Moving to a new country can be exciting and challenging. For people from the Indian subcontinent (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) arriving in Australia, the cultural differences, complex visa rules, and unfamiliar systems can feel overwhelming. Migrant support services are important because they provide guidance, practical help and a friendly community to newcomers.
Australia’s migrant population is large and growing – for example, nearly 916,000 Australians were born in India in 2024, making it the second-largest overseas-born group. Populations from other South Asian countries have also increased (the Nepal-born population grew by 155,000 from 2014 to 2024). Research shows that strong language skills and social support networks help migrants adjust to life in a new country and stay healthy. Migrants who learn English and make community connections tend to have better physical and mental health. Likewise, greater social and informational support is linked to lower stress and anxiety in new arrivals.
Visa Assistance
Getting the right visa is often the first step for a new migrant. Visa rules can be confusing, and applications require lots of paperwork. The ISC offers visa application help to guide you through the process. Trained staff can explain different visa categories (work, family, student, skilled, etc.) and help you prepare documents like passports, photographs, letters of support, and more. For example, they can help you:
- Identify the right visa type: Talk through your goals (study, work, family reunion) to pick the visa that fits.
- Fill out forms and applications: Help you complete visa forms correctly, and check paperwork before you submit.
- Prepare supporting documents: Assist with gathering letters (e.g. job offers, medical reports, financial statements) needed for visa approval.
- Lodge and track applications: Advise on how to submit your visa, and what to do if you need to respond to further questions from Immigration.
Because Australian law requires that visa assistance be provided by registered professionals, ISC staff can refer you to Registered Migration Agents or qualified lawyers when needed. They can coordinate with these experts, explain terminology, and even book appointments on your behalf. By simplifying the visa process, ISC’s visa support services help reduce stress and uncertainty for migrants.
For example: If you need to renew a temporary work visa, ISC can review the renewal form with you and double-check that your employer letters and bank statements are in order. This extra help can prevent simple mistakes that might otherwise delay your application.
Legal Aid and Advice
Legal issues – such as tenancy disputes, workplace problems, family law matters, or visa appeals – can be scary if you don’t know your rights. The ISC provides legal consultations and can connect you with low-cost or free legal services. They help you understand Australian laws and find the right help if you have problems. Services include:
- Legal consultations: One-on-one meetings with a qualified legal advisor or lawyer to discuss your situation (e.g. housing lease issues, visas, or family law) and learn your options.
- Referrals to legal aid and community centers: If you need more help, ISC can refer you to organizations like the Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS), community legal centers, or Legal Aid offices. For instance, RAILS offers free immigration law advice and assistance to migrants in Queensland.
- Rights education: ISC staff will explain basic rights (e.g. employment rights, tenancy rights, victims’ rights) and steps to take if those rights are violated.
These legal supports give migrants clarity and protection. For example, if you are in a rental dispute, ISC can advise you on tenancy law and help you draft letters or find a tenancy advocate. Free legal clinics also use interpreters and can handle visa appeals or citizenship cases. By using these services, migrants can ensure their rights are defended and avoid costly mistakes in legal matters.
Settlement Services (Housing, Education, Healthcare, etc.)
Adjusting to daily life in Australia involves many practical tasks. The ISC’s settlement services cover things like finding housing, accessing healthcare, enrolling children in school, and understanding local customs. Some key supports include:
- Housing assistance: Guidance on finding safe, affordable accommodation. ISC staff can help interpret rental ads, attend inspections, and understand tenancy agreements (like bond and rent rules).
- Education and childcare information: Advice on enrolling children in school or kindergarten, and connecting families with childcare and early learning centres. They can explain the Australian school system and help with the paperwork.
- Health services navigation: Information about Medicare (Australia’s health insurance), local doctors or clinics, and specialist services. New migrants learn how to get an Australian Health Record (MBS) number and find nearby GPs.
- Everyday orientation: Workshops or one-on-one help on topics such as how to use public transport, get a driver’s licence, open a bank account, and use services like Centrelink or social security. ISC also offers “socio-education” workshops to teach important life skills and local norms.
- Community settlement programs: Group orientation events where newcomers can ask questions and meet others. These might cover topics like Australian laws, culture, and community safety.
For example, ISC might organize a “Move to Australia” workshop covering how to apply for a Tax File Number, set up utilities, and understand public holidays. They can also connect you to partners like housing agencies or schools. By linking migrants with these vital services (housing, healthcare, education), the ISC helps make the transition smoother and prevents problems like homelessness or falling through the cracks.
Employment Support
Finding a job in a new country can be one of the hardest challenges. Indian subcontinent migrants often face hurdles such as unfamiliar job markets, accreditation requirements, and workplace culture differences. The ISC offers employment support to improve your job prospects, such as:
- Job seeker workshops: Free sessions on writing Australian-style resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and understanding workplace rights. For instance, ISC runs “Job Seeker” workshops and resume-building classes.
- Qualification guidance: Advice on getting your overseas degrees or licenses recognized. Some professions (like medicine, engineering, nursing) require local registration or bridging courses. ISC can explain which Australian authorities to contact for skills recognition.
