Immigration to Australia - A guide for Expats

Traveling information

The Australian Government currently does not have restrictions for visitors entering into Australia. Visa is required to enter Australia except Australian Passport holders, who do not need visa to enter Australia. Those who hold New Zealand passport can travel to Australia without visa, however they need to get visa on arrival at the airport. For travelers who are in transit through Australia also require visa. Entry to Australia will be denied if you have a criminal record with any country and also if there is a re-entry ban.

The visitors and travellers from the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Japan can get online ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, which will cost approximately US$18.50 (20AUD). Check for eligibility and terms of the visa from the above mentioned website.

By Flights: 

Australia has nearly 13 international airports in Australia. The 5 biggest & busiest in terms of passenger movements are Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. In all Australia has over 600 airports including international, domestic, military, private etc. Qantas is the flag carrier of Australia and the largest airline in Australia by fleet size. Qantas is nicknamed as the “The Flying Kangaroo” and is in operation since 1920. Qantas flies to & fro to almost every popular destination in the world. The cheapest destination to fly to Australia is from New Zealand and it takes approximately 6 hours. Book safe and reliable flights from your destination to Australia on uemigrate.com

By Sea: There are cruises from New Zealand and Pacific Islands to Melbourne and Sydney in Australia. 

By Train: The TransAlpine train services from Australia to New Zealand, which is one of the most iconic train journeys where travellers will enjoy incredible sights of white sand beaches, winding fjords, rainforest, river valleys and beautiful landscapes.

How to immigrate  to Australia

Australia remains one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants due to its high standard of living, diverse culture, and strong economy. Whether you’re seeking a permanent move or a temporary job opportunity, Australia offers a wide variety of visas tailored to different needs.

To immigrate to Australia, you typically need to apply for a visa based on your skills, education, or family connections. The most common pathways include skilled migration, family reunification, or student visas. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, pass a points test (for skilled migration), and provide the necessary documentation. Consulting with a migration agent or lawyer can help guide you through the process.

Types of Visas for Immigrants and Foreign Workers in Australia

Australia offers several visa options for individuals wishing to live and work in the country.

1. Skilled Migration Visas

• The Skilled Migration Program is one of the most popular pathways for immigrants. This visa category is aimed at individuals who possess skills that are in demand in the Australian labor market.
• Subclasses 189, 190, and 491: These visas are for skilled workers and require applicants to meet certain qualifications, skills, and English language proficiency. The most common visa under this category is the Subclass 189 visa, which is a points-based visa.

Requirements: Applicants must have their skills assessed by a relevant assessing authority, score sufficient points in the points test, and meet the health and character requirements. English proficiency is essential, with a minimum score required in an approved English language test.

2. Employer-Sponsored Visas

For those who already have a job offer in Australia or wish to be sponsored by an Australian employer, employer-sponsored visas are ideal.

• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): This is for skilled workers who are nominated by their employer for permanent residency.
• Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa): A temporary visa that allows foreign workers to work in Australia for up to four years, sponsored by an Australian employer.

Requirements: Applicants must meet the skills and qualifications required for the job, have a valid job offer from an approved employer, and satisfy the English language proficiency requirement.

3. Student Visas

Australia is home to world-class universities and educational institutions, making it a prime destination for international students.

• Subclass 500 (Student Visa): This visa allows foreign nationals to study full-time in Australia at an accredited institution.

Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in a course of study, have adequate health insurance, and demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.

4. Family and Partner Visas

For immigrants who have family members in Australia, family and partner visas provide an option for permanent or temporary residency.

• Subclass 820 and 801 (Partner Visas): For individuals in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, this visa allows them to live and work in Australia.
• Subclass 309 and 100 (Partner Visas): A temporary visa that can transition into permanent residency, available for applicants outside Australia in a relationship with an Australian citizen.

5. Working Holiday Visa

• The Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa allows young people (aged 18-30) from eligible countries to travel and work in Australia for up to one year. It provides an opportunity to explore the country while gaining work experience.

