Popular Post Jordy Posted January 11, 2008 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 (edited) The 100 step process to immigratingto Australiafrom South AfricaWhat follows is a 100 step process that the average immigrant would need to follow. I write this based on various posts from the www.saaustralia.org forums. So most of the stuff you would have read before. Not everything listed here applies to everyone. Some things are not required for some visas and everyone's situation is different. But maybe you will see something you never thought of.The decision1. Make the decision to immigrate2. Make the decision to apply for a visa yourself or to use an immigration agent.3. Start reading the www.immi.gov.au website. Spend hours reading about all the different visa options and who they are for. It is a fantastic website and most of your questions will be answered there.4. Register as a user on www.saaustralia.org and make your first post in the foyer thread. Do not be a lurker who reads and takes but never contributes or helps. If you get help by reading then try give help to others. No one expects you to be an expert before you post, and no one is going to hold you personally accountable if you give a wrong answer to someone's question. All we really want is an opinion from people who are in the same boat.The Visa application process5. Choose which visa is best for you and your situation.6. Start collecting the required documents for your particular visa.7. Get multiple passport sized photographs. You will need about 8-10 per person. (You even need photo for the customs department that inspects your container.)8. Apply for passports9. Apply for all family member's unabridged birth certificates from home affairs10. Apply for unabridged marriage certificate from Home Affairs or get proof of De Facto relationship.11. Get certified copy of custody documents (and access arrangements) / adoption papers (if applicable to dependents)12. Apply for military discharge papers from the Defence force if you did National Service.13. Book to write your IELTS exam with the British Council if required14. Apply for academic transcripts from your university15. Apply for a letter from your university saying the course was taught in English (if not using IELTS to prove English speaking ability)16. Apply for a letter from your High School saying the medium of instruction was taught in English (if not using IELTS to prove English speaking ability)17. Get certified copies of all academic qualifications18. Get certified copies of all licenses you hold to practise your profession19. Ask for detailed references from all places that you have worked (previous and current)20. Apply for skills recognition/assessment from the relevant Australian skills assessing authority. See document 1121.pdf for all assessing bodies.21. Make a curriculum Vitae (this is not only for looking for work but needs to be attached to some visa applications)22. Study up on the different areas in Australia.23. Do an LSD (look-see-decide) trip - either actual or virtual - to help make the decision. For a virtual tour use Google Earth / Google street Maps http://www.google.com.au.24. Choose where in Australia you would want to live.25. Secure work in Australia from an employer who is willing to sponsor you to DIAC (if not going the independent route)26. Get a formal letter of appointment signed by both employer and employee27. Complete your character Assessment (Form 80)28. Apply for police clearance certificate29. Book your medical exams (form 26 for medical and form 160 for x-rays)30. Read and sign the Statement of Australian Values (Form 1281)31. Get a copy of Regional Certification Body approval (if applicable)32. Get a copy of the Nomination approval letter33. Submit your visa application34. Get your "visa granted" letter35. Book your airplane tickets through IOM (International Organisation for Migration) who often provide cheaper one way tickets and increased luggage allowance.The moving house process36. Make the decision whether to sell your house or to rent it out and finish paying off your bond, then to sell. (As it not seller's market at the moment might mean that it is better to rent and pay off the bond with the wonderful A$1 to R6.75 exchange rate (Note was R6.75 in 2008, it is now A$1/R10 in 2014) 37. Make the decision whether to ship all your belongings across or to sell up and buy everything new once there. A 20ft container will cost in the region of R30-R45000 and a 40ft will cost R60-R75000). If you sold all your belongings for say R30000, could you replace everything for between R75-R100000?)38. Get three or four removal companies in to give you quotes (eg Magna, AGS Frasers, Crown, Chess, Pickfords, Biddulphs, Amphibious Freight)39. Choose which one you will use.40. Start throwing away things that you have horded for years. Keep only what is going in the container. This takes longer than you think so start early.41. Make an inventory of everything in your house (with Australian replacement values) that is going with you to Aus. (You can even take photographs of the contents of each room before they start packing - open your cupboard doors and photograph your clothes, CD's, DVD's etc) Take this with you on the plane.42. Do some research on what can and cannot be imported. See http://www.customs.g...te/page4369.asp or http://www.agricultu...ravel/cant-take as to what you can take with and what you cannot..43. Make a list of all the serial numbers on the valuable items in your house (TV, PC etc). Take it with you on the plane.44. Clean perfectly all items like garden equipment, vacuum cleaner, camping and fishing equipment45. All Australian King and Queen size beds are extra length (203cm) - that means if you buy a new bed in Australia, your old linen (fitted sheets) will be too