History of Migration
Migration to Australia has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s historical pathway and cultural fabric. The initial wave of migrants consisted of convicts forcibly transported from England, Ireland, and other British colonies between 1788 and 1840. Subsequently, voluntary immigration gained momentum in the 1830s, predominantly driven by individuals hailing from England and Ireland. However, the discovery of gold near Bathurst in 1851 generated an unprecedented surge in immigration, drawing individuals from diverse nations including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, China, an the United States. This period witnessed the largest influx of immigrants in Australian history, with over 600,000 arrivals between 1851 and 1861.
In the latter half of the 19th century, various Australian colonies began to sponsor skilled workers from Europe, a measure aimed at upholding their economies. Notably, the recruitment of German vintners in South Australia demonstrated such efforts. The Australian government recognized the need for subsidized migration, given the country’s geographical remoteness, which posed greater challenges and expenses compared to other popular destinations like Canada, the United States, Brazil, or Argentina.
Following World War II, Australia launched an ambitious immigration program with the primary objective of increasing its population to deter the threat of invasion. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of displaced Europeans migrated to Australia, with over three million arrivals from Europe between the late 1940s and the 1960s. This era also witnessed a rise in migration from Asian and non-European countries. Embracing a policy of multiculturalism in the 1970s and 1980s, Australia emerged as one of the world’s most culturally diverse nations, fostering a rich tapestry of communities speaking over 200 languages. Currently, nearly 25% of the population in Australia is foreign-born, underscoring its multiculturalism and cosmopolitan character.
In the present day, Australia stands as a prominent global force, characterized by a robust economy and considerable soft power influence. The nation’s vibrant migration history and diverse international communities have significantly contributed to its current stature. Australia boasts a higher proportion of foreign-born residents compared to many other developed nations, with over 25% of its population originating from abroad, surpassing figures of over 10% in the United States and over 17% in Canada.
The history of migration to Australia is a rich tapestry woven by diverse cultures and people from around the world. From its indigenous inhabitants to waves of migrants seeking a better life, Australia has a complex immigration history that has shaped its society and contributed to its multicultural fabric. The historical context of migration to Australia provides valuable insights into the contemporary process of migrating to Australia. Additionally, it offers guidance on engaging with Australian immigration agencies and the role of reputable immigration consultants.
Australia’s migration history can be divided into distinct periods, each characterized by different factors influencing migration patterns:
Indigenous Migration:
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have inhabited the Australian continent for over 60,000 years, with diverse cultures and languages spread across the vast land.
European Settlement:
The arrival of British colonizers in 1788 marked the beginning of a new era. Convicts were forcibly transported to Australia, providing a labor force to support the growing colony. Free settlers followed, seeking opportunities in agriculture, mining, and trade.
Gold Rush Era:
In the mid-19th century, gold discoveries attracted a significant influx of migrants from Europe, North America, and China. This period fueled economic growth and cultural diversity, shaping Australian society.
Post-World War II Immigration:
The end of World War II saw a transformation in Australia’s immigration policy. The government implemented a program to encourage migration from war-torn Europe, leading to a wave of immigrants seeking refuge and economic opportunities.
Contemporary Migration:
In recent decades, Australia has maintained a strong focus on skilled migration, family reunification, and humanitarian programs. The Australian immigration system is designed to select migrants who possess the skills, qualifications, and attributes necessary to contribute to the country’s social and economic development.
Why Migrate to Australia
Migrating to Australia is a transformative and eventful decision, offering individuals an opportunity to immerse themselves in a distinct culture, forge new connections, and enjoy a high standard of living. However, it is imperative to approach this decision with careful consideration of the migration process and the prerequisites for attaining permanent residency in Australia. Australia’s skilled migration program offers opportunities for highly skilled individuals to contribute to the country’s workforce in areas where there is a demand for their expertise.
It also allows individuals with in-demand skills and qualifications to obtain permanent residency and build a successful career in a diverse and thriving economy.
The Australian Immigration Process:
Upon determining the visa category for which you qualify, the immigration process commences. Typically, this process involves completing an application form and submitting supporting documents. FBP International, in collaboration with their experienced Immigration Lawyers, ensures the timely preparation and lodging of all essential documentation with Australian Government authorities. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the processing times may vary depending on the specific visa type or the volume of applications received by the Australian Government.
Following the review and approval of your application, a visa will be issued, granting you the right to reside and work in Australia for the designated visa duration. It is essential to note that individuals seeking to extend their stay in Australia beyond the initial visa period will be required to apply for a new visa.
Preparing for Life in Australia:
Upon receiving your visa, the next phase involves preparing for your new life in Australia. This encompasses various aspects such as researching the cost of living in different cities, securing suitable accommodation, and exploring employment opportunities.
Familiarizing yourself with Australian culture is also advisable, enabling you to gain an understanding of the customs, etiquette, multicultural diversity, and local colloquialism.
