your application through ImmiAccount in Step 5.

Step 5: Lodge Your Visa Application Through ImmiAccount

When it’s time to lodge your visa application, using ImmiAccount is a no-brainer. This secure online portal from the Department of Home Affairs streamlines every stage—form completion, document uploads, fee payment and status updates—in one place. By lodging online, you avoid postal delays, reduce the risk of lost paperwork and make it easier to respond quickly if the Department requests extra information.

Before you hit “submit,” double-check that all your meticulously organised files (from Step 3) are at the ready. A smooth ImmiAccount lodgement sets the stage for a faster decision and keeps your Australia visa timeline moving forward without unnecessary hiccups.

How to Create and Access Your ImmiAccount

1. Visit the ImmiAccount portal and click “Create an ImmiAccount”.
2. Provide your email, create a strong password and set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
3. Verify your email address and log in. You’ll land on your dashboard, where you can start a new application or view existing ones.

Benefits of ImmiAccount:

• Secure storage of personal details and documents
• Automated status notifications via email
• One-stop shop for lodgement, payments and departmental messages

Completing the Online Application Form Accurately

Accuracy here is crucial. Even small typos can trigger a request for information and stall your visa timeline.

• Copy-and-paste from your source documents (CV, passport scan) to avoid transcription errors.
• Use official names exactly as they appear on each certificate—no nicknames or abbreviations.
• Double-check key fields: dates of birth, passport numbers, employment dates and qualifications.
• Review each section before moving on; ImmiAccount often flags missing or inconsistent entries.

Remember, once you lodge, most details can’t be edited. Take your time.

Uploading Documents and Paying Application Fees

With your form complete, it’s time to attach evidence and pay the visa application charge:

1. Upload order

   • Follow the sequence in ImmiAccount: identity, employment, education, health/character, etc.
   • Use clear filenames (e.g., Passport_BioPage.pdf, Transcript_Master2019.pdf).
   • Ensure each file is under 5 MB and scanned at a minimum of 300 dpi.

2. Payment

   • Check the current fee for your visa subclass on the Department’s website.
   • Pay online by credit card, BPay or international transfer—ImmiAccount shows the available options.
   • Download and save the payment receipt, noting the transaction or reference number.

3. Final review and lodgement

   • Scroll through the summary page and confirm every attachment is present.
   • Agree to the declaration, then click “Lodge”.
   • You’ll receive an instant acknowledgement email with your application reference number (e.g., CA1234567).

Once lodged, you can relax—at least until Step 6. Your visa application is now officially in the Department’s hands, and ImmiAccount will keep you posted on every update.

Step 6: Track Your Application and Monitor Processing Times

After you lodge your application, the waiting begins. But “inactive” doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Tracking progress is essential in your Australia visa timeline: it helps you prepare for requests, manage expectations and avoid the stress of uncertainty. You’ll use two main tools—the Department’s processing times guide and your personal ImmiAccount dashboard—to stay up to speed.

Using the Department of Home Affairs Processing Time Guide

The Global Visa Processing Times tool is the official yardstick for how long different visas are taking right now. Select your visa subclass and location to see two key metrics:

• 75% percentile: three-quarters of applications finalise within this timeframe
• 90% percentile: nine-tenths of applications wrap up by this point

If your subclass shows 3 to 6 months for 75%, it means most applicants hear back in that window—but some may wait nearer to the 90% mark. Treat these figures as guiding posts, not hard deadlines. Regularly checking the tool lets you adjust plans—book flights later if the average drifts—or anticipate when to follow up.

Checking Status in ImmiAccount

ImmiAccount remains your single source of truth for your file’s status. After logging in, head to your application overview to see:

• Application status (e.g., “Received,” “In progress,” “Additional documents requested”)
• Any messages or requests for information (RFIs) from case officers
• A timeline of recent updates and attachments you’ve submitted

Enable email notifications and check in at least once a week to catch any departmental messages. Missing an RFI deadline can push your approval back by weeks. A quick glance can tell you if all is on track or if you need to turn your attention to a new request.

Understanding What Affects Processing Speeds

Processing times can ebb and flow based on several factors:

• Method of lodgement: online applications via ImmiAccount generally move faster than paper submissions
• Application completeness: missing or unclear documents prompt RFIs and bring work to a halt
• Seasonal peaks: busy periods—like year-end holidays or academic intake cycles—can stretch wait times
• Program caps and quotas: parent visas or capped partner streams may see longer backlogs
• Caretaker conventions: during election periods, certain policy decisions and processing delays can occur

By keeping these variables in mind, you’ll know when a delay is part of normal variation or when you might need to follow up. The more you monitor, the smoother your final steps toward approval will be.

Step 7: Respond Promptly to Department Requests to Avoid Delays

Even a perfectly prepared application can stall if you miss a request for more information. The Department of Home Affairs often seeks clarification or extra documents during its review. Responding quickly and comprehensively to these requests keeps your application moving and shows you’re proactive. In this step, you’ll learn what kinds of questions or missing documents you might be asked for, how to deliver them efficiently, and why timely responses matter.

