Migrate to Australia With These 12 Ways without Stress: Step-By-Step Guide in 2024

If you’re considering relocating to Australia from the United States, the United Kingdom, or elsewhere, you might be unsure where to start. Whether you’ve visited Australia before or have only seen its beauty online, making Australia your home offers a unique experience. Known for its diverse culture and rich resources, Australia’s higher cost of living is offset by its relaxed lifestyle and stunning landscapes.

Moving to Australia involves more than just packing your bags and booking a flight. It requires a formal immigration application. The process begins with a valid reason for moving, such as employment or education, and involves securing an Australian visa. Understanding Australia’s living costs and culture will help you determine if it’s the right place for you.

Here are 12 straightforward methods to migrate to Australia with ease. Continue reading to discover essential aspects of planning your move.

1. Apply for a Family and Partner Visa

Family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens can apply to live in Australia. Various visa options are available for parents, partners, and children to reunite with their loved ones in Australia.

The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884) allows elderly parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualifying New Zealand citizen to stay in Australia temporarily. This visa permits living, working, or studying in Australia for up to two years and applying for a permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864).

To be eligible, you must be 65 or older and have a qualifying child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen. You need to be in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) and must not have previously held a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa. Additionally, you must meet character and health standards.

2. Find Employment in Australia

If you plan on moving to Australia long-term, presenting a strong reason for your relocation is essential. The best approach is to secure a job from Australia’s Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List. This list includes roles in high demand such as healthcare professionals, engineers, social workers, chefs, and IT specialists. Check the list regularly as new jobs are added frequently. Even with travel restrictions, those with jobs on this list are allowed entry into Australia.

Most employment visas require applicants to be under 45, though exceptions apply if you have a job from the Skilled Occupation List.

3. Obtain a Study and Training Visa

Study and training visas are designed for international students wishing to study in Australia. Although these visas are not for permanent immigration, they allow students to gain temporary residency after completing their studies. Students can work full-time and apply for skilled migration visas such as Subclass 189, 190, or 491 after their studies.

International students planning to study for more than three months need an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study, travel, and work up to 40 hours per fortnight once your course begins.

Requirements for the Student Visa include meeting Genuine Temporary Entrant criteria, demonstrating financial stability, meeting English language requirements, arranging welfare for those under 18, and fulfilling health and character requirements.

4. Purchase Health Insurance for Australia

Travelers on work or student visas are advised or required to obtain private health insurance. While Australia offers a high-quality public healthcare system funded by the government, access is generally limited to Australian citizens and permanent residents. Immigrants or expatriates may not qualify for these services.

Securing global medical insurance ensures access to top hospitals and medical services, regardless of your location or duration of stay.

5. Get Quotes and Hire an International Moving Company

Moving your belongings abroad can be challenging. If relocating to Australia as part of a job offer, you might receive relocation assistance. Hiring an international moving company can save you time and effort. These companies manage packing, insurance, and tracking of your items. Costs and services vary, so get multiple quotes to find the best option.

6. Find a Home in Australia

Once you’ve secured employment and a visa, the next step is finding a place to live. The high cost of living in major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne can be daunting. Research rental and real estate prices online, and consider staying in a homestay or Airbnb to get a feel for the area before committing to a lease or purchase.

International moving typically takes six weeks to three months, so provide your new address to your moving company once it’s finalized. Be prepared for higher taxes and contributions to your superannuation (retirement fund) in Australia.

7. Apply for a Partner Visa (Permanent)

A Partner Visa allows eligible individuals to live permanently in Australia and sponsor family members. To apply, you must be in a relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You’re eligible if you’ve been in a relationship for 5 years or more, or 2 years with children.

8. Apply for Australian Permanent Residency or Citizenship

For those planning a long-term stay, applying for Australian citizenship or permanent residency is an option. A permanent resident visa allows unrestricted living, working, and studying in Australia while retaining citizenship of your home country.

Applying for citizenship is a final step for those wanting to retire in Australia. Generally, people under 45 find it easier to obtain citizenship. Requirements include meeting residency criteria, passing a test, verifying your identity, and attending an interview.

9. Obtain a Skilled Independent Visa

Showcasing your skills can also facilitate easy immigration. The Skilled Independent visa allows individuals with skills in demand to live and work anywhere in Australia. To qualify, you must be invited to apply (via SkillSelect) and be under 45. New Zealand citizens need a New Zealand Special Category visa, have lived in Australia for at least 5 years, and must have begun living in the country by February 19, 2016.

10. Apply for a Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa

For entrepreneurs entering the Australian market, a Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa can expedite the immigration process. Eligibility requires applying online and holding a subclass 188 visa in the business innovation stream, subclass 444 visa, or subclass 457 visa, demonstrating ongoing economic activity in Australia.

11. Apply for the Global Talent Independent Program

The Global Talent Independent Program aims to attract highly skilled professionals from specific fields to Australia. The program offers a streamlined visa application process, fast-tracked processing, and a pathway to permanent residency. Candidates who wish to invest or start a business in Australia may also benefit from this program.

12. Apply for a Global Talent Independent Program (Ease 3/10)

The Global Talent Independent Program targets highly talented professionals in particular fields, providing a simplified visa application process, expedited processing, and permanent residency options. Investor visas also offer pathways to citizenship for qualifying candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the quickest way to migrate to Australia?

Here are the top 5 visa pathways for migrating to Australia in 2024:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
• Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)
• Global Talent Independent Visa (Subclass 887)
• Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)

How to migrate to Australia as a Nigerian?

• Skilled Occupation Visa: For individuals migrating for work purposes.
• Student Visa: For international students wishing to study in Australian universities.
• Family Visa: For family reunification.

Can I move to Australia without a job?

Yes, it is possible to migrate to Australia without a job. However, securing employment can increase your profile score in the point-based Australian Immigration System, improving your chances of obtaining permanent residency.

Conclusion

Australia, often referred to as the Oldest Continent or the Last Frontier, is a dream destination for many. If you’re ready to embrace the adventure and lifestyle Australia has to offer, start your migration process today.