How to Emigrate to Australia

Updated for 2020

How to Emigrate to Australia

Australia offers several immigration pathway solutions for permanent residency, based squarely on economic demand. Highly skilled workers are still actively sought after in 2020 and an immigration points system is deployed to filter those looking to emigrate to Australia.

This is called the General Skilled Migration Program, although there are other visas besides Australian Skilled migration such as investor visas which we also cover in this article.

Find out if your skills are wanted down under by taking our Free Visa Assessment

Check Your Eligibility with our Free Visa Assessment

Some applicants choose to emigrate via an employer sponsored visa although these opportunities are some 83% fewer in 2020 than the past three years.

This means whilst Australia is open to immigration it’s only open to those who can demonstrate they have the skills currently in demand.

Emigrating to Australia is a real and viable option for individuals from all over the World but as you would expect, it’s not easy, and it’s getting harder Let’s Go Global have many years experience assisting clients in emigrating to Australia.

Can I Emigrate to Australia?

People have so many personal reasons for wanting to emigrate to Australia; the weather, the current political situation, family, loved ones, better opportunities or a better life for children. These vary from country to country and person to person although the fact remains that with the right skills, qualifications, circumstances and more importantly the right will to achieve significant personal growth, development and change then emigrating to Australia is usually accessible.

Should I Emigrate to Australia

Moving to Australia is a personal decision and that you’re even reading this article dedicated to emigrating then we’re assuming that you’re one of the very few people who actually decide to act on their dreams of securing a better life. Yes it can be tough, yes its an emotional roller coaster process and yes… its worth it in the end.

Check Your Eligibility with our Free Visa Assessment

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Australia

Day to day living costs in Australia are comparable with most other developed countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States although, much like these other countries where you live in Australia impacts the financial bottom line of your monthly costs.

The major cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Perth will be among the most expensive for costs like housing leisure and food whilst more rural or suburban areas will tend to be cheaper.

Do remember that you’re emigrating to Australia and you’ll need to set your life up again from scratch and try to plan for this financially at the start of your application

To get a full breakdown of the visa costs, charges and time frames applicable to you as an individual take our free visa assessment

Check Your Eligibility with our Free Visa Assessment

No doubt property rentals will be the largest monthly expense yet do still expect much more ‘bang’ for your buck. Utilities are slightly cheaper, and fuel prices are definitely less than the UK, probably more comparable to the United States.

Do anticipate all in monthly living costs in Australia of around $2,700 and a single person income of around $50,000 AUD is probably needed to live comfortably in most areas of the country.

Emigrating to Australia is for many people a lifelong ambition, they’ve usually had the idea for many years never seeming to find the right time or set of life circumstances to make the step towards making their dreams and ambitions a reality.

If this is you and sounds familiar then rest assured it’s totally normal.

If you’ve the right skills, qualifications and desire to move to Australia then the time to act is now. Australian Immigration Law is constantly changing and updating in response to political and economic considerations and we expect to see some major changes coming up which will seriously affect many applications.

Even now we’ve seen a marked increase in the number of red flagged occupations for Australia with lots of rumours about which occupations are next. *A red flagged occupation is one that’s been highlighted for possible removal from the Australia occupations in demand lists.

How to get a Visa to Emigrate to Australia

It’s important we work closely with you to understand what kind of Australian visa you need because there’s lots to choose from covering work, residence, family and business migration. Our recommendation is to always attempt an application in the highest category of Australian Migration suitability.

The best way to describe Australian Immigration is like a pyramid. At the very top of the Australian Visa pyramid sits the 189 visa. this being the most heavyweight visa in that it allows its holders to live and work anywhere in Australia from day one.

Closely behind the 189 and just one tier down is the 190 visa class, which still offers the same benefits and the 189 except that you’d be expected to live and work in a particular state for two years. After this time you are free to live and work anywhere in Australia just like the 189.

Don’t worry though, we often hear clients asking whether they get a choice of which State or Territory they get to reside in and the answer is yes, of course! You get to choose the State as much as they get to choose you, all subject to Australian Immigration criteria.

