7 Tips When Migrating from the Philippines to Australia for Work

Migrating to a new country is a decision that literally changes the course of your life, and if you’re considering doing so from the Philippines to Australia for work, then you’ll join the estimated 320,000 Filipino people who currently reside Down Under.

Many of them have chosen to live and work in ‘The Lucky Country’ to take advantage of the nation’s high standard of living, strong labour market, and welcoming multicultural environment.

However, transitioning to life in a new country can present several challenges, both in terms of logistics and personal adjustment. From securing the appropriate visa to understanding Australian workplace culture, it’s important to know what you are getting yourself into before making the move.

To help make the process easier for you, we’ve compiled this post of seven essential tips you should follow.

1. Begin with the Right Visa

Before anything else, you need to make sure you are applying for the correct visa, which will be based on your work arrangements and qualifications.

Most skilled workers from the Philippines typically apply under visas such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) or the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). However, you can check out the full list of visas that you can apply for here.

Each visa type has different eligibility requirements, which may include an English language proficiency test, relevant work experience, and in some cases, a skills assessment by a recognised authority. When applying for your visa, you must ensure that you fill out all the required documentation accurately, otherwise your application will be rejected.

For your own peace of mind, you should consider engaging a licensed migration agent who can help you to navigate the complexities of the visa application process.

2. Set Up a Bank Account in Australia

Once your visa has been approved, the next step is to organise your finances because you’ll need to access money as soon as you arrive in the country.

For this reason, you would be wise to open a bank account in Australia, which many banks now allow you to do before you get there. Doing this will also ensure you get paid on time and help you to manage your money more efficiently.

Most major Australian banks offer services specifically tailored to new migrants, and often these come with minimal fees for the first 12 months.

Once you arrive in the country, activating your account is usually as simple as visiting a branch with your passport and visa.

3. Find Accommodation

You will need somewhere to stay when you arrive in Australia. If you are not lucky enough to have friends or family who can put you up or an employer who has organised temporary accommodation, until you find your feet, you will need to find rental accommodation.

The rental market in Australia is extremely competitive, especially in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. However, websites like Domain and Realestate.com.au can be valuable resources for finding a place that fits within your budget.

Alternatively, enlist the help of a local real estate company to assist you with your search.

4. Check Whether Your Qualifications Are Recognised

Some jobs in Australia, particularly those in healthcare, engineering, and education, require formal recognition or accreditation. This means your Filipino qualifications may need to be assessed and approved by a relevant Australian authority before you’re eligible to work in your chosen profession.

You can find out whether your occupation is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List and determine the appropriate assessing body for your qualifications. However, this process can take time, so it’s best to begin early and gather all necessary documentation before you depart the Philippines.

5. Understand Australian Workplace Culture

The great thing about Australian workplace culture is that it is known for its informality, inclusiveness, ‘mateship’ and emphasis on work-life balance.

While this can be refreshing, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the unspoken norms and expectations of an Aussie workplace to avoid any misunderstandings.

One of the first things you’ll notice is that Australians generally value punctuality, initiative, and collaboration. So, the more you can display these traits, the quicker you will be able to settle in.

Additionally, titles and hierarchies tend to be downplayed, so don’t be surprised if you call your manager by his or her first name – which is completely normal, even in corporate office settings.

Also, don’t be afraid to contribute ideas in meetings or ask questions. These are signs of engagement that are usually welcomed and encouraged.

6. Connect with the Filipino Community

Starting fresh in a new country can be isolating for anyone. But especially Filipinos who might not have family or friends nearby or speak the local language particularly well.

Fortunately, Australia has a thriving Filipino community, with several active groups and associations you can join in most major cities. It may be a good idea to connect with fellow Filipinos who have been in the country for a while and can help ease the emotional burden of your relocation. 

These communities often organise social events and generally offer peer support. You should be able to find them through social media hashtags or Google searches. Failing that, your local library or council might be able to provide you with further information.

7. Get to Know the Healthcare System

Australia has a public healthcare system, known as Medicare, which provides access to essential medical services at low or no cost. However, not all visa holders are automatically eligible for Medicare benefits.

If your visa includes access to Medicare, you should apply for a Medicare card shortly after arriving. Should it not, then you may need to obtain private health insurance (which may even be a visa condition).

Getting health cover is important because it certifies that you will be protected in the event of illness or injury.