KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The easiest ways to migrate to Australia from Nigeria is through the subclass 189 or subclass 190 visa. These visas are for highly skilled individuals like doctors, nurses, engineers etc.
- Other temporary visas like the subclass 491 and subclass 500 (study visa) can also lead to permanent residency and citizenships within 5 years.
- To migrate to Australia from Nigeria, Single applicants should budget around ₦6,098,122 to ₦ 8,711,603. While a family of four should budget between ₦13,063,446 to ₦26,131,445.
The Nigerian community in Australia has been growing steadily over the years. In 2021, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counted 12,883 people born in Nigeria and currently living in Australia. This number came from the 387,000 people worldwide who moved to Australia that year. Today, Experts claim there are around 20,000 Australians with Nigerian roots living in the country.
Popular cities among Nigerians migrating to Australia include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Nigerians are drawn to these cities because they offer diverse opportunities for work, education, and social life.
In this article, I will explain the five easiest ways for Nigerians to migrate to Australia successfully and the necessary steps.
Table of Contents
5 Easiest Ways to Migrate to Australia from Nigeria
Suppose you are migrating permanently to Australia from Nigeria, here are five (5) different visa options available depending on your situation;
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa: If you are highly skilled with significant prior work experience in Nigeria, you can move to Australia independently through the subclass 189 visa and get permanent residency. Read more on how to apply for subclass 189 here.
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: The skilled nominated visa allows you to live and work permanently in Australia as long as you are highly skilled with prior work experience. Only that, you must be nominated by a region to apply for the visa. Apply for a subclass 190 visa here.
- Employer-Sponsored Regional (subclass 494 visa): If you have a confirmed job offer from an Australian employer, you may also be eligible subclass 494 visa. This visa is temporary and it’s valid for five years. You may apply for permanent residency after three years if you are eligible. Apply for a subclass 494 here.
- Skilled work (subclass 491) visa: Is a temporary visa that allows you to work anywhere in Australia and can lead to permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years. A subclass 491 visa is issued to you if you’re highly skilled, and qualified. Apply for a subclass 491 here.
- Student (subclass 500) visa: Nigerian students who want to study in Australia and gain permanent residency within 5 five years can apply for this visa. You must have completed at least two years of studies and have work experience in Australia to qualify for PR. Apply for a subclass 500 visa here.
How to Immigrate to Australia from Nigeria
To get started with your immigration journey to Australia, there are certain steps you must take to achieve your dream. I have already listed five visa options or pathways to choose from.
But, you should be aware that there are other ways you can become a permanent resident of Australia. Read more on other Australian visas here.
In order to immigrate to Australia from Nigeria successfully, these are the steps to follow.
Step 1: Determine your eligibility and choose the appropriate visa category
First, you should check your visa eligibility for the various visa options available. To properly assess your eligibility and explore visa choices, I recommend visiting the Immigration Australia website.
Step 2: Choose the Right Australian Visa Category
After determining your eligibility, choose the appropriate visa category that is best suited for you. For instance, if you are highly skilled and have good work experience in your profession, you can move to Australia independently through the subclass 189 visa and get permanent residency.
And, while it is important to choose the right visa option, you should equally keep in mind certain factors such as your age, work experience, educational qualifications, skills, and marital status. All these factors make up the points that increase your chances of getting an Australian visa.
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest
At this stage, you will indicate your intention to apply for immigration. It is also completely free and lasts for 2 years, during which you can be invited to apply (ITA) if you meet the criteria. Your expression of interest should contain essential details like your name, passport, citizenship, relationship status, country of residency, skills, and other related qualifications. Also, you should regularly update your EOI if you acquire new skills, degrees, education, and work experience. To submit your expression of interest, visit skillselect.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once a month, the Australian Department of Home Affairs extends a special invitation – the Invitation to Apply (ITA). This coveted invitation is reserved for the highest-ranked candidates based on their points score, and it’s the green light to proceed with your visa application. Your ITA will contain 3 vital pieces of information;
- The specific type of visa or subclass through which the ITA is issued.
- The timeline required to submit your application (usually within 60 days).
- Any additional information or requirements necessary for your application.
Getting your ITA is crucial and only fundamental to a successful Australian migration.
Step 5: Apply and Wait patiently
After receiving the ITA and completing your visa application, you should be ready to wait calmly. The Australian Department of Home Affairs and Immigration will inform you of your visa decision in writing. If approved, you will receive a visa grant letter; if rejected, you will be notified of why you were rejected. While waiting, cross your fingers and be hopeful. Remember to stay positive and patient during this waiting period.
Step 6: Prepare and plan to travel
Once your visa is approved, you can proceed to plan your travel. An adequate way to prepare for your trip is to develop a travel checklist.
Here are some things to include in your checklist:
- Check your passport validity,
- Cross-check your visa documents (certificate of enrolment),
- Book your flight,
- Get overseas students health cover (for students),
- Get travel insurance,
- Budget and set aside money,
- Secure an accommodation,
- Arrange your medication prescription.
And that’s all you need. Upon entering Australia, remember you will be given an incoming passenger card to fill in for identification and record purposes.
Is it easy to migrate to Australia from Nigeria?
If you are eligible, choose the right visa category, and follow the right application steps, you won’t find it difficult to migrate to Australia. There are different ways to immigrate to Australia. Firstly, if you are highly skilled or a professional like doctor, nurse, or engineer, you can move to Australia independently through the subclass 189 visa or be nominated by a region in Australia through the subclass 190. On the other hand, if you have a Job offer from an Australian employer, you might be able to move to Australia via the subclass 494 visa.
It’s also possible to get temporary visas which could eventually lead to permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years. These visas include student visas (subclass 500), and visas for reuniting with family members in Australia. So there are different options available that makes it really easy for you to immigrate to Australia.
How much money do you need to immigrate to Australia?
Based on my recent Australia visa application experience a good budget to have for immigrating to Australia from Nigeria now until three months after landing is between ₦13,063,446 NGN to ₦26,131,445 NGN for a family of four. Single applicants expect to budget money at around ₦6,098,122 NGN to ₦ 8,711,603 NGN. It does all depend though on your lifestyle requirements.
How long does it take to process an Australian visa from Nigeria?
In terms of how long it takes to process an Australia visa can be determined by when you decide to apply for your visa, and the day you touch down in Australia. Some clients who have successfully immigrated to Australia have done so within a matter of months, however for most Nigerians, it’s a lengthy immigration application process that can take up to 2 to 3 years.
Nevertheless, you can be lucky if you apply for certain Australian visas. For example, a subclass 189 or 190 visa can take as little as 4 months to finalize, while a subclass 500 can take between 3 to 6 months to finalize.