Deciding to migrate to another country is a huge step that requires meticulous planning. As an aspiring immigrant, who has made Australia their destination, it is safe to say that you have made an ideal choice.
Migration and immigration are key parts of the country’s economy and post COVID-19 recovery outlines. Therefore, the country regularly encourages aspirants to set up shop. As of 2021, the Australian Government increased the number of places in its Destinations For Immigrant programs from 6862 to 13,500.
In this article, aspiring immigrants will be privy to information on the requirements for immigration, the processes, what to expect as an immigrant, and other pertinent information tied to Australian immigration programs.
- What are the Benefits Of Immigrating To Australia?
- Why Is Australia In Need Of Immigrants?
- Citizenship and Permanent Residence in Australia: What to know?
- Top 5 Ways to Immigrate to Australia
- What Other Immigration Programs Can I Apply For Australian Immigration?
- General Process and Requirements to Migrate to Australia
- What is the Process For Migrating to Australia?
- What English Exams are Required for Australian immigration?
- How Does the Australian points-based Immigration System Work?
- Can you Immigrate to Australia without a job offer?
- How Much Does It Cost To Immigrate To Australia in 2021?
- How to Appeal Your Immigration Decision
- How to Prepare for Life in Australia?
- Top Occupation and Salaries in Australia
- How Can You Avoid Common Problems and Pitfalls?
- Helpful Online Resources or Links to Get Started
- Additional FAQs – Australian Immigration
What are the Benefits Of Immigrating To Australia?
There are scores of advantages that people immigrating to Australia stand to benefit from.
These advantages stem from immigrant-friendly laws put in place by the Government. Here are some benefits immigrants stand to gain from moving to the Great Southern Land.
- Occupation: As of 2019, the Department of Home Affairs in Australia updated its Medium and long-term Strategic Skills list. This meant that the number of professionals qualified in the skilled migration to Australia increased. Therefore, the increment, which amounts to 212 occupations, allows more immigrants to move into the country and apply for skilled independent residency.
- Free And Subsidized Healthcare System: The Medicare system in Australia ensures that Australian citizens and citizens of some other countries enjoy free healthcare in government hospitals and low fees for prescription medicines during their stay in the country.
- Stable Economy: Over time, the Australian economy has become one of the most solid economies globally. Despite accounting for about 0.3% of the global population, the island accounts for about 1.6% of the world economy. Furthermore, the IMF touts it as one of the world’s healthiest economies expecting it to become its 13th largest economy by 2022.
- Quality Living Standard: The living standard in Australia is high, and this is evident in the quality housing and the quality transportation system that Australian residents enjoy. The island teems with life, and tourists and residents can enjoy luxurious events and visit the beautiful hotspots that the country has on offer.
- Flexible Immigration Laws: Australian immigration laws provide immigrants with a wide variety of visas to choose from depending on their immigration goals. Therefore aspiring immigrants will see that the Australian Government will meet their tourist, educational, employment, or resident-based needs.
- Cultural Diversity: Australia is home to one of the world’s most diverse populations, with several cultures duly represented. A fraction of this population includes the world’s oldest continuous culture. Favorable immigration laws have helped to increase the country’s heterogeneity. According to Wikipedia, in 2019, as many as 30% of the country’s resident population or 7,529,570 people were born overseas.
- Subsidized Educational System: The Australian education system provides free and subsidized education at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Public schools in Australia have gained credibility for high-quality learning systems and methodologies. The country applies a holistic method in tackling education.
Why Is Australia In Need Of Immigrants?
The need for immigrants in Australia has been a part of the country’s planned Migration program as far back as 1945. When the Australian Government created the federal immigration portfolio, the Government sought to attract immigrants to increase the country’s population.
The Government made the program to attract workers and temporary migrants who were skilled workers. The Government developed the policy to meet Australia’s need for skilled labor and economic growth. Over the years, the migration program has been modified to accommodate new policies as the statistics of immigrants keep changing.
In 2010, the Migration program announced a total allocation of 168,700 places in the skill stream, family stream, and special eligibility places. And as of 2021, the country’s federal budget confirmed objectives to prioritize the attraction of first-rate migrants from around the world.
Citizenship and Permanent Residence in Australia: What to know?
What is a Citizen?
Citizenship entails nationality, the legal rights, and duties of an individual under a country’s domestic laws. A citizen is a participatory member of a community, usually political. Citizenship is obtained by being up to date with the requirements of a national, state, or local government.