Finding Employment in Australia:
Upon your arrival in Australia, the search for employment begins. Several avenues can be explored, including online job boards, registering with reputable recruitment agencies, and networking within local communities.
Notably, this is an opportune time to secure employment in Australia, as businesses are experiencing a shortage of qualified personnel. To further enhance your employment opportunities and potentially secure a higher salary, obtaining an Australian Qualification can prove beneficial. FBP International, in association with Qualifications Australia, offers a unique opportunity to acquire an accredited and internationally recognized Australian qualifications within just four months, without the need for conventional studies or examinations. This service is accessible to individuals possessing a minimum of two years of relevant work experience within the past five years.
Living Costs in Australia:
It is essential to be aware that the cost of living in Australia is generally higher compared to other countries. Therefore, sensible financial planning and sufficient savings are essential before embarking on your migration journey. Factors to consider include rent, food expenses, transportation costs, and healthcare expenditures. Obtaining Australian permanent residence provides individuals with the opportunity to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, enjoying the benefits of a stable and prosperous country. Australian permanent residence also offers access to various social benefits, including healthcare, education, and social security, ensuring a high quality of life for individuals and their families.
Moreover, it is important to note that living expenses can vary significantly from one city to another. For instance, Sydney generally exhibits higher rental prices compared to Melbourne.
Education Options in Australia:
Australia is known for its world-class education system, offering a wide range of courses across various disciplines. Should you aspire to pursue further studies while residing in Australia, numerous educational institutions provide programs encompassing fields such as business and engineering.
It is advisable to conduct thorough research on tuition fees and associated costs, as these can vary between institutions.
FBP International, in collaboration with Qualifications Australia, offers the unique advantage of obtaining Australian Qualifications that are AQF accredited and internationally recognized. These qualifications are directly issued by Australian educational institutions and can be acquired within a span of four months, without the need for traditional studies or examinations. To be eligible for this service, a minimum of two years of relevant work experience within the past five years is required.
Settling into Life in Australia:
Upon arrival in Australia and securing employment, the process of accommodating to your new environment commences. This includes aspects such as familiarizing yourself with the local surroundings, establishing new connections, and absorbing into the cultural distinction and customs. Australian permanent residence is a pathway towards Australian citizenship, allowing individuals to fully integrate into Australian society and enjoy the rights and privileges of being an Australian citizen.
Australian Culture:
Australian culture embodies a unique and diverse blend, combining elements of the traditional Aboriginal culture, British colonial heritage, and the vibrant cultures of different immigrant communities that have embraced Australia as their home.
Distinctive features of Australian culture include the relaxed lifestyle, a deep appreciation for the outdoors, a passion for gastronomy and wine, and the emphasis on brotherhood and companionship.
Distinctive features of Australian culture include the relaxed lifestyle, a deep appreciation for the outdoors, a passion for gastronomy and wine, and the emphasis on brotherhood and companionship.
Migrating to Australia is an exhilarating yet weighty decision. Thorough research and a understanding of the migration process and requirements are essential prerequisites before embarking on this journey.
Upon arrival, allocating sufficient time to settle into your new surroundings, familiarize yourself with the local community, and learn about the prevailing culture will ensure a smoother transition. FBP International provides post-landing services for Australia to facilitate your assimilation and integration into Australian life.
If you are considering migration to Australia and wish to obtain further information, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced migration experts.
Difference Between Agents and Lawyers
Registered migration agents fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), an Australian regulatory agency. To attain the status of a registered migration agent, specific requirements must be met, including:
- Completion of designated courses in Australian migration law.
- Registration with OMARA.
- Possession of indemnity insurance for the license holder.
- Participation in yearly continued professional development (CPD) to enhance knowledge and maintain registration.
How can migration agents assist you? Migration agents provide valuable assistance in various aspects of the visa application process, including:
- Preparation of basic visa applications and review of documents and applications.
- Guidance in organizing skill assessments.
- Provision of guidelines for basic visa pathways.
It is important to note that the competence of migration agents in handling visa applications is limited compared to that of Immigration Lawyers. As a result, it is not recommended to solely rely on the services of any migration agent. Engaging an experienced Immigration Lawyer significantly reduces the risk of unfavorable visa outcomes. Additionally, an Immigration Lawyer can expedite the visa application process, potentially resulting in shorter processing times and reduced costs by identifying the most efficient visa pathway.
Australian Immigration Lawyers
While the roles and obligations of registered migration agents and immigration lawyers overlap to some extent, they are not interchangeable. FBP International’s Australian immigration lawyers are highly qualified and experienced legal professionals who meet the following criteria:
- Possession of an approved law degree.
- Completion of practical law training.
- Successful completion of the bar exam.
- Participation in Continued Professional Development (CPD) annually to enhance skills and knowledge.
Our legal practitioners specialize in finding optimal pathways for you and your family to migrate and settle in Australia. This approach saves you significant time and money while significantly increasing your chances of a successful visa outcome compared to using the services of a regular agent.
