Moving to Australia

Before you price flights or pack your tools, you need to know which visa gets you onto site legally. At HLH Group, we only work with tradies who are ready to hit the ground running, so here are the visas that actually suit that purpose:

Working Holiday Visa (417 / 462) – The #1 Choice for Carpenters

• WHO IT’S FOR: Tradies aged 18–30 (sometimes 35, depending on your passport country).
• HOW LONG IT LASTS: 

• • UK passport holders: Up to 3 years automatically, no farm or regional work required anymore.
  • Irish & some other eligible countries: Up to 3 years, but extensions require specified regional or construction work for the 2nd and 3rd year.
  • Other nationalities: Check the specific rules for your country – not all have the same conditions.
• WORK RIGHTS:  Full work rights, though usually capped at six months with any one employer. With labour hire through HLH GROUP, that’s ideal – you’ll naturally rotate between clients and projects.
• WHY IT’S POPULAR: Quick application, affordable, and the fastest way to land in Sydney and start earning as a carpenter.

To apply for the Working Holiday Visa, head over to the official Australian government website here: Australian Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462)

Skilled Visas – For Long-Term Plans (not instant starts)

These permanent visas are for invited skilled workers who can prove they have qualifications and points. Trades like carpenters and other occupations—electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, welders, etc.- appear on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. That means those trades can pursue long-term visas such as subclass 189, 190, or 491, which lead to permanent residency. To be eligible, you need:

• A LISTED OCCUPATION:  Your trade must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: You’ll need formal qualifications or extensive work experience in that trade.
• A SKILLS ASSESSMENT: A recognised assessing authority (like Trades Recognition Australia or Vetassess) must evaluate your qualifications and experience as suitable for the occupation.
• INVITATION & POINTS: These visas are points‑tested; you must lodge an Expression of Interest in Skill Select and receive an invitation to apply.
• ENGLISH PROFICIENCY: Most applicants must demonstrate competent English, usually through a test such as IELTS or PTE.

In short: electricians, plumbers, bricklayers and other qualified tradies can access the same skilled visa pathways as carpenters, but they must meet the same hurdles-qualifications, skills assessment, points test and, often, an English exam.

See the info page here (You submit an Expression of Interest through Skill Select and, if invited, you apply via Immi Account.)

⚠️ Important: Skilled visas aren’t for people who want to work straight away. They take months to process and cost more. Most HLH Group workers start on a Working Holiday Visa, then look at skilled visas once they’re settled.

Sponsored Visas – Rare & Client-Dependent

HLH Group is unable to sponsor onsite workers directly as they are not the host employer. However, from time to time, some of our larger clients choose to take reliable carpenters on full-time, which may open the door to a 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa. The new Skills in Demand (formerly Temporary Skill Shortage) visa is a temporary visa that lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a role they can’t fill locally immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This is not something to rely on if you want to come over and work straight away. Sponsorship only happens after you’ve proven yourself on site, and a client decides to hire you permanently.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

INFORMATION & MAJOR DRAWBACK – If you’re thinking of studying while working in Australia, the Student visa lets you enrol in an eligible course and work part‑time. According to the Department of Home Affairs, holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight during study sessions immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. This means you can’t work full‑time while studying – a major limitation compared with Working Holiday or skilled visas. More details on eligibility and costs can be found on the official information page: Student visa (subclass 500).

HLH Group’s Take On Visas

If your goal is to move to Sydney and start working straight away, the Working Holiday Visa is the clear choice. It’s quick, simple, and works perfectly with how labour hire operates.

The big advantage? A WHV gives you freedom with less pressure. You’re not locked into contracts or risking a big financial loss if you decide Australia isn’t for you. You can come, try it out, and if it feels right – extend your stay or look at longer-term options later.

HLH Group’s role? To make sure you’ve got carpentry shifts lined up before you land, so you’re earning from week one and can make decisions without stress.

Accommodation

2. Accommodation in Sydney – Where to Start

Before you fly, one of the biggest stress points is “Where am I going to live?” With so many options, it can feel overwhelming – especially if all you’ve heard about are Bondi and Coogee.

The Popular Starting Spots

Most newcomers look to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs first:

• Maroubra, Coogee, Randwick, Clovelly, and Bondi are the big favourites.
• Why? They’re by the beach, full of other overseas tradies, and have excellent public transport with buses right on your doorstep.
• The social scene here is buzzing, so it’s a natural starting hub if you want to make friends fast.

Short-Term Options When You Land

If you don’t have friends or family to crash with, don’t panic – there are plenty of hostels that make a great first stop while you find something more permanent.

