How To Relocate To Australia 2024

Reasons To Relocate To Australia

When thinking about moving to Australia, it’s important to think about why you want to make such a big decision. Usually, these reasons include career opportunities, education, and overall quality of life, all of which are crucial in deciding whether to migrate.

Career Opportunities

Australia’s strong economy and diverse industries offer many chances for skilled professionals to advance their careers. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are global centers for finance, technology, healthcare, and engineering. They provide great salaries and opportunities for career growth. Australia’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship also makes it attractive for those aiming to establish or expand their professional careers.

People considering immigration to Australia should check if their qualifications and skills match Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL) to see if they qualify for visas designed for skilled workers. Programs like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) offer pathways to permanent residency either through employer sponsorship or independent assessment of skills.

Education

Australia has an excellent education system known for its high academic standards and wide variety of institutions. If you’re looking at top universities such as the University of Melbourne and Australian National University or vocational education and training (VET) institutes, Australia provides educational opportunities that meet diverse academic and career goals.

Families planning to move often focus on finding good schools for their children. Australia’s schools and universities are highly regarded globally, offering strong academics as well as opportunities for cultural enrichment and personal growth. International students can also move from temporary study visas to permanent residency options, like the Skilled Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which supports long-term settlement.

Quality Of Life

Australia is known for offering a great quality of life. It has beautiful natural landscapes like beaches and rainforests, perfect for outdoor activities. Cities are vibrant with diverse cultures, modern amenities, and strong community vibes, making it a great place to live.

Australia has excellent healthcare with Medicare covering most residents, providing comprehensive medical services. Safety is also a top priority, making Australia a sought-after destination for families and individuals looking for a secure and supportive environment.

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a sought-after pathway for skilled professionals looking to migrate to Australia independently. This visa is designed to address the country’s specific economic needs by attracting individuals with high-level skills that are in demand.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), applicants must meet the following criteria:

Occupation Skills Requirement: Nominate an occupation from the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL) that matches their skills and qualifications.
Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for the nominated occupation. This assessment ensures that the applicant’s qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for their chosen occupation.
Age Requirement: Be under the age of 45 at the time of invitation to apply.
English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate competent English language skills by providing results of a specified English language test (e.g., IELTS, PTE Academic).
Points Test: Score at least 65 points on the Points Test, which assesses various factors including age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, qualifications, and other relevant criteria.
Health and Character Requirements: Meet health and character requirements. This involves undergoing health examinations to ensure applicants do not have any health conditions deemed to be a threat to public health or a danger to the Australian community. Character assessments involve providing police certificates from all countries where the applicant has lived for a certain period.

Points-Based Assessment

The Skilled Migration Points Test allocates points based on the following factors:

Age: Applicants can score between 0 to 30 points based on their age at the time of invitation.
English Language Proficiency: Up to 20 points are awarded based on the results of an approved English language test.
Skilled Employment Experience: Points are awarded based on the number of years of skilled employment experience in the applicant’s nominated occupation.
Qualifications: Points are allocated for the applicant’s highest educational qualification.
Australian Study Requirement: Additional points may be awarded if the applicant has completed eligible Australian qualifications.
Other Factors: Points can also be awarded for factors such as credentialled community language qualifications, partner skills, and nomination by a state or territory government.

2. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa is designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by an approved Australian employer for a permanent visa. This pathway allows employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill skilled positions that cannot be filled locally.

Eligible Occupations

The occupations eligible for sponsorship under the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) are listed on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL). These occupations are determined based on Australia’s labor market needs and are subject to periodic review and updates by the Australian government.

Employer Sponsorship Requirements

For an employer to sponsor a skilled worker under the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), they must meet several requirements:

Approved Sponsorship: The employer must be an approved sponsor by the Australian government. This involves demonstrating their commitment to training local workers and compliance with Australian workplace laws.
Position Nomination: The nominated position must be on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL). This list includes occupations that are considered in demand in Australia.
Labor Market Testing: Employers are required to undertake labor market testing, which involves advertising the position in Australia to demonstrate that no suitably qualified Australian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the position.
Salary and Conditions: The employer must offer a salary that meets Australian market rates and provide terms and conditions of employment that are under Australian workplace standards.

3. Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

The Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) is designed for individuals who want to own and manage a business in Australia or make a designated investment in the country’s economy. This visa allows successful applicants and their families to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily, with a pathway to permanent residency through the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 888).

Investment Streams And Requirements

The Subclass 188 visa offers several streams, each with specific investment requirements tailored to different business and investment goals:

Business Innovation Stream:
- Requires applicants to own and manage a business in Australia, or participate in an entrepreneurial activity.
- Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government.
Investor Stream:
- Requires applicants to make a designated investment of at least AUD 1.5 million in an Australian state or territory and maintain business or investment activity in Australia.
- No age requirement, but applicants must demonstrate a high level of business or investment acumen.
Significant Investor Stream:
- Requires applicants to make a significant investment of at least AUD 5 million in complying investments in Australia.
- Offers flexibility in investment options, including managed funds, Australian securities, and direct investments.
Premium Investor Stream:
- Requires applicants to make a significant investment of at least AUD 15 million in a range of investment options in Australia.
- Offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for high-net-worth individuals.
Entrepreneur Stream:
- Requires applicants to undertake a complying entrepreneur activity in Australia.
- Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government.