While a nation grants rights to its citizens, they, in turn, are expected to obey the law and defend the country’s honor. The value of citizenship varies across countries, but it often includes voting rights, unemployment insurance payments, and the right to hold public positions in Government.
Being an Australian citizen translates to committing to the country and its values. As an Australian citizen, there are responsibilities and privileges. The responsibilities entail voting in federal, state, and regional elections or the jury if the need arises, defending the country, and obeying laws.
Some of the benefits include being able to constitute public offices and defense forces, applying for children born outside the country to become citizens, and entering the country freely.
Does Australia Offer Permanent Residence?
The answer is yes. Australia offers permanent residency or PR visas to immigrants. The visa has a validity duration of five years, and with this visa, the applicant can move to Australia with their family members.
The PR visa serves as a pass to apply for citizenship after three years of settling in Australia on a PR visa.
What Are The Benefits of Owning a PR Visa?
- Applicants can pursue higher education in Australia and apply for student and other educational loans.
- You can live and travel anywhere within the country
- Holders of PR visas become eligible for social security benefits after two years of living in Australia
- PR visa holders can sponsor relatives as far as they meet certain requirements.
- You can travel to New Zealand and apply for a visa there.
- You can apply for government jobs on a PR visa.
New Zealand Citizens Options
As a New Zealand citizen, moving to Australia is not an automatic pass to becoming a permanent resident. However, New Zealanders have a special category to apply for permanent residency. A New Zealand can apply for PR, and the benefits include:
· Being able to apply for sickness or unemployment benefits, which the Australian Government would not ordinarily give until after two years of residing in Australia
· Can sponsor other family members for permanent residency who can ultimately become Australian citizens.
Applicants can apply for a skilled independent visa as a New Zealand Visa holder. To obtain citizenship in Australia, a New Zealander must have lived in Australia for a minimum of four years on a valid visa.
USA Citizens Options
US citizens can migrate to Australia on several Visa types and subclasses that include:
· Student and Graduate Visas.
· Employer-sponsored Visas.
· Family Visas
· Business Visas
· Distinguished Talent Visas.
Top 5 Ways to Immigrate to Australia
There are several methods of immigrating to Australia, and they can be based on family, employment, refugee status, or humanitarian status. There are more than 40 migrant visas that allow you as an aspiring immigrant to move to Australia, and the most popular types include:
1. Work Based-Permanent Residency Or Skilled Migration Program
The worker category also has several ways through which immigrants can gain permanent residency. These include:
- Skill Select: This is a medium through which skilled workers and business persons can make applications to a state, territory, or Austrade for nomination by lodging an Expression of Interest. Where a pass mark is required, an applicant may only lodge an EOI where they meet the required pass mark.
- The General Skilled Migration: This migration scheme allows foreigners to migrate into Australia if they do not have an employer or sponsor. To qualify, applicants must be skilled in an occupation that is in demand in Australia. This scheme is popular amongst applicants because it allows migrants to obtain wor visas without depending on an employer.
- Employer-sponsored migration: is the migration scheme where an Australian employer sponsors a foreign national to move into the nation. Very often, different employees may need workers to fill gaps where they are experiencing skill shortages on a short, medium, or long-term basis.
The work-based or skilled migration program has increased in capacity recently, so much so that it holds a more significant percentage compared to the other programs. This is because of the shift in an increased need for more labor-based immigrants.
2. Family-Based Permanent Residency Or Family Stream
Immigrants are eligible in this category if they have a family member who is a permanent residence or an Australian citizen.
This type of visa is usually available for:
- Dependent relatives
- Partners
- Children
- Fiancé(e)s.
There are no skills tests or language requirements for immigrants in this category. However, applicants must be up to date about health and character requirements.
3: Temporary Migration
Temporary migration is one of the most remarkable changes made to the Australian immigration system after permanent migration experienced fluctuations. Statistics show that the country has witnessed growth in long-term temporary migration in the last decade.
It has also become the first step towards permanent residency in Down Under. The largest percentage of immigrants under the Temporary Migration category are international students and skilled migrants.
4: Regional Initiatives
This migration method is usually regional-based to attract immigrants in the rural and regional areas. This is because employers have been unable to fill vacancies in the local labor workforce. This migration style is often targeted at increasing the Australian labor market, thereby improving the economy.