Check Your Eligibility with our Free Visa Assessment

We always undertake a very detailed case assessment and free consultation to examine your eligibility for the most appropriate type of Australia visa for your needs. We explain the process, answer any questions you have on the different Australian Immigration pathways and offer you our expert advice and recommendations.

Every year the Australian Department of Home Affairs issue over 190,000 skilled visas (Permanent Residence) from around 500,000 applications. For every one of those 500,000 applications there are another ten in the pipeline still preparing their case so that’s 5,000,000 people at any one time getting their documents in order.

If we go even further there’s another 10 people for everyone in the process who are seriously considering whether or not they should start their emigration to Australia project so that’s a huge 50,000,000 (50 million) globally considering whether or not it’s the right time to be immigrating to Australia.

That’s a huge number, almost twice the current population of Australia!

For many people emigrating to Australia remains an elusive dream that’s never realized. Don’t be one of them. Take our online visa assessment today for a personalized assessment of your visa chances, costs, charges and everything you need to know unique to your own individual circumstances.

Take Your Free Visa Assessment Here

We do need to be clear though, it’s not all rosy and emigrating to Australia can often go wrong without the right planning. Securing visa is only the start and Lets Go Global are pleased to be able to assist with shipping, jobs, accommodation, bank accounts and of course the unique circumstances involving moving to Australia with children.

Full Guide to Emigrate to Australia

Emigrating to Australia is what we’re about. We’ve successfully assisted many people from all walks of life with their Australian Migration and we’re proud of our successes, reviews

It’s not just our Australian emigration skilled visa streams that receive great wins, we also assist with investor visa classes, resident return and partner visas including those for the LGBTQI Community.

All the team here at Let’s Go Global were amazed when one of our clients decided to keep a warts n all blog about their experiences with us as well as their own personal thoughts and feelings along the course of their application. Take a look over at Becky and Zacs Partner Visa Blog.

Check Your Eligibility with our Free Visa Assessment

Because we focus exclusively on Australian Migration you can rest assured that we’re specialists in our field and often called upon to solve some pretty complicated Australian migration problems.

See how many of these questions you can answer yes to?
Do you have a skill that’s currently in demand in Australia on this list: Occupations in Demand List
Are you qualified in your profession, trade or occupation?
Are you under 45 years of age? Check out how old is too old for Australian Immigration
Do you score 65 points on the Skilled Migration Points test?
Does your partner fit the criteria above even if you don’t?
Have you previously been a permanent resident of Australia?
Do you have a job offer in Australia?
Would you be prepared to live and work in regional Australia?
Are you married to or in a relationship with an Australian Citizen?
Are you in a same sex relationship with an Australian?
Have you considered studying in Australia?

Calculate Emigrate to Australia Points

Any successful skilled migration requires the applicant to demonstrate 65 points on the Australian Points System Matrix

Emigrate to Australia Age Points
Age 18 – 24 = 25 points
Age 25 – 32 = 30 points
Age 33 – 39 = 25 points
Age 40 – 44 = 15 points

Those aged 45 or over are no longer eligible to move to Australia under the skilled migration stream. Older applicants may be eligible to secure an employer sponsored TSS visa although this visa will always remain temporary. A TSS Employer Sponsored Visa cannot be converted to Permanent Residency after an applicant exceeds the maximum age limit of 45.

Emigrate to Australia Points for Marital Status
Australia award points based on Marital Status, with 10 points awarded to single applicants (without a spouse or partner

Points for STEM Qualifications
Australia Award 10 points for qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

Emigrate to Australia Points System for Qualifications
PHD = 20 points
Degree = 15 points
Trade Qualification = 10 points

Australian Emigration Points for Work Experience
3 to 5 years experience in the last 10 years = 5 points
5 to 8 years experience in the last 10 years = 10 points
8 years + experience in the last 10 years = 15 points

Emigration points for work experience are calculated as the number of years post qualification experience. For example, an Accountant will be able to claim work experience points for every year of work after achieving Chartered Accountant status.