Application Process

State or Territory Nomination: Most streams of the Subclass 188 visa require nomination by an Australian state or territory government before applying.
Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants must submit an EOI through SkillSelect and be invited to apply for the visa based on their skills and attributes.
Visa Application: Once invited, applicants lodge a visa application providing evidence of meeting the specific stream requirements, including proof of funds, business or investment experience, and health and character checks.

4. Global Talent Independent Visa (Subclass 887)

The Global Talent Independent Visa (Subclass 887) is a specialized visa category aimed at attracting highly skilled individuals to Australia in sectors critical to the country’s economic growth and innovation. This visa offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for talented professionals who can significantly contribute to Australia’s economy.

Eligibility Criteria:

High Skills Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate exceptional and internationally recognized achievements in a profession, industry, or area of expertise.
Invitation Requirement: Unlike other visas, applicants for the Global Talent Independent Visa must be invited to apply by an Australian employer or a nominator with a national reputation in the same field as the applicant.

Invitation Process

Identification: Potential applicants are identified through Australia’s Global Talent Officer network or are nominated by an Australian employer or organization.
Skill Assessment: Applicants must undergo a skills assessment by a relevant assessing authority designated by the Australian government to ensure they meet the high skills threshold.

Sectors In Demand

The Global Talent Independent Visa targets individuals with skills in critical sectors that align with Australia’s growth priorities. These sectors typically include:

Science and Technology: Such as biomedical science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy technologies.
Engineering: Especially in areas like civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.
Medical and Healthcare: Including specialists in medical research, healthcare management, and emerging health technologies.

5. Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)

The Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) is designed for individuals who are in a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa pathway is critical for those seeking to join their partners in Australia, providing a pathway to permanent residency through a staged application process.

Key Requirements

Genuine Relationship: Applicants must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and continuing. This can include evidence of shared finances, social activities, and a commitment to each other’s welfare.
Documentation: Typical documents include joint financial commitments (e.g., joint bank accounts, leases, or mortgages), photographs, correspondence, and statements from friends and family affirming the relationship’s authenticity.

Types Of Evidence

Financial Evidence: Joint bank account statements, shared financial responsibilities, and evidence of financial support.
Social Evidence: Photos of the couple together, travel documents, and records of joint holidays or events attended together.
Commitment Evidence: Statements of commitment, joint memberships, and affidavits from friends and family detailing the relationship’s nature.

Application Process

Stage 1: Subclass 309 Visa (Temporary)

Lodging the Application: Applicants must submit their visa application, including all required documentation and evidence of the relationship’s genuineness.
Health and Character Checks: Applicants and any dependents over 16 years old must undergo health and character checks.

Stage 2: Subclass 100 Visa (Permanent Residency)

Temporary to Permanent Transition: After holding the Subclass 309 visa for two years, applicants can apply for the Subclass 100 visa, which grants permanent residency.
Evidence Update: Continued evidence of the ongoing nature of the relationship must be provided, including updated financial and social documentation.

Processing Times

Processing times vary, with the Subclass 309 visa typically taking 12-24 months and the Subclass 100 visa taking an additional 2-3 years, depending on individual circumstances and the complexity of the application.

Application Process

When applying for a visa to relocate to Australia, gathering the necessary documents is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and successful application process. We will outline the key documents and requirements applicants must fulfill.

Identification

Passport: A valid passport is essential. Ensure it has sufficient validity beyond your intended stay in Australia.
Birth Certificate: Proof of birth is required to verify your identity.

Professional Qualifications

Skills Assessment: Depending on the visa subclass, applicants may need a skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority. This validates that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.

Financial Proof

Bank Statements: Provide evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in Australia.
Tax Documents: Proof of income, tax returns, or business financial statements may be required, especially for business or investment visas.

English Language Proficiency Tests

Accepted Tests: Commonly accepted English language proficiency tests include IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic), and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE).
Minimum Scores: Minimum scores vary depending on the visa subclass and the applicant’s occupation or situation. For example, a higher score may be required for certain skilled migration visas compared to partner visas.

Medical Examinations

Required for All Applicants: A medical examination conducted by a panel physician approved by the Australian government is mandatory for all visa applicants. This examination ensures that applicants meet Australia’s health requirements.
Tests Conducted: The examination typically includes a physical examination, chest x-ray, and blood tests. Additional tests may be required based on individual circumstances.

Police Clearance Certificates

From Each Country: Applicants aged 16 years and older must provide police clearance certificates from all countries where they have lived for a cumulative period of 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
Validity Period: Certificates must be obtained within a specified validity period, usually within 12 months of visa application lodgment.

Conclusion

Moving to Australia requires determination and careful planning. Knowing the process and requirements beforehand helps prospective immigrants make better decisions and handle challenges well. Australia’s friendly atmosphere, rich culture, and robust economy provide a bright future for those eager to contribute their skills and talents.