- Networking and mentor matching: Connecting you with local professionals or community members for mentorship. They may introduce you to industry groups or job fairs.
- Employer referrals and volunteering: ISC can refer migrants to employers who are hiring, or to volunteering opportunities that build local experience. Volunteering can lead to paid jobs and helps improve English and networking.
- Information on government programs: Explaining schemes like jobactive or vocational training subsidies that help migrants find work.
This support addresses a real need: studies show that recently arrived migrants have higher unemployment rates than settled residents. For example, data indicates new migrants often take months to find a job, even if they were highly skilled. ISC’s employment programs aim to close that gap. By improving language skills and job readiness, migrants gain confidence and better chances of employment.
Community and Cultural Integration
Beyond the practical needs, having a social network and maintaining cultural ties is very important for well-being. The ISC creates opportunities for Indian subcontinent migrants to connect with each other and the broader community. This includes:
- Cultural events and festivals: Celebrations of Indian, Nepali, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and other subcontinental festivals (Diwali, Eid, Vaisakhi, etc.), where families come together and share traditions. Such events help preserve cultural identity and welcome newcomers.
- Social and support groups: Regular meetups (men’s/women’s groups, youth clubs, seniors’ gatherings) that let migrants share experiences and help each other. For example, playing games, Bollywood dance nights, or Indian music classes.
- Volunteering and mentoring circles: As mentioned, volunteering programs also double as integration tools, helping migrants give back while making friends.
- Peer support and mental health: Friendly volunteers and staff provide emotional support; newcomers often feel lonely or stressed. Studies confirm that strong social support reduces isolation and psychological distress for migrants. Being part of a community group gives you confidence and a sense of belonging.
By participating in these community activities, migrants can build a support network. This fosters friendships and practical help (like language buddies or job tips), and it makes life in Australia feel more like home. The ISC’s cultural integration services ensure you don’t feel alone and have a bridge between your heritage and your new Australian life.
Summary of Services
Below is a quick reference table summarizing the main types of support available, what they involve, and how they benefit you:
| Service | What We Offer | Benefits |
| Visa Assistance | Help with visa applications, renewals, and paperwork | Simplifies complex visa process; reduces errors and delays |
| Legal Aid & Advice | Consultations on legal issues (immigration, tenancy, family, etc.); referrals to legal clinics and lawyers | Clarifies your rights; protects you in disputes; free/low-cost help |
| Settlement Support | Orientation programs for housing, schools, healthcare, finance | Smooths your daily transition; prevents problems with housing and services |
| Employment Support | Job workshops, resume help, skill recognition advice, mentoring | Improves job prospects; helps use your skills and find work faster |
| Community & Cultural | Social events, festivals, support groups, volunteering | Builds friendships and networks; reduces isolation; keeps you connected |
Each service is designed with Indian subcontinent migrants in mind. For example, ISC offers job seeker workshops and personal development courses that use examples relevant to South Asian professionals. They also provide tax/finance sessions and community events where you can ask questions in your language. All of these help you settle smoothly.
Get Started Today – We’re Here to Help!
If you or someone you know is from the Indian subcontinent and needs support in Australia, don’t struggle alone. The Indian Support Center’s friendly team is ready to guide you. Visit the ISC website’s Services page to read more or fill out a contact form. You can also call or email them to make an appointment. Let the experts assist you with visas, legal questions, housing, jobs or anything you need – so you can focus on starting your new life with confidence.
Migrant support services exist to make your settlement journey easier. By reaching out, you’ll find the help and community that turns uncertainty into opportunity. Contact the Indian Support Center today – we’re here to make your move to Australia a success!
Frequently Asked Questions – migrant support services
Q: Who can use these services?
A: The services are for people from the Indian subcontinent (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) who are living in or moving to Australia. This includes new arrivals, students, permanent residents, and visa holders. In many cases, families as well as individuals can get support.
Q: Are the services free?
A: Many core services are free or low-cost. ISC is a non-profit organization funded partly by government grants and donations, which allows it to offer free workshops, consultations, and information sessions. For example, legal clinics and community events are usually free. Visa assistance may involve connecting you to a registered migration agent or lawyer; ISC itself may do basic help, but professional immigration advice can carry a fee (often at community rates). Always ask about costs up front.
Q: How do I get help from the support center?
A: You can contact ISC by visiting their website or phoning their office to book an appointment or ask questions. They often have walk-in sessions or drop-in counseling by appointment. The process is straightforward: staff will ask about your needs (visa situation, family status, languages spoken), and match you with the right service or workshop. The centre may serve migrants across different Australian states (check their site for specific locations or branches).
Q: Do I need to speak English to get help?
A: No, support is available in many South Asian languages and English. Staff and volunteers often speak Hindi, Punjabi, Nepali, Tamil or other languages from the region. Interpreters may also be available for certain services. Plus, programs like language classes can help improve your English.
Q: What if I have a question about driving, schooling, or healthcare?
A: The center’s settlement services cover these topics. You can ask for guidance on getting an Australian driver’s license, enrolling your children in school, understanding Medicare (health insurance), or any day-to-day issue. They will either answer your question or refer you to the right government department or community organization for help.