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.

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

Type of immigration	Exam*	Cost	Consideration	Condition
Student	5.5+	365 USD	1-10 weeks	Education at a university or a language program
Professional	6.0+	2,382 USD	12-15 months	High qualifications
Labor	6.0+	2,382 USD	5-10 months	Job offer
Business and investment	4.5+	1,443 USD	May vary	Opening or acquiring a business and investing in the Australian economy
Marriage	No	758 USD	12-29 months	Groom, bride, spouse or partner is a citizen or resident of Australia
Family reunification	No	758 USD	May vary	A close relative of a citizen or a resident
Humanitarian	No	22 USD	May vary	Refugee or a person in search of protection

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

Universities for any budget
Scholarship options
Installment plans up to 2 years

Student immigration to Australia

Кампус университета Аделаиды, Аделаида, Австралия — Photo by: Ethan Shi

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.)

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

Subclass	Visa type	Validity	Purpose	Cost
407	Training visa	24 months	For internships	181 USD
476	Skilled-recognized graduate visa	18 months	For study or work for engineering graduates	238 USD
408	Research activities	24 months	For participation in research projects	181 USD
485	Temporary graduate visa	18-48 months	For study or work for foreign graduates	974 USD

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.

The most sought-after professions in Australia

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.

How to prove qualifications

Confirmation of English proficiency

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

Subclass

Visa type

Minimum points

Sponsorship

Consideration

189

Skilled Independent Visa

5-7 months

190

Skilled Nominated Visa

Yes

8-10 months

Labor immigration

If you find work in Australia, you can immigrate there with an Employer Nomination Scheme (186). Visa review takes 12-15 months with the cost of 2,382 USD.

Basic requirements

A job offer in Australia from the skilled occupation list or a current employment contract;
Sufficient qualifications to do the job;
3+ years of relevant work experience;
Language certificate, for example, IELTS 6.0+;
Good health and personal characteristics.

Sample list of documents for Employer Nomination Scheme 186

Labor immigration process

Verify that your application meets the requirements;
Confirm professional qualifications;
Find an employer for nomination application. The employer will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN), which then must be forwarded to the candidate;
Collect documents and apply for a visa online;
Submit biometric data by invitation;
Get a digital visa via email and print it;
Relocate to Australia.

Immigration to Australia for business innovation and investment

Финансовый центр города, Брисбен, Австралия — Photo by: Denise Jans

Immigration of entrepreneurs and investors is important for Australia, as well as for many other countries: foreign entrepreneurs and investors provide capital inflows, create jobs, and fill up the shortages of goods and services in the market. Before immigration, the businessman must analyze the local market, negotiate with potential partners, states and territories, if necessary, present a business plan. When everything is ready, you need to submit an Expression of Interest and wait for the invitation to apply for a visa. Visas can also be obtained for investing in the Australian economy. For both categories of candidates visas of one subclass are provided.

Requirements for obtaining a business innovation and investment visa

Be younger than 55 years old. The Migration Service allows exceptions if the state/territory needs the proposed business;
Confirmed professional and business experience;
For a 188 visa, the score of at least 65 points in the Points Test;
Own a business or manage it in Australia for 4 years, or
Intend to open a business in Australia, have at least 634,470 USD and provide a detailed business plan, or
Invest from 951,705 USD in Australia.

Sample list of documents

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;
Bank statement;
Documents confirming business experience (business ownership, financial history, etc.);
Confirmation of qualifications;
Confirmation of state/territory support;
A business plan (including a description of how the business will help Australia's economy);
Information about the partner and children under 18 years of age or dependent relatives;
Language certificate, for example, IELTS 4.5+;
Medical certificate, including photofluorography and an HIV test;
Character assessment form 80;
Additional personal information form 1221;
Military ID;
Police certificate;
Police certificate from Australia, if the candidate has lived there for more than a year in the past 10 years;
An invitation to submit an application that a candidate receives after the Expression of Interest is reviewed;
Other documents upon request.

The immigration process for entrepreneurs and investors

Sending an Expression of Interest to receive support (sponsorship) from a state or territory in order to start a business. This is also true for those who already conducted business in the country;
Confirm professional qualifications and experience;
Receive an invitation;
Receive a medical certificate;
Collect the documents and apply for a visa;
Submit the biometric data when invited;
Wait for results, the time required for the application review may vary on a case by case basis;
Receive the digital visa via email;
Print your visa and travel to Australia;
Get a permanent visa 888 after a few years (the period may vary on a case by case basis).

