BIG MOVE

kcat14 · June 17

@mathilde9 said:

@kcat14 said:
Hi @mathilde9 thanks for your useful infos and sharing your experience and congrats to your BM! last month lang din ako na-grant and planning for my BM hopefully within this year, regarding sa SG license kumuha ako early this year so P1 yun pag nagpa-convert ako sa NSW, ano yung letter from TP HQ? Online application lang ba yun or need ko pumunta personally para kunin sa TP HQ? Thank you.

Hi! Yes, ganyan intindi ko sa explanation sakin ng staff. Sa case mo, P1 (red P) muna maissue. Ito din related article from Service NSW: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/visiting-or-moving-to-nsw/moving-your-overseas-licence-to-nsw

Yung letter, kelangan mo pumunta mismo sa TP HQ to get it. Magbook ka lang appointment, same day nakukuha sya.

Thanks @mathilde9! oo nga P1 muna ibibgay saken, ok na din at least di na need mag test at direct conversion na, bawas sa iisipin pag lipat jan haha

mathilde9 · June 17

@kcat14 said:

@mathilde9 said:

@kcat14 said:
Hi @mathilde9 thanks for your useful infos and sharing your experience and congrats to your BM! last month lang din ako na-grant and planning for my BM hopefully within this year, regarding sa SG license kumuha ako early this year so P1 yun pag nagpa-convert ako sa NSW, ano yung letter from TP HQ? Online application lang ba yun or need ko pumunta personally para kunin sa TP HQ? Thank you.

Hi! Yes, ganyan intindi ko sa explanation sakin ng staff. Sa case mo, P1 (red P) muna maissue. Ito din related article from Service NSW: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/visiting-or-moving-to-nsw/moving-your-overseas-licence-to-nsw

Yung letter, kelangan mo pumunta mismo sa TP HQ to get it. Magbook ka lang appointment, same day nakukuha sya.

Thanks @mathilde9! oo nga P1 muna ibibgay saken, ok na din at least di na need mag test at direct conversion na, bawas sa iisipin pag lipat jan haha

Yes, before ka makap1 kelangan maka sit ka din for certain hours of driving eh. I cannot na ng ganon, sayang.

Hunter_08 · June 17

@haringkingking said:

@mathilde9 said:
@whimpee said:

Pwede straight conversion from PH license to Full NSW license as long as may evidence na 3 years ka na holder ng DL. Di kailangan mag Learner as long as valid pa yung PH license (within 6 months for 491 / 3 months for 190 and 189) when you taje the practical test.

I asked the NSW Service staff in Sydney for options to get a licence and told me I still need to take knowledge and practical tests if I will use my PH driver's licence. I'm a holder for more than 5yrs and driving manual in PH, but still said I need to start from scratch. That's when I presented my SG full licence, pero P2 pa rin inissue since I only have it for 2yrs+, had i gotten it more than 3yrs, they would have issued a full nsw licence. Okay na din anyway, importante makapag drive muna.😆

Edit: i don't consider it kasi as "conversion" if I still have to take knowledge and/or practical tests. Parang back to zero din kelangan ulitin. Nag right-hand drive na din naman ako in sg and here in aus. P2 is okay para medyo cautious pa rin and aware yung ibang drivers hindi ko pa master ang aus roads.

Mukhang mas strict sa NSW ah. I had my PH driver's licence "converted" to full AU licence here in SA. DId a knowledge test and practical test within a month. Then ayun, got my full AU driver's licence

I think same thing din naman sa NSW need mo mag theory then practical test if you want to convert yung PH license mo to AU license.

Ako I got my SG license for about 1yr then pina convert ko to AU license dito sa SA at nabigyan ako ng full license.

Ang difference lng ng PH at SG license pag pina convert dto sa AU, yung PH license need pa mag theory exam at practical while SG license wala na deretcho convert na

haringkingking · June 17

@Hunter_08 said:

@haringkingking said:

@mathilde9 said:
@whimpee said:

Pwede straight conversion from PH license to Full NSW license as long as may evidence na 3 years ka na holder ng DL. Di kailangan mag Learner as long as valid pa yung PH license (within 6 months for 491 / 3 months for 190 and 189) when you taje the practical test.

I asked the NSW Service staff in Sydney for options to get a licence and told me I still need to take knowledge and practical tests if I will use my PH driver's licence. I'm a holder for more than 5yrs and driving manual in PH, but still said I need to start from scratch. That's when I presented my SG full licence, pero P2 pa rin inissue since I only have it for 2yrs+, had i gotten it more than 3yrs, they would have issued a full nsw licence. Okay na din anyway, importante makapag drive muna.😆

Edit: i don't consider it kasi as "conversion" if I still have to take knowledge and/or practical tests. Parang back to zero din kelangan ulitin. Nag right-hand drive na din naman ako in sg and here in aus. P2 is okay para medyo cautious pa rin and aware yung ibang drivers hindi ko pa master ang aus roads.

