Immigration to Australia

Are immigrants welcome in Australia?

Australian immigration policy is one of the most open in the world. First of all, Australia cares about the wellbeing of its society and welcomes the immigration of businessmen and professionals, as well as talented students. In addition, immigration law allows immigrants and their families to fully live and work in the country thanks to a well-thought-out visa system. Immigrants have the opportunity to obtain a permanent residency, and then, after matching a certain number of criteria, obtain citizenship.

10 reasons to immigrate to Australia

• Australia has the happiest people. Australia is among the top 10 countries with the happiest people on the planet according to the UN happiness rating^[1]. The ranking measures such factors as the level of social support, GDP, corruption assessment, life expectancy and freedom of choice.
• Australia welcomes immigrants. About a third of the population here are immigrants, and one in five has immigrated to Australia over the past seven years^[2]. People of different cultures come here from all over the world, so it is easy to become “at home” here.
• A tolerant society. Thanks to the incredible cultural diversity of Australian society, the risk of being discriminated against is almost zero. In addition, same-sex marriage is legal in Australia, and the country provides asylum to people who have suffered human rights violations.
• Australia has a great ecology. Australians are more satisfied with the quality of water and air in the country than anyone in the world^[3].
• An opportunity to enjoy the unique nature. The flora and fauna of Australia formed for millions of years separated from other continents: Australia has 6000 species of animals, many of which do not live anywhere else on the planet^[4]. Due to the low population density and the care Australians devote to nature, Australia has preserved many places untouched by civilization.
• Free and high-quality medical care for citizens and residents. Australia has a mixed health care system: both public and private medical insurances are available for free. At the same time, not only citizens but also immigrants with a permanent residence status can use free medical services. At the same time, medicine in Australia is one of the best in the world along with the countries of Western Europe and North America^[5].
• Sense of security. Australia is one of the safest countries in the world. This means that the level of violent crimes, as well as death in car accidents in Australia, trends to a world minimum^[6].
• The whole world will be open to you. The European Union, the USA, Canada and many other countries do not require Australian citizens to apply for a visa^[7] — a convincing argument in favor of obtaining Australian citizenship.
• Comfortable climate. Australia has a mild climate, and the number of hours of sunshine per year in some regions reaches 3000 hours^[8].
• The opportunity to take a family with you. Australian immigration policies allow immigrants to bring loved ones with them, including their partner, even before they legally marry.

5 reasons not to immigrate to Australia

• Expensive flights. Due to the remoteness of Australia from other continents and countries, travel and flying to one’s homeland will be expensive.
• Dangerous animals. Australia has many species of poisonous animals and insects. For example, the Sydney funnel-web spider is one of the most poisonous in the world.
• Expensive kindergartens. Price can be 1,145 USD/month or even higher^[9].
• Expensive housing, especially in large cities. In Sydney, the minimum price for renting a one-room apartment away from downtown is around 920 USD/month^[10].
• Paid post-secondary education. Students pay for their education themselves, although you can try to find a scholarship.

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In order to immigrate to Australia, you need to get an immigrant visa that automatically gives the right for permanent residence in Australia. One of the features of the immigration process is that you can apply for a visa online. Submission of biometric data is the only step at which you will need to visit the Australian embassy because a visa is issued by email. However, this does not mean that immigration to Australia is quick and easy. The candidate will need to collect a lot of documents, the preparation of which may take longer than applying for the visa itself: this includes a language certificate, confirmation of professional qualifications by the Australian authorities, and a job offer. For this reason, you should start preparing for immigration in advance, but take your time, buying tickets right away is not worth it.

Ways to immigrate to Australia

* The minimum IELTS score. The results of PTE, TOEFL iBT, CAE, OET exams are also accepted.

To immigrate to Australia, you can choose to go there to study with a student visa, find work after graduation and stay there permanently. Student visas are given to students of secondary schools, vocational schools, and universities. After graduation, a foreign student can obtain a temporary graduate visa for employment. To obtain an Australian student visa, you must first go to an educational institution and receive a confirmation of admission. After obtaining a visa, a student can enter the country and start studying. The cost of a student visa starts from 365 USD and depends on the level of training and other factors — you can calculate the cost for yourself using a special pricing estimator.

Work while studying

In Australia, students can work while studying, which allows them to reduce the cost of living. You can start to work immediately after beginning your studies. There is a restriction on working hours — the student has the right to work no more than 20 hours a week. It should be noted that working on your free time, most likely, will not provide you with a sufficient income to lead a leisurely life and will only serve as a part-time job.

Education in Australia

• Cost of living: 966 USD/month;
• Cost of language courses: 254 USD/month;
• Cost of university training: 10500 — 17,765 USD/year;
• Language proficiency for university admission: upper Intermediate — IELTS 5.5+;
• Number of universities: more than 200;
• Universities in the top 100 world universities: 7.

Immigration process for students

• Search for the educational institution of your liking and prepare the documents;
• Apply and receive an acceptance letter from the university;
• Submission of documents for a student visa (subclass 500);
• Study at the university with the ability to work up to 20 hours a week;
• Choose a specialty from the Skilled occupation list (SOL);
• Submit documents for an immigrant visa.