How to increase the chances of getting a visa?

Plan a business based on the needs of the Australian economy;
Start negotiating with companies and states/territories in advance.

Visas for entrepreneurs and investors

Subclass	Visa type	Validity	Purpose	Cost
132	Business Talent (Permanent) visa	∞	Opening/maintaining of an existing business (at least 634,470 USD on accounts)	4,625 USD
188	Business Innovation and Investment	Up to 4 years and 3 months	Investments from 951,705 USD or owning/managing a business in Australia	1,443 USD
888	Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa	∞	For business/investment owners in Australia who already have a 188 visa	1,526 USD

Learn more about visas for businessmen on the official website (select the business or investment section).

Marriage immigration and family reunification visa in Australia

Процесс венчания, Королевский ботанический сад, Сидней, Австралия — Photo by: Jeremy Wong Weddings

This is the easiest way to immigrate to Australia that does not require language skills, education or professional experience. For marriage immigration, you need to get a special visa for the bride/groom — such a visa is needed to enter the country and marry a citizen or resident of the country. After that, you can easily get a visa for a permanent stay in Australia. Australians also recognize same-sex marriage.

Requirements for obtaining a marriage visa

18+ years old;
The willingness of the spouse/partner to sponsor the applicant;
A medical certificate that meets the Australian standards;
No visa refusals in Australia in the past;
Lack of debt in Australia.

Documents for obtaining a visa for marriage

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 dependent children and family members;
Medical certificate, including photofluorography and an HIV test;
Evidence of intent to marry (for a 300 visa);
Documents on past relationships (marriage, divorce certificates);
Character assessment form 80;
Military ID;
Police certificate;
Police certificate from Australia, if the candidate has lived there for more than a year in the past 10 years;
Other documents on request.

How to prove the relationship with a partner?

Evidence of cohabitation;
A joint bank account;
Pictures confirming the duration of the relationship;
Visas and airport stamps proving joint travel;
A cover letter describing the history of relationships and future plans;
Confirmation of intent to marry upon arrival in Australia;
Declarations from two adult witnesses who attest to the fact that the relationships are genuine (according to form 888).

The process of obtaining an 801 marriage visa

The 801 marriage visa is for anyone who wants to marry in Australia.

The process of obtaining a marriage visa:

Apply for a visa of the bride/groom 300;
Submit the biometric data;
Obtain a 300 digital visa via e-mail;
Print a visa (required for entering the country);
Arrive in Australia and marry within 9 months;
Apply for a permanent (801) or a temporary (820) partner visa;
Wait for results with a temporary visa 820;
Provide additional documents upon request;
Obtain a partner's permanent visa 801.

The process of obtaining a 100 marriage visa

The 100 marriage visa is intended for those who are already in an official or civil (from 12 months) marriage and are outside Australia.

The process of obtaining a 100 marriage visa:

Apply for an overseas partner visa 309/100;
Submit of biometric data;
Obtain a digital 309 visa via e-mail;
Print a visa (required for entering the country);
Arrive in Australia;
Wait for a 100 visa with a temporary 309 visa;
Provide additional documents upon request;
Obtain a partner permanent visa 100.

How to increase the chances of obtaining a visa?

Provide as much evidence as possible, confirming that the relationships are genuine;
Provide a detailed description of joint future plans.

Marriage visas

Subclass	Visa type	Purpose	Presence in Australia required	Validity	Consideration	Cost
300	Prospective Marriage visa	Marriage in Australia	No	9 months	13-20 months	4,543 USD
820/801	Partner visa	Obtaining residency status	Yes	Until 801 is received	19-26 months	758 USD
309/100	Partner visa	Obtaining a resident status	No	Until 100 is received	12-29 months	4,543 USD

Family immigration to Australia

You can also apply for an Australian visa if you:

Have a close relative or a child in Australia;
Need to take care of a sick relative living in Australia, or are in the need of care yourself and seek help from an Australian relative.

For these purposes, a system of temporary and permanent visas is implemented, which are selected on a case by case basis. Information on the Department of home affairs website.

Humanitarian immigration to Australia

People, who have left their home country and cannot or do not want to return, due to the existing risk of facing persecution, may be granted an asylum in Australia. In this case, the candidate must provide evidence that will convince Australian authorities to grant the candidate asylum. A refugee may apply for a visa from another country or directly from Australia.