The only exception to the work experience post qualification rule is trades such as electricians, welders, carpenters, plumbers and mechanics because for those in the skilled trades, time spent during training can count towards overall work experience points.

Emigrate to Australia Points for English Language
Good = 20 points
Medium = 10 points
Basic = 0 points

Emigrate to Australia Points for Partners English Language
If you have a partner who has at least an average English test mark then you’ll gain an extra 5 points on the emigrate to Australia matrix.

Holding a passport from an English speaking country does not ‘prove’ English ability from a points perspective. There are no English points added for being a citizen of any particular country and these points can only be added after taking an approved English exam such as IELTS or the Cambridge English test.

Emigrate to Australia Points for 190 State Nomination
The 190 State Nomination Visa brings with it an extra 5 points at time of invitation to apply.

Australia awards 15 points for the 491 Regional Visa

Partner Skills Points to Emigrate to Australia
If your partner has a skills set on either the MLTSSL or the STSOL then provided they are aged under 45 they too can complete a skills assessment for Australia. Remember, if the lead applicant is scoring enough points in their own right there’s no absolute requirement for a Partner Skills Assessment. If however you’re coming up short for immigration points a Partner Skills Assessment can add a further 10 to your overall total.

Confused? Don’t be, simply take our online visa assessment and let us do the hard work in working out the very best and most viable Australian Immigration Pathway for you as the first step in making your emigration to Australia dreams come true.

How do I Emigrate to Australia in 2020?

Emigrate to Australia on the Skilled Migration stream:

Skilled Migration is by far the most popular route for emigrating to Australia as it gives the holder and their partners or families Permanent resident status from the very start.

Permanent Residency is much the same as Citizenship and is actually designed to lead to Citizenship or Dual Nationality after four years.

Only one member of a couple need to secure the Australian Permanent residency Visa and all the rights and privileges that come with PR are automatically applied to partners and family units.

Top Ten Benefits of Australian Permanent Residency

1. Only one lead applicant needed
2. PR leads to full citizenship or dual nationality after four years
3. You are free to enter and leave Australia without needing any further visas
4. Australian Permanent Residents can access financial services in the same way as full citizens
5. Holders of Australian Permanent Residency can apply for mortgages
6. New Australian Permanent residents have a clean credit history
7. Children can access education without financial contribution
8. Medicare is available to all Australian permanent residents
9. Two years after emigrating to Australia Permanent residents can sponsor other family members
10. Australian Permanent Residents can be eligible for a Residents Return Visa if they have to leave for an extended period

Check Your Eligibility with our Free Visa Assessment

Under the Skilled Migration program most applicants will end up emigrating to Australia on either a 189 or 190 visa class with the rest ending up on the 491.

Some would say these visas are the most sought after visas in the Southern Hemisphere and we’d be inclined to agree. No other country apart from Canada has the same type of visa program to attract applicants with the corrects skills into the country. Receiving a 189, 190 or 491 visa is a privilege many never achieve without the right guidance, support and motivation.

How long does it take to Emigrate to Australia?

Officially we have to say that your application (once submitted via the Expression of Interest platform) can take anything up to two years.

However, getting your application ready for the EOI system takes around six to eight months depending on how quickly you can source the required documentation to support and prove your occupation and secure your all-important positive skills assessment.

Usually, we find clients are called forward for their Permanent Residency Visas within six to nine months of being submitted into the Expression of Interest program.

Check Your Eligibility with our Free Visa Assessment

Emigrating to Australia Skills Assessment Authorities

Code: AIM
Website: Australian Institute of Management
Telephone: +61 7 3227 4874
AIM Skills Assessment Cost: $550 AUD
The Australian institute of Management is the Skilled Immigration Assessment body for Marketing, Procurement and General Management occupation codes.

