AdminMigrating to Australia has become a dream for many skilled workers, professionals, and international students seeking better job opportunities, high-paying salaries, and an improved quality of life.
With Australia’s robust economy, rising demand for skilled labor, and numerous visa sponsorship programs, the country has emerged as one of the top destinations for global talent.
Interestingly, many people wonder if it is possible to migrate to Australia with an H-1B visa, which is traditionally associated with the United States.
While the H-1B visa itself is not directly applicable to Australia, there are equivalent work visa options and pathways that foreign workers can explore to gain permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through multiple ways to migrate to Australia, highlight the quickest migration routes, explain how Nigerians and other foreigners can move, and provide insights on salary expectations, visa types, and detailed steps for those coming with H-1B visa experience.
Ways to Migrate to Australia
Migrating to Australia can be done through several official pathways, each designed for specific categories of applicants such as skilled workers, investors, students, and family members.
The Australian government has streamlined its immigration system under the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring transparency, merit-based selection, and faster processing times.
The most popular way to migrate is through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which includes visa subclasses like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).
These visas do not require employer sponsorship and are points-tested based on age, education, work experience, English proficiency, and other criteria.
As of 2025, skilled workers in sectors such as healthcare, IT, construction, and engineering can earn annual salaries ranging from AUD 80,000 to AUD 150,000 depending on experience and location.
Another significant pathway is the Employer-Sponsored Visa option, where Australian companies hire foreign talent to fill labor shortages.
Popular visas in this category include the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
These visas often lead to permanent residency if you remain employed in the nominated occupation for a specific period. International students can also migrate by pursuing higher education in Australia.
After completing studies, graduates often transition to temporary graduate visas, such as Subclass 485, before applying for permanent residency.
For wealthy individuals, Investor and Business Innovation visas provide a route to migrate by investing in Australian businesses or government bonds, with minimum investment thresholds ranging from AUD 1.25 million to AUD 5 million depending on the visa stream.
Family reunification is another legal route, where citizens and permanent residents sponsor spouses, children, or parents to join them in Australia.
Each pathway has specific eligibility criteria, processing times, and fees, making it crucial to research thoroughly before applying.
What is the Quickest Way to Migrate to Australia?
Speed matters for most applicants, especially those seeking better job opportunities, high salaries, and long-term security in Australia.
The quickest migration routes depend on your qualifications, occupation, and financial resources.
In 2025, the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) remains one of the fastest options, as it allows skilled workers to migrate without employer sponsorship or family ties.
Processing times for this visa can be as quick as 3–6 months if all documents are in order and the applicant scores high points on the eligibility test.
For example, professionals in high-demand sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering often receive faster invitations through the SkillSelect system due to Australia’s acute labor shortages.
Average salaries for these roles range from AUD 90,000 for mid-level professionals to over AUD 200,000 annually for senior specialists such as surgeons, software architects, and mining engineers.
Employer-Sponsored Visas, particularly the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, also offer relatively quick processing if an employer nominates you for a role listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
Salaries under this visa typically range from AUD 70,000 to AUD 120,000, depending on the occupation and region.
Another fast-track option is Regional Sponsored Migration, where applicants commit to living and working in designated regional areas.
The Australian government encourages migration to these areas by offering additional points for permanent residency applications.
Some regional healthcare workers, for instance, earn salaries up to AUD 150,000 annually while enjoying lower living costs compared to major cities like Sydney or Melbourne.
Applicants with significant financial resources can use the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) stream, which allows entry within a few months if investment thresholds are met.
Investors placing AUD 5 million or more in Australian bonds or ventures can even qualify for permanent residency faster under the Significant Investor stream.
How to Migrate to Australia as a Nigerian
For Nigerians aspiring to migrate to Australia, the process follows the same standard visa requirements but may involve additional steps like English proficiency tests, skills assessments, and document verification.
Many Nigerians migrate as skilled workers, students, or through employer sponsorship programs.
One of the most common routes is via the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. Nigerian professionals such as nurses, doctors, IT specialists, and engineers often qualify because these occupations are consistently in high demand.
The Australian government publishes a Skilled Occupation List (SOL) annually, and in 2025, roles like registered nurses (earning AUD 85,000–AUD 110,000 annually) and software developers (AUD 95,000–AUD 130,000) remain top priorities.
To apply, Nigerian applicants typically undergo a skills assessment through recognized bodies like the Australian Computer Society (ACS) for IT roles or the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) for healthcare.
Applicants must also achieve a high IELTS or PTE score to demonstrate English language proficiency.
For those considering studies in Australia, Nigerian students often enroll in master’s programs, especially in healthcare, IT, and engineering.
Tuition fees range from AUD 25,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, but many students work part-time jobs earning AUD 20–AUD 30 per hour to support living expenses.
After graduation, they can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), gaining local work experience before transitioning to permanent residency. Employer-sponsored visas are also popular among Nigerians.
For example, Nigerian nurses hired by regional hospitals under Subclass 482 can earn annual salaries up to AUD 100,000 while becoming eligible for permanent residency within 3–4 years.
Family reunion visas allow Nigerians with Australian citizen relatives to migrate, though processing times can be longer, often exceeding 12 months. Nevertheless, these visas offer a direct route to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.