Seeking asylum after entering the country legally

Australia provides political asylum to people whose rights are violated or who face persecution for political reasons in their own country. You can apply for a refugee visa from abroad (refugee visa, global special humanitarian visa), or if you arrived in Australia legally with any other visa (protection visa).
Travel expenses are reimbursed to holders of refugee visas 200, 201, 203 and 204. Holders of a 202 visa must pay for the flight themselves.

Seeking asylum after entering the country illegally

Arrivals in Australia can only apply for a Temporary Protection visa 785 or Save Haven Enterprise visa 790. However, a border violator will be sent to an immigration prison. The living conditions in such establishments are decent — you can use free medical, dental and legal services — a free lawyer is assigned to conduct asylum proceedings. However, staying in prison may take a long time: it takes months to process an application, as there are a lot of people seeking asylum in Australia. If the asylum application is rejected, the illegal must immediately leave the country at his own expense. The fact of the illegal border crossing and visa rejection remains in the personal file.

Who is a viable candidate for an asylum in Australia?

Asylum in Australia can be obtained by people who are persecuted in their home country on the basis of:

Race;
Nationality;
Membership in a social group (including sexual minorities);
Religion
Political views.

Those who fled from their country because of a humanitarian catastrophe like war, famine, genocide and massive violations of human rights can also count on protection.

Requirements for obtaining a refugee visa or protection

Match the definition of a refugee (as defined by the UN and 1958);
Provide evidence of persecution or violation of rights in one’s own country;
Have no debts to Australia;
Agree to obey Australian laws and respect the Australian way of life.

How to prove the fact of the persecution

It is necessary to provide as much evidence of the persecution as possible:

Inquiries from medical institutions;
Photo evidence;
Received letters with threats;
News articles;
Evidence of engagement with human rights organizations.

It must be reported if the refugee was subjected to torture, serious bodily harm was inflicted, or there is a threat of execution at home due to persecution on the basis of the indicated reasons.

Documents for obtaining asylum or protection:

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;
Copies of visas and residence permits;
Relationship documents (certificates of marriage, divorce);
Information about dependent children and family members;
Medical certificate, including photofluorography and an HIV test;
A letter outlining the history of the persecution;
Evidence of harassment and violation of rights;
Military ID.

Stages of obtaining a refugee visa

Collect the documents;
Apply online or by mail;
Submit your biometric data;
Receive a digital visa via e-mail;
Print your visa.

Refugee visas to Australia

Subclass	Visa type	Validity	Location at the time of applying	Cost	Travel costs reimbursement
200, 201, 203, 204	Refugee visa	Unlimited	In the country of persecution	Free	Yes
202	Global Special Humanitarian visa	∞	In a third country	Free	No
866	Protection visa	∞	In Australia	22 USD	-
785	Temporary Protection visa	3 years	In Australia	22 USD	-
790	Save Haven Enterprise visa	5 years	in Australia	22 USD	-

How to increase the chances of getting a visa?

Provide convincing evidence of harassment;
Maintain contact with human rights organizations.

Obtaining Australian citizenship

This is the last stage of immigration for those who want to get certain rights that are not available to permanent residents — for example, the right to vote in elections and be elected. An Australian passport will also allow you to travel without a visa almost all over the world^[7]. To obtain it, you need to prove your close ties with Australia and show excellent knowledge of Australian culture.

Citizenship requirements

Permanent residence status;
To live in the country for at least 4 years;
To live outside Australia for no more than 12 months in the last 4 years and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months;
To have a positive personal characteristic. Relations with the law enforcement in Australia and other countries are taken into account;
Understand Australian societal and cultural values and English proficiency;
Intent to stay in Australia or maintain close contact with the country.

Documents for obtaining citizenship

Copies of documents with personal data;
Language certificate;
Police records;
Prior visa information;
Any other documents confirming compliance with the requirements.

Stages of obtaining citizenship

Collect the documents;
Pay a fee of 181 USD;
Apply for citizenship online;
Pass an interview and a citizenship test;
Wait for a decision;
Attend the official ceremony of awarding a citizenship.

Where to seek help — MARA agencies

To immigrate to Australia, you can collect all the documents and apply for a visa yourself or use the services of immigration agents. Immigration agents are professionals who help you to choose the right type of visa, collect the required documents, draw up and apply for a visa, and, if necessary, communicate with the Australian Department on behalf of the client. The state controls the quality of services in this area, so all agents who work in Australia are registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). A qualified agent is a specialist in immigration law. You can find an agent on the official website of the Registration Chamber of Immigration Agents.

You can apply for a visa yourself by contacting the Department of Home Affairs Australia on their website. There, you can use the convenient navigation system to choose a suitable visa and apply online.