The Australian Government established the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme in 1995. It allows temporary residents who are already in Australia or applicants from overseas to fill up the skilled vacancies for a minimum of two years.
5: New Zealand Visa
New Zealanders have a pass to permanent residency in Australia without a permanent resident visa. While they are granted a temporary SCV visa to stay in the country, they are not permanent residents or citizens.
This means an SCV visa holder cannot vote, join the Australian Defense Force, access student loans, or obtain work in the Australian Government. However, New Zealanders can apply for Australian permanent resident visas.
What Other Immigration Programs Can I Apply For Australian Immigration?
The migration programs have subsets that applicants can access on different levels. For instance, the work-based or skilled migration program can be divided into skilled regional sponsored visas, employer nomination schemes, regional sponsored schemes, Business innovation visas, and business talent visas.
And this applies to the earlier mentioned Australian migration programs. So here’s all to know about the programs and details for requirements.
1. Skilled Migration Program
Under the skilled migration program, the skilled independent work visa, also known as subclass 189, allows applicants to work and live in Australia. It is a permanent resident work visa. The permit requires the applicant to complete a skills test and be sponsored by an employer family member of state and regional Government.
Requirements for Skilled Migration Program:
- Be able to fill a position on the skilled occupation list.
- Applicants must be under age 50.
- Possess basic English communication skills.
- Meet the health and character requirements.
- Has no outstanding debts.
- Willing to sign the Australian Value Statement– This includes vital values guiding Australian society and social cohesion.
2. Family Visa
The family visa has subsets that include; a partner visa, prospective marriage visa, and dependent (child) visa.
The partner visa has two types that are subclass 820 and subclass 801. Subclasses 820 and 801 can be applied for simultaneously, and they are the first steps to permanent residency through marriage.
However, applicants should remember that only one application charge is made for the pair.
To be eligible for these subclasses or visa types, applicants must either be married or live together with an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
3. Prospective Marriage Visa
If an Australian visa applicant is engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident, they may apply for the prospective marriage visa or subclass 130. This also applies to persons committed to eligible New Zealand citizens.
Entering Australia with a prospective marriage visa implies that one would marry their partner within the first nine months of being in the country. From there, applicants can go for partner visas.
4. Dependent Visa
The dependent visa allows applicants to bring their family into Australia, whether as a child or spouse. Applicants are eligible for the dependent visa whether they are going into Australia on work or temporary visas.
Australian citizens, and permanent residents, are also allowed to bring independents.
However, the sponsor must promise to be responsible for the dependent regarding financial support accommodation, at least for the first two years of stay.
Dependent Student Visa Requirements:
- Form 919, the nomination of student dependants
- Form 157A, which is the application
- Evidence that the dependent can be financially supported.
- Evidence of relationship either through marriage or birth certificate
- Evidence of enrollment for school-aged kids
- Evidence of health insurance
Dependent Work Visa
The dependent work visa can either be a temporary or a migrant worker visa. A temporary work visa requires that only children who are unmarried and under the age of 18 are eligible.
However, the migrant worker or business visa can bring independents that are their spouse or partner, children under 25, and aged relatives like parents and grandparents.
5. Student Visa
A student visa in Australia allows applicants to study part-time or full-time at universities, enroll in an ESL course, and take vocational training. The student visa requires an assessment level, followed by several steps leading up to visa approval and travel.
After an international student must have applied to a Commonwealth Register of Courses for Overseas Student (CRICOS)-approved school, they can proceed to tender the necessary documents.
There are also different educational sectors for a different level of study visas, and these include:
- Independent English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Student (ELICOS) sector, also known as subclass 573
- Vocational Education and Training Sector (subclass 572)
- Higher Education sector (subclass 573)
- Non-award sector (subclass 575)
- Postgraduate Research Sector (subclass 574)
- AusAid and Defense sector (subclass 576)
6. Business Or Investment-Stream Permanent Residence Visa
This visa type targets immigration applicants who plan to invest once they settle in Australia.
The eligibility for this visa type states that applicants must have the provision (subclass 188) visa and evidence of financial capability.
The business visa attracts investors, business executives, and business owners to enter the country for business purposes, and it is a pathway to permanent residency.
Requirements for Bsusiness Permanent Resident Visa
- Applicants are required to be nominated from a state or territory.
- They must have an invitation to apply.
- Applicants should submit an Expression of Interest in Skill Select.