• CITY HOSTELS: Wake Up! Sydney (Central), YHA Central.
• BEACH HOSTELS: Mad Monkey Coogee, Surfside Bondi Beach.

Hostels are cheap, social, and central – giving you a base for your first week or two. You’ll also need an address to apply for your Tax File Number (TFN), which is required before you can start work.

Medium-Term Options – Sublets & Share Houses

Once you’ve settled in, most tradies move into a share house. Facebook groups like Irish Around Sydney or Brits in Sydney are full of sublet ads ranging from short stays to long-term rooms. The bonus? It’s a great way to make friends quickly and feel part of a household.

⚠️ Be careful: Always try to view the place in person before handing over any bond or rent. Scams do exist, so do your research and trust your gut.

Why sublets work well:

• They give you more freedom than a full lease – you’re not tied down, and you don’t carry the same level of responsibility.
• They’re perfect if you’d like to travel around a few suburbs and get a feel for different areas of Sydney.

The flip side:

• Many sublets come from people heading off to do their regional or farmwork. That means there’s always a chance they’ll come back earlier (or later) than planned and want their room back. It’s not the end of the world, but it can mean you need to move again with short notice.

Sublets are a great stepping stone if you’re new to Sydney – just go in flexible and treat it as part of the adventure.

Long-Term Rentals – Signing A Lease

If you want your own place or a more permanent setup, you’ll need to go through the formal rental process:

• Viewings are mandatory – you can’t just book online; you need to attend in person.
• Use apps like TenantApp or Domain to browse available rentals and book inspections.
• Be ready with documents: recent payslips from home, ID, and references will make your application stronger.
• Popular letting agents include Raine & Horne, Ray White, and McGrath – they dominate a lot of the Sydney rental market.
• Bond & upfront rent: Typically, one month’s rent as a bond, plus two weeks’ rent upfront. This can vary, but always budget for it.

Here are some useful links to long-term rental apps and real‑estate agents that you can use when you’re ready to sign a lease in Sydney:

• TenantApp – an app designed specifically for renters. On its homepage you can tap “Find a rental property” and then search by location, property type, price and more. The site emphasises that it “transforms the way you search for your next home,” offering property alerts and inspection bookings.
  ▸ Website: tenantapp.com.au
• Domain – Domain’s app (available on Google Play and the App Store) is another popular way to find rental properties. It lets you search by suburb, address, school or map, then filter by price, property type, bedrooms, bathrooms and parking. It also offers property alerts and inspection scheduling.
  ▸ App (Android)
  ▸ App (iOS)

What You’ll Pay

Rent depends on the suburb, but expect:

• $400-$550 PER ROOM PER WEEK in popular Eastern Suburbs locations.
• Cheaper options are available in the Northern Beaches, Inner west or south, but your commute may be longer depending on where your job site is.

Our Advice

• Have at least two weeks of accommodation pre-booked before you fly.
• Bring savings for at least one month’s rent to cover yourself while you get set up.
• Stay flexible – what matters most is having a roof over your head, a base for your TFN, and a place to get your bearings before diving into longer-term options.

Paperwork

3. The Admin Bits – Boring but Important (Do These or You Won’t Get Paid)

Tax File Number (TFN)

• Think of it like your Aussie tax ID.
• Apply online the day you arrive – it’s free and takes 5 minutes.
• Hand it to your employer within 28 days or the tax man takes a bigger cut.
• Don’t pay dodgy websites – it’s always free.
• Apply here: Australian Tax Office – Apply for a TFN 

Bank Account

• You’ll need an Aussie bank account to get paid.
• Open one with just your passport + address (even a hostel works).
• Big banks: Commonwealth, Westpac, NAB, ANZ.
• Many let you apply online before you fly, then show ID to activate it when you land.
• You’ll get a debit card, and wages go straight in.

Here are the official pages for opening a bank account with Australia’s major banks:

• Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) : Their Everyday Smart Access account allows new arrivals to open an account online up to 14 days before arriving in Australia. The official page clearly states that you can “open online now” for both the standard Everyday account and the student version.
  Link: CommBank
• Westpac : The Westpac Choice account for new arrivals can be set up online (you can start from overseas). The bank notes that it “takes just minutes to open your account if you’re in Australia” and you can start the process before you arrive.
  Link: Westpac
• NAB : NAB’s Classic Banking account has no monthly account fee and the site highlights that it’s “fast, easy to open” with the option to “Get started” online.
  Link: NAB
• ANZ : ANZ’s “Get the advantage, everyday” page explains that you can apply online for an ANZ Access Advantage transaction account, noting it “only takes around 10 minutes to apply online”.
  Link: ANZ

Superannuation (Super = Pension Pot)

• Employers must pay an extra 12% on top of your wages into a super fund.
• With HLH Group, we’ll set you up on CBUS, the construction industry’s fund.
• You can’t touch it while you’re here, but when you leave Australia, you can claim it back (the government keeps about 65% in tax, but you’ll still get a lump sum).
• Think of it as bonus money waiting for you when you go home.

