First 30 days in Australia: priority tasks for new migrants

Why the first 30 days matter

Several processes in Australia have time-sensitive requirements or create cascading delays if left too long. For example, you cannot open a bank account without an address; you cannot receive Medicare rebates until enrolled; you need a TFN before starting work or the ATO withholds tax at the top marginal rate. Doing things in the right order makes each subsequent step easier.

This checklist applies to people arriving on permanent resident visas. Some items differ for temporary residents — check the specific visa conditions if you are unsure.

Week 1: identification and money

1. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

Your TFN is your unique identifier with the Australian Taxation Office. Apply online at ato.gov.au — you will need your passport and visa details. TFNs are issued within 28 days by post, but may be available sooner online if the ATO can verify your identity digitally. You need a TFN before starting work, lodging a tax return or applying for Centrelink.

2. Open a bank account

Australian banks allow you to open an account online before you arrive or within the first month without proof of address. Major banks (CBA, ANZ, Westpac, NAB) offer migrant-specific products; you typically need your passport and TFN (or confirmation you have applied). A bank account is needed before your employer can pay you and before you can set up most direct debits.

3. Set up a residential address

You will need a fixed address for almost every process on this list. If you are staying with family temporarily, use that address — but be aware that official correspondence (from the ATO, Medicare, Home Affairs) will go there.

Week 2: health and government accounts

4. Enrol in Medicare

Permanent residents can enrol in Medicare from the date they receive their permanent visa. Enrol at a Services Australia office (bring your passport and visa grant letter) or online through myGov. You will receive an interim confirmation and a Medicare card by post within about 2–4 weeks. Medicare covers most GP visits and hospital care in public hospitals.

5. Create a myGov account and link services

myGov (my.gov.au) is the Australian Government’s online portal. Create an account, then link Medicare, the ATO (and Centrelink if applicable). myGov becomes the central point for managing your tax return, Medicare records and government correspondence. Most updates — address changes, name changes, bank details — can be done through myGov once accounts are linked.

6. Register with a GP

Find a bulk-billing GP near your address and book a standard appointment. Your GP is your entry point to the health system for referrals, prescriptions, Mental Health Care Plans and chronic disease management. Registering before you are unwell gives you an established relationship when you need it.

Week 3: social security and entitlements

7. Check Centrelink eligibility

If you have recently arrived on a permanent visa, most Centrelink income-support payments (JobSeeker, Youth Allowance) have a Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period (NARWP) of up to 4 years. However, some payments and services have shorter or no waiting periods — including Family Tax Benefit (FTB) for families with children, Childcare Subsidy and crisis payments.

Contact Services Australia or check the Services Australia website to understand which payments, if any, you may be eligible for from arrival.

8. Apply for a Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN)

Even if you are not eligible for income-support payments immediately, registering with Centrelink creates your CRN — which is required to access Family Tax Benefit, childcare subsidy and other family payments when you become eligible. You can register in person at a Service Centre or through myGov.

Week 4: documents and practical setup

9. Convert or obtain a driver’s licence

If you hold an overseas licence, most states allow you to drive on it for the first 3 months. To convert:

• NSW, QLD, SA, WA, TAS and ACT: direct licence conversion is available for licence holders from most countries, usually requiring an identity check, vision test and payment of a fee. No driving test may be required depending on your country of origin.
• VIC: similar process through VicRoads.

10. Set up utilities and internet

Electricity and gas accounts need to be transferred into your name if you are renting. Compare providers using energymadeeasy.gov.au (or Victorian Energy Compare in VIC). For internet, check your address on nbnco.com.au to understand what speed tier is available, then compare plans.

Ongoing: keep documents organised

Scan and store digital copies of your visa grant letter, Medicare card, TFN notification and bank account details. Australian agencies often need to verify these documents years after arrival — having digital backups in a secure location (encrypted cloud storage) prevents delays.