How to Immigrate to Australia (2026)

Australia offers various immigration pathways for South Africans seeking to immigrate permanently. Understanding the different visa types, skilled migration programs, and application processes is essential for a successful immigration journey. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about immigrating to Australia as a South African, including visa types, skilled migration, family sponsorship, and pathways to permanent residence.

Australia Immigration Pathways

Skilled Migration

Overview: Points-based system for skilled workers

Visa Types:

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

Process:

1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
2. Receive invitation to apply
3. Submit visa application
4. Receive permanent residence

Requirements:

• Skills assessment
• Points test (minimum 65 points)
• Age, English, work experience, education
• Health and character requirements

Employer-Sponsored Migration

Overview: Employer sponsors skilled worker for permanent residence

Visa Types:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)

Process:

1. Employer nominates candidate
2. Candidate applies for visa
3. Receive permanent residence

Requirements:

• Employer nomination
• Skills assessment
• English language proficiency
• Health and character requirements

Family Sponsorship

Overview: Australian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor family members

Eligible Family Members:

• Partner (spouse or de facto partner)
• Parent
• Child
• Other relatives (in specific circumstances)

Requirements:

• Sponsor must be Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Sponsor must meet financial requirements
• Sponsored person must meet eligibility requirements

Business and Investment Migration

Overview: For entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners

Visa Types:

• Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)
• Business Talent Visa (Subclass 132)

Requirements: Vary by visa type

Study to Immigration Pathway

Overview: Study in Australia, then apply for permanent residence

Process:

1. Apply for student visa
2. Study in Australia
3. Gain Australian work experience
4. Apply for permanent residence through skilled migration

Requirements:

• Acceptance to Australian educational institution
• Sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
• Student visa approval

Skilled Migration Programs

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Overview: Permanent residence visa for skilled workers without sponsorship

Requirements:

• Skills assessment in eligible occupation
• Points test (minimum 65 points)
• Age under 45 (generally)
• English language proficiency
• Health and character requirements

Process:

1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
2. Receive invitation to apply
3. Submit visa application
4. Receive permanent residence

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Overview: Permanent residence visa with state/territory nomination

Requirements:

• State/territory nomination
• Skills assessment in eligible occupation
• Points test (minimum 65 points, including nomination points)
• Age under 45 (generally)
• English language proficiency
• Health and character requirements

Process:

1. Apply for state/territory nomination
2. Receive nomination
3. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
4. Receive invitation to apply
5. Submit visa application
6. Receive permanent residence

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Overview: Provisional visa for skilled workers in regional Australia

Requirements:

• State/territory or family nomination
• Skills assessment in eligible occupation
• Points test (minimum 65 points, including nomination points)
• Age under 45 (generally)
• English language proficiency
• Health and character requirements

Process:

1. Apply for state/territory or family nomination
2. Receive nomination
3. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
4. Receive invitation to apply
5. Submit visa application
6. Receive provisional visa
7. Apply for permanent residence after meeting requirements

Points Test

Points Factors

Age (maximum 30 points):

• 18-24 years: 25 points
• 25-32 years: 30 points
• 33-39 years: 25 points
• 40-44 years: 15 points
• 45+ years: 0 points

English Language (maximum 20 points):

• Superior English (IELTS 8+): 20 points
• Proficient English (IELTS 7+): 10 points
• Competent English (IELTS 6+): 0 points (required minimum)

Work Experience (maximum 20 points):

• 8-10 years overseas: 15 points
• 5-7 years overseas: 10 points
• 3-4 years overseas: 5 points
• 8-10 years Australian: 20 points
• 5-7 years Australian: 15 points
• 3-4 years Australian: 10 points
• 1-2 years Australian: 5 points

Education (maximum 20 points):

• Doctorate: 20 points
• Bachelor's or Master's: 15 points
• Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points

Other Factors:

• Partner skills: 10 points
• State/territory nomination: 5-15 points
• Regional study: 5 points
• Professional year: 5 points
• Credentialed community language: 5 points

Minimum Points: 65 points required

Requirements for Immigration

Skills Assessment

Requirements:

• Skills assessment by relevant assessing authority
• Assessment must be positive
• Occupation must be on eligible occupation list

Assessing Authorities: Vary by occupation

Important: Skills assessment is mandatory for skilled migration.

