Relocating to the great down under is considered a good decision by many immigrants worldwide. Australia is one of the developed countries with a high influx of immigrants. According to the data gathered from the Australian government, a total of 195,000 permanent migration visas will be made available for immigrants in 2022.
This new development replaces the former 160,000 permanent migration visas used by Australian immigration. With this new development, Australia hopes to welcome more foreign immigrants into their nation.
So, if you’re thinking of relocating to Australia from Nigeria, there are a few things you need to take into account. Here’s our guide on how to relocate to Australia from Nigeria.
Why Relocate to Australia from Nigeria?
The number of Nigerians migrating to Australia and other countries is getting bigger yearly. Due to the high inflation and current recession, and insecurity that the nation suffers, its citizens can’t help but migrate to other countries with the hope of getting a better life. Australia is one of the few developed countries that most Nigerian immigrants want to travel to.
The nation of Australia is a continent on its own, meaning it has a huge land mass. It has a stable economy, education, healthcare, and transportation systems. The standard of living in Australia is high. Immigrants from Nigeria and other countries move to Australia because of the country’s low unemployment rate and career development opportunities.
The country has over 200 available jobs for immigrants, with 50 of those jobs in high demand by the Australian government. These high-demand jobs can be seen on the Australian skilled occupation list.
Australia Visa Types
There are various visas available for immigrants to choose from while applying to move to Australia. These visas include;
- Australian Studying and training Visa
- Family/Partner Visas
- Australian Working and Skilled Visas
- Refugee and Humanitarian Visas
- Visitor Visas
- Other Visas
- Repealed Visa
1. Australian Studying and training Visa
Australia is home to some of the world’s prestigious universities and industries. The country is an eye attraction for international students and skilled workers who are invited to study and train in Australia.
2. Family/Partner Visas
These family visas are granted to family members of Australian citizens who wish to reunite with them. To be eligible to apply for this visa, the applicant must be either a sibling, parent, spouse, fiancé, grandparent or blood relative to an Australian citizen.
3. Australian Working and Skilled Visas
The skilled visa is one of the routes for most skilled immigrants looking for the best way to migrate to Australia. This visa provides the opportunity for skilled people between the ages of 18 to 45 years to live and work in Australia. As English is the official language in Australia, immigrants who speak good English stand a better chance of being granted this visa.
This visa enables immigrants with skills on the Australian Skilled Occupation List to migrate and work in Australia.
4. Refugee and Humanitarian Visas
These visas are available for immigrants who wish to migrate to Australia due to fear of returning to their country of origin due to wars, genocidal conflicts, religion, membership to a specific group, race, political opinions, and violation of their fundamental human rights.
5. Visitor Visas
These visas are available for immigrants who wish to visit Australia for tourism purposes. This visa enables immigrants who meet the basic requirements to travel to Australia with their families for a limited time. However, these immigrants would be allowed to work as their visa doesn’t allow them to.
6. Other Visas
These visas are comprised of programs that do not fall under those listed above: resident return visas, former resident visas, special category visas, etc.
7. Repealed Visa
These types of visas are special visas that do not fall under any of the above-listed visas; examples are business visas, medical visas, etc.
Australia Visa Requirements
For immigrants looking to be granted a visa, there are specific basic requirements that the Australian government expects from its applicants. These basic requirements include
- Pick an occupation available on the Australian skilled list (for skilled workers)
- Original signed Nigeria passport with a minimum of 6 months remaining validity.
- Meet the Australian English language standard
- Meet the Australian health requirement
- Meet the Australian legislated point score
- You must have proper documentation (bank statements, employment letter, hotel reservations, photocopies of your passport and ID)
- You must have read or have been explained the life in Australia booklet and signed the Australian values statement.
- Meet the Australian character requirement
Applicants who are able to satisfy these requirements are considered eligible to apply for any Australian visa of their choosing.
Cost of Migrating to Australia from Nigeria
If you are on the quest to discover how to relocate to Australia from Nigeria you need to also consider the cost of migrating to Australia. The cost of migrating to Australia differs in terms of the visa you applied for. However, there are three major cost areas to consider;
- The cost involved in submitting a visa application
The cost of processing your visa application includes most, though not necessarily all, of the following (in Australian dollars).
