How to Relocate to Australia from Nigeria
Are you considering relocating to Australia from Nigeria? You’re not alone. Australia has become a popular destination for Nigerians seeking better work opportunities, a higher standard of living, and a fresh start for their families.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process on how to successfully relocate to Australia, including the visa options, benefits, and how to navigate the system without needing to pay expensive agents.
Why Australia?
Australia is a top choice for people seeking to relocate due to its high quality of life, thriving economy, and job opportunities across various sectors. In fact, the Australian government actively encourages skilled workers to migrate by offering different visa pathways, including the Permanent Residency (PR) Visa.
Key Benefits of Relocating to Australia:
- Permanent Residency (PR): Allows you to live and work indefinitely.
- Family inclusion: Your spouse and children under 24 years old can join you.
- Job flexibility: You are not tied to any one employer and can work in any sector.
- Children’s education: Free primary and secondary education for your kids.
- Work opportunities for spouses: Your spouse can also work in Australia, offering multiple income streams.
With this opportunity, the dream of living and working in Australia is closer than you think.
Step 1: Understanding the Visa Pathways
One of the most popular visa pathways for Nigerians looking to relocate to Australia is the Subclass 190 Visa, also known as the Skilled Nominated Visa. This visa provides a direct route to permanent residency and comes with several benefits. You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government, but once approved, it opens the door to a new life in Australia.
Benefits of the Subclass 190 Visa:
- Permanent Residency: You and your family can live in Australia indefinitely.
- Work Flexibility: Work in any industry and sector, provided you meet the qualification criteria.
- No Employer Restrictions: You’re not tied to a single employer, allowing you to switch jobs or industries.
Key Requirements for the Subclass 190 Visa:
- Skilled Occupation: You must have skills and qualifications in a job listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- English Proficiency: You must pass an English language exam, like IELTS or PTE.
- Relevant Experience: You need to have qualifications and experience in your field of work.
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old.
- Point-Based System: You need at least 65 points to qualify for this visa. Points are awarded based on age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
This visa offers you the flexibility to work full-time in Australia and gives your spouse the right to work as well. If you have children, they will benefit from free education up to secondary school.
Step 2: Identifying Jobs in Demand
Australia is actively seeking skilled workers in several industries. It’s important to know if your profession is listed in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) because this will determine whether you qualify for the Subclass 190 Visa.
Here are some industries and professions in high demand in Australia:
- Health and Medical Professions: Nurses, doctors, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals.
- Education: Teachers, especially in primary and secondary schools.
- Engineering and Construction: Civil engineers, construction workers, and site managers.
- Agriculture: Farmers, agricultural workers, and other related fields.
- IT Professionals: Software developers, data analysts, and IT managers.
The opportunities are vast, and if your occupation is listed on the SOL, you can start your visa application immediately.
Important Tip:
Australia offers higher salaries than many other countries for similar jobs. Nurses and healthcare professionals who have moved from countries like the UK often report higher earnings in Australia. If salary is a major consideration, Australia offers excellent earning potential.
Step 3: Meeting the English Language Requirement
One of the hurdles Nigerians often face is meeting the English proficiency requirement. However, it’s essential to understand that Australia offers several options, not just IELTS. You can take any approved English language test, such as:
- IELTS
- PTE
- TOEFL
Achieving a good score is crucial, as your English proficiency adds points to your visa application. If you’re not confident in your English skills, it’s worth investing in a prep course before taking the exam.
Step 4: Expressing Interest and Getting Nominated
The Subclass 190 Visa works on an Expression of Interest (EOI) basis, which means you must first indicate your interest in moving to Australia by submitting an EOI. This lets Australian states or territories review your profile and decide if they want to nominate you.
Here’s the process:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, the official Australian immigration platform.
- Choose a State or Territory: Identify which state you want to live and work in. Options include Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales.
- Get Nominated: Once a state nominates you, your visa application process can officially begin.
Important Tip:
Don’t be discouraged if you’re not nominated immediately. Each state has its own requirements, and sometimes it can take a while before your profile gets selected.
Step 5: Applying for Jobs in Australia
To relocate to Australia under the Subclass 190 Visa, you must first secure a job in your field. Job hunting might seem overwhelming, but several websites make it easier to find legitimate job opportunities in Australia. Some popular job search platforms include:
- Seek: One of Australia’s largest job boards, used by millions of job seekers.
- Indeed: A global job site with listings in various Australian industries.
- JobActive: A government-backed job portal that provides verified job listings across different sectors.
Important Tip:
Many people shy away from job boards like Seek, assuming they’re scams. However, Seek is backed by the Australian government and offers verified job listings from legitimate employers.
Step 6: Preparing Your Documents
Once you’ve secured a job offer and have been nominated by a state or territory, the next step is to gather all your documents for the visa application. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
- Valid Passport
- Job Offer Letter from your Australian employer
- Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS, PTE, etc.)
- Education Certificates (Degree, Diplomas)
- Work Experience Letters (Proof of relevant work experience)
- Medical Examination Report (Health checkup required by the Australian government)
Step 7: Submitting Your Visa Application
After gathering all your documents, you can officially submit your visa application to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Processing times vary depending on your specific circumstances, but on average, it takes about 8 to 12 months.
Visa Fees:
- Primary Applicant: AUD 4,240
- Dependent over 18 years: AUD 2,120
- Dependent under 18 years: AUD 1,060
These fees are just for the visa application. You may also have to pay for medical checks, language tests, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Step 8: Moving to Australia
Once your visa is approved, it’s time to start preparing for the big move! Relocating to Australia requires proper planning, from finding accommodation to sorting out schooling for your children.
Tips for a Smooth Relocation:
- Housing: Start looking for housing in advance, either through rental websites or real estate agents.
- Schools: If you have children, research the best schools in your new city. Public schools in Australia are free for permanent residents.
- Banking: Open a bank account in Australia before your move to ensure easy access to your funds.
- Health Insurance: Enroll in Australia’s healthcare system, Medicare, upon arrival.
Step 9: Settling in Australia
After arriving in Australia, there are a few more steps to settle down properly. You’ll need to register with local authorities, get a tax file number (TFN), and possibly attend an induction program for new residents. The Australian government provides resources to help new immigrants integrate into their communities.
Conclusion: Make Australia Your New Home
Relocating from Nigeria to Australia might seem like a complex process, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable. Australia offers a high quality of life, excellent work opportunities, and a welcoming environment for you and your family. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can start your journey to a new life Down Under.
Take the leap and begin the exciting process of relocating to Australia. It might just be the best decision you ever make.