Mukhang mas strict sa NSW ah. I had my PH driver's licence "converted" to full AU licence here in SA. DId a knowledge test and practical test within a month. Then ayun, got my full AU driver's licence

I think same thing din naman sa NSW need mo mag theory then practical test if you want to convert yung PH license mo to AU license.

Ako I got my SG license for about 1yr then pina convert ko to AU license dito sa SA at nabigyan ako ng full license.

Ang difference lng ng PH at SG license pag pina convert dto sa AU, yung PH license need pa mag theory exam at practical while SG license wala na deretcho convert na

Then ayos pala, no concern for PH driver's licence holders anywhere sa AU. Pwedeng pwede magpa-"convert" to AU full driver's licence.

Madali lang naman 'yung theory test and 'yung practical test, need lang talaga maging aware sa rules dito sa AU. I did a few hours (around 6 hours siguro) with a driving instructor for familiarisation and booked my practical test. Fortunately nakapasa. Doable naman, need lang talaga practice even for long-time drivers na sa Pinas.

thekidfromalabasta · June 17

Hello,

Kamusta po? Silent reader lang po ako dito sa forums and I don't know if this is the right thread for this post po.

Konting background lang po, our visa is subclass 190 which was granted last year. IT background din po ako, Web Development to be exact. Nun April, nag BM po ako dito(Melbourne) kasi plan namin na mauna ako para makahanap ng work and accommodation then susunod un family ko once meron na both.

Fast forward to present time, wala pa rin po ako work na makuha. I tried applying both white and blue collar jobs pero wala ako makuha na interviews. I tried everything( trailor-fit my resume and cover letters, walk-in applications, online applications, etc.) Pero I don't know why wala ako makuha interviews even sa blue collar jobs( cleaning, store assistants, etc). Nag-apply din ako sa Aldi, Coles and Woolworths pero rejected pa rin.

To be honest, iniexpect ko na kahit sa blue collar jobs madali ako makapasok kasi PR na. Sa mga nag BM na po and nakahanap ng work agad, any advice po sa job hunting?

Jacraye · June 18

@thekidfromalabasta said:
Hello,

Kamusta po? Silent reader lang po ako dito sa forums and I don't know if this is the right thread for this post po.

Konting background lang po, our visa is subclass 190 which was granted last year. IT background din po ako, Web Development to be exact. Nun April, nag BM po ako dito(Melbourne) kasi plan namin na mauna ako para makahanap ng work and accommodation then susunod un family ko once meron na both.

Fast forward to present time, wala pa rin po ako work na makuha. I tried applying both white and blue collar jobs pero wala ako makuha na interviews. I tried everything( trailor-fit my resume and cover letters, walk-in applications, online applications, etc.) Pero I don't know why wala ako makuha interviews even sa blue collar jobs( cleaning, store assistants, etc). Nag-apply din ako sa Aldi, Coles and Woolworths pero rejected pa rin.

To be honest, iniexpect ko na kahit sa blue collar jobs madali ako makapasok kasi PR na. Sa mga nag BM na po and nakahanap ng work agad, any advice po sa job hunting?

I'm assuming you moved April 2025, and currently it's June. I think you're still ok. Yung iba nga dyan more than 3 months before nakakuha ng work na relatated sa field nila. Others are fortunate enough to land a job within a couple of weeks or even before they arrive.

Minsan kelangan mo lang talaga tyagain mag hanap.

newhorizonseeker · June 18

@nika1234 said:
Hi po. Just wanted to share that we were able to secure a rental approval even while we're still here in the Philippines - through the assistance of Rental Search Australia.

We chose to purchase their Relocation Package since there's a "guaranteed approval prior to arrival" indicated. We also know na it will be hard for us to secure a rental since we don't have rental history and we're bringing our dog with us.

Note:

This is not sponsored post. I just want to share our experience with them

We visited AU while waiting for our grant so we already have an idea sa areas/suburbs na we want

Timeline:

April 29:

We completed their online questionnaire so they could assess our requirements and determine if our needs were realistic given the current rental market.

They informed us that they typically begin the property search around 4–5 weeks before the desired move-in date, as this is when the widest range of listings becomes available.

They also noted that their relocation managers only work with 1–2 clients at a time, so availability is limited.

After receiving their feedback, we proceeded to purchase the relocation package the same day

May 19 (5 weeks before our arrival):
We were introduced to our assigned relocation manager

May 20
Our relocation manager provided us with a guide and templates for both the rental cover letter and our pet’s resume.

May 21
We had a call with our relocation manager to discuss our preferences which will help her shortlist suitable properties for us.

May 22
Our relocation manager sent us a list of potential properties based on our preferences. After reviewing them, we provided feedback on what we liked and didn’t like about each one.

May 24 - May 31
Our relocation manager conducted several property inspections on our behalf during this period. She coordinated directly with the property agents to schedule and attend the inspections. After each visit, she provided us with a video tour and a detailed report covering the property itself, the surrounding area, and her recommended strategy or next steps.

