Requirements for Nigerian Citizens Applying for Work Visa in Australia in 2023
Australia, a vast continent and a thriving nation, offers an ideal destination for those in search of a stable economy, abundant career prospects, generous social benefits, and an exceptional standard of living. If you’re a Nigerian aspiring to work in Australia, securing a work visa is a crucial step. Fortunately, in this comprehensive guide, we will provide valuable insights into the specific Australian work visa requirements tailored for Nigerian citizens.
Requirements for Nigerian Citizens Applying for Work Visa in Australia in 2023
To work in Australia, Nigerians can apply for various types of Australian work visas. The specific visa you are eligible for will depend on factors such as your qualifications, skills, age, and profession. Let’s explore some of the common types of Australian work visas:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): This visa is for Nigerians who have an approved sponsor and are nominated for a skilled position that cannot be filled by an Australian. It has different streams and allows you to stay in Australia for 2-4 years or as long as your visa is valid.
- Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): After completing their studies, Nigerians can apply for this visa to live and work in Australia. The visa has different streams and allows a stay of 18 months to 5 years, depending on the chosen stream.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): This visa is for Nigerians nominated as skilled workers to work and live in Australia as permanent residents. It requires meeting skill and language requirements, and you can also bring your family members to Australia.
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Invited workers can apply for this visa to come to Australia to live and work. A sponsor is not required for this visa, and applicants must be under 45 years old to be invited for the Point tested stream.
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186): This visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia. It has different streams, including Direct Entry, Labour agreement stream, and Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Additional work visa options include Business Owner (subclass 890), Global Talent visa (subclass 858), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408), among others.
To meet the general work visa requirements, it is important to note that Australia uses a point-based system for certain visa categories. For example, the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) require a minimum of 65 points based on factors such as work experience, age, English language proficiency, and more.
Furthermore, all Australian work visas typically require the applicant’s job position to be on the skilled occupations list. Each visa category has its specific requirements, so it is crucial to carefully review the eligibility criteria for the desired visa.
By fulfilling the necessary requirements and following the application process, Nigerian citizens can pursue exciting work opportunities and experience the benefits of living and working in Australia.
Work Experience outside Australia
| Duration | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Less than three years of experience | 0 points |
| More than three years and less than five years of experience | 5 points |
| More than five years and less than seven years of experience | 10 points |
| Eight years or more of experience | 15 points |
Work Experience inside Australia
| Duration | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Less than one year of experience | 0 points |
| More than one year and less than three years of experience | 5 points |
| More than three years and less than five years of experience | 10 points |
| More than five years and less than eight years of experience | 15 points |
| Eight years or more years of experience | 20 points |
Qualification
Candidates would be accessed by their qualifications, and the points breakdown is given below:
| Qualification | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| A qualification or reward that is recognised by the relevant assessment authority | 10 points |
| A diploma or trade qualification | 10 points |
| A bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree | 15 points |
| A PhD | 20 points |
If Nigerian applicants’ study at an Australian university, they may be given an additional 5 points.
Age
The points awarded for the applicant’s age are given below:
| Age | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Over 18 and younger than 25 | 25 points |
| Over 25 and younger than 33 | 30 points |
| Over 33 and younger than 40 | 25 points |
| Over 40 and younger than 45 | 15 points |
Language
You must prove that you have a good mastery of the English language by taking tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
Here is a breakdown of the English level and points awarded:
| English Level | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 points |
| Proficient English | 10 points |
| Superior English | 20 points |
Partner’s Skills and Qualifications
If your partner meets certain criteria such as being under the age of 45, having proficiency in the English language, and being nominated for a skilled job position on the same occupation list as yours, you can earn ten (10) or more points towards your visa application.
To begin the process, you are required to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) online using SkillSelect. It’s important to note that the EOI is not a visa application, and there is no fee associated with it.
In addition to meeting the skill and qualification requirements, there are other documents and requirements you need to fulfill, including:
- International Passport: You must possess a valid international passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond the expiration date of your visa. Provide colored and scanned copies of the passport’s data page, including any previous passports.
- Australian Visa Application Form: Complete the application form online after creating an account. Ensure that the form is filled honestly and in block letters, as providing false information may impact your visa approval.
- Passport Photographs: Submit at least two passport-sized photographs taken within the last six months. The photos must meet Australian photo requirements, with dimensions measuring 35mm-40mm by 45mm-50mm. Your entire face should be clear, with a plain background (preferably white). Accessories and glasses are not permitted in the photo.
- National Identity Card: Provide a scanned copy of your national identity card, if required. You will be informed by the visa authorities if it is optional or not needed.
- Health Insurance: Indicate that you have comprehensive medical insurance that covers your health expenses throughout your stay in Australia.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Australia. This can be shown through bank statements for the past six months or a sponsorship letter if someone will be supporting you.
- Travel Itinerary: Present your travel itinerary, including details such as travel dates, evidence of purchased tickets, and the duration of your visit.
- Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence of secured accommodation in Australia. This can include hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a friend or family member if you will be staying with them.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Submit a police clearance certificate to demonstrate that you have a clean criminal record and are law-abiding.
- Proof of Good Health: Undergo medical tests to prove that you are in good health. This may involve tests for diseases such as yellow fever and polio.
By fulfilling these requirements and submitting the necessary documents, you can enhance your chances of obtaining an Australian work visa for you and your partner.
Guide to Applying for an Australian Work Visa
Obtaining an Australian work visa involves several steps. Here’s a description of the application process:
Step 1: Fill out the Application Form
Once you have secured employment in Australia, you need to create an ImmiAccount online and complete the application form for the specific visa you wish to apply for. It is crucial to provide accurate and complete information on the form. If you encounter any difficulties, you can seek assistance at the visa application centre.
Step 2: Upload the Relevant Documents
Follow the guidelines provided on the online portal, scan the necessary documents, and upload them online. Original documents are generally not required unless specifically requested.
Step 3: Book an Appointment
Schedule an appointment with the nearest visa application centre and visit on the designated date. During the appointment, your biometric information, such as photos and fingerprints, will be collected. You can reschedule the appointment if necessary.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
Ensure that you have paid all the applicable visa charges as determined by the visa application centre. It is important to make the payment online. The Australian work visa fees vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
Step 5: Track your application
After completing the online application, you can track the progress of your application online using the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) provided. This allows you to stay informed about the status of your visa application.
Australian Work Visa Processing Time
The processing time for an Australian work visa varies depending on the visa category. While some visas may be processed within a few days, others may take several months. It is important to note that any issues or discrepancies in your application can potentially delay the processing time.
Conclusion
Australia offers excellent opportunities for pursuing your career ambitions. However, it is essential to obtain a work visa to access employment opportunities in the country. By following the guidelines outlined in this application guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful visa application process.
