Living in Australia as a permanent resident
There are things you can do to help you settle into life in Australia, such as learning English, enrolling in Medicare and getting a job or studying.
There are also things you’ll need to do if you’re having a baby or raising kids in Australia.
Learning English
If you’ve moved to Australia and do not speak English, you can learn with the Adult Migrant English Program. The program is free and can help permanent residents who speak little or no English.
Find out more about the Adult Migrant English Program on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Translating services
If you need a translator or information translated for you, the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) can help. Learn about interpreting services on the Translating and Interpreting Service website.
Getting health care
Medicare is Australia’s health care system. Medicare can help with the cost of seeing a doctor, getting medicines or going to hospital.
If you’re a permanent resident, you can enrol in Medicare. Find out how to enrol in Medicare and get medical help in Australia.
Information in your language
You can find information about Medicare in other languages on the Services Australia website.
Working as a permanent resident
If you’re currently working, there’s information to help you understand tax, superannuation and your rights.
There is also help and support available if you're finding work as a visa holder.
Studying as a permanent resident
If you’re thinking about studying in Australia, you may be eligible to access a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). A CSP is a place at a university or higher education provider where the government pays part of your fees.
Learn more about studying in Australia as a non-Australian citizen on the StudyAssist website.
Having a baby on a visa
If you’re on a visa or have an unfinalised visa application, you need to tell the Department of Home Affairs if you have a baby in Australia.
Find out what you need to do if you had a child on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Citizenship for babies born in Australia
If you have a baby in Australia, your baby does not automatically become an Australian citizen. Your baby’s citizenship status depends on you and your partner’s citizenship or visa status.
When your baby is born, they may be an Australian citizen if one parent is either:
- an Australian citizen
- a permanent resident.
Raising kids in Australia
Find out about help and support to raise kids in Australia.
You can find translated information about having a baby and raising children in Australia on the Services Australia website.
Other government help
You may be eligible for a Centrelink payment. Find out if you can get a Centrelink payment on the Services Australia website.
You may be eligible for other payments and services for housing. This may include caring for someone, getting older or other situations.