We also had an inspection where the listing was very impressive but the actual property was far below standard (rust on all the windows, cupboards were old and mouldy). She was transparent with her feedback and advised us not to proceed with the application, expressing concern for our health and pointing out that the rent was too high for a property in such poor condition.

Note: Only 8 video walkthroughs are included in the package.

June 1
At this stage, we had already applied to four properties we liked. However, the area was highly competitive, and we hadn’t received any feedback yet, which made us start losing hope of getting an approval.

We then decided to apply for a property (Property A) we had initially skipped. Although we liked it, it was missing a feature from our original requirements. After considering our situation, we chose to compromise and proceed with the application.

June 2
The agent for Property A contacted us to request our documents, including our visa grant, financial statements, and details about our pet.

June 3 - AM
They emailed us that our application has been forwarded to the owner for approval

June 3 - PM
Property agent informed us that our application has been approved!

After rent approval, Rental Search Australia will also manage the key collection and conduct the inspection report. They have also been assisting us with furnishing our rental property by providing a list of recommended items (e.g. mattress, fridge, washing machine, etc) that we can purchase in advance. They can arrange to collect these items on our behalf before our arrival.

Overall, we’re very glad we chose to work with Rental Search Australia. Our relocation manager has been amazing and the inspections and detailed reports they provided were very helpful. We highly recommend their services

Kamusta po, nakapag big move naba kayo? Looking forwad sa updates mo about sa Rental Search AU.

nika1234 · June 18

@newhorizonseeker said:

@nika1234 said:
Hi po. Just wanted to share that we were able to secure a rental approval even while we're still here in the Philippines - through the assistance of Rental Search Australia.

We chose to purchase their Relocation Package since there's a "guaranteed approval prior to arrival" indicated. We also know na it will be hard for us to secure a rental since we don't have rental history and we're bringing our dog with us.

Note:

This is not sponsored post. I just want to share our experience with them

We visited AU while waiting for our grant so we already have an idea sa areas/suburbs na we want

Timeline:

April 29:

We completed their online questionnaire so they could assess our requirements and determine if our needs were realistic given the current rental market.

They informed us that they typically begin the property search around 4–5 weeks before the desired move-in date, as this is when the widest range of listings becomes available.

They also noted that their relocation managers only work with 1–2 clients at a time, so availability is limited.

After receiving their feedback, we proceeded to purchase the relocation package the same day

May 19 (5 weeks before our arrival):
We were introduced to our assigned relocation manager

May 20
Our relocation manager provided us with a guide and templates for both the rental cover letter and our pet’s resume.

May 21
We had a call with our relocation manager to discuss our preferences which will help her shortlist suitable properties for us.

May 22
Our relocation manager sent us a list of potential properties based on our preferences. After reviewing them, we provided feedback on what we liked and didn’t like about each one.

May 24 - May 31
Our relocation manager conducted several property inspections on our behalf during this period. She coordinated directly with the property agents to schedule and attend the inspections. After each visit, she provided us with a video tour and a detailed report covering the property itself, the surrounding area, and her recommended strategy or next steps.

We also had an inspection where the listing was very impressive but the actual property was far below standard (rust on all the windows, cupboards were old and mouldy). She was transparent with her feedback and advised us not to proceed with the application, expressing concern for our health and pointing out that the rent was too high for a property in such poor condition.

Note: Only 8 video walkthroughs are included in the package.

June 1
At this stage, we had already applied to four properties we liked. However, the area was highly competitive, and we hadn’t received any feedback yet, which made us start losing hope of getting an approval.

We then decided to apply for a property (Property A) we had initially skipped. Although we liked it, it was missing a feature from our original requirements. After considering our situation, we chose to compromise and proceed with the application.

June 2
The agent for Property A contacted us to request our documents, including our visa grant, financial statements, and details about our pet.

June 3 - AM
They emailed us that our application has been forwarded to the owner for approval

June 3 - PM
Property agent informed us that our application has been approved!

After rent approval, Rental Search Australia will also manage the key collection and conduct the inspection report. They have also been assisting us with furnishing our rental property by providing a list of recommended items (e.g. mattress, fridge, washing machine, etc) that we can purchase in advance. They can arrange to collect these items on our behalf before our arrival.

Overall, we’re very glad we chose to work with Rental Search Australia. Our relocation manager has been amazing and the inspections and detailed reports they provided were very helpful. We highly recommend their services

Kamusta po, nakapag big move naba kayo? Looking forwad sa updates mo about sa Rental Search AU.

Hi. MagBM pa lang po kami Pero here are some updates po from my last post.

After rent approval:
Our relocation manager from Rental Search AU provided us with a list of essential items we can order in advance (e.g. mattress, fridge, WM/Dryer, Bedding, Towels, groceries, etc). She received these deliveries on our behalf. She even arranged some discounts through their partner companies.

She asked us to list her contact number so the delivery companies could coordinate directly with her. We placed our orders online and scheduled the delivery dates in line with her availability. For smaller items, she even offered to use her own address so she could drop them off to our rental property when she's available.

