For Nigerians looking for greener pastures, the continent of Australia always comes to mind. Though far away on the other side of the world, this continent seems to draw more Nigerians than many other foreign countries. This doesn’t come as a surprise as Australia is ranked one of the safest countries with one of the lowest crime rates. The employment rate is also pretty decent and the standard of living is at its best.
If you want to migrate from Nigeria to Australia, we will show you how. Right here, you will learn about the different types of visas available, how to live and work in Australia and what to expect when you first arrive at the Land Down Under.
There are four many ways of migrating from Nigeria to Australia: family, business, humanitarian, and skilled migration.
Family migration: If you have a relative that is a citizen of Australia, you should find it easy to migrate. You could also migrate to the country if you already have an Australian spouse as long as the marriage is valid. You will be eligible for a permanent visa if you meet these conditions.
Humanitarian migration – You could seek a protection visa or a refugee visa. The first one is for individuals seeking asylum in the country. The second option is for those being persecuted in their home country or seeking to live outside their home country.
Skilled migration – If you’re a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, you could easily get a permanent visa and migrate to Australia without any worries. The requirements for this type of visa are on the strict side. You must not only possess a relevant skill but also a passing grade on points test, an invitation from the Australian Government, and must be younger than 45 years. You could also apply for a visa under the Employer nomination scheme. As the name implies, you must be nominated by an Australian employer and possess the necessary skill to gain entry using this visa.
Business migration – If you have a business you run in Australia, then you could be eligible for a business visa. However, it is not likely that you’re moving to Australia to start your business but rather to look for greener pastures.
Types of Visa
- Visitor visa (valid for three to 12 months)
- Student visa (valid for up to 5 years
- Business innovation and investment visa (valid for three months)
Visa Processing Time
- Visitor visa – up to 26 days
- Student Visa – Depends on the university and sector of studies
- Business visa – up to 16 days
Australia Visa Requirements
The following documents are required for an Australian visitor visa application:
- A valid passport showing your photo, personal details and passport issue, and expiry dates.
- A national identity card
- Proof of change of name, if applicable, such as a marriage certificate, documents that show other names you have been known by.
- Documents proving you have enough money for your stay and to leave Australia such as bank statements, payslips, audited accounts, tax records, or credit card limits.
- If you’re visiting family or friends, you will need a letter of invitation. The letter could state their relationship to you, the purpose of your visit, and length of stay if this person will be paying for your stay (must provide proof of their funds).
- Proof that you have reason to return home such as:
- A letter from your employer stating you plan to return to your job
- Proof that you study at school, college, or university in your home country
- Proof that you have immediate family members in your home country
- Proof that you can return home
- Proof that you own a house or other major assets in your home country
- Consent to grant an Australian visa to a child under 18 (additional documents)
- A document with the signature and photo of the person who is granting consent such as a passport or driver’s license.
- A birth certificate showing the names of both parents.
- Provide adoption papers or parental court orders, if applicable.
Ensure that you do not provide original documents unless it is by the Embassy requested. Always make sure to send certified copies of all original documentation. All documents that are not in English will have to be accompanied by accredited English translations.
How to Apply for An Australian Visa
The Australian Embassy in Nigeria does not provide visa services. As a Nigerian citizen, you will have to do your visa application online. You will be required to create an online account known as ImmiAccount. You can use this account to follow up and manage your visa application.
If you’re unable to lodge an online application, you could do so in person or lodge a paper application for certain visa types at a TLScontact Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Abuja or Lagos. You will be assisted with the online application at the visa centre for an additional fee.
Once you’ve submitted your online application, you will have to provide your biometrics data. You will be provided with a letter informing you to attend the TLS Biometric Collection Centre in person to capture a facial image and your 10-digit fingerprint scan. You will be required to provide your original passport and meet the biometric requirement to be eligible to conduct your biometrics data.
The Visa Process in Steps
When applying for an Australian Visa from Nigeria, you will most likely encounter these steps.
- Create an Immi Account and fill in your personal information correctly
- Update your passport details
- Attach all the scanned copies of your certified documents
- Submit all the required documents along with your online Australian visa application
- You will be provided a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) that is required to communicate with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
Health Requirements
You will be required to meet certain health standards for your visa approval. This will require undergoing a health examination which will be assessed to determine the outcome of your visa application. You will also be required to vaccinate against polio and yellow fever before gaining entry into Australia.