Common Department Requests for Additional Information

Case officers frequently issue RFIs (Requests for Further Information) to fill gaps or verify details. Typical requests include:

• Proof of funds: extra bank statements or sponsorship letters, especially for student visas and visitor visas.
• Relationship evidence: additional photos, joint leases or statutory declarations for partner visas.
• Updated health checks: if your medical results fall outside the validity window, you may need a fresh panel physician report.
• Character documents: certified police certificates or court records if your profile has extended residency in multiple countries.
• Skills assessments: for skilled visas, you might be asked for more detailed work references or qualification transcripts.

These requests will arrive via your ImmiAccount dashboard or official email. They usually include a deadline—often 28 days—so it’s best to act as soon as you see a notification.

Best Practices for Providing Quick, Complete Responses

When you receive an RFI, follow these guidelines to minimise friction:

• Organise with a cover sheet: start with a concise letter summarising each document and why you’re sending it.
• Use clear filenames: RFI_ProofOfFunds_Apr2025.pdf or RFI_PartnerPhotos.zip helps the case officer match materials quickly.
• Bundle attachments: upload all requested items in one batch rather than piecemeal, reducing the risk of misplaced files.
• Stick to deadlines: set personal reminders to submit your response at least 3–4 days before the cut-off, allowing buffer for any issues.
• Confirm receipt: after uploading, check ImmiAccount to ensure each file is listed and review any system-generated messages for errors.

By creating a standard RFI template and naming convention, you’ll streamline future responses and avoid the scramble when additional questions arise.

Consequences of Delayed Responses on Your Timeline

Every day you wait to respond can push your decision out by weeks. For example, missing a 28-day deadline by even a week might trigger a departmental reminder, add to processing queues and increase the risk of your application lapsing. In partner visa cases, a delayed relationship evidence request could extend the temporary visa stage and postpone eligibility for permanent residency.

Think of RFIs as checkpoints: if you clear them swiftly, you maintain momentum; if you hesitate, your entire application timeline drifts. Prioritising these requests ensures that once all requirements are met, the Department can make a final decision without unnecessary interruptions.

Key Factors Influencing Your Visa Processing Timeline

Despite following the seven-step roadmap to the letter, some overarching factors can speed up or slow down your Australia visa timeline. Recognising these variables lets you set realistic expectations, plan buffer time, and take proactive measures to keep your application moving smoothly.

Application Completeness and Quality of Support Materials

A comprehensive, error-free application is the single biggest determinant of swift processing. When every form is filled accurately and each attachment is clear and certified, case officers can assess your file without issuing Requests for Further Information (RFIs). Key points to remember:

• Double-check that names, dates and document numbers match exactly across your application and supporting files.
• Use high-resolution, properly certified scans and approved translations for any non-English documents.
• Keep an updated checklist or spreadsheet to track the status of every required item and avoid last-minute omissions.

By prioritising application quality from the outset, you minimise delays caused by follow-up requests and enhance the chances of an on-time decision.

Volume of Applications and Program Caps

Even fully compliant applications can be held up by external factors beyond your control. Australia’s migration programs operate under annual quotas and often experience surges in demand:

• Capped streams such as parent visas or certain partner subclasses can develop significant backlogs when places fill quickly.
• High-demand categories—skilled independent, student and visitor visas—see peaks during academic intake periods and holiday seasons.
• Election cycles trigger caretaker conventions that pause policy changes but can also slow decision-making on some visas.

Monitoring the Department of Home Affairs’ published processing times for your subclass helps you anticipate these bottlenecks and plan travel or work arrangements accordingly.

Individual Circumstances: Security, Health, and Character Checks

Every applicant must clear Australia’s security, health and character thresholds, but the complexity of your personal background can extend the timeline:

• Multiple police jurisdictions: living in different countries may require several clearances, each with its own processing window.
• Detailed security checks: applicants from certain regions or professions might undergo enhanced vetting by external agencies.
• Health assessments: specialist medical reports and follow-up tests can add weeks if initial results flag further investigation.

Being proactive—ordering police certificates early, completing health exams as soon as possible and disclosing any unique security considerations—reduces the risk of unanticipated delays. By understanding these individual factors, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the final stretch of your visa journey.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Delays

Despite meticulous planning, many applicants encounter unexpected hurdles that stretch out their Australia visa timeline. Whether it’s a tiny mistake on an application form or a late police clearance, these setbacks can add weeks or even months to your wait. By anticipating common pitfalls and adopting a proactive mindset, you’ll keep your journey on track and reduce unnecessary stress.

Below, we cover three frequent challenges—application errors, holdups in health and character checks, and communication gaps—and offer practical tactics to minimise their impact on your visa progress.

Dealing with Incomplete or Incorrect Applications

A single typo, missing signature or mismatched date can prompt the Department of Home Affairs to issue a Request for Further Information (RFI), pausing your application until you correct it. To prevent this:

• Rely on a detailed checklist: cross-verify every document and form entry against the official requirements.
• Maintain consistency: use exact names, dates and reference numbers as they appear on your certified copies.
• Secure a second opinion: have a migration consultant or trusted colleague review your files for omissions and errors.