Key collection and inspection report:
Rental Search collected the keys from the property agent. After picking up the keys, she completed the inspection report herself. The report was extremely detailed, consisting of over 100 pages and thoroughly documenting issues such as floor marks, missing blinds, dirty surfaces, etc. She also identified necessary repairs and noted in the report that the agent should arrange for an electrician.

Note:

Our start date is a week earlier that our BM po kaya naarrange ung mga deliveries since nakuha na ni Rental Search ung keys.

I think the final step in Rental Search’s service will be picking us up from the airport. They’ve already emailed us to confirm the details so they can arrange the airport pickup, which is included in our relocation package.

I have nothing but positive things to say about our experience with Rental Search. For me, sobrang sulit po ng binayad namin from property inspections and furnishing assistance to the airport pickup and more. They’ve made the entire relocation process much smoother and less stressful.

kirstin · June 20

for those architects / architectural draftsperson po na nag big move na sa australia, meron po bang format ng portfolio and cv?

jmcounters · June 22

@thekidfromalabasta said:
Hello,

Kamusta po? Silent reader lang po ako dito sa forums and I don't know if this is the right thread for this post po.

Konting background lang po, our visa is subclass 190 which was granted last year. IT background din po ako, Web Development to be exact. Nun April, nag BM po ako dito(Melbourne) kasi plan namin na mauna ako para makahanap ng work and accommodation then susunod un family ko once meron na both.

Fast forward to present time, wala pa rin po ako work na makuha. I tried applying both white and blue collar jobs pero wala ako makuha na interviews. I tried everything( trailor-fit my resume and cover letters, walk-in applications, online applications, etc.) Pero I don't know why wala ako makuha interviews even sa blue collar jobs( cleaning, store assistants, etc). Nag-apply din ako sa Aldi, Coles and Woolworths pero rejected pa rin.

To be honest, iniexpect ko na kahit sa blue collar jobs madali ako makapasok kasi PR na. Sa mga nag BM na po and nakahanap ng work agad, any advice po sa job hunting?

Hello! Same dilemma here pero ako May 2 lang dumating. Almost 2 months na rin. Cybersec naman ako in Melbourne din. Nashare ito in a GC, not sure if it works kasi ginagawa ko pa lang at the moment.

https://www.reddit.com/r/EngineeringResumes/comments/1k5w9v3/12_yoe_resume_tips_how_recruiters_actually_screen/

https://www.reddit.com/r/EngineeringResumes/comments/1jd9qzl/12_yoe_resume_tips_write_your_resume_bullet/

https://www.reddit.com/r/EngineeringResumes/comments/1kqzei8/12_yoe_resume_tips_how_to_figure_out_what/

Based sa experience ko, mas madali mapansin if referred ka internally. Pero sa interviews feeling ko super competitive lang din kasi kahit okay naman yung interview, may ibang napipili

Yung referral din daw mostly applicable sa blue collar jobs. Although dadaan pa rin sa hiring process, hindi agad filtered out yung resume mo unlike how it feels like pag online application HAHA

mathilde9 · June 26

@mathilde9 said:
I recently did the big move from SG and would like to share my journey so far...

A. Personal Insurance (SG)
- Had to cancel my insurance policies. As per agent, I will not be able to claim anyway since my pass will be cancelled and I have no residence in SG anymore.

B. Bank Accounts (SG)
- Called each bank and was asked to update only my new mailing address in Australia. A few days after, I received a snail mail here in AU confirming the change of mailing address.

C. Moving of Stuff from SG to AU
- Since I only have a few stuff, I availed Singpost's shipping, costs around 200sgd per box (60x40x30cm). I'm still waiting for my boxes haha, but they can be tracked. They have door-to-door pickup/delivery.
https://www.singpost.com/rate-calculator
https://www.ezy2ship.net/

D. Upon Arrival to NSW
- Walked in to Service NSW to apply for:
1. NSW Photo Card - needs passport
2. NSW Driver's Licence Conversion - needs passport, physical SG license, and a letter containing
details of SG license (obtainable from Traffic Police HQ), and Aus bank card. I got an NSW P2 licence.

E. TFN Application
- Can be done online here : https://www.ato.gov.au/single-page-applications/iar#beforeStart

F. Medicare and Centrelink Application
- These can be done online when you have created your myGov account, and link the Medicare and Centrelink services:
https://login.my.gov.au/las/mygov-login

I don't have anything to share for now about house/room rental as I'm living with my relatives.

Additional:
When I arrived in NSW, ang una kong inayos was TFN (online). I received my TFN in the mail after 1week.

Next was nsw photocard and driver's license. Merong app called 'Service NSW' where you can link your IDs, services, car registration, etc. You can only add your IDs when you have received the card itself. I used the app to register the car that i bought. Got a 2nd-hand since ayaw ko muna magfinance. Car insurance is a must.

Next was Medicare, I enrolled via myGov. Approval took 9 business days for my case. Sa myGov app din makikita yung updates sa status ng application.

Then, Centrelink. Pending pa since I'm yet to receive my medicare card (hihingin card number). Plus, it requires 2 valid aus identifications (Visa grant and other ID which i used my DL).