Can I Move to Australia without a Job?
Migrating to Australia without a job offer is possible through certain visa categories, although securing employment beforehand generally speeds up the process and improves your chances for permanent residency.
For individuals wondering whether they can legally relocate to Australia job-free, several immigration programs exist under the Department of Home Affairs that do not require employer sponsorship.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) allows qualified professionals to migrate without a job offer if they meet points-test requirements based on age, English proficiency, work experience, and education.
- Minimum Points Score: 65 points (as of 2025).
- Processing Time: 3–8 months.
- Average Salary after Securing Employment: AUD 85,000–AUD 120,000 per year.
Regional Visas for Migrants without Jobs
Regional migration schemes like the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) encourage migrants to settle in less populated areas. Although a job offer is preferred, it is not mandatory if you meet points requirements and state or territory nominations.
- Salaries in Regional Areas: AUD 75,000–AUD 110,000 annually.
- Living Costs: 20–30% cheaper than major cities.
Student to Residency Pathway
International students can migrate without jobs initially by enrolling in Australian universities. After studies, they often switch to temporary graduate visas while searching for full-time roles.
- Tuition: AUD 25,000–AUD 45,000 per year.
- Part-time Earnings: AUD 20–AUD 30 per hour during studies.
Family-Sponsored Visas
Family sponsorship allows relatives to bring family members to Australia even without job offers. For example, parent visas or partner visas often lead to permanent residency after meeting residency obligations.
- Processing Times: 12–24 months.
- Long-term Salaries after Migration: Vary based on occupation.
Salary Expectations for Foreigners in Australia
Salaries in Australia vary by industry, location, and skill level, but the country consistently ranks among the top destinations offering competitive pay for skilled migrants.
Foreign workers enjoy higher wages than many countries, coupled with strong labor rights and social benefits.
High-Demand Professions and Salaries
In 2025, industries like healthcare, IT, engineering, and finance dominate Australia’s skilled migration program.
- Healthcare Professionals: AUD 85,000–AUD 150,000 annually.
- IT Specialists: AUD 95,000–AUD 180,000 annually.
- Mining Engineers: Up to AUD 200,000 per year.
These figures make Australia attractive for skilled professionals seeking financial security and career growth.
Regional vs. Metropolitan Salaries
While cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer the highest wages, regional areas provide better work-life balance and cheaper living costs. For example, a registered nurse in Sydney may earn AUD 100,000 annually, while the same role in a regional hospital offers AUD 90,000 plus housing allowances and incentives.
Entry-Level vs. Experienced Workers
Entry-level employees typically earn AUD 55,000–AUD 75,000 annually, while experienced professionals in managerial or specialist roles often exceed AUD 120,000–AUD 200,000 per year.
The Australian Fair Work Commission ensures minimum wage compliance, currently set at AUD 23.23 per hour as of 2025.
Visa Types and Options for Foreigners in Australia
Australia offers multiple visa types for foreigners seeking work, study, investment, or permanent migration opportunities.
Each visa category has unique eligibility criteria, processing times, and long-term residency prospects.
Skilled Migration Visas
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): Points-based, no job offer required.
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Requires state or territory nomination.
- Subclass 491 (Regional Visa): Encourages settlement in regional areas with extra points benefits.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa): Requires employer nomination, leading to permanent residency after 3–4 years.
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): Permanent residency for sponsored workers meeting skill and experience requirements.
Student and Graduate Visas
- Subclass 500 (Student Visa): Allows full-time studies in Australian institutions.
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa): Enables work after completing studies, serving as a bridge to skilled migration visas.
Business and Investment Visas
- Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment Visa): Requires AUD 1.25M–AUD 5M investments depending on stream.
- Subclass 888 (Permanent Business Innovation Visa): Grants permanent residency after fulfilling investment obligations.
How to Migrate to Australia with the H-1B Visa
While the H-1B visa is specific to the United States, professionals currently holding or having H-1B experience can leverage similar qualifications to migrate to Australia under skilled migration or employer-sponsored programs.
Skill Assessment for H-1B Professionals
Migrants with U.S. work experience, especially in IT, healthcare, or engineering, must complete skill assessments with Australian bodies like the Australian Computer Society (ACS) or Engineers Australia.
- Processing Time: 2–3 months.
- Salary Prospects: AUD 90,000–AUD 150,000 after migration.
Employer-Sponsored Migration for H-1B Workers
Australian employers value U.S. work experience and often nominate H-1B visa holders for Subclass 482 or Subclass 186 visas.
- Salaries: AUD 100,000–AUD 180,000 annually.
- PR Eligibility: After 3–4 years of sponsored employment.
Skilled Migration Points Pathway
H-1B professionals can also apply for Subclass 189 or 190 visas if they meet points criteria, English proficiency standards, and occupational requirements.
- Typical Occupations: Software engineers, doctors, architects, financial analysts.
- Salary Estimates: AUD 95,000–AUD 200,000 annually depending on role.
Transition from U.S. to Australia
Migrants often transfer skills, qualifications, and professional references from U.S. employers to strengthen Australian visa applications.
This transition enables a smoother migration process while preserving career growth opportunities in high-demand Australian industries.
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