- The applicant must be 55 and above as of the time they apply.
- There should be a clear outline of the business plan, whether it’s a new or existing business in Australia.
- The applicant must qualify for either business investment, innovation, or classification as a significant investor. These are three visa subcategories.
General Process and Requirements to Migrate to Australia
As it was earlier outlined, the Australian immigration system has several categories with which applicants can immigrate, and there are specific requirements for each visa subclass.
However, there are general requirements that guide immigrating into Australia, such as:
- Points Requirement: Points determine your eligibility for a visa as an aspiring immigrant. The pass mark for the point grid is 65, and there are requirements to gather these points.
- Age: For an immigrant to get a permanent residency visa, they must be under 45.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must prove that they have a competent level of proficiency in the English language.
- Available Occupation: The applicants must also choose an occupation available in the occupation lists. The lists have outlines of the current occupations accepted in Australia for migration. One thing to note is that the occupation lists are often updated to show how the Australian labor market is faring.
- ·State Nomination: The applicant must seek state nomination.
What is the Process For Migrating to Australia?
A careful collation of all necessary documents and seeing to it that your point score makes the PassMark is what you need to move to the next part, which is processing. Here’s an outline:
- Consider Employment Options From the Diverse Jobs in Australia: Job security is one of the most extensive migration areas. A migrant must search for jobs across the country. Migrants can seek employment in either industries or occupations.
- Home Search: While researching employment and occupation options, aspirants must also search for suitable locations and accommodation. After picking a desired location, aspirants should conduct a job search in that area.
- Make a relocation list: This has to do with your plans of moving out of your former location. It entails a well-organized relocation list that outlines steps for movement to your new destination. Seeking help from an immigration expert always makes things easier. The expert can also provide ample information on accommodation, rules, and regulations of the state you wish to move to in Australia.
- Visa Nomination: Meeting or exceeding the pass mark for immigration points is not enough. An aspiring immigrant also needs to seek state nomination, and it helps in times of crisis.
- Submit Application: After conducting research and deciding the region you want to settle as an immigrant, proceed to submit your application.
- Moving: This part comes in only after receiving your immigration points and making the PassMark. After your immigration points have been certified, the next thing is to move to your desired location in Australia.
What English Exams are Required for Australian immigration?
The level of competency and command of the English language needs to be determined before the Australian immigration service will approve immigration to Australia. There are also different language proficiency levels ranging from vocational to functional to competent.
There are various ways to prove this, one of which is having a valid passport from either the United Kingdom, the US, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
The second way to prove this is through a recognized English competency examination. The exams approved and accepted by the Australian immigration system includes:
- IELTS: The International English Language Testing System can be used for academic and general language training. The required pass mark is to have at least six marks in each of the four components of the test. For all the subclasses of the immigrant visa, the test score is valid for three years. IELTS is quite versatile, and it is also accepted in countries like Canada, the UK, and New Zealand.
- TOEFL: known as the Test of English Language as a Foreign Language, is accepted in over 11,500 universities and institutions, as well as 160 countries like the United States, Australia, Europe, and Asia. TOEFL cuts across four language learning aspects, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The required score for the immigrant is outlined as at least 12 marks for listening, 18 for spelling, 13 for reading, and 21 for writing.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): The Pearson test also has four components, as it measures speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. It’s a two-hour test via the internet. The PassMark is pegged at least 50 for each of the components.
- OET: The occupational English test targets English language and clinical communication skills. The test assesses all four language skills with test materials obtained from typical communication settings. The pass mark for an Australian immigrant is at least a B in all the components.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Test: This test type, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), is an in-depth and high-level qualification exam that shows you as an aspiring immigrant have the language skills that employers and institutions are willing to accept. Over 9000 institutions, businesses, and immigration systems across the globe certify C1 Advanced as proof of English language learning.
A C1 Advanced test proves that you can take on an academic course at universities, communicate effectively at professional levels, express yourself with fluency, and be engaged in workplace meetings and seminars. The pass mark for C1 Advanced is at least 169 in all its four aspects.
- Duolingo English Test: A relatively new but fast-growing English language exam is accepted by a many of the leading Australian Universities as well.
Generally, you are to present your English language competency proof either at the time of invitation or during visa application. The two options depend on the visa subclasses you are applying for.
How Does the Australian points-based Immigration System Work?