My app din na 'myID', where you can strengthen your identity and proof of age, as a PR who just arrived na walang pagkakilanlan. Chos!

Get personal insurance din pala. Or depende sa trip nyo kung feeling nyo enough na yung medicare. I chose BUPA silver plus essential nasa 30/week.

Medyo maraming aasikasuhin and icconsider tbh. Ang advice ko sa mga naghihintay pa ng grant, mag-ipon nang malala.

AusJourney · June 27

@mathilde9 said:

@mathilde9 said:
I recently did the big move from SG and would like to share my journey so far...

A. Personal Insurance (SG)
- Had to cancel my insurance policies. As per agent, I will not be able to claim anyway since my pass will be cancelled and I have no residence in SG anymore.

B. Bank Accounts (SG)
- Called each bank and was asked to update only my new mailing address in Australia. A few days after, I received a snail mail here in AU confirming the change of mailing address.

C. Moving of Stuff from SG to AU
- Since I only have a few stuff, I availed Singpost's shipping, costs around 200sgd per box (60x40x30cm). I'm still waiting for my boxes haha, but they can be tracked. They have door-to-door pickup/delivery.
https://www.singpost.com/rate-calculator
https://www.ezy2ship.net/

D. Upon Arrival to NSW
- Walked in to Service NSW to apply for:
1. NSW Photo Card - needs passport
2. NSW Driver's Licence Conversion - needs passport, physical SG license, and a letter containing
details of SG license (obtainable from Traffic Police HQ), and Aus bank card. I got an NSW P2 licence.

E. TFN Application
- Can be done online here : https://www.ato.gov.au/single-page-applications/iar#beforeStart

F. Medicare and Centrelink Application
- These can be done online when you have created your myGov account, and link the Medicare and Centrelink services:
https://login.my.gov.au/las/mygov-login

I don't have anything to share for now about house/room rental as I'm living with my relatives.

Additional:
When I arrived in NSW, ang una kong inayos was TFN (online). I received my TFN in the mail after 1week.

Next was nsw photocard and driver's license. Merong app called 'Service NSW' where you can link your IDs, services, car registration, etc. You can only add your IDs when you have received the card itself. I used the app to register the car that i bought. Got a 2nd-hand since ayaw ko muna magfinance. Car insurance is a must.

Next was Medicare, I enrolled via myGov. Approval took 9 business days for my case. Sa myGov app din makikita yung updates sa status ng application.

Then, Centrelink. Pending pa since I'm yet to receive my medicare card (hihingin card number). Plus, it requires 2 valid aus identifications (Visa grant and other ID which i used my DL).

My app din na 'myID', where you can strengthen your identity and proof of age, as a PR who just arrived na walang pagkakilanlan. Chos!

Get personal insurance din pala. Or depende sa trip nyo kung feeling nyo enough na yung medicare. I chose BUPA silver plus essential nasa 30/week.

Medyo maraming aasikasuhin and icconsider tbh. Ang advice ko sa mga naghihintay pa ng grant, mag-ipon nang malala.

Wow nice update. Pwede din ba humingi ng idea about sa financial side hahaha kahit estimates lang ng costs or mga kelangan iprepare before big move para naman makapaghanda kami ng hindi malala. Yung kasama na din sa consideration na hindi pa makakita ng trabaho within a month or 3, yung mga ganun po kung pwede. Hehe sige na please...

eZbZaZAU · June 27

Hi, I need help clarifying the conditions of visa 491, specifically condition 8578, which states that I must notify certain changes. Does this mean that if I haven't made any changes since the grant—such as staying in my current home or maintaining my current job—I don't need to update them?

What if I renew my passport—should I email the department, or is it sufficient to update this information in my Immi account?

Thank you.

newhorizonseeker · June 27

@mathilde9 said:

@mathilde9 said:
I recently did the big move from SG and would like to share my journey so far...

A. Personal Insurance (SG)
- Had to cancel my insurance policies. As per agent, I will not be able to claim anyway since my pass will be cancelled and I have no residence in SG anymore.

B. Bank Accounts (SG)
- Called each bank and was asked to update only my new mailing address in Australia. A few days after, I received a snail mail here in AU confirming the change of mailing address.

C. Moving of Stuff from SG to AU
- Since I only have a few stuff, I availed Singpost's shipping, costs around 200sgd per box (60x40x30cm). I'm still waiting for my boxes haha, but they can be tracked. They have door-to-door pickup/delivery.
https://www.singpost.com/rate-calculator
https://www.ezy2ship.net/

D. Upon Arrival to NSW
- Walked in to Service NSW to apply for:
1. NSW Photo Card - needs passport
2. NSW Driver's Licence Conversion - needs passport, physical SG license, and a letter containing
details of SG license (obtainable from Traffic Police HQ), and Aus bank card. I got an NSW P2 licence.