Requirements: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35 for some countries), and they must hold a valid passport from an eligible country.

6. Investor and Business Visas

For entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish or manage a business in Australia, the Business Innovation and Investment Program provides several options.

• Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment Visa): This visa enables business owners and investors to set up or manage a business in Australia.

Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate relevant business experience or investment experience and meet minimum financial requirements.

For the detailed information on the Australian visas, visit the government website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

People

Australia is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse nations. It has a population of over 26 million people owing to the large number of immigrants moving to Australia every year. Local Residents are very friendly and welcoming. People here enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Family and party times plays an important part of Australians. Christianity is the main religion practiced in Australia with more than 43.9% Christians of various denominations. Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhism and Islam is practised by 3.2% of the total population. As per 2021 census, almost 38.9% of the Australian-born population claims no religion.

Australians are passionate about sports. The Australian rules football or Aussie rules is a game invented by the Australians. They also enjoy swimming, surfing, sailing, soccer, cricket, tennis, bowling green & rugby.  Australians love Coffee and you will find coffee shops everywhere. This is the best destination for you if you are also a Coffee Lover.

Job offers in Australia

Australia’s diverse economy offers a wide range of job opportunities for foreign workers. However, securing a job depends on a variety of factors, including skills, qualifications, and experience. The demand for foreign workers is high in certain sectors, especially in areas where there is a shortage of skilled labor.

In-Demand Industries for Foreign Workers

• Healthcare and Medical Services: Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals are always in high demand in Australia, particularly in regional and rural areas.
• Information Technology (IT): IT professionals, including software developers, systems analysts, and cybersecurity experts, are sought after in the growing tech sector.
• Engineering: Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers are needed in various industries, including construction, mining, and infrastructure development.
• Construction and Skilled Trades: Skilled tradespeople such as electricians, carpenters, and plumbers have strong prospects in Australia’s booming construction industry.
• Education: Teachers and educators in primary, secondary, and higher education are in demand, particularly in rural and remote areas.

How to Find Job Offers in Australia?

• Online Job Portals: Websites like Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn are great resources for finding job listings across a wide variety of industries.
• Recruitment Agencies: Many recruitment agencies in Australia specialize in helping foreign workers find suitable jobs. These agencies can assist with visa requirements and other essential steps in the hiring process.
• Networking: Attending industry events and networking with professionals in your field can help you find job opportunities and connections in Australia.
• Direct Application to Employers: You can also apply directly to companies in your field of interest. Many businesses have international recruitment programs.

Visa Requirements for Employment in Australia

• Securing a job in Australia as a foreign worker generally requires meeting certain visa requirements. The most common visa for foreign workers is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482), which allows individuals to work in Australia for a specific period based on their employer’s sponsorship.
• Eligibility for Employer-Sponsored Visas: You must have a job offer from an approved sponsor, meet the skill requirements, and satisfy English language proficiency. Some employers may also require a health check or police clearance.

The Path to Permanent Residency in Australia – For those looking to transition from temporary employment to permanent residency, Australia offers several pathways:

• Skilled Migration Pathways: If you work in an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and gain experience in the country, you may be eligible for permanent residency through the skilled migration program.
• Employer-Sponsored Pathways: Foreign workers on a temporary work visa may apply for permanent residency if they are nominated by their employer under the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).

Education 

Australia has a world-renowned education system, offering excellent opportunities for both local and international students. Whether you’re a citizen, an expat, or considering studying abroad, it’s important to understand how the system works and what options are available.

The Basic Education System in Australia

Australia’s education system is divided into three main levels: primary education, secondary education, and tertiary education. Primary education typically starts at the age of five or six and lasts for seven years. Secondary education begins in high school and continues until students graduate, usually around the age of 18. The system is highly regulated and varies slightly between states, but overall, Australian students are required to complete schooling from ages 6 to 16. After completing high school, students may choose to continue their education at a university or a vocational institution.

Is Education Free for Citizens?

