Australia Skilled Migration 

Why Consider Australia for Skilled Migration?   

Australia offers a high quality of life, good job prospects, and a straightforward immigration process for skilled workers. Nigerians with qualifications and experience in fields like healthcare, engineering, ICT, and trades can find Australia’s skilled migration system a route to permanent residency and even citizenship. 

Overview of Australia’s Skilled Migration Pathways   

Australia operates a points-based immigration system under its General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. The main visa subclasses include: 

• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa   
• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa   
• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa   

These visas let eligible skilled workers live and work in Australia, either on their own, with a state nomination, or in a regional area. 

Step-by-Step Guide for Nigerians   

Step 1: Check If Your Occupation is in Demand   

Visit the Australian Skilled Occupation List (SOL) to see if your job is listed. 

Common Nigerian professions on the list include: 

• Registered Nurses   
• Civil Engineers   
• ICT Business Analysts   
• Electricians   
• Accountants   
• Medical Lab Scientists   
• Secondary School Teachers   

Link: Skilled Occupation List 

Step 2: Get a Skills Assessment   

Each profession has an approved Skills Assessing Authority. For example: 

• Engineers Australia for engineers   
• ACS for IT professionals   
• ANMAC for nurses   

You will need to provide: 

• Nigerian degree certificate   
• Academic transcripts   
• Work experience letters   
• CV   
• IELTS or PTE result (for some authorities)   

Cost: Around AUD 500–900   

Processing time: 6–12 weeks   

Step 3: Take an English Language Test   

English proficiency is a must. Nigerians can take: 

• IELTS Academic or General   
• PTE Academic   
• TOEFL iBT   

Minimum score for migration: 

• IELTS: 6.0 in each band   
• PTE: 50 in each band   

Higher scores equal more points in your application. 

Step 4: Calculate Your Points   

You need at least 65 points to qualify for the General Skilled Migration program. 

Points are awarded based on: 

• Age (maximum points if aged 25–32)   
• English test score   
• Skilled work experience   
• Educational qualifications   
• State nomination   
• Partner’s skills   
• Australian study (if applicable)   

Use Australia’s Points Calculator: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/tools/points-calculator 

Step 5: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)   

• Log into SkillSelect, the official online system.  
• Submit your EOI and wait for an invitation.     

No fee is charged for this step. 

Step 6: Wait for Invitation to Apply   

• If your occupation is in demand and you score competitively, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a visa.   
• Invitations are issued monthly for subclass 189 and 491 visas. 

Step 7: Apply for the Skilled Visa   

Once invited, you have 60 days to submit your full visa application. 

Documents needed include: 

• Passport   
• Skills assessment report   
• Proof of English language   
• Employment reference letters   
• Police clearance from Nigeria   
• Health examination   
• Bank statements (proof of funds)   

Visa Fees: 

• Subclass 189/190 (primary applicant): AUD 4,640   
• Additional adult: AUD 2,320   
• Child: AUD 1,160   

Step 8: Complete Medicals and Biometrics   

• You’ll need to undergo a health exam with a panel physician approved by Australia’s immigration department.  
• Also, attend biometrics collection at TLScontact in Abuja or Lagos. 

Step 9: Wait for Visa Decision   

Visa processing times vary:  

• Subclass 189: 6–9 months   
• Subclass 190: 6–9 months   
• Subclass 491: 8–12 months   

Once approved, you’ll receive a visa grant notice with travel instructions. 

Pathway to Permanent Residency & Citizenship   

• Subclass 189 and 190 visas give permanent residency right away.  
• Subclass 491 is provisional (5 years), but you can apply for permanent residency after living and working in a regional area for 3 years.   

You can apply for Australian citizenship after living in the country for 4 years, including at least 1 year as a permanent resident. 

Costs Summary (Estimates in Naira)   

Item	Estimated Cost
IELTS/PTE	₦160,000–₦180,000
Skills Assessment	₦400,000–₦800,000
EOI (no fee)	₦0
Visa Fee (Subclass 189)	₦4 million+
Medical Exam	₦100,000–₦120,000
Police Clearance	₦5,000–₦10,000
Flight Ticket to Australia	₦1 million+
Proof of Funds (491 visa)	~₦7–₦10 million

Benefits of Skilled Migration to Australia for Nigerians   

• Permanent residency status and family inclusion  
• Access to Medicare (free public health system)
• Education for children at local rates
• High-paying jobs and worker protections
• Smooth transition to citizenship