International relocation to Australia from the USA

Is moving to Australia from the USA is your dream?

Then read on! Australia has been favourite with immigrants since a long time now. The scope of good professional opportunities, high quality of life and the scope of settling down in a country that is blessed with amazing variety in nature add to the interest of the international community looking to move in Australia.

However, any international relocation can get overwhelming with the lengthy process of the move. When you are moving to Australia from the USA you will have to prepare yourself mentally to go through the entire process, the costs and the challenges of the relocation that usually come with uprooting from one country to an entirely new one. Preparation is the key here. With proper preparation your dream move to Australia from the USA can be hassle-free.

The International Sea & Air Shipping Advantages

Having explained already how bothersome an international moving can be, let us add some solace to the building pressure! You can hire a well informed and well-equipped international moving company. At International Sea & Air Shipping we are that help that you can engage to gain advantage over the overwhelming process of an international relocation.

We have been successfully operating since many years and at International Sea & Air Shipping we can promise that you will get complete guidance with the step-by-step process to handle your relocation to Australia from the USA. What we also help in is the actual move. The packing and relocation of your household goods, the relocation of your car, guidance on what kind of container will suit your purpose, documentation help – you will get these all with us at a competitive price.

This is how our professional team of international moving experts at International Sea & Air Shipping can hold your hands and run you through the entire process of your dream international move to Australia from the USA!

The relocation process involves not only your documentation but also transferring your household goods when you are transporting those to Australia. There are the aspects concerning the shipping cost, time and safety for your relocation. At International Sea & Air Shipping we provide end to end specialized services for all types of moving from the origin to the destination countries. So, let our professionals handle your international moving to Australia from the USA.

Custom Regulations for Australia

Detailed inventory including values (in English)
Copy of Passport
Visa (all shippers, excluding Australian and New Zealand citizens, are required to have a visa to gain entry and to import household goods shipments)
Customs form B534/Unaccompanied Effects Form (can be obtained from the destination agent or (downloaded online)
Form B534 (required for an agent to clear shipment without shipper’s presence in Australia if shipment contains no dutiable items)
Form B534 (must be the original, completed by the client. Customs will not accept faxed or photocopied forms)
Authority to Act form (completed by the client to authorize clearance on their behalf)
List of contents from the owner (if the owner packed the goods)
Receipts for goods not owned and used for at least 12 months

Shipments of household goods and personal effects are allowed duty-free entry, provided that they have been owned and used by the shipper for at least twelve (12) months prior to importation.
Goods may be cleared before the client arrives in the country provided that all of the necessary, correctly completed documents are in order

Pornographic materials
Drugs and narcotics
Fresh fruits and vegetables (do not use fruit boxes to pack items, they are prohibited)
Grains such as popcorn (popped and unpopped), barley, beans, seeds, etc.
All meat and dairy products
Plants or parts of plants, soil, seeds, dried flowers
Remove all soil from garden implements, shoes/boots, lawnmowers and bicycles, dispose of vacuum cleaner bags
Christmas decorations may not contain any pine cones, pieces of bark, branches, or any leaves (i.e. parts of any plant)
Most animals including wildlife and endangered species, animal products (such as ivory, skins, feathers, bones, shells and the like or products made from these items) or animal equipment and biological specimens

Radio transmitters, citizen band radios, cordless telephones (must be approved by the Department of Transport and Communication)
Firearms, weapons, ammunition, explosives and some types of martial arts weapons
- Firearms are subject to severe restrictions
- Weapons will undergo safety check
- All firearms will be held by Customs upon arrival and held in “Queens Bond” pending approval by the Police Department for a “Shooters License”
Performance and image-enhancing drugs
Currency ($10,000 Australian dollars or more)
Medicines which may be subject to misuse, abuse or dependence letter (requires letter from doctor stating medication is required for customer’s treatment, and it has been supplied by prescription)
Protected wildlife and wildlife products
Heritage-listed goods
Veterinary products
Defense and strategic goods

Any alcohol brought into Australia must be declared and is subject to duty/GST. Charges are calculated on the following:

Value of each bottle
Percentage of alcohol content
Volume
Each bottle of alcohol needs to be listed, and have the above noted, on a separate inventory sheet.

Required documentation:

Purchase invoice
Car title
Certificate that auto meets technical specifications and is in good running order
- Customer must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or a person who has applied to become an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident
- Customer must have owned and used the auto for at least twelve months prior to import
- Customer must be of age to hold a license or permit to drive a vehicle
- Customer must comply with any road safety requirements imposed by the Administrator of Vehicle Standards
- All vehicles intended to be imported, including motor vehicles, motorcycles, caravans, trailers etc. must have an individual “Vehicle Import Approval” prior to their arrival in Australia
- An application for “Vehicle Import Approval’ must be submitted to the Vehicle Safety Standards office in Canberra prior to vehicle’s arrival—as early as possible prior to the move to ensure clearance
- The importation of motor vehicles into Australia is strictly controlled and there are no duty/GST free concessions available–all motor vehicles will be subject to duty and/or GST calculated on the value of the vehicle
- High-value vehicles will have a Luxury Car Tax
- All vehicles must comply with Australian Design Regulations which usually will require modification to the vehicle to bring it up to the required standard–modifications must be handled and certified by an accredited Australian automotive engineer and can be very costly
- The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) inspects all vehicles on arrival, and requires them to be properly steam cleaned. The customer should remove all soil and any other matter from your vehicle (including and especially the underside) prior to its exportation
- Customer must be in Australia at time of auto clearance to avoid bonded storage charges and demurrage
- Left-hand driven vehicles subject to temporary permit from department of road safety

Get further information on vehicle compliance requirements and access to the application for a “Vehicle Import Approval”.