The Australian points-based immigration system applies when you migrate as a permanent resident (PR). The permanent residency visa comes in two forms; the Employer-sponsored visa and the Independent skills visa types. The employer type is dependent on an established employer in Australia who would hand you an invite. Without a sponsor, you can apply for an independent skilled visa.
This means that you have to nominate an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. After all, these are done, the next step is to apply for the PR visa online. At this stage, the immigration points score comes in according to your qualification.
The immigration points are measured according to:
- Age
- English Language Proficiency
- Experience in Skilled Occupation
- Education
- Spouse or Partner Skill
- Professional Year
- Nomination and Sponsorship (Subclass 190 and Subclass 489)
- The Overall Pass Mark
Age
Applicants are graded according to the age group they fall into at the time of application.
However, aspiring immigrants aged between 25 and 32 are graded the highest, while those above 45 have no point.
Those between the ages of 18 to 24 have 25 points, 25 to 32 have 30 points, 33 to 39 have 25 points, and 40 to 44 have 15 points.
English Language Proficiency
The IELTS test is most acceptable, except if you are a native English speaker or have obtained tertiary education from an English-speaking country.
IELTS test scores of 8 and more in each component earn an applicant 20 points, seven or more, earn 10 points, and 6 earn 0.
Experience in Skilled Occupation
Applicants with experience in skilled employment have a high advantage in immigration points. However, such experience must be in a nominated occupation and listed in the skilled occupation outline.
Applicants must have gained the experiences within the last ten years of skilled visa application. Points are awarded according to the years of experience, and they are also determined by work experience within or outside Australia.
Years of Experience (Outside Australia)
| Number of Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | 5 points |
| 3 Years | 10 points |
| 5 Years | 15 points |
| 8 Years | 20 points |
Experience In Australia
| Number of Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 3 Years | 5 points |
| 5 Years | 10 points |
| 8 Years | 15 points |
Education
Points in the education aspect are awarded to the applicant’s highest level of education. This means the points are not awarded to all the levels of education attained but only the highest level. For instance, if an aspiring immigrant has a Bachelor’s degree and a doctorate, only the doctorate qualification is awarded some points.
Educational Qualifications
| Educational Qualifications | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate | 20 points |
| Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree | 15 points |
| Australian Diploma or Trade Qualification | 10 points |
| Regional Study in Australia | 5 points |
| Language Skills as an Interpreter or Translator | 5 points |
Spouse or Partner Skill
If the visa application includes a partner or spouse, their points are advantageous in the immigration point system.
However, the spouse must pass the general skilled migration basic requirements: age, English language proficiency, and nominated occupation. All of these will earn the partner or spouse 5 points.
Professional Year
Aspiring immigrants could earn 5 points if they completed an approved professional year in Australia.
This is determined in the last four years as of the time of application. Applications must also state the professional year in the nominated occupation or closely related to it.
Nomination and Sponsorship (Subclass 190 and Subclass 489)
Some points are awarded if the aspiring immigrant is sponsored by an Australian state or territory government under these subclasses. Applicants who a State or Territory government nominate under a State Migration Plan for a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) application get 5 points.
Applicants nominated by a State or Territory government under a State Migration Plan or eligible relatives to a designated area for a Skilled Nominated or Sponsored visa to get 10 points.
What is the Overall Passmark?
The overall pass mark for immigrants is 65, which cuts across all the subclasses of the immigration visas under the General Skilled migration program.
Can you Immigrate to Australia without a job offer?
Yes, you do not necessarily need a job offer to migrate to Australia.
Without a job offer, there are other visa subclasses you can apply for:
- Australia State Sponsored or Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Family Sponsorship Visa
Australia State Sponsored or Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Subclass 190 can be applied for whenever a candidate has gotten a nomination from any state or regional territory in Australia. However, the candidate will select an occupation on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) and tender his information profile. The candidate’s skill set must be in sync with the occupation selected.
Process For Subclass 190
- Select an occupation that matches your skillset from CSOL.
- Tender an Express of Interest (EOI) to the right authority in charge of immigration.
- After Invitation to Apply (ITA) has been given to you as an applicant, you proceed with the application with the necessary documents.
- A pass mark of at least 6 points is required for IELTS, while your skill setpoint should be 60 and above.
- You are also required to submit a police clearance certificate and health examination certificate.
