Australia, topic by topic
Seven chapters that apply to everyone. Start at the beginning or jump to what you need.
Bureaucracy
The paperwork sequence every newcomer runs — Tax File Number, Medicare, ID, and eventually the road to citizenship.
Free Tax File Number Read bureaucracy 02Banking
Setting up money in Australia is fast if you use the new-arrival ID exemption window — and superannuation starts accruing from your very first payslip.
6 wks New-arrival ID exemption Read banking 03Visas & Immigration
Australia rebuilt its entire points-tested and employer-sponsored visa system in December 2024 — here’s what replaced what, and current thresholds.
$79,423 Core Skills income floor (482) Read visas & immigration 04Work
Australia sets pay by industry award, not just a flat minimum — understanding modern awards is the single biggest lever on what you’ll actually be paid.
$26.44/hr National minimum wage Read work 05Education
Public school is free for citizens and PRs but can cost thousands per year for a temporary visa holder’s kids — and the bill varies sharply by state.
$6,400 NSW public school fee (temp. visa, K-10) Read education 06Housing
A tight rental market, record asking rents in every capital, and a foreign-buyer ban on existing homes reshape how newcomers should approach the property search.
$850/wk Sydney median house rent Read housing 07Cost of Living
Australia runs meaningfully more expensive than the US or UK on groceries and health cover, competitive on transport, and the Medicare Levy Surcharge quietly pushes most middle earners into private health insurance.
~35% Groceries pricier than US (approx.) Read cost of livingSources & how current this is
Australia rebuilt its entire skilled-visa system in December 2024 (Skills in Demand, National Innovation) and revises visa fees, super, minimum wage and Medicare Levy Surcharge thresholds every July 1 — treat the figures below as a September 2026 snapshot and confirm live numbers on homeaffairs.gov.au and ato.gov.au before you act.