Australia is a stunning country with a distinct culture and rich resources, therefore life in this country is unique. It affords citizens and immigrants enriching opportunities, as well as work prospects. The cost of living in Australia is beyond that of other countries, but the calm lifestyle and innate wonders are worth it. If you intend to immigrate to Australia, there are certain steps and guidelines you must observe.
- Advertisement
You don’t just pack your bag, book your ticket, and stay there. Immigrating to Australia must be done formally. It begins with having a good intention or reason for living in Australia, which could be for work or study. However, you will need to apply for and obtain an Australian visa to support your reason.
Also, you should research the cost of living and the culture, to help you decide if Australia suits your demands. This article will discuss in detail, the step-by-step process of how to immigrate to Australia. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of immigrating to Australia. Let’s get started!
Tips to Immigrate to Australia
Below, we’ll discuss extensively the seven steps to immigrate to Australia successfully. Read on!
1. Consult immigration agents
Immigrating to Australia can be overwhelming since visa requirements are continuously changing. Moreover, if you have decided to move to Australia, we suggest that you link up with an immigration agent. These agents are equipped with the latest updates on the requirements to easily immigrate to Australia.
They’re experienced in immigration and therefore have the best advice that suits your situation and needs. However, they cannot hasten your visa application process or assure approval. But, they can assist you in making the process much easier.
- Advertisement
2. Search for employment in Australia
If you intend to move to Australia and remain there for an extended period, you must give reason to the Australian government why you should be permitted. A perfect reason? Secure a valid job offer.
Australia’s job market is open to healthcare professionals, engineers, social workers, chefs, IT specialists, and lots more. Furthermore, always check the Australian government job site for new occupations, as it’s often updated. Even if there are travel restrictions, people in the above-mentioned fields will be permitted to enter Australia.
You must be less than 45 years of age to be eligible for work visas in Australia. However, if you get a job from the Skilled Occupation List, you may be exempted from an age limit. Once you have secured a valid job offer, you can move on to the next step of applying for your visa.
3. Apply for an Australian Visa
There are various types of Australian visas available. As we’ve mentioned earlier, you must identify your job opportunities first, to determine which visa to apply for. However, if you’ve secured a job, ask your hiring manager or employer to nominate you for a work visa.
In Australia, there are over twenty work-related visas you can apply for through the government. Therefore, it’s important to identify the one that’s best for you. Also, you can consider Australia’s general skilled migration programs.
Ensure you go through the skilled occupation list from the Department of Immigration to check if you’re eligible for one of these visas. But, if you have family members in Australia, it will afford you the opportunity for more visa options. You can also consider taking up advanced study courses or training in Australia.
4. Obtain health insurance for living in Australia
Officially, foreigners immigrating to Australia on a work or study visa are required to sign up for private health insurance. The country has an outstanding public healthcare system with the support of the government. However, Australian citizens and permanent residents get unrestricted access to it.
As an immigrant foreign worker or expatriate, you may not qualify. A global medical plan will ensure that you have support and resources, no matter where you are in Australia or how long you stay. You’ll also have access to top-notch facilities (private or public), to allow you to gain maximum treatment options.
5. Secure accommodation in Australia
If you’ve secured a valid job offer and applied for your visa, you already have an idea of your accommodation when you immigrate to Australia. However, getting an affordable home is one of the challenges of relocating to Australia. The cost of living in the country is way above most other countries.
Meanwhile, if you plan to live in major cities like Melbourne, Brisbane, or Sydney, you should expect to pay even more. Endeavor to check rents and real estate prices online. Generally, you will have to pay your rent weekly and not monthly, as well as provide some appliances for rental.
If you want to ship your belongings, do this with an international moving company as it gives you additional peace of mind while you find your new residence. Moreover, international shipping takes eight weeks to three months. You can provide your new home address to the shipping company when you have it.
6. Adjust to Australian culture
If you are familiar with Western culture and also fluent in the English language, you’ll assimilate quickly and easily while in Australia. Most Australians enjoy lots of outdoor activities such as beaches, sailing, hiking, and camping. While others enjoy the realistic hustle and culture of the big cities.
Find which activity you enjoy and make new friends. Also, if you have children, you will find it easy to meet new people since most Australians are very family-focused. People in Australia enjoy freedoms that many immigrants will appreciate.
In Australia, you will have freedom of speech, as well as religion. Also, everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. Therefore, as a foreigner, you must uphold all government laws, contribute positively to society, and maintain a peaceful stay.
7. Apply for Australian permanent residency or citizenship
If you are immigrating to Australia from another country and plan to remain there permanently, you must apply for permanent residency. Obtaining a permanent residency in Australia will allow you to live, work, and study without any limitations. However, you remain a citizen of your home country.