- Department of Home Affairs (DHA) visa application charge = $3,670
- Skills Assessment Application Fee = $300 – $1,050 (for most occupations)
- IELTS or PTE Test (if required) = $ fee as required in the home country
- Medical Examination = as applicable
- Police Clearance Certificate Fee = on average $20 per person
- Translations and Document Certification Charges = up to $500
- The cost involved in moving to Australia
The cost of moving includes most, though not necessarily all, of the following (in Australian dollars)
- Flight ticket (this will depend on the state or region you are moving to in Australia)
- Shipping costs of household goods = depending on your budget, can be between $3000 – 10,000
- The cost of settling in Australia
This involves the general cost of living, such as accommodation, transportation, and household expenses, plus the cost of looking after yourself and your family. As a rough guide minimum your first year in Australia would likely be (in Australian dollars);
- Single migrant = $15,000 – $20,000
- Couple = $20,000 – $30,000
- Family of 3 or 4 = $30,000 – $40,000
- Family of 4+ =$50,000 or more
As a general guide, the average cost of the Australia skilled migration visa includes AUD 6,000 TO AUD 8,000, while the Business Migration program costs from AUD 8,500 to AUD 15,000.
How to Relocate to Australia from Nigeria
When relocating from Nigeria to Australia, there are step-by-step processes that you need to follow;
Step 1: Identify an Occupation in Demand
There is a list of the in-demand skills in Australia can be found on the Australian skilled occupation list, though some of these skills are;
1. Accountant
Occupation:
- Accountant (general)
- Internal Auditor
- Tax Accountant
- External Auditor
- Management Accountant
2. Architect
Occupation
- Landscape Architect
- Qualified Architect
- Naval Architect
3. Engineer
Occupation
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Electrical Engineering Draftsperson
- Engineering Manager
- Environmental Engineer
- Industrial Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Production or Plant Engineer
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Transport Engineer
- Agricultural Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Civil Engineering Draftsperson
- Electrical Engineer
4. Medical Practitioner
Occupation
- Biochemist
- Cardiologist
- Chemist
- Clinical Hematologist
- Dermatologist
- Emergency Medicine Specialist
- Gastroenterologist
- Intensive Care Specialist
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Medical Practitioners
- Neurologist
- Obstetrician and Gynecologist
- Ophthalmologist
- Organizational Psychologist
- Orthoptist or Prosthetist
- Otorhinolaryngologist
- pediatrician
- Physiotherapist
5. Nurse
Occupation
- Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)
- Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)
- Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)
- Registered Nurse (Medical)
- Registered Nurse (Pediatrics)
- Registered Nurse (Surgical)
- Midwife
- Registered Nurse (Community Health)
- Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability)
- Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
- Registered Nurse (Perioperative)
- Registered Nurses
6. Pharmacist
Occupation
- Hospital Pharmacist
- Retail Pharmacist
- Industrial Pharmacist
To know more skills/occupations on the eligible skilled occupations list, visit the Australian skilled occupation list website.
Step 2: Skills Assessment
You must complete a skills assessment and obtain an acceptable score to be eligible for the skilled Australian visa. If you are nominated, your score must meet that specified in your invitation letter.
More information on proper skills assessment can be found on the Australian Department of Home Affairs official website.
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
Create an expression of interest on SkillSelect. When in SkillSelect, complete the personal data information required and submit it.
Step 4: Receive your invitation to apply
When you receive your invitation to apply for an Australian visa, you will have 60 days to file the complete application. After 60 days, the ITA expires.
Step 5: Granting your visa
Your visa will be granted after the Australian government has done its critical reviews of your application. You will do well to pay for your visa and flight ticket to Australia as soon as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Relocate to Australia from Nigeria?
Sometimes it may take several months for the Australian department of home affairs to decide on your visa application. It can take as long as 12 months to get a permanent visa, five months on average, and assuming you meet all the requirements; it can still take up to 3 months. It all depends on the moment of your visa application, as some visas are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis because of the limited yearly slots available.
Best Place to Live in Australia for Immigrants
Australia is home to some beautiful cities. Here are some of the best cities for Nigerian immigrants in Australia;
- Melbourne
- Adelaide
- Hobart
- Sydney
- Perth
1. Melbourne
Melbourne is widely regarded as Australia’s cultural capital. The city was voted the world’s most livable city for 7 years by the economist intelligence unit’s global livability index.