- The visa processing time for subclass 190 ranges between 7 and 13 months, pending when all applications are attended to.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Subclass 189 is another visa type targeted at candidates with no job offers. Under this category, applicants do not need sponsorship or nomination.
However, this subclass assesses individual profiles and processes applications through skills, work experiences, age, language proficiency, and education. These factors are awarded points, and nomination will be next.
Process For Subclass 189
- Applicants must possess a skill assessment certificate issued by the authority.
- Must have a pass mark of 6 and above from the language test.
- Must have work experience in one of the skills on the Australian Skilled Occupation List.
- Tender EOI, and after receiving ITA, candidates must apply within a 60-day time frame.
- The processing period for subclass 189 is four to seven months.
Family Sponsorship Visa
This migration program or subclass allows candidates to apply through a family member who is a permanent resident in Australia.
This option works once the family member, either a sibling, partner, or parent, is willing to sponsor. It’s not mandatory to have a job before migrating with this visa type.
How Much Does It Cost To Immigrate To Australia in 2021?
Generally, the cost of immigrating to Australia should be considered according to the cost of application, moving, and settling.
The DHA application charge is AUD 3,670, while the skill assessment application ranges from AUD 300 to AUD 1,050.
The English language proficiency exam and medical assessment are billed as applicable. The Police clearance and certificate fee averages AUD 20 per person. Translation and document certification is charged close to AUD 500.
How to Appeal Your Immigration Decision
Appealing your immigration decision means there has been a visa refusal decision. Spring immigrants can appeal visa refusals in Australia, and it has to be done before a court. However, some visa refusals might not have the right to appeal if they do not have a sponsor or were lodged offshore.
The visa refusal letter will also indicate if you can appeal. It would usually contain your right to appeal, timeframe to appeal, and the right authority to direct your appeal to.
Visa refusals are commonly appealed at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The AAT works with time limits; therefore, applicants are advised to appeal within the timeframe stated on the visa refusal. The requirements for visa refusal appeal include:
· Lodging the appeal paperwork with the right appeal body.
· Making sure to lodge ahead of the deadline
· And paying the relevant appeal fee. Bear in mind that appeals can sometimes be free or at reduced fees.
AAT appeals include a hearing that can either be physical or virtual. A visa refusal appeal is your opportunity as an aspiring immigrant to detail all the excess you discovered in the visa refusal decision. A successful appeal results from well-detailed evidence, up-to-date documents, and intact legal criteria.
How to Prepare for Life in Australia?
Settling in Australia is a whole different ball game than when you were a mere applicant. Getting into the country means maneuvering your daily life according to the country’s norms which you would get used to with time.
The most important is sustaining yourself by getting a stable means of livelihood. Nonetheless, here are some tidbits to take note of:
Wildlife In Australia
Compared to the widespread stories and stereotypes associated with the wildlife in Australia, fatal attacks from animals are quite minimal, and about one or two cases have been reported over decades. Overall, it is advised that you should not go close to the sea.
Left-Hand Driving Method
There’s a need to get an Australian driving license to commute as a car owner.
However, UK immigrants may use their licenses for three months, pending the time they get the Australian license. Like the UK, Australia adopts the left-hand driving method.
Jaywalking often Attracts Penalization
You are not allowed to cross the road randomly in Australia, and you should watch out for zebra crossings if there is a need to cross the road. Jaywalkers stand to face a fine of AUD 72 or AUD 2,200 if contested in a court of law.
Cigarettes and Cigars are Expensive
Cigarettes and Cigars are expensive in Australia, and the country has been ranked as the most expensive country in which a smoker can live.
A cigarette in Australia costs over USD 26.
The Health Care Option, Medicare, is the Ideal Healthcare System.
All Australian citizens and permanent residents have access to Medicare, and the Medicare levy funds it. The levy is a 2% tax on workers’ income. However, the number of health conditions Medicare covers differs according to location. For instance, residing in Queensland and Tasmania, the healthcare system covers ambulances not obtainable in other areas.
Therefore, an immigrant can adopt the general culture of having private healthcare insurance for emergencies, not under Medicare in Australia.
Getting a Job
Whether immigrant, permanent resident, or citizen, everyone in Australia is entitled to a means of livelihood. And there is a wide range of jobs both in the professional and industrial settings. However, it is necessary to note that employment is quite competitive in Australia.
The best bet is to search according to qualification, skills, economic conditions, and the demand for your expertise.
