Immigration To Australia: Everything You Need To Know

With a vast arena of opportunities, beautiful landscapes, and career choices widening in every sector, who wouldn't want to migrate to Australia? ‘The Land Down Under’ is a people’s favorite place for immigration for students and job seekers around the world. 

Australia immigration in the year 2022-23 was a whopping 7,37,000 people globally, indicating a rise of 73 percent from the previous year. Immigration to Australia is one of the most sought-after transfers around the world. Impressive, right? 

Immigration to Australia, one of the most lucrative countries in the world, may seem to be a daunting task, but we have got you covered. From study permits to work visas, the criteria you must meet to be eligible for the same, and which documents and tests are required (if any), we've got your back!

Benefits of Australia Immigration

There are many reasons why people migrate to Australia, including the quality of life, strong economy, education and healthcare, and so on. What makes these factors so special, making people move to Australia? Australia immigration consultants have narrowed down the reasons to these few - keep reading to find out!

1. Stable Economy

The stability of the Australian economy ensures financial security, thanks to the strong regulations enforced by the Australian government to maintain the same. The country's strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region makes it a strong player in trade and investment, too, making it a very desirable place.

2. Reliable Healthcare

The Australian government has provided support for native citizens as well as permanent residents to ensure they have access to good quality medical care. Most Australian residents benefit from a wide range of medical coverage plans while accessing public healthcare facilities. 

3. Top-Quality Education

Public schools in Australia, which governments fund, are free for citizens and permanent residents, making good quality education accessible to all - another reason why Australia immigration is so popular. Apart from English being the main language of instruction, many schools offer programs in different languages. Bilingual and exchange programs are a common occurrence there as well. 

4. High Quality of Life

The Australian Government places a strong emphasis on the importance of work-life balance. So, with a strong economy, effective labor laws governing the labor market, and free medical and educational care, Australia offers a pretty good life to its citizens. 

Also Read: Western Australia Skilled Occupation List: Experts Guide

Types of Visas Issued in Australia

For Australia Immigration, you can avail of over 120 types of visas. Australia immigration consultants have grouped the most popular and commonly availed ones into categories for easy understanding. 

• Skilled Worker Visas

• Family Visas

• Student Visas

• Temporary Entry or Tourist Visas 

• Work Visas

• Business visas 

• Training Visas

1. Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is one of the most sought-after visas for Australia immigration. It allows you to stay in Australia permanently. This visa allows you to work or study in any state or territory in Australia. You can also apply for Australian citizenship eventually. 

For this visa, you must first check if your occupation is listed in the skilled occupation list. Every state and territory has a list of occupations they accept immigrants for. 

You must also submit an Expression of Interest (if you have enough points to qualify) via the SkillSelect portal, after which you will be invited to apply for this visa. 

2. Family Visa

Australia provides a range of family visas. These visas are primarily used for people who wish to move to Australia and live with their families. The fees for this visa range from AUD 370 to AUD 6490, depending on which visa you choose. 

The different types of visas are discussed below:

3. Student Visa 

This visa applies to all those individuals migrating to Australia for educational purposes. The documentation requirements for student visa applications for Australia immigration are:

• Offer letter from the university you are enrolled in

• A document confirming your enrollment

• Valid passport 

• English proficiency test (TOEFL iBT is preferred; IELTS is also accepted by many)

• Genuine Temporary Entrant statement

• Proof of Sufficient Funding

• Character certificate 

• OSHC - Overseas Student Health Cover 

4. Work Visa

The work permit issued by the Australian government gives you the right to work legally in the country. Australia has a strong need for skilled talent and promotes migration from foreigners to their country, making the pursuit of Australia immigration an even stronger one.  

Australia has two different types of work visas, with subclasses under each. Your requirements and your employment type determine the visa you apply for. 

1. Temporary Visa

There are various Temporary Visas that Australia has. Some of these are:

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa: A TSS visa allows individuals to work in Australia for two to four years. According to Australia immigration rules, this visa can only be accessed if local Australian businesses have a shortage of locals for the job and present that they need individuals from outside the country for the same. The people applying for this visa should be less than 45 years of age and have work experience of at least two years. 
• Temporary Work Visa (Short Stay Specialist): These visa holders include individuals with a strong specialization in one field who are seeking to migrate to Australia to work in their field of expertise. This visa is available only to experts migrating to Australia for a short-term period. 
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa: Similar to the previous one, this visa is available to skilled workers who wish to live in regional Australia and work there, too. 
• Working Holiday Visa: These visa holders must fall under the age criteria of 18 to 30 years. It allows individuals falling within this age bracket to work in Australia while they come to the country for a holiday. They can take up short-term jobs in the country during their stay. Australia immigration rules permit the validity of 12 months for this visa.