Melbourne is one of Australia’s most multicultural cities. Thanks to its immigrant population, diversity is a norm in Melbourne as it is filled with numerous food recipes and cultures from across the world. Melbourne is Australia’s sporting capital with its unique brand of football – Aussie Rules, which is very popular among residents.
2. Adelaide
Adelaide isn’t famous, but it doesn’t matter, as the city is an all-rounder. Adelaide has everything from a fantastic lifestyle to good weather and affordable property prices.
Adelaide’s education quality is good, with eateries and quality restaurants. Adelaide residents are huge fans of art, and music festivals.
3. Hobart
The town of Hobart is located in one of Australia’s safest states, Tasmania. Hobart is best for immigrant families as it is a fantastic opportunity of living the perfect family life. The town is home to many natural sceneries, beaches, and ancient forests, ideal for immigrants who would love to explore nature.
Hobart is also one of the cheapest places for housing in Australia. The town of Hobart is small, so everything you need isn’t too far off. The commute for workers is relatively short, and there’s less traffic, enabling working parents to spend more time with their families.
4. Sydney
Sydney is well known as it is Australia’s largest city. Sydney is regarded as the economic capital of Australia. It offers various jobs and career opportunities thanks to the many local and international businesses set up in the town.
Sydney is also home to some delicious food varieties and is a sporty town as it is the home of some of Australia’s world-class stadiums and sports venues. The weather in Sydney is humid in the summer and mildly cold in the winter. This makes it easily adaptable for most immigrants.
5. Perth
Perth is located on the west coast of Australia. The city is laid-back with excellent weather and great beaches.
The city is filled with trees and parks, which are excellent for children. Unlike Melbourne and Sydney, Perth is less congested and offers its residents many cultural attractions and sporting events. Perth is well known for its expat community. The town offers its residents a high quality of life due to favorable weather and affordable cost of living.
Best Ways to Migrate to Australia from Nigeria.
Many available visas aid Nigerians to have easy access to Australia. These visas include;
- Employer-Sponsored Visa
- Medical Treatment Visa
- Australian Student Visa
- Family/Partner Visa
- Australian Skilled Visa
- Business Visa
1. Employer-Sponsored Visa
The employer-sponsored visa is one of the most common types of visa in Australia. This visa allows employers to select skilled workers from across the globe to work for various organizations and industries. This is the easiest way to set foot in Australia for foreigners lucky enough to get job offers from employers in Australia.
2. Medical Treatment Visa
This temporary visa allows people to travel to Australia for health/treatment reasons for the duration of their treatment. This visa allows its applicants access into the country on single and multiple occasions, depending on the applicant’s health condition.
3. Australian Student Visa
In this day and age, education is a necessity. Australia is home to some of the world’s prestigious universities. This makes the country an eye attraction for international students.
Applying for a student visa could be your stepping stone to getting an Australian PR.
4. Family/Partner Visa
The family visa is granted to family members/relatives of Australian permanent residents who wish to reunite with them. To be eligible to apply for this visa, the applicant must be either a sibling, parent, spouse, fiancé, grandparent or blood relative to an Australian permanent resident.
5. Australian Skilled Visa
The skilled Australian visa is one of the main routes for most skilled immigrants to migrate to Australia. This visa provides the opportunity for skilled people between the ages of 18 to 45 years to live and work in Australia. This visa enables immigrants with skills on the Australian Skilled Occupation List to migrate and work in Australia.
6. Business Visa
Considering Australia is full of various business and career development opportunities, this visa is for immigrants who want to move to Australia for business reasons.
Here is our in-depth guide on the best ways to migrate to Australia.
Conclusion
Most immigrants looking for how to relocate to Australia from Nigeria should be aware of the necessary steps needed to do so. Individuals must conduct their own research based on their reason for migrating to apply for the correct visa, as applying for the wrong one might get your application rejected. Beware of travel agencies that promise you easy and perfect entry into Australia. Finally, go through this article thoroughly, as it will answer any questions you may have on how to relocate to Australia from Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions On How to Relocate to Australia from Nigeria
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