In recent years, to “Immigrate to Australia” trend has become an increasingly attractive destination for immigrants seeking a high standard of living, quality education, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, the immigration process can be complex and challenging, requiring a significant amount of preparation and determination.
To be eligible for Australian citizenship, applicants must meet strict criteria and provide a wide range of documents. The country only grants citizenship to exceptional specialists in various fields, successful entrepreneurs, and talented students who demonstrate exceptional potential.
Despite these challenges, Australia’s open immigration policy means that it is possible to immigrate with one’s family and find high-paying jobs in the country. The process typically involves obtaining a permanent visa, gaining resident status, and ultimately achieving citizenship.
To determine the most appropriate immigration option, it is essential to understand the various pathways available. These include options for students, professionals, laborers, entrepreneurs, refugees, and family members seeking reunification.
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Primary methods to immigrate to Australia
Before searching for an answer to the question of how to immigrate to Australia, it is necessary to determine which of the relocation options is more suitable for the foreigner than others. Like in the case of emigrating to Europe, Australian legislation provides for a number of ways to move. Obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit in Australia is more difficult than similar statuses in European countries, but it is quite possible if one desires.
The main types of immigration to the country are as follows:
- For students
- Labor immigration
- For businessmen/Investment
- Family reunion/Marriage
- For professionals in their field
- Refugee
The immigration process typically involves taking an English language exam, such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or another accepted test. It is important to note that certain immigration pathways have additional requirements and eligibility criteria, including age, education level, and qualifications.
If you are considering immigrating to Australia, it is important to do your research, gather the necessary documents, and prepare thoroughly for the application process. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your goal of becoming an Australian citizen.
Student Immigration
One way to immigrate to Australia is by enrolling in a local university. International students are granted a student visa that remains valid for the duration of their studies without requiring renewal. Upon completion of their chosen course, foreign students may apply for a graduate visa, which permits them to work in Australia. The cost of a student visa varies based on the level of education, and it starts at 445 US dollars for foreign students. The Australian government website provides a calculator to determine the exact visa application fee.
Employment
Immigrating to Australia for work is possible if an immigrant has a job offer in the country. In such cases, an Employer Nomination Scheme visa is issued. However, the visa processing time can take 5-10 months, and the visa fee is high at 2,904 US dollars. In-demand professions may expedite the visa approval process.
Good to know: Navigating the Australian Job Market: Opportunities, Salaries, and Nuances
Business Immigration/Investment
Immigrating to Australia for business purposes requires significant preliminary work. The Australian government encourages opening new companies in the country, but it requires communication with investors and partners, choosing a viable business niche, and developing a business plan for the new venture. Additionally, the prospective immigrant must have at least 773,260 US dollars in their account. After the initial stage, an Expression of Interest application is submitted to the Australian consulate. If approved, the foreigner receives an invitation to apply for the relevant visa. This visa type is also suitable for investors planning to invest in the Australian economy, with a minimum investment of 1,159,890 US dollars.
Family Reunion/Marriage
Immigration Immigrating to Australia to reunite with family members or to get married are two of the most straightforward options. Language proficiency tests are not required for family reunion or spousal immigration. To obtain a special visa for spousal immigration, the foreign fiance(e) must apply for entry into Australia, which also allows them to get married in the country. After the marriage, the immigrant may apply for a permanent visa. Interestingly, Australia recognizes both traditional and same-sex unions, and to obtain a fiance(e) visa, the foreign citizen must prove the authenticity of their relationship, which includes sharing a joint bank account, living together, going on vacations together, among other factors.
Close relatives such as parents, children, brothers, or sisters of Australian citizens or permanent residents can also obtain the right to live in Australia through family reunion immigration. The cost of a marriage or family reunion visa is AUD 924, and the processing time takes approximately 12-29 months after the application is submitted.
Skilled Professional Immigration
Highly skilled professionals can apply for immigration to Australia, and the cost of the visa is AUD 2904, which is not issued immediately but after a minimum of one year. The maximum processing time is 15 months. Australia’s most in-demand professionals are in IT, engineering, and science fields, but qualifications must be confirmed with a specific organization such as ACS or Engineers Australia. After confirmation, the skilled professional is granted the right to work in Australia.
Refugee
Immigration Australia offers refugees the opportunity to immigrate to the country if they are subjected to persecution or danger in their home country based on their religious or political beliefs, among other reasons. Refugee visas can be requested remotely or directly in Australia after arrival. Evidence of persecution, oppression, or threats must be provided to the legislative bodies of the country through photographs, documents, published news materials, threatening letters, and other tangible evidence. If refugee status is approved, the cost of the immigrant’s flight to Australia will be reimbursed. However, if the asylum application is denied, the immigrant is required to leave the country.
Applying for a Visa to Australia: required documents and steps
To apply for a visa to move to Australia, you must first choose an immigration pathway, as the type of visa you apply for will depend on it. There are various types of visas available, including those for employment, study, and business. Once you have determined which visa you need, you will need to prepare a corresponding package of documents. These documents will need to be translated into English before being submitted to the consulate, along with a completed visa application form, which can be obtained from the Australian government website or a local office.
At the consulate, your documents will be reviewed and scanned before being sent to the immigration service, along with the visa application form. You will also need to pay a visa fee when submitting your documents, with the amount varying depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
The list of required documents may include additional papers, depending on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, a work visa may require a contract with an Australian employer, while a student visa may require proof of enrollment and payment of tuition fees. However, there is a basic list of documents that must be provided for any type of visa application. This list includes:
- Original and copy of passport – both international and domestic
- Two 35×45 photographs with the applicant’s name printed on the back
- Information about family members (spouses, children)
- Medical examination certificate and results
- English language proficiency test results (not required for refugee, marriage, family reunification visas)
- Certificate of no criminal record
It is important to note that before submitting your documents, they must be professionally translated into English and notarized.
How to obtain Australian citizenship
To become an Australian citizen, you must have lived in the country for at least four years, with at least two of those years spent on a permanent visa. During the four-year period, you must not be absent from Australia for more than 12 months, and in the last year of residence, you can only be absent for up to 90 days.
Australian law grants citizenship only to the most deserving immigrants. As part of the application process, you must provide a positive character reference in writing and have your relationship with the law assessed. After an initial positive decision based on submitted documents, you must pass an interview that includes language and cultural knowledge exams. The application fee for Australian citizenship is $220, and documents required include:
- Original and copies of passports
- A certificate of language proficiency
- A certificate of no criminal record
- Details of overdue and valid Australian visas
- Other required papers
After submitting the documents and passing the exams, the Immigration Service reviews the immigrant’s case. If the decision is positive, the immigrant is invited to an Australian passport ceremony.
Australian citizenship brings many benefits, including visa-free travel to most countries, housing benefits, social packages, quality healthcare, and high wages. While immigrating to Australia may not be easy, following the process outlined above can make it achievable. All an immigrant needs to do is choose the right pathway to move to Australia and apply for a visa correctly.
