Moving to Perth: The Ultimate Guide for New Migrants (2026 Edition)
- Leading Edge
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Welcome to the sunniest capital in Australia! If you’ve recently secured your visa through Leading Edge Migration, or are planning your move to Western Australia (WA) this year, you are joining a thriving community.
Perth is no longer Australia's "best-kept secret." In 2026, it is a global hub for innovation, mining, and healthcare, offering a lifestyle that is the envy of the eastern states. To help you hit the ground running, we’ve put together this essential guide for navigating your first few months in the "City of Light."
1. Finding a Home: Where to Settle?
Perth’s rental market is competitive, so it’s important to research suburbs that align with your lifestyle and commute. Because all of Perth is classified as "regional" for migration purposes, you have the flexibility to live anywhere while still meeting 491 visa requirements.
Suburbs to Watch in 2026:
For Families: Baldivis and Ellenbrook remain top choices due to affordable new builds, community-centric parks, and the recently completed Morley-Ellenbrook rail line.
For Commuters: Warwick and South Lake offer excellent freeway and train access for those working in the CBD or southern industrial hubs.
For Lifestyle Seekers: East Victoria Park is the go-to for its vibrant "cafe strip" and proximity to Curtin University.
Pro Tip: Use sites like REIWA.com.au or Realestate.com.au to set up alerts. Have your "100 points of ID" and references ready to go the moment you land.
2. Navigating the Job Market
The WA economy is currently bolstered by major infrastructure projects like the Westport development. Skilled migrants in healthcare, construction, engineering, and IT are in high demand.
Steps to Employment:
Localize your Resume: In Australia, we use a "Resume" rather than a "CV." Ensure it focuses on your key achievements and is tailored to the specific job description.
Network is King: Perth is a "word-of-mouth" city. Join LinkedIn groups like Migration WA or attend local industry meetups.
Use Government Resources: Visit a Jobs and Skills Centre (available across Perth) for free career advice and assistance with localizing your qualifications.
3. Cost of Living & Banking
While inflation has impacted global prices, Perth remains more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne—especially regarding transport and public services.
Public Transport: Get a SmartRider card immediately. Perth’s public transport is capped at a 2-zone fare, meaning you can travel from the far northern suburbs to the south for a very low flat rate.
Banking: Open an Australian bank account (NAB, CommBank, ANZ, or Westpac) online before you arrive to make transferring your initial funds easier.
4. Healthcare and Education
Medicare: If you are on a 190 or 491 visa, you are eligible for Medicare. Visit a Centrelink or Medicare office with your passport and visa grant notice to enrol.
Schools: If you have children, note that your visa subclass affects school fees. While permanent residents (190) access local schools at no cost, some provisional visa holders (491) may need to pay a small annual fee for public education.
5. Settlement Support with Leading Edge Migration
Moving countries is one of the biggest leaps you will ever take. At Leading Edge Migration, our support doesn't end when your visa is granted. We pride ourselves on being a partner in your long-term success in Australia and helping you move to Perth.
Whether you need advice on Skills Assessment gap training or are looking ahead to your Subclass 191 Permanent Residency application, our team—led by Aman and Navneet—is here to guide you.
Essential Checklist for Your First Week:
Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) via the ATO website.
Register for Medicare (if eligible).
Convert your overseas driver's license (you usually have 3–6 months to do this).
Join a local "Migrants in Perth" Facebook group for community support.
Ready to move to Perth?
If you haven't started your visa journey yet or need professional guidance on Western Australian state nomination, we are here to help.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It's crucial to consult with a registered migration agent for personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances
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