Emigrating to Australia

Australia

If you're considering emigrating to Australia, you're not alone. Australia is one of the most attractive destinations for migrants around the world. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about emigrating to Australia, to help you make an informed decision when considering a move.

Emigrating to Australia

Australia is a country that has long been characterized by a diverse immigrant population. Migration has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s social, cultural, and

economic landscape. Over the years, Australia has welcomed migrants from different parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, among others. The first wave of immigrants arrived in the late 18th century from the United Kingdom, and since then, the country has continued to attract people from all over the world. Consequently, the immigrant population has grown over the years, and today, immigrants make up about 30% of the country’s population.

The current immigration climate in Australia is characterized by strict policies aimed at controlling the number and type of immigrants allowed into the country. Australia operates a point-based immigration system that prioritizes skilled and highly qualified immigrants. The government has also introduced various policies aimed at restricting irregular migration, including offshore detention centers and strict visa requirements. In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the impact of immigration on the country’s economy and social fabric, with some sections of the population calling for tighter controls on migration.

Despite the restrictive immigration policies, Australia remains an attractive destination for immigrants, particularly those seeking better economic opportunities and a higher standard of living. The country’s strong economy, political stability, and high living standards continue to make it a popular destination for migrants. Additionally, the government has introduced various programs aimed at encouraging skilled immigrants to settle in regional areas, thereby reducing the pressure on major cities. Overall, immigration remains a critical aspect of Australia’s social, cultural, and economic fabric.

Understanding the Visa options for emigrating to Austalia

Entry clearance requirements for business, work, and family visas in Australia vary depending on the type of visa being applied for. Generally, applicants are required to provide evidence of their eligibility for the visa, such as proof of employment or financial resources, as well as a valid passport and any necessary health and character certificates. Additionally, some visas may require sponsorship from an Australian employer or family member.

The application process for these visas typically involves completing an online application and providing supporting documentation. Once the application is submitted, it is reviewed by the Department of Home Affairs and may require additional information or an interview. Processing times vary depending on the type of visa and the individual circumstances of the applicant, but can range from a few weeks to several months. It is important to carefully review the requirements and application process for the specific visa being applied for to ensure a successful application.

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Work Visas

Australia Working and Skilled visas are designed for individuals with specific skills, qualifications, or work experience to live and work in Australia temporarily or permanently.

The Business Innovation and Investment (permanent) visa (subclass 888) allows individuals who have held a provisional visa to continue their business or investment activities in Australia permanently.

The Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188) is for individuals who want to establish or manage a business in Australia.

The Business Owner visa (subclass 890) allows individuals who have owned and managed a business in Australia to live in the country permanently.

The Global Talent visa (subclass 858) is for individuals with exceptional skills in specific industries to live and work in Australia permanently.

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) allows employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers for permanent residency in Australia.

The Investor visa (subclass 891) allows individuals who have made a designated investment in Australia to live in the country permanently.

The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia permanently.

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) enables employers in regional areas to sponsor skilled foreign workers for permanent residency in Australia.

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494) allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years.

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently without requiring sponsorship from an employer or state/territory.

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently with nomination from a state or territory government.

The Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) allows recent engineering graduates from eligible institutions to gain work experience in Australia.

The Skilled Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 489) allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 4 years.

The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) allows skilled workers who have lived in a regional area of Australia to apply for permanent residency.

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years.

The State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner visa (subclass 892) allows business owners to live in Australia permanently with sponsorship from a state or territory government.

The State or Territory Sponsored Investor visa (subclass 893) allows investors to live in Australia permanently with sponsorship from a state or territory government.

The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) allows individuals to stay in Australia temporarily for specific work, cultural, or sporting activities.

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows international students to work and live in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.

The Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) allows individuals to work in Australia under specific international relation arrangements.

The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) allows individuals to work in Australia for a short duration in specialized fields

The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) allows employers to sponsor skilled workers to work in Australia for up to 4 years.

Family visa

Family and partner visas allow eligible individuals to sponsor their family members or partners to live with them in Australia permanently or temporarily.