Spending a little extra time on a final proofread pays off by avoiding the weeks lost to RFIs.

Managing Delays in Health and Police Checks

Health exams and police certificates are vital but often time-critical. Delays here can push your visa decision back significantly. Stay ahead with these steps:

• Schedule early: book your panel physician appointment and apply for police clearances as soon as your paperwork is ready—ideally before lodging.
• Track validity periods: most medical reports expire 12 months after the exam; police checks can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Plan with ample buffer.
• Log and follow up: record reference numbers and expected delivery dates, then gently chase up any overdue certificates.

By treating medical and character requirements as priority tasks, you avoid last-minute scrambles that derail your timeline.

Avoiding Communication Breakdowns

Missed emails or out-of-date contact details can mean you never see crucial RFIs until after the deadline has passed. Keep the lines open with these best practices:

• Update ImmiAccount regularly: confirm your email, phone and mailing address are current and match what your service providers use.
• Whitelist key senders: add the Department of Home Affairs and your migration consultant’s domains to your email safe list to prevent messages landing in spam.
• Check in weekly: make it a habit to log into ImmiAccount at least once a week, so you catch requests and status changes in real time.

Clear, consistent communication helps you respond to departmental requests promptly and keeps your visa application moving forward.

Finalizing Your Visa Grant and Planning Your Move to Australia

After the culmination of months—or sometimes years—of preparation, receiving your Australian visa grant is an exciting milestone. Yet, the work doesn’t stop at the approval notice. To make your transition as smooth as possible, you’ll need to understand your visa conditions, organise your travel, and tackle a handful of post-arrival tasks. This section walks you through decoding your grant notice, booking your trip, and settling into life Down Under.

Receiving and Understanding Your Visa Grant Notice

The moment your visa is approved, you’ll receive a formal grant notice via the email address linked to your ImmiAccount. This document is more than a celebratory keepsake—it’s the legal record of your rights and responsibilities in Australia. Key details include:

• Visa subclass and grant number
• Date of effect and visa expiry
• Conditions on work, study and travel
• Entry requirements (for multi-entry visas)

Read the notice carefully. Note the last date you must enter Australia, any work-hour limits (for student visas, typically 48 hours per fortnight), and the health or character conditions you must continue to meet. Save a digital copy and print at least two hard copies—keep one with your passport and one in your personal files. If you plan to start work or study immediately, forward the grant notice to your employer or education provider so they can confirm your visa status.

Planning Your Travel and Arrival Logistics

With your grant notice in hand, it’s time to lock in your travel plans. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Book flights that arrive well before your course start date or work commencement.
• Arrange temporary accommodation—student dorms, serviced apartments or short-stay Airbnbs give you breathing room to find longer-term housing.
• Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) if you hold a Student Visa (subclass 500); your education provider or Simon Mander Consulting can recommend the right policy.
• Organise shipping or storage for household goods, and research pet quarantine rules if you’re bringing animals.

Don’t forget practicalities like airport transfers and SIM cards. Pre-book a shuttle or rideshare if you land late at night. Many Australian mobile networks offer short-term SIM-only plans—having local data ready on arrival makes navigation and online check-ins far less stressful.

Settling In: Immediate Post-Arrival Steps

Once you’ve touched down, tackling a few key tasks in your first week will set you up for success:

1. Register your address with the Department of Home Affairs via VEVO or ImmiAccount. This ensures all correspondence reaches you promptly.
2. Open a bank account. Most major banks allow you to apply online from overseas—visit your chosen bank’s website before departure to start the process.
3. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). You’ll need this before starting any paid work. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) offers a simple online application.
4. Set up essential services. Get a local SIM, apply for public transport cards (Opal, Myki, etc.) and consider private health insurance if your visa doesn’t grant full Medicare access.
5. Obtain local licences or registrations. Depending on your visa and profession, you may need to register with state boards, professional associations, or convert your driver’s licence.

By organising these steps early, you’ll avoid the “first-week scramble” and focus on settling into your new city, finding work or diving into your studies. With your visa grant behind you and these essentials in place, you’re officially on your way to building your Australian chapter.

Ready to Start Your Australian Visa Journey?

You’ve seen how each of the seven steps builds on the last—from expert guidance and eligibility assessment to flawless lodgement, monitoring and timely responses. This clear, methodical approach takes the guesswork out of complex requirements and keeps your application moving forward without avoidable delays.

Yet every visa case is unique. Whether you’re pursuing skilled migration, sponsoring a partner or securing employer sponsorship, tailored advice ensures you meet every milestone on time. With over 22 years of migration law experience, Simon Mander Consulting P/L specialises in crafting personalised strategies that anticipate challenges and streamline your path to approval.

Ready to turn those plans into reality? For a no-obligation consultation and customised support, visit Simon Mander Consulting today and take the first concrete step towards your Australian future.

SMCadmin

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