Healthcare

• UK PASSPORT: You can use Medicare for free/cheap healthcare while in Australia. To enrol you must have lived in the UK before arriving, show your passport and proof of UK residency; cover begins on arrival and ends when your visa expires. Official link: servicesaustralia.gov.au.
• IRISH PASSPORT: You get free A&E (emergency hospital treatment) Cover starts when you arrive and ends when your visa expires – just flash your passport. Anything else (GP, prescriptions, specialists) = pay for it or get insurance.
• OTHER NATIONALITIES: Sort health insurance before you fly. Medical bills here will wreck your savings if you don’t.

Setting up Medicare (UK passport holders)

1. Wait until you’re in Australia – you can’t enrol from abroad.
2. Go to a Medicare Service Centre (there are heaps around Sydney).
3. Bring:

• • Your passport
  • Your visa grant notice (print/email copy)
  • Proof of your Australian address (a hostel address works at the start).

4. Fill out the Medicare enrolment form (available online or at the centre).
5. You’ll get a Medicare number straight away, and the physical card arrives by post within 2–3 weeks.

Once enrolled, you can access bulk-billed (free) GP visits, hospital treatment, and cheaper prescriptions.

White Card (Site Pass)

• Aussie version of SafePass or CSCS card.
• Ensures you have adequate training on site safety, hazards and risks
• You must have it before you can set foot on a site.
• 1 day training course available online or in-person. We recommend in-person as they help with the paperwork for the certification.
• Bondi Training Centre are in the same building as HLH Group ask us for a $5 discount code to complete your white card there.
• Cost: $100 – $120 in NSW
• Valid for life across Australia.

PPE (Safety Gear)

HLH Group will provide you a hard hat, hi-vis top, gloves, safety glasses and ear plugs

• You must buy steel-cap boots – Kmart has cheap ones under $50 or Steel Blue are a reputable Aussie brand
• Depending on the work you are carrying out you may require site specific PPE such as harnesses, face shields, hearing protection. Generally the host employer will supply this PPE but contact your HLH Group consultant immediately if you are missing any PPE to carry out the task in hand.

HLH Group

4. Getting Set Up with HLH Group

We know the biggest worry about moving to Sydney is simple: “Will I have work when I get there?” That’s why HLH Group makes the process seamless – so you land with shifts lined up, pay sorted, and a team behind you.

We’ve spent over 10 years building our name as one of Sydney’s best labour hire companies. We’ve got the clients, the projects, and the support system to make sure you’re not left hanging around. Don’t just take our word for it – check out our Candidate reviews here.

Pay & Working conditions

With HLH Group, you’ll be paid as a casual employee under the Building & Construction Award. That means:

• Weekly pay (every Thursday)
• Overtime rates
• Daily fares & travel allowances
• Meal allowances (if you work over 10 hours in one shift)
• 12% superannuation

Trades We’re Looking For: Carpenters, Plumbers, Electricians, Scaffolders & More.

Check out our current jobs here and apply before you arrive

If you want to line up work before you leave home, you’ll need:

• Construction experience relative to your role or trade
• Trade qualification
• A willingness to work full-time (not just odd shifts)
• An up-to-date CV and references
• Basic tools (a bonus if you have them otherwise we can supply them)
• Reliable, skilled, and professional
• Ready to commit to at least 3 months with HLH Group

Sound like you? Click here to apply and we’ll take it from there.

For Labouring Roles

If you’re coming over for General Labouring work, once you’ve landed and sorted your White Card:

• Send your resume to jobs@hlhgroup.com.au or complete or Register now form
• We’ll set up your payroll and provide your PPE (hi-vis, gloves, glasses)
• From there, you’ll be ready to hit site straight away

Please note: we require at least 6 months of site experience for labouring roles. Do not apply from overseas – applications will only be considered once you’re in Sydney.

Why HLH Group?

We’ve got hundreds of active clients across Sydney from residential builds to big commercial projects which means steady work at good rates. Add in weekly pay, proper allowances, and a team that actually supports you, and it’s no wonder so many tradies call us the best in the game.