short. Consider replacing your linen with extra length here, as linen in Australia is pricey.46. Keep all receipts for your relocation costs (medicals, etc). You may be able to claim it from your tax.47. Make sure your passport is not in the container!48. Keep the keys for everything that is locked inside your container with you - customs will request it.The pet decision49. Make the decision whether to take your pets with you or not.50. Contact Keringa (East Rand); Global Paws (West Rand) and Kookaburra (Pretoria) for quotes51. Visit them to see where your beloved pet will spend quarantine.52. Get certified copies of your pet's vaccination records53. Select one and book them a place54. Ensure your pets are micro chipped55. Ensure all their vaccinations are up to date.56. Ensure their rabies vaccination is valid. All pets must have had at least two Rabies vaccinations, one of which must have been done not more than 6 months, but not less than 1 month, before entering quarantine. (Extremely NB: ensure that if they need a rabies shot that the vet does not use one containing Leptospira interrrogans. var. canicola. This affects the blood tests during quarantine.57. If your pet is ten years and older, then have a geriatric profile done by your vet. It is advised to get full blood counts, liver and kidney enzymes and urine analysis. Your vet may require chest and hip x-rays. If they fail this profile, you will not be allowed export them."Shutting up Shop" process58. Change postal address of all accounts to a reliable friend or family member two months before you go (so you can see which companies did not make the change, and you have enough time to sort it out before you go - things like telephone account, DSTV & MNET, City Council, Security company, insurance - both short term and life, Bank (all accounts - some bank's you have to change it for each account!), Medical Aids, Shopping Cards, Memberships, Doctors, Specialists etc.)59. Set up a free email account like gmail and start using it two months before you leave. Then you can see who is still emailing your old email address. Remember when you cancel your ISP you will lose your email address.60. Start obeying the South African speed limit and road rules. Takes time to get used to watching that speedometer and the cars behind you edging you to go faster. Australia works on the Driver's license point system. Too many speeding fines will see you losing your driver's license.61. Get a reference letter and client code from your bank.62. Give bank Power of Attorney to a trusted person. This allows them to conduct banking transactions on your behalf etc.63. If you don't already have internet banking, get it set up and test it.64. Get a reference letter from your short term insurance detailing your no claim bonus etc.65. Cancel Telephone account (Do this in writing and keep proof - applies to all cancellations)66. Cancel cell phone contracts (all three VC, MTN, Cell C contracts require 3 months notice).67. Cancel ISP68. Cancel DSTV / MNET69. Cancel Security Company70. Cancel SABC license71. Make the decision whether or not you will continue paying your policies (Life Insurance, Annuities etc) from Australia. Speak to your broker about the effects of early cancellation.72. Cancel your medical aid (read the fine print - they may require 3 months notice)73. Close your store accounts.74. Cancel all membership debit orders etc that won't continue.75. Get all you kid's immunizations up to date and have it recorded on their immunization cards. (To attend day care and school in Australia it has to be up to date).76. Get a letter of membership and involvement from your church. Advise them that you are leaving.77. Get a reference letter for your family if you were involved in volunteer work. Volunteering is big in Australia and if you were involved in volunteering, it goes a long way - also, when you want to get involved again in Australia, you will need references.78. Back-up everything on your computer (photos, documents, inbox, sent items etc) and take the CD's or removable hard drive with you on the plane.79. Make certified copies of ALL important documents (passports, visas, ID books, birth certificates etc) and leave it with a reliable friend or family member. Even better yet, have it scanned and leave a copy of the disk - take the other one on the plane with you.80. Update your Last will and Testament and leave a copy with a reliable friend/family member.81. Give a reliable person General or Specific power of attorney to attend to your business on your behalf. Make sure they have details of all your bank accounts, policy numbers, contact persons etc. As well as copies of all important documents. The banks require a special POA and do not accept a general one.82. Get transfer cards from your kid's schools and their latest report cards or a progress report.83. Get reference letters from your kid's activities e.g. ballet report, etc - this will assist in placing them in the right group when they take it up here. If your child performed in anything, get proof. You WILL need it!84. Take the whole family for a medical check-up, have their eyes tested, go to the dentist, get that filling etc. Dental and optometry is very expensive.85. Get the contents of your medical files from all your doctors and specialists. Saves you from going through the whole process again. Aus doctors don't take your word for it! If you have a special condition, let the doctor write a letter. If you have contacts or glasses, get your script.86. Get scripts for all medication your family is currently using - especially chronic. You can bring 3 month's prescription medication if you have a written script. Take it on the plane with you in case your container is delayed etc. (Also bring some general medication that your family use regularly if it