After You Arrive

Your Address, Tax Number and Student Number

Australia has no city registration. In your first week, give your address to your university, apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) and create your Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Registration Basics

No City Registration in Australia

Australia has no city registration for students. Instead, tell your university and Home Affairs when your address changes, and get the numbers you need to work and study.

Your University and Home Affairs

Your university records your address. Home Affairs needs to know if your phone, email, address or passport changes.

The 7-Day Rule

You must tell your university your home address within 7 days of arriving in Australia.

Who to Tell

These are the places that need your Australian address.

Your university

Give your home address within 7 days, and update it when you move.

Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs)

Tell them when your phone, email, address or passport changes.

Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Posts your Tax File Number (TFN) to your Australian address.

Others to Update

Your bank: Your bank needs proof of your Australian address, such as a phone bill or lease, to open an account.
Your phone company: Update the billing address on your SIM-only or contract plan.

Step-by-Step Guide

Your First-Week Steps

Follow these steps in order in your first week.

Find a place to live

Arrange somewhere for your first nights before you fly. You write this address on your Incoming Passenger Card.

Tell your university your address

Within 7 days of arriving in Australia.

Create your USI

After you pass the airport checks, create your USI online with your passport and visa.

Apply for your TFN

Apply online with the ATO, the tax office, once you are in Australia. It is free.

Open a bank account

Bring your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), passport and proof of your Australian address.

Key Deadlines

When to do each step.

Institution	Deadline	Method	Consequences of Missing
Your university	Within 7 days of arriving	Through your university	It is a rule of your visa. Breaking a rule of your visa can put your visa at risk.
Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs)	When your details change	In your ImmiAccount (your online account with Home Affairs)	Home Affairs must have the right phone, email, address and passport details for you.
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)	After you arrive in Australia, if your visa lets you work	Online, with the ATO online system	Your TFN arrives by post within 28 days. Without it, you are taxed at a higher rate.
The USI website	In your first week	Online	You need a USI to get your degree or certificate.

Our Tip

Do these steps in your first week. Keep your TFN letter safe, and do not share your TFN with people you do not know.

Required Documents

Papers for Your First Week

Keep these papers with you when you set up in Australia.

For your university

Your Australian home address

For your USI

Your passport
Your Australian visa

For your TFN

Your passport
An Australian postal address

For your bank

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Passport
Proof of your Australian address, such as a phone bill or lease

Important Information

Special Cases

Some students have extra steps.

Moving house

Each time you move, tell your university your new address.

Students under 18

If you are under 18, someone must be arranged to look after you before you arrive. This must continue while you study.

Driving

Most states and territories let student visa holders drive with their overseas licence. Carry it with an international driving permit or an English translation. The Northern Territory does not.