If you are a recent migrant, you may qualify to register on the Adult Migrant English program (AMEP). For information about the services that the Australian Government offers to help new migrants learn English and communicate in English, click on the link below.
English language tuition for adult migrants

        The government's "English as a second language - new arrivals" (ESL-NA) scheme helps primary and secondary school students who need intensive language tuition to learn English through an intensive learning program in school or in a special intensive language centre.
Schools also have special programs to help classroom teachers with the English language needs of ESL students in their classes.
Ask at any school about the programs and to check whether your child is eligible.
Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) provide information and support for overseas-born residents of Australia, particularly those who have arrived in Australia recently. There is a national network of MRCs, with at least one MRC in each capital city and some in regional areas. For information on the nearest MRC to you click on the link below.
Migrant Resource Centres

        All government departments have a responsibility under the Charter of Public Service to provide an interpreter to help you if you need language assistance.
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) provides a fee-free interpreting service to individuals and groups in the community who provide settlement-related services to non-English-speaking permanent visa holders or citizens.

        The Department provides a free summary or extract translation into English of certain documents necessary for your settlement in Australia. These documents include birth certificates, education qualifications and employment references. Free translations are only available to permanent residents or Australian citizens within the first 2 years of arrival or being granted permanent residency.
The fee-free interpreting and translation services provided by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs are delivered through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS).
You can contact TIS by telephoning 13 1450.
Translating and Interpreting Service - Fact Sheet

• If you need help to talk to a government department ask them to contact an interpreter for you. You will not have to pay for this service.
• If you need help to speak to a doctor or other medical staff or legal services, ask them to contact TIS on 131 450. You will not have to pay for this service.
• If you need translations for important documents contact your local immigration office in your State or Territory. They will be able to tell you whether you will be charged for the services of document translation.

IN AN EMERGENCY, RING THE TRANSLATING AND INTERPRETING SERVICE (TIS) ON 131 450

        The Australian labour market is very competitive. Employment levels in Australia vary depending on prevailing economic factors, the type of work you are seeking and specific circumstances that may affect the availability of employment in different parts of the country.
Industries and workplaces are becoming increasingly competitive internationally through Australia's workplace reform, which is linked with best international practice. Australian workers have one of the lowest rates of industrial disputation in OECD countries. Industrial awards (determinations of fixed wages and conditions) have been simplified. Workplace agreements can now be made directly between enterprises and employees.
Most jobs are covered by a Federal or State award, which entitles workers to a set of agreed working conditions and minimum rates of pay.

        In Australia there are two types of schools: public schools (State government) and private schools (independent).
Education at public schools is free in most states, although most schools do have a small voluntary annual fee to cover extra activities. Parents may also have to purchase such items as books and uniforms and pay for outings, camps etc. Most public schools are co-educational, with girls and boys encouraged to participate equally in class.
Most private schools fall into to one of two categories: schools administered by the Catholic Education Office, and independent schools of other religious persuasions administered by their own boards. Private or independent schools have their own fee structure and receive a subsidy from both Federal and State governments. Many private schools are either Boys' schools or Girls' schools

        Australia has a land area of about 7,692,030 square km (2,969,909.5 square miles), being 3,680 kms long and over 4,000km wide (2,286.6 miles long and 2,485.5 miles wide). In land area, Australia is the sixth largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States of America and Brazil and occupies 5% of the earth's surface.
Temperatures can range from 28 degrees C (84 degrees F) along the Kimberley coast in the north west of Western Australia to 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) in the alpine areas of south-eastern Australia.
Temperatures at both extremes - Summer Highs of plus 40 degrees C (plus 104 degrees F) and Winter Lows of minus 10 degrees C (14 degrees F) - are also recorded from time to time. The tropical/northern part of Australia experiences monsoon type weather and higher humidity than the temperate areas of Australia.
The national average annual rainfall of 465 mm (18 inches) varies greatly year by year, and is distributed unevenly around the continent. The driest area is the Lake Eyre drainage basin in central Australia, which averages less than 125 mm (5 inches) annually. The wettest regions are in the tropical north-east of Queensland and in the south-west of Tasmania.
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is from December to February; Autumn from March to May; Winter from June to August; and Spring from September to November.