Documents for admission to the university:

• Translation of a certificate of previous education;
• Language certificate;
• Motivation letter and recommendation letter;
• SAT/ACT or GRE/GMAT exam results (not in all universities).

Documents for a student visa (subclass 500)

Main article Student visa to Australia

• Acceptance letter;
• Evidence of funds;
• Language certificate;
• Overseas Student Health Cover (medical insurance);
• Medical certificate, verified by the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth;
• Signed welfare agreement (for minors);
• Written statement explaining the applicant’s ties to the homeland (Genuine Temporary Entrant). It needs to show substantial evidence of the candidate’s intent to return home after graduation. Supporting documents like certificates of family ties, current employment, documents on previous education, etc. are attached to the statement. This does not obligate the student to return back immediately after graduation since after obtaining a degree the student is free to seek employment. This serves more as a precaution to prevent illegal immigration under the guise of education;
• Other documents upon request (police certificate, medical certificate, etc.)

Read more about visa subclass 500.

The process of obtaining a student visa

• Gather and translatу the documents;
• Apply online;
• Wait for document review to be finished (from two weeks to 2.5 months);
• Submit biometric data upon receiving an invitation;
• Receive a visa by email. All Australian visas are digital. You need to print it in order to enter Australia.

Translation of documents for a visa to Australia

Requirements for the translation

• All documents must be translated into English;
• The translator must indicate his full name, address, phone number, qualifications and confirmation of prior translation experience into English;
• You do not need to notarize the translation.

How to increase the chances of getting a visa?

• In a cover letter indicate strong reasons and goals of study in Australia and at a specific university;
• Show ties with the homeland and explain why you will definitely return home after graduation;
• Show that you have enough funds to cover travel, tuition, and living expenses.

Work visa for graduates

The most convenient choice for work after university is a temporary graduate visa and a skilled-recognized graduate visa. They are designed for those who intend to build a career in Australia. To obtain such visas, you must be under the age of 50 and confirm your qualification in a profession that is on the skilled occupation list (SOL) or complete a course from the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). After obtaining this visa, you can apply for a permanent residence visa and apply for citizenship.

List of universities

Professional immigration to Australia

To attract qualified professionals from around the world, Australia created a separate immigration method for professionals using the Skilled Independent Visa (189). The main difference between professional and labor immigration is that the candidate does not need to have a standing job offer in order to get a visa. The Immigration Service evaluates the applicant’s Expression of Interest on SkillSellect, where he describes himself and his qualifications. A professional may also request the support of the country, state or territory. If he is chosen, he will be able to apply for a Skilled Nominated Visa (190). A candidate’s application must score at least 65 points in a special test (189, 190) to be invited to apply for a visa. For professional immigration to Australia, you must know English at B2+ level and confirm a degree and work experience.

Does Australia need professionals?

Australia encourages the immigration of professionals for two reasons. Firstly, it seeks to fill the labor market with people with the highest possible qualifications. Secondly, the state needs specialists in certain states and territories due to a labor shortage, which is caused by a low population density. Therefore, the chances for successful immigration are higher for those whose profession is on the skilled occupation list and are able to confirm their education and work experience in accordance with Australian standards.

Requirements for obtaining a skilled nominated visa

• 18-45 years old (there are some exceptions for researchers, professors, and other categories);
• The presence of higher or vocational education;
• Sought-after profession;
• Work experience;
• Nomination from an Australian state or territory for a 190 visa;
• Verified professional qualifications;
• No criminal record;
• The absence of infectious diseases;
• At least 65 points in a 189 or a 190 test;
• Language certificate IELTS 6.0+ or another exam;
• Bank statement (on-demand).

Documents for a skilled nominated visa (subclass 189, 190)

• Copy of the information page of the passport (photo, personal data, passport validity period);
• 2 pcs 35x45 mm photographs on a white background and with the name printed on the back;
• Information about the family and children and their data;
• Confirmation of qualifications;
• Confirmation of work experience;
• Medical certificate, including photofluorography and an HIV test;
• Language certificate;
• Character assessment form 80;
• Additional personal information form 1221;
• Police certificate;
• Police certificate from Australia, if the candidate has lived there for more than a year in the past 10 years;
• Military ID;
• Signed Australian values ​​statement;
• Invitation to apply for a visa (after approval of Expression of Interest);
• Other documents upon request.

The cost of applying for a visa starts from 2,382 USD. Expression of Interest is free.

The immigration process for professionals

• Make sure that the requirements are met;
• Confirm professional qualifications;
• Submit Expression of Interest on SkillSelect. For a 190 state/territory sponsored visa, indicate the need for a sponsorship;
• Wait for an invitation to apply for a visa;
• Collect documents and apply for a visa online within 60 days after receiving the invitation;
• Submit biometric data by invitation;
• Wait for the results (5-10 months);
• Receive and print a digital visa;
• Relocate to Australia.

How to increase the chances of getting a visa?

• Get high English exam scores;
• Confirm the presence of work experience;
• Ask a partner or spouse to also apply for a visa — this will give an extra 5 points if the partner meets the established criteria for age and qualification.

Professional visas for permanent immigration