Many people are looking to migrate to Australia either because of the its less limited opportunities or its better education and work system. If you’re one the many, this blog explains how you can become an Australia migrant.
Who are Australian migrants?
Australian migrants are permanent residents of Australia that hold migrant or permanent resident visas and may live and work in Australia indefinitely. While migrants are not citizens, they do have the option to become citizens after meeting the residency requirement. There are several ways to immigrate to Australia—through family, employment, refugee or humanitarian status.
Find the right Permanent Resident visa for you
There are over 40 Australian Migrant visas which you must have in order to live and work in Australia permanently. Here’s a quick look at some popular migrant visa categories:
1. Family-Based Permanent Residency
If you have an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident family member, you may be eligible to immigrate to Australia. Migrant visas are available for:
If you have an Australian permanent resident or Australian citizen as a family member, you may be eligible to immigrate to Australia. Migrant visas are available for:
- Dependent relatives
- Children
- Fiancé(e)s
- Partners
2. Work-Based Permanent Residency
There are many paths to Australian permanent residency through the worker category. The migrant worker categories are:
- Doctors and Nurses. Permanent residency is available to doctors and nurses on a need-only basis.
- Skill Select. For workers possessing certain skills that Australia is in need of.
- General Skilled Migration. For people that are not sponsored by Australian employers but possess a skill valued in Australia.
- Employer Sponsored Workers. When an Australian employer sponsors a foreign national work in Australia.
3. New Zealand Visa
New Zealanders do have the option to live and work permanently in Australia without a permanent resident visa. Citizens of New Zealand are granted a temporary SCV visa which allows them to do so, but does not grant them the same rights as an Australia permanent resident or citizen. For example, an SCV visa does not allow you to vote; access student loans; join the Australian Defence Force; or obtain ongoing work for the Australian government. However, New Zealanders do have the option to apply for an Australian permanent resident visas as well as the option to become Australian citizens.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has a great tool to help you find which one is right for you. Click here to visit their Visa Finder page.
Check if you meet the visa requirements
Once you have pointed out the right visa, look over the requirements to apply. Migration can be time consuming and expensive, so you don’t want to apply for a benefit you’re not eligible for.
The DHA website outlines the eligibility requirements for all its or you can find more information about select migrant categories by clicking the links in Step 1. Visas may require you to have a sponsor, a citizenship relative, a certain amount of money to invest in business, or certain work skills.
Apply for an Australian Migrant Visa
Once you’ve found the right visa and have checked you meet all the eligibility requirements, you can apply for it. Applications are available for download or to apply online at the DHA website.
Most applications require you to submit an application fee and supporting documents. Make sure your entire application is complete before you send it in.
Wait for a decision
Depending on the visa you apply for and how backed up DHA is in processing applications, you may have to wait several weeks or months for a decision to be made on your application.
Get your visa!
After your application is approved, you will receive your migrant visa and can live and work permanently in Australia. In some cases, you may soon be eligible for citizenship.
Australian migrant visas are issued in increments of five years, subject to renewal. As long as your visa is valid, you may enter and leave Australia freely. Other benefits of permanent residency include:
- Right to work
- Right to public education
- Right to apply for citizenship
- Right to sponsor relatives to immigrate to Australia
- Right to travel freely between Australia and New Zealand without a visa