E. TFN Application
- Can be done online here : https://www.ato.gov.au/single-page-applications/iar#beforeStart

F. Medicare and Centrelink Application
- These can be done online when you have created your myGov account, and link the Medicare and Centrelink services:
https://login.my.gov.au/las/mygov-login

I don't have anything to share for now about house/room rental as I'm living with my relatives.

Additional:
When I arrived in NSW, ang una kong inayos was TFN (online). I received my TFN in the mail after 1week.

Next was nsw photocard and driver's license. Merong app called 'Service NSW' where you can link your IDs, services, car registration, etc. You can only add your IDs when you have received the card itself. I used the app to register the car that i bought. Got a 2nd-hand since ayaw ko muna magfinance. Car insurance is a must.

Next was Medicare, I enrolled via myGov. Approval took 9 business days for my case. Sa myGov app din makikita yung updates sa status ng application.

Then, Centrelink. Pending pa since I'm yet to receive my medicare card (hihingin card number). Plus, it requires 2 valid aus identifications (Visa grant and other ID which i used my DL).

My app din na 'myID', where you can strengthen your identity and proof of age, as a PR who just arrived na walang pagkakilanlan. Chos!

Get personal insurance din pala. Or depende sa trip nyo kung feeling nyo enough na yung medicare. I chose BUPA silver plus essential nasa 30/week.

Medyo maraming aasikasuhin and icconsider tbh. Ang advice ko sa mga naghihintay pa ng grant, mag-ipon nang malala.

Uyyy! Question naman. Nag explore din kami gamitin si Singpost (Galing kasi kami Singapore din) para padala un belongings namin sa Australia. Meron kaba binayaran pa jan sa AU once na nag arrive yung box mo? Like tax, etc.? Salamat marami ^_^

mathilde9 · June 27

@AusJourney said:
Wow nice update. Pwede din ba humingi ng idea about sa financial side hahaha kahit estimates lang ng costs or mga kelangan iprepare before big move para naman makapaghanda kami ng hindi malala. Yung kasama na din sa consideration na hindi pa makakita ng trabaho within a month or 3, yung mga ganun po kung pwede. Hehe sige na please...

Nagbudget ako ng aud400 per week for necessities plus eating out minsan and gas. So add nalang yung mga current bills ganon + emergency fund.

Hindi pa ako nag-aapply ng work kasi rest muna talaga. 😆 Kung magrerent kayo ng house wala ako idea eh, depende sa terms ng landlord yung ipeprepare nyong amount (for security deposit and advance).

Kapag magccar kayo, need magprepare mga around aud600+ for every 6months for registration and insurance.
Driver's licence cost (ayaw mag upload ng picture that i took from service nsw)
Learner - 30aud
P1 - 69aud
P2 - 109aud
Full - 3yrs 162aud ; 5yrs 220aud ; 10yrs 410aud
NSW Photocard cost
5yrs - 65aud
10yrs - 115aud

Driving instructor cost: 80-120aud per hour. Hahaha ang mahal! Depende yan sa proficiency nung instructor.

Ano pa baa? Winter clothes for the lamigin, madami dito and mas maayos.
In terms of food/grocery, mas mura for me dito kesa sa singapore mas fresh din hahaha. Ayun lang..

dvd17 · June 27

@mathilde9 said:

@mathilde9 said:
I recently did the big move from SG and would like to share my journey so far...

A. Personal Insurance (SG)
- Had to cancel my insurance policies. As per agent, I will not be able to claim anyway since my pass will be cancelled and I have no residence in SG anymore.

B. Bank Accounts (SG)
- Called each bank and was asked to update only my new mailing address in Australia. A few days after, I received a snail mail here in AU confirming the change of mailing address.

C. Moving of Stuff from SG to AU
- Since I only have a few stuff, I availed Singpost's shipping, costs around 200sgd per box (60x40x30cm). I'm still waiting for my boxes haha, but they can be tracked. They have door-to-door pickup/delivery.
https://www.singpost.com/rate-calculator
https://www.ezy2ship.net/

D. Upon Arrival to NSW
- Walked in to Service NSW to apply for:
1. NSW Photo Card - needs passport
2. NSW Driver's Licence Conversion - needs passport, physical SG license, and a letter containing
details of SG license (obtainable from Traffic Police HQ), and Aus bank card. I got an NSW P2 licence.

E. TFN Application
- Can be done online here : https://www.ato.gov.au/single-page-applications/iar#beforeStart

F. Medicare and Centrelink Application
- These can be done online when you have created your myGov account, and link the Medicare and Centrelink services:
https://login.my.gov.au/las/mygov-login

I don't have anything to share for now about house/room rental as I'm living with my relatives.

Additional:
When I arrived in NSW, ang una kong inayos was TFN (online). I received my TFN in the mail after 1week.

Next was nsw photocard and driver's license. Merong app called 'Service NSW' where you can link your IDs, services, car registration, etc. You can only add your IDs when you have received the card itself. I used the app to register the car that i bought. Got a 2nd-hand since ayaw ko muna magfinance. Car insurance is a must.