Get further information on Australian Quarantine Inspection on their website

Get further information on the current Customs clearance and valuation process, as well as applicable customs duty, GST and luxury car tax rates on the Australian Customs Service web site.

Required documents:

B357 Form (Statement for Vehicle Imported by a Passenger)
Bill of Sale
Certificate of Steam Cleaning
Current Passport (previous passport required together with current, if current passport has been issued after purchase of vehicle)
Import Permit (will not be granted to customers who are on a temporary visa)
Original purchase and registration papers (showing purchase price and purchase date)
Receipts for any modifications to the vehicle which would add value to the purchase price
Insurance Policy
Driver’s license
Service records and log books
Car condition Report
Authorization from Federal Office of Road Safety
Clearance from the Australian Quarantine Service

Strict regulations and quarantine apply (quarantine space very limited)
Length of quarantine will depend upon the type of animal and country of origin
Proof of inoculation required
Import Permit from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service required
Birds are prohibited

Get more information on the importation of pets to Australia.

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

About Australia

Known as the “Land Down Under, Australia is both a country and the world’s smallest continent known for its gorgeous landscape and wildlife. Australia is the only place in the world you can find animals such as kangaroos, koalas, and kookaburras. The country produces 95 percent of opals in the world and is a huge hub for tourism.

Located in the Oceania Australia is the only unique country in the world that is a continent as well! By area Australia is also the 6th largest country in the world. With an heritage of around 65,000 years when Australia’s original settlers called this land their home, Australia is quite an interesting mix of indigenous and modern cultural contribution.

The country is also home to quite a great variety of unique flora and fauna giving rise to interest of the wildlife enthusiasts and ecology warriors. The only home to the Kangaroos and the largest reef barrier, Australia is also inhabited by some of the dangerous species of fauna.

But let not this fact deter you from your dream relocation to Australia from the USA! You will easily find a galore of other reasons that will aid in your decision to move this great Oceania country!

Documentation requirement for moving to Australia from the USA

Like all other international relocations Australian government also needs to be satisfied with your reasons to stay long term in this country to offer you a residential status. And the process that leads to obtaining this permission is valid visa and other documentation that you need to submit for a successful relocation to Australia from the USA.

There are different types of visas that one can apply as an American citizen looking to move to Australia from the USA. Take a look at the list and the different requirements for the visas and consider which one will be most suitable for you.

Family visas – As a US citizen trying to relocate to Australia from the USA you can apply for this visa if your spouse or parents are from Australia and living in the country.

Student visas – There are two types of student visas available. If one is eligible applicant looking to finish their studies in Australia they can apply for the same. Upon finishing their tertiary studies students with valid visas can again apply for the graduate visa.

General Skilled Migration (GSM) – If you think General skilled migration visa are suitable to your purpose then you will be need to check first Australia’s skilled occupation lists and then nominate an occupation.

Distinguished Talent visas – This is a visa that is in high demand from the government and is awarded to the eligible applicants who has have achieved considerable global prominence in areas like arts, academics or their specific profession.

Employer sponsored visas – The name itself explains the requirements perfectly! In this case also you have to check the Australia’s skilled occupation lists and get the prospective employer to sponsor the visa.

Business visa – In case you are one of the applicants who has extensive experience in business management and ownership and can invest in one of the territories of the country this visa is for you.

Excellent Service

“Let me start by saying I was so nervous about my move to Australia, until I called international Sea & Air Shipping. I was transferred to Hillary who was so knowledgeable about moving to Australia. The packing crew were so efficient and polite and took such good care of our belongings. The shipment arrived when we were told and the delivery was seamless. I highly recommend doing a move with this company and I know I will use their services again! Kudos to Hillary, Marina, Packing Crew & Their team here in Australia!”

– Lori

FAQ’s

What is the cost of living in Australia?

On an average if you are earning AUD 5000 per month or above it should suffice for a comfortable living in Australia. But then again there is the factor of living in prominent cities vs living in towns. Based on your choice the cost of living will also vary greatly.

As a US citizen is it hard to move to Australia?

Documentation process for relocating to any countries can be lengthy. And Australian visa process is no exception! It may appear rigorous but at the same time it says plenty of the high quality of life awarded to the Australian residents and citizens alike.

What is the nature of the permanent residency in Australia?

Note that a person with a permanent Australian visa can be a resident but is not a citizen. However, as a permanent resident when one is moving to Australia from the USA he/she can live, work and study without restriction in this country.

You can also check out for some of the neighboring countries of Australia –