is anything stronger than panado or if it is something specific such as anetheine cream, myprodol, etc).87. You do not need an international driver's license but make sure that RSA driver's license is not about to expire. You will require a current RSA license is convert.88. Leave your flight details, first accommodation details etc with a family member/friend.89. Also leave the details of your next of kin with this person.90. Write this person's contact details in the back of your passport.91. Service your washing machine and dryer if they haven't had one in the last 12 months (just a call out by a technician for a quote is A$125).92. Pay your UIF and de-register. Give your employees their UIF documents as well as a letter that they no longer work for you. (UIF does not only accept the UIF document - they also require a letter that they no longer work for you). Get your domestic worker to sign that they have received their severance package. Keep proof of all of this. Give your employees reference letters and assist them in finding work elsewhere. (Advertise with you school, church, neighbours etc that they will be available from a specific date etc). Pay them their last salary, notice pay, leave and pro rata bonuses. Keep proof.93. Go to the AA travel shop and buy some SA to Auz/NZ plug adapters. Pop them in your hand luggage! Then buy some mulitplugs. The kind with 4 or 5 plugs on a cord. Then when you get there replace the main plug with your Aussie plug - you can then use your old SA plugs in the multiplug.94. If you haven't yet sold your house, but are planning to do so, get an electricity certificate before you leave. Give it to your agent or the person who will be handling the sale of your property. Keep a copy.95. Inform your tax consultant that you are leaving. He will still have to complete a tax return for you for the current tax year. Then he may need to deregister you as a tax payer at some point and arrange a tax clearance certificate. In which case you might need to sign papers before you leave.96. Help the older members of family set up Skype before you leave. Buy them a microphone for their computer as a gift. Install it for them.97. Take photographs of everyone and everything, your friends, family, the neighbours, your pets, the kid's friends (give your digital camera to your kids to take to school for a day). Take photographs of your house, neighbourhood, church, school, street.... This is all you will have of your life in South Africa. It may not seem important now, but when your kids, or grandchildren one day, want to know what life was like, you'll have more than enough visual memories to share.98. Have a farewell party at least 3 weeks before you leave. Less tears & emotion than having the goodbyes at the airport!!99. Sell your cars.100. Arrange your transport to the airport.NOTE: This post was made almost 7 years ago. If it is helpful let me know by making a post in this thread. If info needs updating tell me too. The rules changed in 2014 for the import of pets. No longer 6 months but now 10 days. Edited October 23, 2014 by Jordy corrected some info 37 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dreams Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Thanks!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Almost there Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Excellent, thank you - hopefully most of them I've covered Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dax Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 (edited) Excellent topic Jordy This post and its initiative was long overdue, actually I think it merits to become a "sticky" or "pinned" thread.Cheers,Dax Edited January 11, 2008 by Dax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milo Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Thanks Jordy!You're a star for doing all of this for us!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoot Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 thanks excellent list - there is so much valuable info on this site. Now if someone who is clued up on these things could explain how to do it, we could attach links to all those points so people could click on the link and get the benefit of all the posts relevant to the particular topic e.g. agent vs go it alone or home affairs contacts. I have been realising how when you are at step 1 step 100 seems so far away and then you miss out on so much good advice that comes in in the meantime because you are not yet at the stage to make use of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hopefull Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 (edited) WOW ... thanks!!That must be the most comprehensive list ever!!Thanks!!! Edited January 11, 2008 by Hopefull Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sambo Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Well done Jordy!!Thank-you this is brilliant. Ditto Dax's comments about it being pinned. Sambo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmip Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Bliksem !! I must say a big thank you for thisJimmi 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starfish Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Jordy, this is an excellent job.Well done and thank you. I'd like to see this pinned.Regards,Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groentjie Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Wow, thank you!Now I know where to startL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heymanse Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Hi Jordy,In point 46 you mention that one should keep all receipts (including medicals) to claim from tax. Can you please explain this in more detail, how exactly does this work and what is the procedure to follow? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