Next was Medicare, I enrolled via myGov. Approval took 9 business days for my case. Sa myGov app din makikita yung updates sa status ng application.

Then, Centrelink. Pending pa since I'm yet to receive my medicare card (hihingin card number). Plus, it requires 2 valid aus identifications (Visa grant and other ID which i used my DL).

My app din na 'myID', where you can strengthen your identity and proof of age, as a PR who just arrived na walang pagkakilanlan. Chos!

Get personal insurance din pala. Or depende sa trip nyo kung feeling nyo enough na yung medicare. I chose BUPA silver plus essential nasa 30/week.

Medyo maraming aasikasuhin and icconsider tbh. Ang advice ko sa mga naghihintay pa ng grant, mag-ipon nang malala.

@mathilde9 regarding sa Bank Accounts (SG), you can still access it even though wala na EP/FIN mo? I have UOB, DBS and OCBC.

mathilde9 · June 27

@dvd17 said:
@mathilde9 regarding sa Bank Accounts (SG), you can still access it even though wala na EP/FIN mo? I have UOB, DBS and OCBC.

Yes. I have OCBC (needs access code na binigay nila before) and DBS. I can still access them. Maski yung singpass app you can still use basta active pa yung SG sim mo. Di ko pa pinapacut yung line ko. May be in the next months na...
Inaabangan ko din kasi yung tax clearance ko from IRAS, may tax due directive na kasi from them, so anytime dapat maclear na yun from backpay.

mathilde9 · June 27

Uyyy! Question naman. Nag explore din kami gamitin si Singpost (Galing kasi kami Singapore din) para padala un belongings namin sa Australia. Meron kaba binayaran pa jan sa AU once na nag arrive yung box mo? Like tax, etc.? Salamat marami ^_^

@newhorizonseeker
Huy wala pa yung boxes ko. In transit pa rin haha. Balitaan kita pag nandito na. Late next week pa ETA eh. Pero ang alam ko wala na babayaran kasi personal (used) stuff ko yun. Inask ko yung nagpick up sa sg, wala daw. Malalaman natin.

whimpee · June 28

@eZbZaZAU said:

Hi, I need help clarifying the conditions of visa 491, specifically condition 8578, which states that I must notify certain changes. Does this mean that if I haven't made any changes since the grant—such as staying in my current home or maintaining my current job—I don't need to update them?

What if I renew my passport—should I email the department, or is it sufficient to update this information in my Immi account?

Thank you.

Ok na yung through Immi account.

vanessajoy · June 30

Good day mga mam and sir. phelp po sna.im in melb now on tourist visa.lodged my partner visa and have BVA now pero di pa active. wondering how to apply for medicare knowing wala pa ako IDs proof of address and other related stuff. can i do it online?ty po

vanessajoy · June 30

nag try po ako mag send ng enrolment sa email add na [email protected] pero ito po ung automatic response nala

pano po kaya i mail ko po ba dapat?ty

whimpee · July 1

@vanessajoy said:
nag try po ako mag send ng enrolment sa email add na [email protected] pero ito po ung automatic response nala

pano po kaya i mail ko po ba dapat?ty

Try mo muna mag create ng myGov account. I think pwede dun mag submit (assuming eligible for Medicare yung BV mo).

schrodingers_cat · July 1

@mathilde9 said:

@mathilde9 said:
I recently did the big move from SG and would like to share my journey so far...

A. Personal Insurance (SG)
- Had to cancel my insurance policies. As per agent, I will not be able to claim anyway since my pass will be cancelled and I have no residence in SG anymore.

B. Bank Accounts (SG)
- Called each bank and was asked to update only my new mailing address in Australia. A few days after, I received a snail mail here in AU confirming the change of mailing address.

C. Moving of Stuff from SG to AU
- Since I only have a few stuff, I availed Singpost's shipping, costs around 200sgd per box (60x40x30cm). I'm still waiting for my boxes haha, but they can be tracked. They have door-to-door pickup/delivery.
https://www.singpost.com/rate-calculator
https://www.ezy2ship.net/

D. Upon Arrival to NSW
- Walked in to Service NSW to apply for:
1. NSW Photo Card - needs passport
2. NSW Driver's Licence Conversion - needs passport, physical SG license, and a letter containing
details of SG license (obtainable from Traffic Police HQ), and Aus bank card. I got an NSW P2 licence.

E. TFN Application
- Can be done online here : https://www.ato.gov.au/single-page-applications/iar#beforeStart

F. Medicare and Centrelink Application
- These can be done online when you have created your myGov account, and link the Medicare and Centrelink services:
https://login.my.gov.au/las/mygov-login

I don't have anything to share for now about house/room rental as I'm living with my relatives.

Additional:
When I arrived in NSW, ang una kong inayos was TFN (online). I received my TFN in the mail after 1week.

Next was nsw photocard and driver's license. Merong app called 'Service NSW' where you can link your IDs, services, car registration, etc. You can only add your IDs when you have received the card itself. I used the app to register the car that i bought. Got a 2nd-hand since ayaw ko muna magfinance. Car insurance is a must.