Code: VETASSESS
Website: VetAssess
VetAssess Skills Assessment cover a broad range of occupations and trades. It is the largest Skills Assessment body in Australia.
Telephone: +61 3 9655 4801
Address: VETASSESS
GPO Box 2752
Melbourne Victoria 3001 Australia
Cost: $870 AUD rising to $1500+ AUD for some skilled trades that require a formal practical assessment or technical skype interview. Electricians Immigrating to Australia for example.

Immigration Australia Skills Assessment Code: CPAA
Website: CPA Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9606 9677
CPA Australia Address: GPO Box 2820, Melbourne VIC Australia 3001
CPA Australia Cost: $473 AUD
CPA Australia is the Skills Assessment Authority for Chartered Accountants that hold an undergraduate Bachelors Degree as well as their Chartered Status.

If you don’t hold an undergraduate Bachelors Degree take our free visa assessment because we can assist both in your migration and with having Degree status awarded on the back of your Professional Qualifications allowing you to also claim 15 immigration points.

Code: TRA
Website: Trade Recognition Australia
Some TRA codes are sublicensed to VETASSESS and some are handled directly by TRA. If your code says TRA check first on the VETASSESS website above. If it’s not listed on the Vetasess site then TRA will be your assessment body for your Australia Immigration.
Cost: $1000 AUD

Code: ACS
Website: Australia Computing Society
Telephone: +61 (0)2 9299 3666
ACS Australia is for all IT and ICT Australia Immigration codes
Cost: $500 AUD

Code: ANMAC
Website: Australia Nursing and Midwifery Council
ANMAC is the Australia Immigration Skills Assessment body for Nurses moving to Australia. The nursing Skills Assessment can be tough so take a look at how to move to Australia as a nurse. Let’s Go! Global has a specialist medical immigration desk and a 100% success rate moving nurses to Australia.
Cost: $515 AUD

Code: CASA
Website: Civil Aviation Safety Authority
CASA is the Australia Immigration Assessment Body for Pilots and associated occupations and can be a complicated process
Cost: CASA Pilot Skills Assessment costs just $100

Code: SSSI
Website: Surveying & Spatial Sciences Institute
The SSSI is the Immigration Skills Assessment body for Surveyors although some codes are new processed by Vetassess. Feel free to contact us for more information
Cost: $750 AUD

Code: EA
Name: Engineers Australia
Engineers Australia is the assessment body for all Professional Engineers holding Bachelor of Engineering and Masters of Engineering qualifications as well as those with Chartered status.
Cost: Allocate between $1,000 and $1500 AUD for your Engineers Australia Skills Assessment

Code: AITSL
Website: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership
The AITSL is the Skills Assessment body for teachers immigrating to Australia. Let’s Go! Global have a dedicated Teaching Australia desk with a 100% success rate immigrating teachers to Australia.
Cost: $830 AUD

Code: AVBC
Website: Australia Veterinary Board Council
The AVBC processes skills assessment application from Veterinary Professionals looking to immigrate to Australia.
Cost: $455 for a straightforward Skills Assessment. Occasionally these may rise significantly should the assessment body require further testing and for this reason we would recommend engaging the services of one of our senior associates.

Code: AIQS
Website: Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors
AIQS is the home of Quantity Surveyors Australia and is the immigration assessment body for professionals liking to move to Australia
Cost: $650 AUD

Code: APharmC
Website: Australian Pharmacy Council
The Australian Pharmacy Council conducts Skills Assessments for Retail and Hospital Pharmacists immigrating to Australia whilst VETASESS is responsible for Pharmacy Technicians. It’s important that your Pharmacy Skills Assessment application is done correctly for if they request further information or any examinations (which shouldn’t be necessary) expect to see the total Pharmacy Skills Assessment fee rise dramatically.
Cost: $1090

Code: DAA
Website: Dieticians Association of Australia
Qualified Dieticians should have their Australia Immigration Skills Assessments done by the DAA.
Cost: allocate around $500 AUD

Code: MBA
Website: Medical Board of Australia
The Medical Board of Australia are a far reaching Skills Assessment body covering all hospital and community based Doctors, Consultants, Surgeons and GPs. We have a medical immigration team focused solely on Immigrating Doctors and Nurses to Australia with a 100% success rate.