somarie Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Thanks Jordy!!!!! You're a star! Sonja Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordy Posted January 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Hi Jordy,In point 46 you mention that one should keep all receipts (including medicals) to claim from tax. Can you please explain this in more detail, how exactly does this work and what is the procedure to follow?Haven't a clue! What I do know is how to cut and paste and add numbers 1- 100 Try ask in the money thread - I think Springbok is the resident forum money expert. Maybe he can answer. Also haven't got that far in the process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeInOz Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Hi Jordy,In point 46 you mention that one should keep all receipts (including medicals) to claim from tax. Can you please explain this in more detail, how exactly does this work and what is the procedure to follow?Very comprehensive list I think this is only valid for sponsored visa's from what I have seen so you would not qualify.I hope I am wrong but itf your employer agrees you cna claim it as a cost against getting here.I have heard there are some 457 visa holders that have been able to claim all of the flight costs and shipping costs as well with employers help and blessing.The tax website ato.gov.au has a section on claiming a rebate for being away from home. If you are on a temporary visa, and signed an employment contract before migrating you can be considered to be away from home. You dont get all the money back but it reduces your tax liability.I also stored all the scanned information on a USB drive and emailed CV or resumes to a hotmail address I set up in South Africa ( remeber to log in more than once a month, or you will be locked out).This means if you find a job you wan to apply for after arriving, you cna go to an internet cafe and send your prepared CV. ( They do them a little different here). We migrated with no jobs and then decided where to live.International drivers licence. You dont need it to hire or drive a car, but it is a picture ID with expiry date. I carried it and RSA passport and ID document to have 100 ID points. Austrlia LOVE drivers licence because there is no ID document due to privacy invasion fears Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClanRogers Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 A big THANK-YOU Jordy!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bronwyn Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 No wonder I am knackered. Thank you Jordy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MM Pta Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 Thanks Jordy for the list.Good luck with the process of getting everything together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JacoE Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 (edited) Now all we need is a Magical wand that can accomplish these 100 steps in 1. like so: 1. Wave wand Edited January 17, 2008 by JacoE 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GavinK Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Unbelievable - thanks for this !!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brisbound Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 WowThanks Jordy. This is very helpful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aus457 Posted January 18, 2008 Report Share Posted January 18, 2008 Thanks - We are still early stages and this list will def come in handy...You are a super star! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullerwh Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 Very comprehensive list I think this is only valid for sponsored visa's from what I have seen so you would not qualify.I hope I am wrong but itf your employer agrees you cna claim it as a cost against getting here.I have heard there are some 457 visa holders that have been able to claim all of the flight costs and shipping costs as well with employers help and blessing.The tax website ato.gov.au has a section on claiming a rebate for being away from home. If you are on a temporary visa, and signed an employment contract before migrating you can be considered to be away from home. You dont get all the money back but it reduces your tax liability.I also stored all the scanned information on a USB drive and emailed CV or resumes to a hotmail address I set up in South Africa ( remeber to log in more than once a month, or you will be locked out).This means if you find a job you wan to apply for after arriving, you cna go to an internet cafe and send your prepared CV. ( They do them a little different here). We migrated with no jobs and then decided where to live.International drivers licence. You dont need it to hire or drive a car, but it is a picture ID with expiry date. I carried it and RSA passport and ID document to have 100 ID points. Austrlia LOVE drivers licence because there is no ID document due to privacy invasion fears The tax rebate is only applicable for the "away from home" LAFHA Allowance if your contract states it's temporary, even if you have a 457 (temporary visa). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OTherapist Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 Thank you Jordy! This is really valuable info that will help so many of us!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aus457 Posted January 23, 2008 Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 Hi Jordy,We have been advised to bring certain items with us, i.e. day to day groceries.Could you name a few items which we are allowed to bring: (Toothpaste, Deoderant, etc.)TksPenni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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