For Australian citizens and permanent residents, primary and secondary education in public schools is generally free. However, there may be additional costs for school supplies, extracurricular activities, and uniforms. Private schools, on the other hand, charge tuition fees, which can vary significantly depending on the institution.

Popular Schools and International Universities for Expats and Immigrants

Australia is home to many internationally recognized schools and universities that attract students from all over the world. Some of the most popular institutions include:

• International Schools: Many cities in Australia, such as Sydney and Melbourne, have international schools offering curricula from the UK, US, and other countries. These schools cater to the children of expatriates and immigrants, allowing them to continue their education without adapting to the Australian system.
• Australian Universities: Australia is known for its high-quality tertiary education, with top universities such as the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Australian National University, and University of Queensland consistently ranked among the best globally.

Curriculum and Language of Instruction

• The curriculum in Australian schools follows the Australian Curriculum, which is standard across most states for subjects like English, mathematics, science, and history. International schools may follow different curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British GCSE system.
• English is the primary language of instruction in Australia. For international students, some universities offer language support programs to help with academic English, ensuring that students can succeed in their courses.

International Students in Australia

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students. Each year, over 500,000 international students come to study in Australia, attracted by its high-quality education system, diverse culture, and vibrant student life. International students can study a range of programs from English language courses to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at world-renowned universities.

Job Opportunities for Graduates

Australia offers several pathways for international students to stay and work after graduation. Many students apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa, which allows them to work in Australia for a limited period after completing their studies. Graduates from Australian universities are highly regarded, and there are job opportunities in various industries, particularly in sectors like healthcare, engineering, information technology, and education.

Homeschooling in Australia

• Homeschooling is legal in Australia, but it is regulated at the state level.
• Parents must follow specific guidelines and submit an application to the relevant education authority in their state.
• Requirements for homeschooling vary by state, including regular assessments and reporting.
• Homeschooling is a growing option for families seeking a more personalized or flexible approach to a child’s education.

Australia offers a robust and diverse education system that caters to both its citizens and international students. From free public schooling for local children to a wide range of educational opportunities for expats, Australia remains a top destination for those seeking high-quality education. Whether you’re interested in international schools, world-class universities, or exploring homeschooling, Australia provides ample options for families and students alike. Additionally, its growing job market offers excellent opportunities for graduates to build careers in a variety of fields.

Unemployment Rate

The umemployment rate in February 2023 was 3.5% which dropped from January’s 8-month high of 3.7%. This was below the market rate which was estimated to be 3.6% as the number of unemployed decreased by 16,500 to 507,500. The employment rate had dropped to 3.4% in November 2022. The results is due to more and more people looking for part-time jobs rather than full-time jobs. Australia had an average rate of 6.68% since 1978. however it had reached a record-breaking hike of 11.20% in Dec’1992 and a record-breaking low of 3.40% in Oct’2022.

For more information on unemployment rate in Australia, visit tradingeconomics.com

Economy of Australia

Australia has a resilient economy and stands on the 13th position on list of Top 25 richest countries in the world in terms of GDP. However, it is all set to become the world’s 12th largest economy in 2023 according to IMF (International Monetary Fund). According to IMF Australia’s growth rate remained strong in 2022 at 4.2%. It is projected that the nominal GDP will be around US$1.8 trillion (A$2.5 trillion) in 2023 says a benchmark report in austrade.gov.au. The main two factors that foster Australian resilience is the Location and diversity. Australian trade is all focused towards Asian countries who will contribute a major to the global GDP in the coming years.

As of now the situation is stable and the economy is moderating but, if the GDP is on the rise as expected and unemployment low than the economic future for Australia is good or less 2023 may be the year of recession for Australia. A Financial Planner in Australia said, “There are all the indicators of a recession”. However, Australian government is focused on broader issues to avoid pushing Australia’s into a recession. Hope for the best.