A positive skills assessment from the Medical Board of Australia will give you a near certain Australia Immigration application and forms the major part of your local registration to practice.
Cost: Do allocate between $1000 and $2000 but do consult with us as to the various NBA skills assessment pathways available.

Code: AIR
Website: Australian Institute of Radiography
The Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR) has recently to Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) so you may see the more recent code associated with your Skills Assessment.

All radiographers and Radiologists must have their skills, experience and qualifications verified by the ASMIRT prior to lodging an Australia Immigration application visa SkillSelect. All assessments are done on a highly individualised case by case basis.
Cost: $883

How much does it cost to Emigrate to Australia?

There are lots of variables and the below should be used as a guideline only, please contact us for a full and accurate breakdown of all associated costs and charges.

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Skills Assessment: between $400 and $1500 AUD
Document Certification (if needed): $200 AUD
Cost of Expression of Interest: $Free
Cost of State Nomination if required: $200 – $600 AUD
Australian Immigration Government fees: $3670 lead applicant, $1835 for the secondary applicant and children under 18 are $900 AUD each whilst dependent children over 18 are charged at $1800
Medicals: $200 – 400AUD per person
Police Checks: $100 – $150 per person depending on country of residency and countries lived in.

What are the rules for emigrating to Australia under the skilled visa class?

In general there are many rules, procedures and regulations that will be specific to each individual’s application although as a starting point these are the three golden rules for emigrating to Australia on the 189, 190 or 491 visa class:

1. Be aged under 45. Remember that it takes at least a year from start to finish for the whole process and your age is taken at the end of the process and not before.

2. Score 65 points on the Australian Immigration points matrix. It can be tricky to accurately compile your total points so do contact us for a full assessment, there are many ways to give yourself a points boost and whilst these aren’t in any way secret, they are often overlooked by those calculating their own points.

3. Have an occupation on the list below:

Australia Immigration

If you can identify an occupation on this list then you’re part of the way there although lots of other caveats apply it’s still a great feeling to know that your occupation is in high demand in Australia.

I have 65 Points and an Occupation on the MLTSSL or STSOL List, what’s the first step if i’m emigrating to Australia

Because in this instance we’re looking at the 189 and 190 Permanent Residency Visa Class of skilled migration to Australia then, with a minimum of 65 points and an occupation on either the Medium Long Term Strategic Skills List or the Short Term Skilled occupation List the first step step, as detailed above (scroll up if you missed it) is to secure a positive skills assessment.

Expression of Interest to Emigrate to Australia

With a positive skills assessment secured, it’s now time to lodge the all-important Expression of Interest directly with the Australian Department of Home Affairs EOI Portal which can be found here

Most individuals and families emigrating to Australia are familiar with the phrase ‘EOI’ or ‘Expression of Interest System’. Essentially it’s a fancy way of describing a large database of canditates all looking to emigrate to Australia form every corner of the World. All these other candidates are competing for the same permanent residency visa allocations so it’s important to make your application as strong as possible.

Even if IELTS wasn’t required as part if skills assessment we recommend that you sit the exam at this stage, for any extra points will always boost your total.

At the end of the EOI you’ll find out your total points and the Visas you’re eligible to apply for. In reality though, whilst it may show the 189 and the 190 you’ll likely have to make individual and unique applications to every State or Territory from whom you would wish to secure a Nomination.

Western Australia State Nomination Requirements
South Australia State Nomination Program
Northern Territory State Nomination Requirements
New South Wales Program
Queensland State Skilled Migration

How long will I wait at Expression of Interest stage before I can secure my visa and start actually emigrating to Australia?

It can take between a few days and two years to receive an invitation to apply for a 189 visa. On average it takes between three to nine months for those who tick the right boxes in terms of having both high points and occupations in more demand than others.

Australia has set ‘invitation rounds’ which are designated dates each month when invitations are issued. Currently, there is only one invitation round on either the 10th / 11th / 12th of the month.