Next was Medicare, I enrolled via myGov. Approval took 9 business days for my case. Sa myGov app din makikita yung updates sa status ng application.

Then, Centrelink. Pending pa since I'm yet to receive my medicare card (hihingin card number). Plus, it requires 2 valid aus identifications (Visa grant and other ID which i used my DL).

My app din na 'myID', where you can strengthen your identity and proof of age, as a PR who just arrived na walang pagkakilanlan. Chos!

Get personal insurance din pala. Or depende sa trip nyo kung feeling nyo enough na yung medicare. I chose BUPA silver plus essential nasa 30/week.

Medyo maraming aasikasuhin and icconsider tbh. Ang advice ko sa mga naghihintay pa ng grant, mag-ipon nang malala.

Hello po, confirm ko lang po yung DL na ginamit for centrelink, overseas DL po ba or AU DL na siya? hehe thank you very much po

schrodingers_cat · July 1

Hello po, sa mga nag BM na po ask ko lang:
1. Pwede kaya gamitin muna na postal address yung sa friend/colleague namin for TFN/bank/medicare application since we will be in a temporary accommodation for the first month. Just wondering if this is an option aside from leasing a PO box
2. For those na nagBM to Melb recently, gaano po katagal naprocess including delivery ng mga TFN, bank, and medicare
3. Gaano din po katagal yung Proof of Age ID sa VIC?
4. for Insurance po, ano po maganda for married, separate na single or couple package?

thank you so much po

vanessajoy · July 1

@whimpee said:

@vanessajoy said:
nag try po ako mag send ng enrolment sa email add na [email protected] pero ito po ung automatic response nala

pano po kaya i mail ko po ba dapat?ty

Try mo muna mag create ng myGov account. I think pwede dun mag submit (assuming eligible for Medicare yung BV mo).

Ty po ng marami.nkpag submit n po ako ng medicare application sa mygov.

mathilde9 · July 1

@schrodingers_cat
Hello po, confirm ko lang po yung DL na ginamit for centrelink, overseas DL po ba or AU DL na siya? hehe thank you very much po

AU DL ginamit ko and my visa grant:

whimpee · July 1

@schrodingers_cat said:
Hello po, sa mga nag BM na po ask ko lang:
1. Pwede kaya gamitin muna na postal address yung sa friend/colleague namin for TFN/bank/medicare application since we will be in a temporary accommodation for the first month. Just wondering if this is an option aside from leasing a PO box
2. For those na nagBM to Melb recently, gaano po katagal naprocess including delivery ng mga TFN, bank, and medicare
3. Gaano din po katagal yung Proof of Age ID sa VIC?
4. for Insurance po, ano po maganda for married, separate na single or couple package?

thank you so much po

Yes. Samin ang ginamit namin na initial address is yung sa relative kung saan kami unang nag stay. Then update na lang once nakalipat na.
You can try getting quotes online and compare. I think mas tipid pa din yata kung under one card kayo, though best to check.

scarlettcross · July 2

Hello, question lng po regarding vaccination records. I lost my vaccination records long time ago. Baka hindi na ako makakuha ng copy ng records ko from our LGU. Do I have to retake all of them?

newhorizonseeker · July 2

@mathilde9 said:

Uyyy! Question naman. Nag explore din kami gamitin si Singpost (Galing kasi kami Singapore din) para padala un belongings namin sa Australia. Meron kaba binayaran pa jan sa AU once na nag arrive yung box mo? Like tax, etc.? Salamat marami ^_^

@newhorizonseeker
Huy wala pa yung boxes ko. In transit pa rin haha. Balitaan kita pag nandito na. Late next week pa ETA eh. Pero ang alam ko wala na babayaran kasi personal (used) stuff ko yun. Inask ko yung nagpick up sa sg, wala daw. Malalaman natin.

Update mo kami dito! ^^ Consider din namin ito si Singpost. Maraming salamat ha!

Complex · July 4

Hi everyone! Just wanted to share my experience claiming my Pag-IBIG Provident benefits for reasons of permanent departure from the Philippines.

The process was actually very smooth and easy as long as you have complete requirements. It took around 30 minutes total (or less?), mas matagal pa yung time ko sa pila. Hehe

Here’s what I brought with me, all printed:
1. Application for Provident Benefits (APB) form, filled out by hand. The customer service rep gave me a blank sheet to list down all my previous and current employers. I just wrote the start month/year of my first job and the end month/year of my last. (e.g. Company 1 July 2011, ..., Company 5 June 2025)
2. Visa grant letter and VEVO check letter.
3. Bank statement showing my account name, account number, and address.
4. Authorization letter for Pag-IBIG to deposit the claim directly to my bank account.
5. Printed copies of my passport and driver’s license, one copy each with 3 signature specimens.
6. Letter of declaration stating my intention to permanently depart from the Philippines. No need for notarization, they accepted the plain signed copy.
7. Original passport and driver’s license for verification purposes.

Estimated release of the claim is around 20 working days.

Tips: