'Welcome to Canberra' settlement services

The ACT Government's Skilled and Business Migration Program has introduced free settlement services to help new immigrants moving to Canberra from overseas.

These services are available to all skilled migrants who are nominated by the ACT Government to live and work in Canberra.

While you are waiting for the visa:

We understand that it can be quite daunting to move to a new country and start a new life and the wait can seem forever.  Use this time to research your new home and the wonderful lifestyle that you may be enjoying soon.  To help you feel comfortable with your decision to move to Canberra we will:

  • Happily answer any questions, no matter how small, about life in Canberra.
  • Send you regular newsletters updating you on special events and upcoming activities that we are enjoying in Canberra.

Visa Grant:

Let us know when your skilled visa has been granted.  We will then give you access to our Settlement Website - 'Canberra Information Portal', where you will find answers to some of your many questions and help you make your preparations to move.

The 'Canberra Information Portal' will help you research your new life in Canberra based on your personal lifestyle, housing, education & budget needs, and will give you a real idea of what your opportunities and your life would look like, e.g.:

Understanding Canberra's lifestyle

  • suburbs and schools
  • real estate & properties
  • understanding the cost-of-living
  • exploring child care options
  • information regarding many general relocation related issues

Arriving in Canberra:

If you would like to access our free settlement support service you must contact the 'Welcome to Canberra' team at least one month before your expected arrival date.

Email welcometocanberra@act.gov.au with your arrival details.

The Welcome to Canberra team will arrange to meet you following your arrival in Canberra. They will provide you with initial settlement support and advice before referring you onto the Canberra Settlement Service (CSS).

The CSS provides the following free service:

  • initial meeting to discuss settlement needs;
  • brief guided tour of Canberra (if required);
  • job preparation programme, including CV writing, interview preparation and referral to recruitment agencies;
  • advice on finding long term rental accommodation.

* Details of your arrival will be passed to the CSS following contact with the Welcome to Canberra team.

If you would like more information about our complimentary 'Welcome to Canberra' services, contact: