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The South African’s Guide To: Relocating to Australia

By July 23, 2019January 23rd, 2023FinGlobal

The South African’s Guide To: Relocating to Australia

July 23, 2019

how to immigrate to australia

As all avid watchers of “Border Security: Australia’s Front Line” know, getting into Australia is impossible unless they want you there and you’ve complied with all their visa and entry requirements. This hasn’t lessened South African interest in Australia as an immigration destination at all, instead South Africans are more keen than ever to move down under and start afresh in Australia. So, what do potential South African immigrants need to know about Australia and her visa requirements? Let’s take a quick look.

 

Australian visa requirements: the lowdown

 

If you hold a South African passport, there are a few administrative hoops for you to jump through. There are multiple types of visas into Australia, and applications are generally done online. You’ll need to explore these visa options thoroughly before proceeding, as there’s no getting in without a visa, unless you’ve got an Australian or New Zealand passport. The most common method into Australia is through a working visa, but again, you’ll need a visa that suits the work you intend to do. There are work visas for:

  • skilled workers
  • people participating in specific activities
  • working holiday makers
  • highly specialised workers
  • trainees, short term
  • experienced business people
  • investors
  • Australia’s offshore oil and gas industry

If your eligibility depends on a sponsor, it’s possible for you to find one yourself, or lodge an Expression of Interest using SkillSelect. Working visas are not forever, however, so if you’d like to make Australia your home permanently, you’ll need to apply to become a Permanent Resident. There are three avenues for you to leverage here, (don’t forget the importance of investigating the eligibility criteria thoroughly before applying):

  • a family-stream permanent visa
  • a work-stream permanent visa
  • business or investor-stream permanent visa

Why would South Africans want to immigrate to Australia?

It’s not for the kangaroos, or the fact that Speedo bathing suits are called ‘budgie smugglers’ in Australia. Instead, South Africans are in search of a safer, more stable country to settle down in. Here’s why Australia ticks all the right boxes for South Africans:

 

It’s got just as much nature as we’re used to back home.
With a large variety of natural ecosystems, it’s possible to go from golden sandy beaches with crystalline water, to arid deserts or snowy mountain ranges – all in the same day. There are more than 500 national parks in Australia, along with 14 World Heritage sites.

 

It’s obviously a multicultural society, and it shows.
43% of Australians were either born overseas, or their parents were. Want to see how diverse Australia is? Just check out their Harmony Day celebrations held annually on 21 March.

 

If you’re into avoiding people, this is a good place to do it.
Australia has the lowest population density of any continent across the globe with only 6.4 people per square mile. (Hello peace and quiet!)

 

The climate is similar to what we’re used to.
While it can get as hot as blazes, South Africans are no stranger to the heat or sunshine, both of which are abundant down under.

 

Their healthcare system is worth the move.
If you consider how much of our monthly income, we spend on medical aid contributions in South Africa, the fact that Australia has one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world is a major drawcard. Medicare provides basic health cover for all Australians, in addition to a secondary private healthcare system.

 

You can find the right job for your lifestyle.
While South Africans have a reputation for being hard workers, Australians are known for achieving (and maintaining!) the ultimate work-life balance. With its family-first focus and incredibly efficient public services – you won’t be working for the weekend any longer.

 

More laid back than Cape Town.
Unlike Capetonians, Australians are actually laidback and friendly. There is a sense of community and belonging that simply isn’t possible when neighbours are separated by electric fences.

 

Crime rates are comparatively much lower than South Africa.
The novelty of being able to walk down the street late at night, is something that never wears off.

 

The possibilities for further studying are incredible.
With more than 1 200 educational institutions offering more than 22 000 different courses, Australia is a top education destination, hosting the third highest number of international students in the world behind the UK and US.

 

You can still drive on the left-hand side of the road.
It sounds like a small thing, but it’s just one less thing to worry about in Australia – and just think – with no minibus taxis around, how much more pleasant your work commute would be every day?

 

Are you ready to pack your bags and seize all the opportunities that Australia has to offer? While we can’t help you with the physical immigration process, we can ensure that you’re financially equipped to have the best possible start to your new life in Australia. To ensure that all your cross-border money matters are properly handled, FinGlobal offers a full range of financial services for South Africans including financial emigration, accessing your South African retirement annuity and tailor-made tax solutions. At FinGlobal, we’re ready to help you consolidate, unlock and transfer your funds to the place you call home. To get started with an obligation-free financial assessment, please contact us today, and see for yourself why we’ve got a 100% success rate.

 

 

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