For more information on Australia’s economy, please read dfat.gov.au

Renting and buying of real estate’s for foreigner

As an expat you can buy a property in Australia. The FHOG (first Home Owner Grant) offered by the Australian Government provides residence to anyone above the age of 18 who holds a permanent residence Visa. The property can be of any type but must not be occupied or sold and is qualified by the FHOG. A grant of $10,000 AD ($7738 USD approx.) is granted by the government to the eligible applicant.

If you are on temporary Visa and is a non-resident, you can buy non-residential property after getting permission from the FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board). Citizens of New Zealand does not need FIRB’s approval. Applications for housing property to be submitted to ATO (Australian Taxation Office) for approval.

For guide to buying property in Australia visit homeloanexperts.com.au

The property is higher in cities and much cheaper in the suburbs. A best way to start looking for a suitable place is browsing all the real estate portals.  The most well-known property websites are:

domain.com.au
property.com.au
realestate.com.au

Currency and payment transaction

Australian Dollar (AUD) is the national currency of Australia.

The Currency is available in notes in the following denominations  $5, $10, $20 & $100 and coins are available in $1, 2$  and 5,10,20, 50 cents. Currency can be exchanged in International Airports, Hotels, Banks.

Payments can be made by DD/CC in shops, hotels and restaurants can be made by EFTPOS (Electronic payment system), however fees may be charged on withdrawal from international accounts, so kindly check with your Bank before travelling.

All kinds of cards are accepted in Australia with surcharges in some merchandise; however the Travellers Cheques are not widely accepted.  It is advisable to buy travelers cheques in AUD.

Languages

The official language of Australia is English. Australians have a unique accent, but they can be understood and communicating with them is quite easy. Australia is home to mixed culture who speak some 226 languages after English. There are many indigenous languages spoken by 12% of the total population of Australian. 

An estimated 300+ languages are spoken in Australia. The most spoken languages apart from English according to the 2016 census are:

• Cantonese
• Arabic
• Mandarin
• vietnamese
• Italian
• Greek
• Filipino/Tagalog
• Hindi
• Punjabi
• Spanish

For more details on the languages spoken in Australia, please visit: worldpopulationreview.com

Climate

Australia еxpеriеncеs a divеrsе climatе with a notablе fеaturе bеing thе rеvеrsal of sеasons comparеd to thе Northеrn Hеmisphеrе. Australia gеnеrally has four sеasons: summеr, autumn, wintеr, and spring. In thе southеrn rеgions, wintеr falls bеtwееn Junе and August, with occasional snowfall occurring in thе mountainous arеas such as thе Australian Alps in Victoria and Nеw South Walеs. Thе northеrn parts, including Quееnsland and thе Northеrn Tеrritory, havе a tropical climatе charactеrizеd by a wеt and dry sеason rathеr than distinct four sеasons. Maximum tеmpеraturеs can soar in thе arid intеrior, rеaching wеll abovе 40 dеgrееs Cеlsius (104 dеgrееs Fahrеnhеit), whilе coastal arеas еnjoy morе modеratе tеmpеraturеs. Thе climatе is significantly influenced by factors likе thе Southеrn Ocеan currеnts, thе Indian Ocеan Dipolе, and thе El Niño-Southеrn Oscillation. Thе еnticing warm wеathеr, particularly during thе Australian summеr (Dеcеmbеr to Fеbruary), attracts tourists and еxpatriatеs, with popular dеstinations bеing thе coastal arеas likе Sydnеy and thе Grеat Barriеr Rееf. Australians arе avid sports еnthusiasts, and outdoor activities likе crickеt and Australian Rulеs Football dominatе during thе warmеr months, whilе wintеr sееs thе focus shift to sports such as rugby and soccеr. Gеnеrally, thе bеst timе to visit Australia wеathеr-wisе is during its spring (Sеptеmbеr to Novеmbеr) or autumn (March to May), offеring plеasant tеmpеraturеs and avoiding thе еxtrеmеs of summеr or wintеr.

Cost of Living in Australia

Cost of living is high in Australia, especially if you are migrating to study. It depends on your level of education and your education provider. It largely depends on the location as well. Currently Australia stands 16^th highest cost of living in the world, much higher than USA and UK.