The Adoption visa (subclass 102) is for children adopted overseas by Australian citizens or permanent residents to join their adoptive families in Australia.

The Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 114) allows elderly dependent relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia.

The Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838) is for elderly dependent relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia permanently.

The Aged Parent visa (subclass 804) is designed for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia permanently.

The Carer visa (subclass 836) is for individuals who are willing and able to provide substantial care to an Australian relative with a medical condition.

The Carer visa (subclass 116) is for individuals outside Australia who are willing and able to provide substantial care to an Australian relative with a medical condition.

The Child visa (subclass 101) allows children outside Australia to join their Australian citizen or permanent resident parent(s) to live in Australia.

The Child visa (subclass 802) is for children in Australia whose parents are not Australian citizens or permanent residents to obtain permanent residency.

The Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884) allows elderly parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia temporarily.

The Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) allows elderly parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia permanently.

The Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173) allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia temporarily.

The Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia permanently.

The Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) allows dependent children of temporary partner visa holders to join their parents in Australia.

The New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (temporary) visa (subclass 461) allows family members of New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia temporarily.

The Orphan Relative visa (subclass 117) is for children outside Australia who are orphaned and have an eligible sponsor in Australia.

The Orphan Relative visa (subclass 837) is for children in Australia who are orphaned and have an eligible sponsor.

The Parent visa (subclass 103) allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia permanently.

The Partner (Provisional and Migrant) visa (subclass 309/100) allows partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia temporarily and then transition to permanent residency.

The Partner visa (subclass 820/801) allows partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia temporarily and then transition to permanent residency.

The Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is for individuals who are engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident and plan to marry in Australia.

The Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115) is for individuals outside Australia who have no near relatives and wish to join their Australian citizen family members.

The Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835) is for individuals in Australia who have no near relatives and wish to join their Australian citizen family members.

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia temporarily with their children.

Refugee and Humanitarian visa

Refugee and humanitarian visas are granted to individuals who seek protection due to persecution, conflict, or human rights abuses in their home countries.

The Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202) is for individuals who are outside Australia and require protection due to substantial discrimination or human rights abuses.

The Protection visa (subclass 866) is for individuals who are in Australia and seek protection due to a fear of persecution in their home country.

Refugee visas (subclass 200, 201, 203, and 204) are granted to individuals who meet the refugee definition and seek protection in Australia.

The Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785) is for individuals who do not meet the refugee definition but still require temporary protection in Australia.

The Safe Haven Enterprise visa (subclass 790) is for individuals who arrived in Australia by boat and have a genuine refugee claim.

The Resolution of Status visa (subclass 851) is for individuals in Australia with an unresolved immigration status to seek resolution.

Visit Visa

The Australia Visit visa is a temporary travel permit allowing individuals to visit Australia for tourism, leisure, or to visit friends and family. It grants a stay of up to 12 months, with multiple entries permitted. The visa is subject to certain eligibility criteria and must be obtained prior to travel.

The Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) is a digital visa for short-term visits to Australia, offering easy online application and multiple entries.

eVisitor (subclass 651) is an electronic visa waiver that allows citizens of certain countries to visit Australia for up to three months without a visa.

The Transit visa (subclass 771) is designed for travelers passing through Australia for a short duration without leaving the airport.

The Visitor visa (subclass 600) allows individuals to visit Australia for tourism, business, or to visit family for a specified period.

The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) allows young adults from eligible countries to work and travel in Australia for up to one year.

The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) enables young adults from eligible countries to work and travel in Australia for up to two years.

Student and Training visa

Studying and training visas allow international students to pursue education and training opportunities in Australia, enhancing their skills and knowledge.

The Student visa (subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time in registered courses at educational institutions in Australia.

The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) is for individuals who will be accompanying international students under the age of 18 in Australia.

The Training visa (subclass 407) is designed for individuals seeking occupational training or professional development opportunities in Australia for a specified period.

Other Visa

Bridging Visa A (BVA) – Subclass 010 is a temporary Australian visa allowing applicants to stay lawfully while waiting for a pending substantive visa application’s outcome, offering conditions similar to the applied-for visa.