190 state nominations don’t fall subject to the invitation round requirements and can happen at any time.

How much money do I need in the bank to Emigrate to Australia?

You are not required to have any specific ‘show money’ amount although to have a reasonably comfortable “transition” experience the more the better. Here at Lets Go Global, we recommend at least three to six months expenses in liquid form i.e. cash or card.

Emigrate to Australia after a Medical Visas

Like a tourist visa, a medical treatment visa will be granted for single or multiple entry and can be extended once you are in Australia, depending on your treatment plan or recovery episode.

The usually conditions of no work, no studies/training for more than 3 months and a discretionary “no further stay” also apply. This means that holders are unable to emigrate to Australia after completion of their treatment.

We also undertake a steady flow of medical based visas for clients seeking medical treatment or luxury rehab in Australia. Medical Visas are relatively complicated, yet do tend to be processed quickly, in line with the requirements of those seeking medical treatment or rehabilitation services.

Emigrating to Australia as a Spouse or Partner of an Australia Citizen?

This is one of the loveliest visa types we get to assist with! In today’s world, an ever increasing number of individuals are finding love across international boundaries. Some are already married to Australian Citizens, some are in a serious relationship and others are engaged to be married.

In all instances the process is very long, arduous, complicated and frustrating although Lets Go Global have a 100% success rate with these visa types.

Emigrate to Australia on a Partner Visa

When looking at emigrating to Australia on a Partner Visa its important to remember the Golden Rules:

1. We need to prove the relationship if you’re not married. This means we need to supply evidence such as messages, emails, photos, airline ticket stubs, sworn statements from family and friends and joint finances in terms of bank statements. We also need to prove that you’ve been cohabiting for at least a year or evidence and document the reasons why you haven’t. This list is by no means exhaustive but if you don’t keep a scrapbook or memories box then you’ll need to work hard from now.

Why so much information? Well, we’re looking to demonstrate through evidence that you are jointly dependent on each other emotionally, physically and financially.

2. Marriage and Engagement is always more straightforward providing (and we hate to say this) the relationship is genuine.

3. Immigration are increasingly monitoring Social Media accounts from applicants in this category.

Emigrating to Australia in a same sex relationship

Let’s Go Global are pleased to work with LGBTQI clients and those in same sex relationships as both defacto and same sex marriage are both recognized and are weighted the same as heterosexual relationships with zero discrimination during the immigration process.

Investor Visas and emigrating to Australia to start a business

We find most people get confused about emigrating to Australia on an investor visa. Property prices across the world have increased so significantly in the past decade that many people can hit the criteria for an investor visa.

However, these visas are aimed at true investors and you’ll be expected to document and prove your investment history in either equity, debt, businesses, private equity or funds portfolio.

Three Tiers of Australian Immigration Investor Visas
The Australia Investor Visa has three tiers, each with a corresponding set of benefits.

The entry-level Investor Visa for Australia is known as the Investor Stream and requires the holder to make a designated investment of $1.5million AUD into Australia. In return for this investment holders are entitled to live and work in Australia for a period of up to four years on a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa; also known as subclass 188. After two years (and provided the holder has complied with all requirements) clients can then apply for full Permanent residency and eventual Citizenship via the subclass 888 visa.

The investor visa stream ($1.5millionAUD) requires an element of State nomination whilst the next stage visa below can be nominated by State or territory or directly by the Australian Government via Austrade

Emigrating to Australia on a mid-range investor visa, called the Significant Investor Visa will require you to invest at least $5million AUD into designated investments and in return holders of this visa are awarded the same rights and privileges as the Investor Visa but are allowed to convert their Visa to full Australian permanent residency after two years.

The top tier Australia Investment Visa is known as the Premium Investor Visa and requires a designated investment of $15million AUD. This is of course the best visa for those wishing to kick start their emigration to Australia as it affords the holder the right to convert their initial temporary visa into full Permanent Residency after only 12 months. Put simply, a $15million AUD investment effectively buys your Permanent Residency and Citizenship in Australia.