Tickets That Will Give You The Edge

A White Card gets you onto site, but extra tickets make you more employable and often lead to better rates:

• EWP (Elevated Work Platform): lets you operate boom lifts and scissor lifts.
  • Cost: around $300-$400 AUD.
• WORKING AT HEIGHTS: required if you’ll be on scaffolds, roofs, or high frames.
  • Cost: around $250-$350 AUD.
• FORKLIFT LICENCE: handy if you want flexibility across bigger commercial sites.
  • Cost: around $500-$600 AUD.
• SILICA AWARENESS TRAINING: aimed at everyone in the construction, manufacturing and engineered stone industry
  • Cost: $105 AUD

The more tickets you have, the more options we can offer you — and the quicker you’ll get onto bigger projects.

Tax

5. Tax for Working Holiday Makers

If you’re coming over on a Working Holiday Visa (417 or 462), here’s exactly how your tax will work:

The Tax Rates

• $0 – $45,000 AUD → taxed at 15%
• $45,001 – $135,000 AUD → taxed at 30%
• $135,001 – $190,000 AUD → taxed at 37%
• $190,001+ AUD → taxed at 45%

Example: if you’re a carpenter earning around $1,500 a week, you’ll see about $225 (15%) tax taken out. The rest lands in your bank every Thursday.

When You Do Your Tax Return

• The Australian financial year runs 1 July – 30 June.
• You can normally lodge your return from mid-July that’s when your employer (like HLH Group) finalises their STP – Single Touch Payroll report to the ATO.
• Depending on how much you’ve earned and what was withheld, you might get a refund, or you might owe a little.

Superannuation (your pension fund)

• On top of your wages, HLH Group or your employer must pay 12% superannuation into a super fund (we’ll set you up with CBUS if you don’t already have a superannuation account).
• You can’t touch this money while you’re here it’s locked away.
• When you leave Australia, you can claim it back, but the government taxes it heavily (65%).
• Still, it adds up. Work a year in Sydney and it’s usually a few thousand dollars sitting there waiting for you.

Bottom Line: your tax is automatic and simple. HLH Group takes care of it through payroll, so there’s no stress on your side. All you need is your TFN (Tax File Number) when you arrive, and you’re good to go.

Lifestyle

6. Lifestyle & Community

This is why most tradies make the move – the Sydney lifestyle. You’ll swap grey mornings and wet boots for early starts, early finishes, and afternoons that actually feel like your time. Instead of heading home in the dark, you could be grabbing a surf, hitting the gym, or having a beer by the beach.

Where People Land

Most newcomers kick things off in the Eastern Suburbs:

• Bondi, Coogee, Maroubra, Randwick, Clovelly – beaches, bars, and a constant buzz of other people in the same boat as you.
• Buses everywhere, cafés on every corner, and enough pubs to keep your weekends sorted.
• You’ll meet plenty of fellow UK & Irish tradies who’ve been through the same move and are always up for a pint or a tip.

The HLH Group Crew

Moving solo? Don’t sweat it. With HLH Group you’re not just rocking up to a job – you’re stepping into a community.
We sponsor Sydney Irish RFC, a rugby club that welcomes anyone. No need to be a pro – plenty of our lads had never played before. It’s about joining in, meeting people, and having craic both on and off the pitch. Here’s their insta https://www.instagram.com/sydneyirishrfc/
Rugby not your thing? No worries. Sydney has soccer teams, touch footy, gyms, running clubs, surf schools – and they’re all used to welcoming beginners.

How People Actually Make Mates

• HOSTELS & SHARE HOUSES: you’ll land with instant roommates and usually instant friends.
• FACEBOOK GROUPS : like Irish Around Sydney or Brits in Sydney – good for finding housing, but also flat parties, nights out, and mates to travel with.
• WHATSAPP TRADIE CHATS : we’ll link you in so you’ve got people to ask questions and grab a pint with before you even touch down.

Living The Lifestyle (without going broke)

Sydney has a rep for being pricey – and it can be – but there are loads of ways to save if you know where to look:

• EATCLUB APP: restaurants slash prices by 30-50% if you book last minute.
• FIRST TABLE: small booking fee, then 50% off your food bill for early sittings.
• PUB DEALS: $15 schnittys, 2-for-1 pizzas, cheap jugs – every suburb has its own weekly specials.
• OPAL CARD CAP: once you hit the weekly spend on transport, the rest of your trips are free.

Do You Need A Car?

The short answer: not always – but for some sites, it makes life much easier.

Getting by without a car:

• If you’re based in the Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee, Maroubra, Randwick, Clovelly), public transport is solid.
• Trains and buses will get you between the suburbs and the city easily.
• For carpenters working on city, Inner West, and Eastern Suburb sites, you can often get by fine without a car.

