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Moving to Sydney from overseas or interstate
Important considerations for starting your work life with us
The University offers plenty of support avenues for prospective and appointed staff who are relocating to Sydney from overseas or interstate. Here is a guide to help simplify your move.
Australian work rights
If you are coming from overseas to work at the University, you need to obtain a valid entry permit (visa) before arriving in Australia or starting work, unless you hold an Australian or New Zealand passport.
Visa sponsorship
If you are offered a position at the University, we may sponsor you for an appropriate work visa, if that support is indicated in the job advertisement.
The type of sponsored visa will depend on the length of the contract, type of appointment and meeting the relevant visa eligibility requirements.
You can find more information about visa eligibility on the Department of Home Affairs website:
- Temporary Resident Visa - Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482)
- Permanent Resident Visa – Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
After you have received your letter of offer, which includes University visa sponsorship, the University’s Immigration and Relocation team will be in touch to guide you through your employer-sponsored visa options, application process and other requirements.
Important relocation matters: our support
The University may offer relocation support to new staff to assist in relocating to Sydney from interstate or overseas. Your letter of offer will outline the level of relocation support.
The University’s Immigration and Relocation team will provide comprehensive information on a variety of relocation service providers who are known to the University, to assist with the following:
- moving or shipping household items
- temporary accommodation
- relocation consultants to assist with accommodation and school searches.
Remuneration packaging (also called 'salary packaging or sacrificing') is where part of your before-tax salary is used to pay for costs such as relocation expenses, a novated car lease or a computer purchase. Your tax is then calculated on the remaining salary. This is a voluntary scheme available to eligible full-time fixed term or permanent staff.
Salary-packaged benefits are administered through a company called SmartSalary. For more information, please refer to their website.
You can also salary package tax-exempted expenses, such as the initial cost of an entry visa, shipping, flights and temporary accommodation costs.
Once you arrive in Sydney you will be liable to pay personal tax in Australia in accordance with the relevant legislation. The tax authority in Australia is the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June. Individuals are required to lodge personal income tax returns for every year and declare professional and personal income.
Tax File Number (TFN)
You will need to apply for an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) after you have arrived in Australia and have an Australian residential address. Without a TFN, you will be taxed at the standard rate for 28 days. After 28 days, you will be taxed at the top marginal rate of tax on all future pay rates.
You can apply online for a TFN. After you receive it, complete a new Tax File Declaration form and send it to hr.payroll@sydney.edu.au to ensure your tax records are updated.
If you need a temporary work visa sponsorship, you are required to obtain and maintain private health insurance for the duration of your visa.
As a temporary resident, you are generally not eligible for any medical treatment in Australia, including emergency medical treatment, which would usually be covered under Medicare (the government-funded national health program for Australian citizens).
If you are from a country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA), you can enrol in Medicare after arriving in Australia. The level of benefits and services granted under these agreements are restricted to “immediately necessary care only”, therefore you may require private health insurance cover to comply with your visa conditions.
Visa applicants who have applied for a permanent resident visa while in Australia may be eligible for Medicare.
You find more information about Medicare on the Department of Human Services website.