Finally, the Entrepreneur Visa for Australia is sometimes more relevant and brings the same benefits as all the 188 visa classes although qualification criteria is very stringent and requires a demonstrable funding agreement from a third party (such as but not limited to a private equity or seed capital agreement for at least $200,000AUD. Holders must be nominated by a State or Territory and the visa lasts for an initial four years, convertible into Permanent residency after two years.

Can I Convert A TSS Visa into Permanent Residency?
Yes, if an occupation is on the MLTSSL then your TSS Visa can convert into Permanent residency after three years. If an occupation is on the STSOL only then this can never convert into Permanent Residency.

What is the Age Limit For Emigrating to Australia on a TSS Visa?

There is no age limit for a TSS Visa.

What is the Age Limit For Converting a TSS Visa to Permanent Residency?
Its possible to convert a TSSvisa over into full Permanent Residency status providing the applicant is aged under 45 at the time of conversion

What if my Occupation drops off the MLTSSL List while I’m on a TSS visa? Can I still apply for Permanent Residency?
Yes, any occupation changes are locked in and protected from further amendment when your TSS visa is granted.

What are the Downsides when Emigrating to Australia on a TSS Visa?

There are many pitfalls to be wary of when looking at the TSS visa as a way to Emigrate to Australia. Many applicants end up falling foul of oppressive TSS visa conditions which ultimately see their emigration plans placed into severe jeopardy, usually once they’re actually in Australia.

Here at Lets Go Global we always recommend if your end goal is emigrating to Australia then avoid the TSS route, especially of you’re emigrating to Australia with a family.

If you’re serious about emigrating to Australia the 189 and the 190 visa class affords the most sought after rights and privileges to you and your family and best of all, no one apart from yourselves have any say over your stay in Australia. You’re not in anyone’s pocket and no employer can threaten your visa status.

Whilst emigrating to Australia on a TSS Visa seems like the ideal options there are many pitfalls to take into consideration.

At first glance TSS visas can seem like they’re:

-Cheaper than a permanent residency visa pathway
-Quicker than securing a PR visa
-At first glance applicants can experience security thinking they have a job to go to on arrival
-Paid flights and accommodation can’t be bad, can it?

Cheaper than an Australian permanent residency visa pathway?
A TSS visa can delay your costs in the short term, though you never own the right to control your own destiny. Your visa is owned by your employer and they ‘own’ your destiny in Australia.

If for whatever reason the employment doesn’t work out you only have 90 days to find another employer before you risk being an overstayer.

If you do end up converting the visa and emigrating to Australia permanently then these same visa costs will catch up eventually. So with a TSS visa you’re simply kicking the cost into the long grass and placing yourself at the mercy of an employer in the meantime.

Quicker than securing a PR visa?
There is no time saving by having a TSS Visa as applicants still need to go through the Skills Assessment process.

Ask yourself if it’s such a great role!

Australian Employers must be able to prove the role has been advertised for six months and that no Australian resident is willing or able to be appointed.

Unless therefore a role is highly skilled or specialized then perhaps it isn’t that great…

Emigrating to Australia on a ‘Golden Ticket’

Golden Ticket emigration to Australia is a thing of the past. True costs of flights and accommodation are almost always deducted from an employees package and the accommodation provided is often very sub standard.

You Must Pay For Education on a TSS Visa
Only those with full Permanent residency receive access to free education for children. Everyone else must pay a fee which varies between $3,000 and $18,000 per individual State and Territory.

Restrictions on Property Ownership with a TSS Visa
Unless you’re emigrating to Australia on a 189 or 190 visa you’ll be subject to the Foreign Investment Review Board rules while on your TSS or temporary visa. This means you’ll be restricted from purchasing property or end up paying exponentially more for it.

Author: George McDonald, Head of Australian Immigration @ Lets Go Global

Title: How to Emigrate to Australia
Author: George McDonald, Head of Australian Migration @ Lets Go Global
Contact: @LetsGoEmigrate