2. Permanent Visa

Australia offers 5 different types of permanent visas. You can choose which one suits you best based on your qualifications and requirements. They are discussed below.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa: This visa applies only to those skilled workers who have been verified and nominated by their employers. With this visa, you can live and work in the country as a Permanent Resident. 

• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa: This visa is similar to ENS. It allows skilled workers nominated by employers to live and work in regional Australia only. They, too, will live in Australia as Permanent Residents. 
• Skilled Independent Visa: These visa holders include invited workers as well as citizens of New Zealand. It is issued only for those who possess the necessary skills to live and work in Australia. 
• Skilled Nomination Visa: This visa is available for skilled migrant workers. A nomination from any state or territory in Australia is beneficial for accessing this visa. 
• Distinguished Talent Visa: This permanent visa is only for those visa holders who have been recognized at the international platform for their contribution in a specific field. It can range from corporate professions, the arts, sports, research and development, medical sciences, academics, and so on. 

Also Read: How to Apply for Work Permit in Australia from India?

5. Business Visa

Australian immigration can also be availed through a business visa. The Australian Government has facilitated the immigration of businessmen, investors, etc to Australia on account of business reasons through the following ways.

1. Business Innovation Stream: This visa is for those individuals who want to migrate to Australia to start, grow, or manage a new or existing business in Australia. A nomination from the state or territory government is necessary to avail of this visa. This visa needs to be renewed every five years. Once the five years are over, you can opt for a Business Innovation Extension Stream visa, which can only be issued upon the completion of 5 years with the original visa and allows you to stay in Australia for 6 to 8 years henceforth.
2. Entrepreneur Stream: This visa can be used by promising and qualified start-up owners and entrepreneurs who have a nomination from the state or territory governments and a funding agreement with a third party for their entrepreneurial activities. This visa needs to be renewed every 5 years.
3. Investor Stream: This visa is for those businessmen who invest at least AUD 2.5 million, meet some specific requirements, and have ongoing business activities in Australia. This visa needs to be renewed every 5 years.
4. Significant Investor Stream: This visa is for those businessmen who invest at least AUD 5 million, meet some specific requirements, and have ongoing business activities in Australia. This visa needs to be renewed every 5 years. Once the original visa nears its expiry, you can issue the Significant Investor Extension Stream Visa, which, as per Australia immigration rules, allows you to stay in Australia for 4 years more.

6. Visa Subclass 189 and 190: Which One Should You Choose?

Among the available visas, subclass 189, subclass 190, and subclass 190 are the most commonly availed. We will look at the differences between both, based on which you can decide which visa you need to choose. 

• Subclass 189: This visa is also known as the Independent Skilled visa. For this visa, you do not need to be sponsored by the Australian state or territory governments. You do not need to be nominated by them either. This visa requires you to submit an Expression of Interest via the SkillSelect portal. You will be awarded points based on different factors, and you must meet the minimum threshold for the points to qualify for this visa. It is most desirable for those individuals who do not wish to be bound to a specific region and have enough funds for their stay in Australia without any sponsorship. 
• Subclass 190: This visa, known as the State Nomination Visa, is for those individuals who wish to receive sponsorship or nomination from a specific state or territory in Australia. For this visa, you must also submit an Expression of Interest via the SkillSelect portal. You will be awarded points based on different factors, and you must meet the minimum threshold for the points to qualify for this visa. You also need to apply for nomination. Every state or territory has its own occupation lists and criteria for the same. 

Requirements to Avail of an Australian Business Visa in 2024

Certain Australia immigration rules for business visas need to be followed. Australia immigration rules require the submission of the following documents to acquire the visa:

• Current Passport and Expired Passport

• Bank Statement

• Covering Letter from the Company

• Invitation Letter from the Company

• Income Tax Returns

• Company Registration Document

Steps to Apply for a Work Visa in Australia in 2024

To issue an Australian visa for professional purposes, the Australian Government has laid out certain steps and processes to create an ideal and systematic procedure for the same. These steps are integral to be able to receive a work permit in Australia. According to Australia immigration rules, you must follow these steps to apply for a work visa.

Step 1: Check Whether You Are Eligible for a Visa

Step 2: Provide Proof of your English Language Proficiency

Step 3: Write an Expression of Interest statement (EOI)

Step 4: Accept the Invitation to Apply

Step 5: Choose the Right Visa for You

Step 6: Gather the Required Documents

Step 7: Apply for your Visa

Step 8: Take the Health Examination 

Step 9: Be Patient Through the Processing Period

Step 10: You Have Been Granted Your Visa

Australia Visa Processing Time in 2024

Discover All That Terratern Can Do for You

1. Clear and Honest Guidance and Consultation

2. Comprehensive Visa and Immigration Documentation Assistance

3. Tailored Checklists Aligned with Your Program Requirements

4. Job Search Assistance and Support

5. Preparation for Language Proficiency Tests such as IELTS, PTE, and more

6. Continued Support and Relocation Assistance After Arrival