Bridging Visa B (BVB) – Subclass 020 permits temporary travel from Australia while maintaining lawful status during the processing of an ongoing substantive visa application, ensuring re-entry rights upon return.

Bridging Visa C (BVC) – Subclass 030 is for individuals without a valid visa who’ve applied for a judicial review, allowing lawful stay while the review is processed, typically following immigration detention. It’s not a substantive visa but a bridge during the review.

Bridging Visa E (BVE) Subclass 050 and Subclass 051 are for individuals without valid visas, allowing short-term legal stay while awaiting departure or resolving complex immigration issues, respectively. They serve as temporary solutions during transitional periods.

The Crew Travel Authority (CTA) Subclass 942 is an Australian visa for non-military ship and aircraft crew, permitting temporary entry for work-related purposes, and facilitating crew movements for authorized tasks. It’s designed to accommodate crew members’ travel needs while ensuring compliance with regulations.

The Maritime Crew visa (Subclass 988) is for non-citizens working on non-military ships within Australia’s waters, allowing legal employment while ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. It addresses crew members’ employment needs while maintaining security and proper oversight.

The Medical Treatment visa (Subclass 602) permits entry to Australia for non-residents seeking specialized medical treatment unavailable in their home country, ensuring access to necessary healthcare services. It addresses critical medical needs while maintaining compliance with immigration regulations.

The Special Category visa (Subclass 444) is automatically granted to New Zealand citizens upon arrival in Australia, allowing indefinite residence and work rights, bridging the gap between citizenship and permanent residency. It provides a unique pathway for New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia without needing to apply for a separate visa.

The Resident Return visa is available in Subclasses 155 and 157, allowing current or former Australian permanent residents to maintain or regain their permanent residency status after expiration. It permits eligible individuals to travel in and out of Australia while safeguarding their status as residents.

The Investor Retirement visa (Subclass 405) provides a pathway for individuals aged 55+ with significant assets to retire in Australia, requiring substantial financial resources for investment and a genuine commitment to retirement. It facilitates retirement migration for those who meet financial and age criteria while offering a peaceful retirement environment in Australia.

The Confirmatory (Residence) visa (Subclass 808) acts as a bridge for individuals with valid temporary partner visas, allowing them to stay while waiting for the outcome of their permanent partner visa application, and facilitating a smooth transition to permanent residency. It provides reassurance and stability during the transition from a temporary to a permanent partner visa status.

In conclusion, Australia offers a range of visas to cater to different purposes of travel. Whether you are a skilled worker, a family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a business investor, or a tourist, there is a visa category that suits your needs. It is important to research and understand the requirements and eligibility criteria of each visa category before applying.

General Visa Application Process for Australia

When is the best time to start a visa application to Australia?

The best time to start a visa application to Australia depends on various factors such as the type of visa you require, the processing time, and the availability of the required documents. Generally, it is recommended to start the visa application process at least three months prior to your intended travel date to allow ample time for processing and potential delays. It is also important to note that peak travel seasons and holidays may result in longer processing times, so starting the application process earlier could help avoid any last-minute issues and ensure a smooth travel experience. Additionally, seeking professional assistance from a reputable immigration consultant or agent can provide valuable guidance throughout the visa application process.

State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner visa (subclass 892)

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Taking Action

If you are an expat currently in Australia looking to meet fellow expats in the country, or you are outside Australia looking for a job in Australia , you have come to the right place.  If you are a business currently in Australia or a business person looking to set up a branch or headquarters in Australia, you have also come to the right place. We’ll show you everything you need to know about sponsorship in Australia and guide you through your compliance. 

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Expat events & Networking in Australia

We keep tabs on all the major and minor events organised by expats for expats and immigrants all over Australia .  Meet old and new friends; expand your connections. 

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Living in Australia

Housing and accommodation

Before you arrive in Australia, research and find suitable accommodation. This will help you settle in more
quickly.

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Banking

Research the different types of bank accounts available and choose one that suits your needs.

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Healthcare

Australia’s healthcare system embraces universal coverage, prioritizing the well-being of its citizens through accessible and comprehensive medical services.

