Migrate to Australia with Family

It takes more than a kangaroo to lure one to make the big step of moving to Australia. Rich in natural wonders, breathtaking beaches, cosmopolitan metropolises, and diverse wildlife, Australia makes a special place for anyone. Moreover, with high performance in many dimensions of well-being, such as income, jobs, education, and environmental quality, Australia has increased the life quality for its residents and the number of expats moving to the country every year.

With approximately 7 million expats from the EU and other countries around the world, Australia has created pathways for every individual that wants to start a new life in the country.

Do I Need a Visa to Move to Australia?

If you want to move to Australia, you must get a valid Australian visa. However, returning Australian citizens can easily move back to the country without a visa.

The type of visa you need depends on how long you plan on staying in Australia and what you will do during that time.

How Can I Move to Australia?

There are different ways to move to Australia. First, you must choose a long-stay visa and obtain a residence permit. Australia issues a number of visas for everyone who wishes to move into the country. First, however, you need to choose the type of visa that corresponds to why you want to move to Australia. For example, you can move for different purposes, such as to work or for family reunification.

Moving to Australia to Work

To move to Australia for work, you can apply for any type of work visa as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining one. Most work visas are permanent visas, which will help you become a permanent resident of Australia. Australia issues several types of work visas; therefore, obtaining a work visa might be an easy pathway to move to Australia.

Many Australian work visas are issued to highly skilled workers, and you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship after spending a limited time in the Australian territory.

The most popular work visas for residing permanently in Australia are the following:

Subclass 887.
Subclass 189.
Subclass 191.
Skilled Nominated Visa- subclass 190.
Regional Sponsored Migrant Scheme Visa- subclass 187.
Employer Nominated Scheme- subclass 186.
Global Talent Visa- subclass 858.
Distinguished Talent Visa- subclass 124.

Moving to Australia for Family Reunification

Australia issues more than 30 visas for the purpose of family reunification. You must select one type of family visa, depending on your status. Keep in mind that not every family visa is permanent, so you must check to see which one corresponds to your travel purpose to Australia.

The visas listed below will allow you to stay permanently in Australia:

Partner Visa (migrant)- subclass 100.
Partner Visa- subclass 801.
Parent Visa- subclass 103.
Contributory Parent Visa- subclass 143.
Contributory Aged Parent Visas.
Remaining Relative Visa.
Aged Dependent Relative Visa.
Carer Visa.
Child Visa.
Adoption Visa- subclass 102.
Orphan Relative Visa- subclass 117, 837.

Can I Become a Permanent Resident of Australia With a Student Visa?

Unfortunately, a student visa does not lead to permanent residency in Australia. However, if you are a student that wants to move to Australia for study purposes, you can apply for a Student visa subclass 500, given that you meet the criteria set by the Australian authorities. This type of visa is valid for a period of 5 years, but you must leave the country once it expires.

Students wishing to reside permanently in Australia can apply for a permanent skilled work visa subclass 191 (see above).

Are There Other Alternatives to Obtain Permanent Residency in Australia?

There are other ways you can become a permanent resident of Australia. For example, certain business and investment visas lead to permanent residencies, such as the following:

Business Innovation and Investment Visa- subclass 888.
Business Owner Visa- subclass 890.
Business Talent Visa- subclass 132.

How Can I Bring My Belongings to Australia?

You can bring your unaccompanied belongings to Australia by air, sea cargo, or international mail (post).

Your unaccompanied items include:

Clothing and footwear.
Personal hygiene and grooming items.
Furniture.
Appliances.
Sporting equipment.
Books.
Non-motorized caravans.
Boats.
Aircraft.

You must complete certain obligations such as customs duty, goods and services tax (GST), or other taxes and charges.

However, you might be eligible for a concession from customs control without being required to pay the duties mentioned above. For more information, visit the official website of the Australian Border Force.

Can I Bring My Pets to Australia With Me?

There are a set of requirements you must meet if you want to bring your pets with you to Australia. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry recognizes four different categories of animals depending on the country they are imported from. Therefore, you can import your cat or dog directly from an approved country. Cats and dogs belonging to group 1 do not require an import permit to migrate to Australia, whereas cats and dogs under groups 2 and 3 will require an import permit.

The country also bans the importation of several domestic and non-domestic animal hybrids. You can also cooperate with a pet transporting company, and they will take care of everything for you.

*Your pets must undergo veterinary preparations and certification before bringing them to Australia. For more information, visit the website of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Moving to Australia?

