How to Move to Australia
Australia runs a transparent points-tested skilled migration program through the official Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) and the SkillSelect system. Skilled workers get their occupation assessed, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and may be invited to apply. Employer-sponsored and state-nominated routes also exist, and study is a strong pathway to PR.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Australia embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Australia has limited African missions (e.g. Pretoria, Nairobi, Accra, Abuja, Cairo). Most applications are made online, with biometrics via VFS where required. Check the locator for your region.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
Oakland Centre, 5th Floor, 48 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja
+234 9 460 6960 Open in Google Maps292 Orient Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0083
+27 12 423 6000 Open in Google Maps2 Second Rangoon Close (cnr Josef B. Tito Ave), Cantonments, Accra
+233 302 216 400 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Australia has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Varies; after an invitation, several months to process.
Visa application charge ~AUD 4,640+ (main applicant) + skills assessment + English test.
Permanent residence; pathway to citizenship.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
- You score enough points (age, English, experience, education) — minimum 65.
- Under the maximum age (usually 45) and meet health/character rules.
What to do, step by step
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1
Check your occupation
Confirm your job is on the skilled occupation list for 189 (independent) or 190 (state nominated).
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2
Get a skills assessment
Apply to the assessing authority for your occupation (e.g. ACS, Engineers Australia).
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3
Sit an English test
Take IELTS/PTE — higher scores add points.
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4
Submit an EOI in SkillSelect
Lodge your Expression of Interest with your claimed points; states can also nominate you (190).
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5
Receive an invitation & apply
If invited, lodge the full visa application within 60 days.
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6
Health, character & grant
Complete medicals and police checks; once granted you are a permanent resident.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- State nomination (190) adds 5 points and can secure an invitation when 189 is competitive.
- Maximise points with English, experience and a partner's skills.
- Everything is done officially online — no agent is required.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your ImmiAccount first
Australian visas are lodged online through a free ImmiAccount. Create it first, then start and pay for your visa application inside it.
Create accountStart your Skilled migration (subclass 189/190) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationVaries; often a few months.
Visa application charge from ~AUD 3,115 (main applicant); employer pays nomination + skilling levy.
Up to 4 years; some streams lead to employer-sponsored PR.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from an approved Australian sponsoring employer.
- Your occupation is eligible and you have the required experience.
- Relevant English level and skills.
What to do, step by step
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1
Find a sponsoring employer
Secure a job with an approved Australian business sponsor.
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2
Employer nominates the position
The employer becomes/uses an approved sponsor and nominates your role.
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3
Lodge your visa application
Apply for the subclass 482 with your skills and English evidence.
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4
Health & character checks
Complete medicals and police clearances.
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5
Travel & work
On grant, move to Australia and start work; explore PR streams later.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Some streams provide a clear transition to permanent residence — ask your employer which applies.
- Confirm the employer is an approved sponsor before committing.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your ImmiAccount first
Australian visas are lodged online through a free ImmiAccount. Create it first, then start and pay for your visa application inside it.
Create accountStart your Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationVaries; apply well ahead of course start.
Visa application charge (~AUD 1,600+) + tuition + proof of living funds + OSHC insurance.
Course length; Temporary Graduate visa (485) available afterwards.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered course.
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement and intent.
- Proof of funds, English ability and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a CoE
Apply to a CRICOS-registered institution and receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.
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2
Arrange OSHC
Buy Overseas Student Health Cover for your stay.
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3
Prepare the Genuine Student statement
Address the Genuine Student requirement and prove funds and English.
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4
Lodge the subclass 500 online
Apply through ImmiAccount with your documents.
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5
Travel & study
On grant, travel and study; work part-time within allowed hours.
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6
Apply for a Graduate visa (485)
After graduating, apply to stay and work temporarily — a step toward PR.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- A Temporary Graduate visa (485) lets you gain Australian work experience for points.
- Choose courses aligned with in-demand occupations to build a PR pathway.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your ImmiAccount first
Australian visas are lodged online through a free ImmiAccount. Create it first, then start and pay for your visa application inside it.
Create accountStart your Student visa (subclass 500) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationOften 12+ months; varies widely.
Visa application charge ~AUD 9,000+ (one of the more expensive partner visas globally).
Temporary then permanent (subclass 100/801).
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen.
- A genuine, ongoing married or de facto relationship.
- Sponsor and applicant meet character/health requirements.
What to do, step by step
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1
Confirm sponsor eligibility
Your partner must be eligible to sponsor and lodge the sponsorship.
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2
Gather relationship evidence
Compile thorough proof (finances, household, social, commitment).
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3
Lodge the partner visa
Apply offshore (309) or onshore (820) via ImmiAccount.
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4
Health & character checks
Complete medicals and police clearances.
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5
Temporary then permanent grant
After the temporary visa, the permanent stage (100/801) follows.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Build relationship evidence across financial, household, social and commitment aspects.
- This visa is costly — budget early and apply directly.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your ImmiAccount first
Australian visas are lodged online through a free ImmiAccount. Create it first, then start and pay for your visa application inside it.
Create accountStart your Partner visa (subclass 309/820) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Australia work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Australia — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Australia visas
How much does the Australia Skilled migration (subclass 189/190) cost?
The Australia Skilled migration (subclass 189/190) costs: Visa application charge ~AUD 4,640+ (main applicant) + skills assessment + English test. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Australia Skilled migration (subclass 189/190) take?
Processing for the Australia Skilled migration (subclass 189/190) takes varies; after an invitation, several months to process. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Australia Skilled migration (subclass 189/190) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Australia Skilled migration (subclass 189/190) is valid for permanent residence; pathway to citizenship. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Australia Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) cost?
The Australia Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) costs: Visa application charge from ~AUD 3,115 (main applicant); employer pays nomination + skilling levy. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Australia Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) take?
Processing for the Australia Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) takes varies; often a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Australia Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Australia Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is valid for up to 4 years; some streams lead to employer-sponsored PR. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Australia Student visa (subclass 500) cost?
The Australia Student visa (subclass 500) costs: Visa application charge (~AUD 1,600+) + tuition + proof of living funds + OSHC insurance. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Australia Student visa (subclass 500) take?
Processing for the Australia Student visa (subclass 500) takes varies; apply well ahead of course start. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Australia Student visa (subclass 500) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Australia Student visa (subclass 500) is valid for course length; Temporary Graduate visa (485) available afterwards. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Australia Partner visa (subclass 309/820) cost?
The Australia Partner visa (subclass 309/820) costs: Visa application charge ~AUD 9,000+ (one of the more expensive partner visas globally). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Australia Partner visa (subclass 309/820) take?
Processing for the Australia Partner visa (subclass 309/820) takes often 12+ months; varies widely. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Australia Partner visa (subclass 309/820) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Australia Partner visa (subclass 309/820) is valid for temporary then permanent (subclass 100/801). This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.