When a car makes sense:

• If you’re heading further afield –  Northern Beaches, Western Sydney, or larger commercial sites – a car gives you way more flexibility.
• It can also mean more job options with HLH Group, since you’re not limited by transport routes.

Buying a car:

• You can pick up a cheap runaround for a couple of grand.
• Always check that it’s got valid rego (registration) and a roadworthy certificate.
• Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and Carsales.com.au are the go-to places.

Driving in Australia:

• You can drive on your overseas licence for the first few months, but if you’re staying longer you’ll need to swap to a NSW licence (usually within 3 months, depending where you’re from).
• ⚠️ Be careful:  fines are brutal here. Speed cameras are everywhere, and even 5–10 km/h over the limit will cost you.
• Parking fines are also no joke, so always check signs before leaving your car.

Insurance & running costs:

• Don’t skip car insurance: accidents happen, and without it you’ll be out of pocket thousands.
• Running costs (rego, fuel, insurance) add up, so factor that into your budget if you’re buying.

Come with realistic expectations, a bit of savings, and an open mind. The lifestyle here is unreal – but remember, it’s real life, not just a highlight reel.

Cost

7. Flights, Visa & Upfront Costs

Before you even think about rent or tools, there are a few fixed costs just to get yourself to Australia:

• Working Holiday Visa (417/462): around $635 AUD (~£330 GBP / €380 EUR)
• Flights: usually $1,000-$1,500 AUD (~£520-£780 GBP / €600-€900 EUR) one-way from the UK/Ireland/Europe
• Travel / health insurance: budget $300–$600 AUD (~£155-£310 GBP / €185-€370 EUR) depending on provider and cover length
• White Card course: $50–$90 AUD (~£25-£47 GBP / €30-€55 EUR) (book once you land)
• Steel-cap boots: ~$50 AUD (~£25 GBP / €30 EUR) from Kmart

So before you step on site, you’re looking at roughly $2,000–$3,000 AUD (~£1,050-£1,570 GBP / €1,200–€1,800 EUR) in must-pay costs.

Recommended Savings

On top of those upfront costs, we strongly recommend arriving with at least $10,000 AUD (~£5,200 GBP / €6,000 EUR) in savings. Here’s why:

• Bond + rent upfront: most rentals ask for 2 weeks’ rent plus a 4-week bond = $2,000-$3,000 AUD (~£1,050-£1,570 GBP / €1,200-€1,800 EUR) just to secure a room in the Eastern Suburbs.
• Furniture & setup: IKEA, Kmart, Facebook Marketplace can easily run $500-$1,000 AUD (~£260-£520 GBP / €300-€600 EUR).
• Living buffer: groceries, transport, social life – allow at least $500-$700 AUD per week (~£260-£365 GBP / €300-€420 EUR).
• Insurance, bank cards, admin fees: little things add up fast.

⚠️ If you’re carrying over $10,000 AUD in cash (~£5,200 GBP / €6,000 EUR), you’ll need to declare it at the airport. No problem if it’s in your bank account – this only applies to physical cash.

With HLH Group, you’ll be paid weekly, so your cash flow starts quickly once you’re on site. But having that extra $10k safety net means you’ll survive the stressful first few weeks without worrying if your savings are vanishing.

Arrive

8. Your First Week in Sydney – What to See

You’ve just landed, you’ve got your White Card booked, and maybe your first shift with HLH Group lined up. But what about your downtime? Sydney is one of those cities where you pinch yourself – the places you’ve only ever seen in photos are suddenly right in front of you.

The Must-Sees In Week One

• Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk: This is the classic. Six kilometres of clifftops, beaches, and ocean views – with plenty of spots to stop for a swim or a pint.
• Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge: Touristy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Walk across the bridge for free, or just sit by Circular Quay with a coffee and soak it all in.
• Manly Ferry: For the price of a bus ticket, you get one of the best views of the harbour. Manly itself is a chilled beach suburb with ood pubs and surf.
• Royal Botanic Gardens: Grab a picnic, wander through the gardens, and take in that postcard view of the Opera House with the bridge behind it.
• Maroubra Beach: Less crowded than Bondi but just as beautiful – and a favourite for locals and tradies who live nearby.

The Vibe

What you’ll notice straight away is how outdoorsy Sydney life is. People are up early (partly because the sun rises early, partly because of work), and evenings are about the beach, sport, or a beer garden. It’s active, social, and a world away from grey mornings back home.

Pro tip: Don’t try to cram it all into your first weekend. Pace yourself – Sydney isn’t going anywhere, and you’ll enjoy it more once you’re settled.