Most of the expats choose Sydney and Melbourne to settle. Sydney ranks third in a list of the world’s most livable cities, with its beautiful beaches, excellent weather and outdoor lifestyle.  On the other hand Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city with thriving restaurants and arts scene. Australia’s public transport rail, bus and ferries are reasonably priced, which are covered by swipe-on-swipe-off opal card that can be topped up.

For an approximate guide to your budget planning if you are planning to study in Australia visit : studyaustralia.gov.au

Important numbers and addresses 

Triple Zero (000) is Australia’s main emergency number. You can call 000 in case of help from Police, Fire and Ambulance. This number can be called in case you are involved in an accident, seriously ill or even if your life and property is threatened.   You can also download the Emergency app for free on the smartphone, which tracks the exact location in case of emergency situation. It can be downloaded from Google Play or Apple App. For a detailed guidelines on Australia’s emergency number visit: acma.gov.au

List of all Foreign embassies and consulates in Australia are listed in protocol.dfat.gov.au, please find the detailed information of your country’s consulate office in Australia. Addresses of some consulates are listed below. 

Consulate General of India
Level 1, 265 Castlereagh Street,
Sydney, NSW 2000,
Australia
Phone : 61-2-9223-2702
Fax : +61-2-9231-2299 ; +61-2-9223-3358 (Consular Services)
E-mail : cg.sydney@mea.gov.in
Website : www.cgisydney.gov.in

U.S. Consulate General
4th Floor,
16 St. George’s Terrace
Perth, WA 6000
Phone: 1300 139 399
E-Mail : erthACS@state.gov

Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China
39 Dunblane Street ,
Camperdown, NSW 2050
Phone: +61 02 8595 8012
E-Mail : chinaconsul_syd_au@mfa.gov.cn
Website: sydney.china-consulate.org

Consulate-General of the Philippines
Level 1, Philippine Center 27-33 Wentworth Avenue,
Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: +61 02 9262 7377
Email : communications@philippineconsulate.com.au
Website : www.philippineconsulate.com.au

Summary 

Australia, thе sixth-largеst country globally and thе smallеst continеnt is an еxcеptional land surroundеd by watеr. Boasting a population of around 26 million, Australia not only fеaturеs brеathtaking landscapеs but also housеs an unparallеlеd variеty of wildlifе, including uniquе bird spеciеs and a divеrsе array of rеptilеs likе snakеs, lizards, turtlеs, and crocodilеs, totaling 869 spеciеs. Naturе еnthusiasts find solacе in this continеnt with 10,685 bеachеs, somе intеrnationally acclaimеd as thе most bеautiful globally. Australia’s magnеtic pull еxtеnds bеyond its natural wondеrs; it sеrvеs as a havеn for immigrants sееking a stablе and wеlcoming еnvironmеnt. Thе country’s political stability, combinеd with a commitmеnt to divеrsity, positions it as an idеal dеstination for thosе еagеr to livе and work abroad. Australia’s allurе is furthеr hеightеnеd by its high quality of lifе, supportеd by a robust hеalthcarе systеm and еxcеllеnt еducational opportunitiеs. As a nation activеly inviting immigrants worldwidе, Australia distinguishеs itsеlf as an inclusivе and multicultural sociеty. Thе rеlativеly highеr cost of living is balancеd by amplе еmploymеnt opportunities and a strong еconomy, making it an appеaling prospеct for both tourists and individuals considеring long-tеrm rеsidеncе. Whеthеr captivatеd by thе iconic Sydnеy Opеra Housе, еxploring thе еxpansivе Outback, or еmbracing thе laid-back bеach lifеstylе, living and working in Australia providе a uniquе blеnd of natural bеauty, cultural richnеss, and opportunitiеs for a rеwarding lifе. Australia stands out as an inclusivе and multicultural sociеty, making it an idеal dеstination for thosе sееking both a stablе work еnvironmеnt and a vibrant living еxpеriеncе.