A lot of people who obtain permanent residency in Australia intend to apply for citizenship. So if you have decided to live, work, and retire in Australia, applying for citizenship is your final step to immigrate to Australia. Oftentimes, those who make this decision think about their age and retirement funds.
Obtaining a visa is usually easier for people below the age of 45 to make the transition to Australian citizenship. You’ll have to meet some residency requirements, take a test, verify your identity, and sit for an immigration interview.
Advantages of Immigrating to Australia
1. High-quality healthcare: Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The country provides safe and affordable healthcare for all residents and their families.
2. World-class education system: The education system in Australia is ranked 3rd globally and one of the best in terms of standard. The country has set international standards for excellence in education. Also, schools in Australia are among the finest in the world.
3. Work opportunities: Workers in Australia earn a substantial average salary in the world. Even though the job market is very competitive, you can still secure employment if you have the right professional qualifications.
4. Free movement: Becoming an Australian citizen will allow you to move freely in different countries. There are over 180 countries you can travel to visa-free.
5. Safety: Australia is overall a safe country to live in. Cities in Australia are secure and safe, even big cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
6. Diversity: The Australian population is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
7. Climate: Are you a fan of warm weather? If yes, then you will enjoy long and sunny summers in Australia. Although the weather can be unpredictable sometimes, it’s very satisfying most times.
Disadvantages of Immigrating to Australia
1. Cost of living: Living in Australia is quite expensive. The average cost of groceries, bills, clothing, and transportation can be more expensive than in other countries. Of course, this will depend on where you reside in Australia.
2. Housing: Housing is very expensive in most parts of Australia, especially if you choose to live in a big city or a beach view. There are cheaper houses in the regional and rural areas.
3. Wildlife: Australia is home to many not-so-friendly species. Oftentimes, you will come across snakes, spiders, crocodiles, sharks, or other predators. Therefore, if you’re easily frightened, you may need to reconsider your decision.
4. Isolation: Australia is a big country and the cities are spread far apart. This makes it difficult to leave your town for a day or two.
Most Popular Areas in Australia for Foreigners
A major factor in immigrating to Australia is deciding where you want to live. We have compiled some of the most popular places for foreigners to live in Australia.
1. Adelaide
Immigrating to the South is not a bad idea, especially if you pick Adelaide as your choice. It’s a prominent city for foreigners who are immigrating to Australia with their families. In Adelaide, you’ll enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and its superb transportation makes moving around the city easier.
Additionally, Adelaide is a city with extraordinary educational institutions, basic healthcare facilities, a serene climate, and beautiful structures. The city also offers numerous employment opportunities across various sectors, thereby providing an avenue for you to grow professionally and personally.
2. Melbourne
If you are looking for a good place to work, study, or live, Melbourne is a great choice. Melbourne is Australia’s most vibrant city because of its numerous public transport links, very low crime rates, employment opportunities, great standard of education, and so many more. Furthermore, accommodation is not a problem here since the city offers a wide range of high-quality accommodation options.
Accommodations for everyone including families, students, and couples. Another best thing about living and working in Melbourne is the opportunity to experience a touch of culture as the city is also referred to as Australia’s cultural capital. In this culturally diverse city, you will come across theaters, music festivals, street art, as well as World Heritage Sites.
3. Brisbane
Brisbane is a metropolitan city famous for its river life, natural beauty, culture, and beautiful beaches. The city gives a feel of Sydney and Melbourne but it’s a cheaper version. Therefore, it is an excellent alternative for people who want to live in Sydney and Melbourne but are scared of the expensive cost of living.
Just like every other Australian city, Brisbane also offers a remarkable public transport system to residents for easy access across the city. There are lots of beautiful views around the city such as skyscrapers and tall buildings. In addition, the city also offers many green spaces where you can enjoy the sunny weather of Australia and relax during the day or night.
Brisbane is also near the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, so if you like wildlife and koalas, you should consider immigrating to Brisbane.
4. Sydney
Being one of the most famous cities in Australia, Sydney is the center point for foreigners around the globe. It is also the most populated city in Australia. Meanwhile, this implies that you will meet lots of new people as well as familiarize yourself with a diversity of cultures.
Sydney is also known for the numerous employment opportunities it offers and has a very low unemployment rate which is below the national average. The job market is a bit competitive but considering the corporates and many Australian organizations, jobs pay well. Another reason you should consider moving to Sydney is the stunning beaches, seal pools, and wonderful climate.
You will also have the opportunity of extraordinary education facilities, high-quality healthcare, great infrastructure, and affordable public transport. However, you should keep in mind that Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in Australia.
Conclusion
Our step-by-step guide on how to immigrate to Australia is so detailed and now that you know how to immigrate to Australia, you can decide. A whole lot of opportunities await you in Australia. Good luck with your adventure!