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List of countries that do not require a visa to enter Australia

Citizens of certain countries can enter Australia without a visa. It’s important to check the latest entry requirements before traveling.

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Explore local services for expats in Australia

General

Relocation companies in Australia                     

Man & van services in Australia                          

Groceries & food delivery in Australia                

Roadside assistance services in Australia        

Translation services in Australia                          

TV & internet providers in Australia                    

House cleaning services in Australia                

Healthcare

Health and wellness centres in Australia      

Clinics & hospitals in Australia                        

Doctors in Australia                                          

Health insurance companies in Australia     

Health insurance companies in Australia     

 

 

Mental health services in Australia                 

Business

Business consultants in Australia                      

Co-working spaces  in Australia                        

Job agencies in Australia                                    

Real Estate

Property & estate agents in Australia            

Architects in Australia                                      

Hotels in Australia                                                

Maternity in Australia                                        

Short term serviced apartments in Australia     

Mental health services in Australia                

Financial Services

Accountants & Tax Preparation in
Australia                                                                  

Banks in Australia                                                  

Currency exchange in Australia                          

Financial advisors in Australia                            

Insurance companies in Australia                      

Mortgage advisors in Australia                          

Entertainment

Museums and places in Australia                      

Family and Kids activity in Australia                  

Nightlife hubs in Australia                                    

Sport centres in Australia                                    

Education

Preschool & Day care in Australia                  

Boarding schools in Australia                          

Business schools in Australia                          

Continuing education in Australia                  

International schools in Australia                    

Language Learning in Australia                      

Primary schools in Australia                            

Secondary schools in Australia                      

Universities in Australia                                    

Summer camps in Australia                            

Student accommodations in Australia          

Travel to Australia Requirements by Country

If you are traveling to Australia from any of the countries below, check out our evergreen travel guide from your country to Australia:

  • Travel To Australia From France
  • Travel To Australia From Ireland
  • Travel To Australia From Spain
  • Travel To Australia From Usa
  • Travel To Australia From Belgium
  • Travel To Australia From Bulgaria
  • Travel To Australia From Croatia
  • Travel To Australia From Cyprus
  • Travel To Australia From Denmark
  • Travel To Australia From The Eu
  • Travel To Australia From Serbia
  • Travel To Australia From Slovakia
  • Travel To Australia From South Africa
  • Travel To Australia From Albania
  • Travel To Australia From Austria
  • Travel To Australia From Bangladesh
  • Travel To Australia From Barbados
  • Travel To Australia From Brazil
  • Travel To Australia From The Caribbean
  • Travel To Australia From Uae
  • Travel To Australia From Canada
  • Travel To Australia From Germany
  • Travel To Australia From Ghana
  • Travel To Australia From Greece
  • Travel To Uk From Hungary
  • Travel To Australia From Italy
  • Travel To Australia From Lithuania
  • Travel To Australia From Malaysia
  • Travel To Australia From Malta
  • Travel To Australia From Sri Lanka
  • Travel To Australia From Thailand
  • Travel To Australia From Czech
  • Travel To Australia From Estonia
  • Travel To Australia From Europe
  • Travel To Australia From Gibraltar
  • Travel To Australia From Iceland
  • Travel To Australia From Indonesia
  • Travel To Australia From Ireland
  • Travel To Australia From Jamaica
  • Travel To Australia From Japan
  • Travel To Australia From Jordan
  • Travel To Australia From India
  • Travel To Australia From South Africa
  • Travel To Australia From The Netherlands
  • Travel To Australia From Pakistan
  • Travel To Australia From Poland
  • Travel To Australia From Portugal
  • Travel To Australia From Romania
  • Travel To Australia From Spain
  • Travel To Australia From Turkey
  • Travel To Australia From Ukraine
  • Travel To Australia From Afghanistan
  • Travel To Australia From Latvia
  • Travel To Australia From Lebanon
  • Travel To Australia From Luxembourg
  • Travel To Australia From Mexico
  • Travel To Australia From Moldova
  • Travel To Australia From Nepal
  • Travel To Australia From Netherlands
  • Travel To Australia From Qatar
  • Travel To Australia From Saudi
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