When FBP International takes on your case, your chances of obtaining a visa reach an impressive 99.9% success rate. In the rare instance where we determine that you are not eligible for an Australian visa, we will not provide false hope or waste your time. In such cases, a full refund will be issued within 10 business days of signing up with us.
Comparison: Migration Agents vs. Migration Lawyers
Qualification:
Migration Agents: Completion of a 12-month certification or diploma program in Australian Migration Law.
Migration Lawyers: Completion of a law degree and practical training, which typically takes at least 5 years.
Registration:
Migration Agents: Registration with MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority).
Migration Lawyers: Registration with the Legal Admission Board and the Law Society. No registration with MARA is required.
Administrative Appeals Tribunal:
Migration Agents: Can guide individuals with basic visa applications.
Migration Lawyers: Can guide individuals with visa applications and represent them in merits reviews in AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal), the replaced body.
Other Courts:
Migration Agents: Cannot provide guidance on appeals to Australian courts.
Migration Lawyers: Can provide guidance on appeals to the FCCA (Federal Circuit Court of Australia) and the High Court of Australia.
Skill Migration Process
Being invited to apply for a skilled visa starts with your Expression Of Interest –
Initiating the process of applying for a skilled visa begins by expressing your interest through the submission of an expression of interest (EOI) in an online system administered by the Australian Government specifically designed for skilled visa applications.
The Australian Government extends invitations to apply for skilled visas multiple times per year, based on the EOIs recorded in this system.
It facilitates invitations to apply for the following skilled visa categories:
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa: This visa does not require nomination and enables individuals to apply independently.
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: To be eligible for this visa, applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa: This visa option necessitates either nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative.
To complete and submit your EOI, certain prerequisites must be met, including confirming your occupation is listed on the skilled occupation list relevant to your visa, ensuring you meet the minimum points score requirement (65) by utilizing the points calculator, obtaining a skills assessment from a recognized authority, undergoing an English language test if applicable, providing educational qualifications and work experience details.
You can commence creating your EOI profile by entering your personal information and saving your profile, with the ability to update and add information as necessary.
Invitations to apply for a Skilled Visa
Issuance of Invitations for Skilled Visas Invitations to apply for skilled visas are extended to individuals who have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) meeting or surpassing the points criteria and are employed in eligible occupations.
Points are allocated based on various factors, including:
- Age
- Work experience
- Educational qualifications
- Proficiency in the English language
Nomination by a state or territory government (applicable for subclass 190 and 491 visas) or sponsorship by an eligible family member (applicable for subclass 491 visa).
In cases where an individual falls short of the required points, if they have a partner, it is advisable to utilize the points calculator to determine if their partner’s qualifications would meet or exceed the minimum points threshold. If so, it is recommended that the partner submits an EOI as the primary applicant and includes the individual as a family member.
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) Visa – extra points for being nominated by a state or territory.
To qualify for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa, it is necessary to receive a nomination from a state or territory government agency, which grants an additional 5 points towards the overall points score.
State and territory government agencies have access to Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles for Skilled Nominated visas.
Each state and territory in Australia maintain its own skilled occupation list, nomination criteria, and application process. It may be required to provide supplementary information, documentation, and fulfill additional requirements specific to the chosen state or territory.
Depending on the jurisdiction:
- If you possess the skills in demand and meet the criteria set by the state or territory, you may receive an invitation to apply for nomination.
- Alternatively, you may need to express your interest in being nominated and subsequently apply for nomination if an invitation is extended.
To learn about the specific requirements of each state and territory, please refer to the respective websites listed below:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Once you are successfully nominated for this visa, an invitation will be extended to you to proceed with the application process.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa – extra points for being nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative.
To be eligible for this visa you need to be nominated by a state or territory government agency or be sponsored by an eligible relative.
Nomination by a state or territory government agency
Benefits of State or Territory Nomination and Sponsorship by an Eligible Relative
Obtaining a nomination from a state or territory and sponsorship by an eligible relative can significantly enhance your points score by an additional 15 points.
State and territory government agencies have access to expressions of interest for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visas.
Each state and territory in Australia maintain its own skilled occupation list, nomination criteria, and application process. You may be required to provide supplementary information, documentation, and fulfill additional requirements specific to the chosen state or territory.
Depending on the jurisdiction:
- If your skills align with their requirements and you meet their criteria, you may receive an invitation to apply for nomination.
- Alternatively, you may need to express your interest in being nominated and subsequently apply for a nomination upon receiving an invitation.
To understand the specific requirements of each state and territory, please refer to the following websites:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Upon nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, you will be invited to proceed with the application process.
Additionally, if you are sponsored by an eligible relative, you can earn an extra 15 points. Your eligible relative must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen residing in a designated regional area (outside Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney).
If you indicate in your Expression of Interest (EOI) that you will be sponsored by an eligible relative, you may receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