How To Search For Jobs
As a newbie in Australia, you should stay close to job vacancy sites and ads to find openings that match your skills.
When applying for jobs, candidates should tender a cover letter, resume, references from previous employers, contact and educational and trade certificates. After employment, immigrants should tender bank account details and tax file numbers.
What Are Your Work Rights?
The Australian Government has minimum wage and work conditions entrenched in the law. These laws are created to provide equity and see to it that there ideal employer-employee relationship. They detail:
- Hours of work.
- Minimum wage or rates.
- Official leave.
- Occupational health safety and welfare.
- Ad-free association with other organizations.
Top Occupation and Salaries in Australia
The top-paying jobs in Australia are usually competitive, and they range across different industries. However, some jobs sometimes only require experience and certification on a broad scale, and they pay above 130,000 AUD per annum.
Here’s a look through some high-paying employment in Australia:
| Occupation/ Career | Average Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| General Practitioner in Healthcare industry | AUD 179,273 |
| Finance Director | AUD 156,895 |
| Head of Marketing | AUD 155,955 |
| Psychiatrist | AUD 147,860 |
| Senior Product Manager | AUD 144,392 |
| Software Expert | AUD 140,158 |
| Senior Civil Engineer | AUD 134,241 |
| Corporate Lawyer | AUD 134,247 |
| Sales Director | AUD 130,137 |
| Senior Business Development Manager | AUD 134,855 |
| Financial Controller | AUD 134,855 |
| Construction Superintendent | AUD 156,895 |
How Can You Avoid Common Problems and Pitfalls?
The Australian immigration system has many programs applicants can apply for regarding moving into the country.
However, while you submit all necessary documents and go through all the processes, things could go wrong if the steps are not painstakingly taken. Things going wrong most likely means there will be a visa refusal decision.
Here are some common mistakes one could make while applying:
- Outlining False Information On Your Profile: If some information you stated in the application forms is false or misleading, your visa may be refused. Visa case officers are experienced, and they will pick out complicated or inaccurate details from your profile.
- Hiring The Services Of An Unregistered Migration Agent: During application, you should acquire the services of a migration officer. Still, you have to be careful to hire the services of a registered and recognized agent in Australia. How do you know this? The agent must be certified by the office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
- Incomplete Supporting Documents: Visa applications do well when there are documents that prove all that has been stated. The failure to include supporting documents or a minimal inclusion could lead to visa denial or refusal.
- Contradictory documents: Bear in mind that your visa application should follow a pattern. It should come like a story or build-up of your experiences and other application areas. However, it calls for scrutiny when some parts don’t add up. If the documents are also vague, they could hinder visa approval.
- Exceeding the Response Limit: All requests made by the visa case officer at any point have time limits. And an applicant must respond as soon as such notifications come in.
Helpful Online Resources or Links to Get Started
As an aspiring immigrant or PR visa applicant, you will need many resources at your disposal to guide you every step of the way, to avoid the mistakes mentioned above and others that may crop up in the process. First, you will need a document checklist tool.
You can source a document checklist tool on the internet, and it usually contains option boxes for the country you are applying for. The checklist tool will succinctly state each visa type and its requirements, plus what to expect.
You would also need the registered migration agent to be gotten online. You can book a consultation and be presented with an outline of their services on the web page. The site might also show testimonials from their clients to show how practical the benefits are.
Additional FAQs – Australian Immigration
What are the Requirements to Migrate to Australia?
The requirements to migrate to Australia vary according to the visa type applicants apply for.
However, the general requirements include a selected job from the occupation list, work experience, age, health, English proficiency, level of education, and proof of financial security.
Is Australia Easy to Immigrate to?
It is easy to migrate to Australia. However, such ease will depend on having the complete requirements, following the rules, and processes by the book.
The country is open to immigrants who have the potential to contribute meaningfully to its growth.
Can I Migrate to Australia Without a Job Offer?
Yes, it is possible to migrate to Australia without a job offer.
There are several options that applicants can explore if they wish to move to Australia without a job offer. These options include state or territory-sponsored visas, family-sponsored, and skilled independent visas.
How Much Money Do You Need to Immigrate to Australia?
Migrating to Australia involves several steps that may sometimes come at a fee. The different fees include consultancy fees, application fees, skill assessment fees, language proficiency exams, and moving fees.
The aggregate of these fees could cost between AUD 6000 to AUD 15,000. Bear in mind that the cost varies with each migration program.