        Before you apply to migrate or to remain permanently in Australia, you should find out whether any special requirements or conditions apply to the work you wish to do.
To work in some jobs you must be registered or licensed with an Australian State authority, and/or be eligible for membership of a professional or industry association. Your professional skills/qualifications will need to be formally recognised by the appropriate Australian authority before you are allowed to work in some jobs.
To find out about skills recognition, contact the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) can advise you on how to have qualifications in engineering, metalwork or electrical trades recognised in Australia. You should find out if any restrictions apply to your job.
NOOSR - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition
TRA - Trades Recognition Australia
Or write to:
National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition
GPO Box 1407
CANBERRA ACT 2601
AUSTRALIA

Trades Recognition Australia Manager
Skills Assessment Unit
Trades Recognition Australia
Garema Court
148-180 City Walk
CANBERRA ACT 2600
AUSTRALIA

In establishing your own household there are three main options:


• You can buy your own home
• You can build a new home
• You can rent an established property
  
  Do not sign any contract to buy or rent housing or build your own home until you fully understand all the terms and conditions in the document. This is extremely important because the contract is legally binding after you sign it. If you are planning to buy or build your own home, you should seek legal advice before signing any contract.

        If you wish to buy your own home, homes for sale are usually advertised in newspapers, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you want to buy a house or home unit, look in the 'For Sale' section. A free catalogue advertising housing for sale is available from most Real Estate agents. Many real estate agents are also on the Internet.
Banks and other financial institutions such as building societies, credit unions or similar organisations may lend funds for you to purchase or build a property to live in. Solicitors can assist you with contract advice.

        Building your own home will take planning and time. If you decide to build your own home, you will need to discuss your plans with architects and builders. Licensed contractors should carry out all building and related work.
Solicitors can assist you with contract advice.
Architects, Builders, Solicitors, Real Estate agents, Banks, Credit Unions and Building Societies are listed in the Yellow Pages phone book.

        Properties for rent are advertised in the 'To Let' section of newspapers. You should arrange to inspect the property you are interested in before making a decision to move in. To secure a property, you will need a security bond (refundable deposit) plus a payment of several weeks' rent, which has to be paid in advance. In most cases you will also be required to provide two references which support your claim to be a good tenant. If these are difficult for you to obtain, contact your local Migrant Resource Centre for advice and assistance.
As a tenant you have rights and obligations and these are outlined in the links below. You can buy or rent houses and home units (flats) directly from private owners or through Real Estate agents.

 

        If you have a driver's licence from another country, in English or with an official translation, you are allowed to drive for your first three months after becoming an Australian resident, in all States and Territories except Queensland. After that, if you want to drive, you will need to have the appropriate Australian driver's licence. To get one, you usually need to pass a knowledge test, a practical test, and an eyesight test.
Note: that there are strict traffic laws in Australia, which you must obey.
Breaking traffic laws can result in large fines, the loss of your driver's licence or even imprisonment. The laws are particularly strict regarding speed limits and driving after drinking alcohol. Everyone in your car must use a seatbelt or a proper child restraint, and you must call the police immediately if you are involved in a road accident.
Motor vehicles in Australia are typically right hand drive and therefore travel on the left hand side of the road. This is also important for pedestrians to note. Remember to look to your right before crossing the road.

        Acquiring Australian citizenship is a significant expression of a person’s commitment to this nation and means recognition as an equal member of Australian society, with certain attendant responsibilities and privileges. Usually, people born in Australia of an Australian parent become Australian citizens by birth; people born overseas of an Australian parent may be able to acquire Australian citizenship by descent; people who lose their Australian citizenship may be able to resume it; and people who immigrate here may be able to acquire it by grant.
Generally, people can apply for the grant of Australian citizenship when they have been present in Australia, as a permanent resident, for a total of two years in the previous five years, including twelve months in the two years immediately before they apply