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of moving to Australia:

Pros	Cons
High-quality healthcare— Australia’s health system is one of the best in the world. The country provides safe and affordable health care for all residents and their families.	Living cost— Australia can be expensive, and the average cost for necessities, clothing and transport can be more expensive than in most countries. Of course, this depends on where in Australia you’re living.
World-class education system— the Australian education system is ranked 3rd in the world, quality-wise. Australia sets international standards for excellence in education, and Australian schools are among the finest in the world.	Housing— in most parts of Australia, housing can be expensive, especially if you live in a big city or want a beach view. You can find cheaper alternatives in regional and rural areas.
Work opportunities— Australia offers one of the best average salaries globally. Although the job market is very competitive, you can find a job quickly with the right professional qualifications.	Wildlife— Australia is home to many not-so-friendly species. You will occasionally encounter snakes, spiders, crocodiles, sharks, or other predators. So if you are easily scared, you might want to reconsider your decision.
Free movement— if you become an Australian citizen, you will be entitled to free movement in different countries. You can travel visa-free to 185 countries in the world.	Isolation— since Australia is a large country, the cities are spread far apart. This makes it difficult to leave your town for a day or two.
Safety— Australia is overall a safe country to live in. Cities in Australia are secure and safe, including big cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Diversity— the Australian population is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
Climate— if you are a fan of warm weather, in Australia, you will enjoy long and sunny summers. Although sometimes the weather can be unpredictable, most of the time it is very pleasant.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Permanent Resident of Australia?

To become a permanent resident of Australia, you must reside lawfully in the country for four continuous years. However, there are a set of requirements that you must meet before applying for citizenship. You can find more info on the official website of the Australian government.

Does Australia Allow Dual Citizenship?

Luckily, Australia allows a person to have dual citizenship. Therefore, you can move to Australia and remain a citizen of another country (or two) while becoming an Australian citizen.

Most Popular Areas in Australia for Expats

A key part of moving to Australia is deciding the area you want to live— to help you find the right place to move in, here are some of the most popular places for expats to move to in Australia:

Adelaide
Melbourne
Brisbane
Sydney
Canberra

Adelaide

Moving to the south is always a great idea, especially if you choose to move to Adelaide. The city is a popular area for expats moving to Australia with their families. In Adelaide, you can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. The excellent transport links make it easy to move around the city to get things done. In addition, the city itself provides excellent educational institutions and healthcare facilities, a great climate, and beautiful properties in and out of the city. Above all of the great things, Adelaide also offers many opportunities for work in various industries, giving you space to grow professionally and personally.

Melbourne

If you’re looking for a good place to work, study, or live, Melbourne will make an excellent choice. Melbourne is Australia’s most livable city, thanks to the multiple public transport options, low crime rates, job opportunities, high-quality education, and many more. Accommodation will not be a problem for you because Melbourne offers a wide range of high-quality accommodation options for everyone, families, students, and couples.

One of the best things about living in Melbourne is that you will experience a touch of culture since the city is also known as Australia’s cultural capital. In the culturally diverse city, you will find from theatres and music festivals to street art and World Heritage Sites.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a metropolitan city famous for its river life, natural beauty, culture, and beautiful beaches. The city is an excellent alternative if you like living in Sydney and Melbourne but want a cheaper option.

Just like in other Australian cities, Brisbane also offers an excellent public transport system to make it easier for the residents to get around. Although you will see many skyscrapers around Brisbane, the city also offers many green spaces where you can enjoy the sunny weather of Australia and relax during the day or night.

Brisbane is also near the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, so if you like wildlife and koalas, consider making Brisbane your future home.

Sydney

Being one of the most famous cities in Australia has made Sydney a center point for expatriates around the world, making it also the most populated city in Australia. This also means that you will be introduced to a diversity of people and cultures. In addition, Sydney is known for the job opportunities it offers and has an unemployment rate below the national average. Although the job market is a bit competitive, considering the corporates and many Australian organizations, jobs pay well.

Another perk of moving to Sydney is the stunning beaches, seal pools, and wonderful climate. You will also be entitled to excellent education facilities, high-quality healthcare, great infrastructure, and affordable public transport.

However, you should keep in mind that Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in Australia.

Canberra

Canberra is one of Australia’s safest cities and has the highest average income, level of education, and lowest unemployment rate in Australia. Add to that the affordable living costs compared to other cities like Melbourne. In Canberra, you will have a high standard of living for a lower living cost.

Canberra is perfect for families and students, as it has plenty of on-campus accommodation and is an academic city.

As in other Australian cities, you will get around easily in Canberra, whether that is by bike, car, or public transport. Another benefit of living in Canberra is that there is relatively little traffic, and the city has an exceptional light rail system.

Migrate to Australia with Family – Visa Sponsorship Options