Australia Immigration Step-by-Step Process | Australia PR Process 2023

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

The first step in the Australian immigration process is to determine if you meet the basic eligibility criteria for the visa you are interested in. This involves assessing factors such as age, English language proficiency, occupation, skills, education, and health and character requirements. Each visa category has specific criteria, and meeting these is essential before proceeding with the application.

Step 2: Skills Assessment

For skilled migration visas, applicants must undergo a skills assessment conducted by an authorized assessing authority. This assessment verifies that the applicant's skills, education, and work experience are relevant and equivalent to Australian standards for their nominated occupation. It's a critical step for those applying under skilled worker categories.

Step 3: Expression of Interest (EOI)

After determining eligibility and completing a skills assessment, applicants need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, Australia's online immigration service. The EOI includes details about your skills, work experience, and other relevant information. It's not a visa application but indicates your interest in applying for a skilled visa.

Step 4: State Nomination (if applicable)

Certain visa categories, like the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), require nomination by an Australian state or territory. Applicants must submit an application for nomination to their chosen state or territory, which will assess the application based on its specific immigration objectives and needs. Receiving a nomination can significantly enhance the chances of being invited to apply for a visa.

Step 5: Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Based on your EOI, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the visa. An ITA is issued when your skills and qualifications are found to meet Australia's immigration requirements, often influenced by factors such as points scored in the EOI, occupation demand, and state or territory nominations.

Step 6: Visa Application

Once you receive an ITA, you can proceed to formally apply for the visa. This step involves submitting a detailed visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website, accompanied by all required documentation, including evidence of skills, identity, health, and character checks.

Step 7: Waiting for Decision

After submitting your visa application, there will be a waiting period during which the Australian Department of Home Affairs processes your application. Processing times can vary widely depending on the visa type, the completeness of your application, and the number of applications being processed.

Step 8: Visa Grant

If your application is successful, you will be granted a visa. You'll receive a visa grant notification, which includes your visa grant number, the date your visa starts, and any visa conditions. This is the final approval for your migration to Australia and allows you to make arrangements for your move.

Step 9: Travel to Australia

With your visa granted, you can now make travel arrangements to move to Australia. It's important to be aware of the entry conditions attached to your visa, such as the initial entry date, which is the deadline by which you must first enter Australia.

Each of these steps is integral to the Australian immigration process, requiring thorough preparation and understanding of the requirements to ensure a smooth and successful application.