English Language Proficiency

Requirements:

• English language test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, CAE)
• Minimum Competent English (IELTS 6.0) required
• Higher scores earn more points

Test Validity: 3 years

Important: English test results are required for skilled migration.

Age Requirements

Requirements:

• Generally under 45 years for skilled migration
• Some exceptions apply
• Age affects points score

Important: Age is a key factor in points test.

Health Requirements

Requirements:

• Medical examination by designated panel physician
• Examination must be passed
• Valid for 12 months

Important: Medical examination is mandatory for all applicants.

Character Requirements

Requirements:

• Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in (12+ months) since age 16
• Clearances must be current (typically within 12 months)
• South African police clearance required

Important: Police clearances are required for all applicants and dependents.

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Action: Assess eligibility for immigration programs

How:

• Use online eligibility tools
• Consult migration agents
• Research program requirements

Step 2: Skills Assessment

Action: Obtain positive skills assessment

Process:

• Identify relevant assessing authority
• Submit skills assessment application
• Provide required documents
• Receive skills assessment result

Step 3: English Language Test

Action: Take English language test

Process:

• Book English language test
• Take test (IELTS, PTE, etc.)
• Receive test results
• Ensure results meet requirements

Step 4: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Action: Submit EOI through SkillSelect

Process:

• Create SkillSelect account
• Complete EOI with accurate information
• Submit EOI
• Enter points-based pool

Step 5: Receive Invitation to Apply

Action: Receive invitation to apply (if points are high enough)

Process:

• Wait for invitation rounds
• Receive invitation if points are sufficient
• Invitation valid for 60 days

Step 6: Submit Visa Application

Action: Submit complete visa application

Process:

• Complete application forms
• Submit all required documents
• Pay application fees
• Submit application online

Step 7: Wait for Processing

Action: Wait for application processing

Timeline:

• Skilled migration: Typically 6-12 months
• Other programs: Varies

Updates: Receive updates on application status

Step 8: Receive Visa

Action: Receive visa grant

Process:

• Application approved
• Receive visa grant notification
• Enter Australia as permanent resident (if applicable)
• Apply for permanent residence card (if applicable)

Costs of Immigration

Application Fees

Skilled Independent Visa (189): AUD 4,240 (approximately ZAR 53,000)
Skilled Nominated Visa (190): AUD 4,240 (approximately ZAR 53,000)
Skilled Work Regional Visa (491): AUD 4,240 (approximately ZAR 53,000)

Additional Fees:

• Each dependent 18+: AUD 2,120 (approximately ZAR 26,500)
• Each dependent under 18: AUD 1,060 (approximately ZAR 13,250)

Additional Costs

Skills Assessment: AUD 300-1,000+ (approximately ZAR 3,750-12,500)
English Language Test: ZAR 3,000-4,000 per test
Medical Examination: ZAR 2,000-3,000
Police Clearances: ZAR 100-200 per clearance
Translation Services: ZAR 500-1,000 per document
Migration Agent: AUD 2,000-5,000+ (approximately ZAR 25,000-62,500) (if using)

Total Estimated Cost: ZAR 70,000-150,000+ (depending on family size and services used)

Tips for Successful Immigration

1. Start Early: Begin process early to allow time for skills assessment and processing

2. Improve Points Score: Work on improving your points score (English, work experience, education)

3. Skills Assessment: Obtain positive skills assessment early

4. English Language: Achieve high English language scores for maximum points

5. Research Programs: Research all available programs to find best fit

6. Gather Documents: Start gathering documents early (some take time to obtain)

7. Professional Help: Consider using registered migration agents for complex cases

8. Stay Updated: Keep up with immigration program changes and requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to immigrate to Australia?

Processing times vary: Skilled migration typically 6-12 months, other programs vary.

What is the points test?

Points test assesses eligibility for skilled migration based on age, English, work experience, education, and other factors.

What points do I need?

Minimum 65 points required, but higher points improve chances of invitation.

Do I need a job offer to immigrate?

Job offer is not required for skilled independent visa, but state nomination or employer sponsorship may require job offers.

Can I immigrate without a job offer?

Yes, skilled independent visa doesn't require job offer, but state nomination or employer sponsorship may require job offers.

How much does it cost to immigrate to Australia?

Total costs range from ZAR 70,000-150,000+ depending on family size and services used.

Do I need to take English tests?

Yes, English language proficiency tests are required for skilled migration.

Can I bring my family?

Yes, you can include partner and dependent children in your application.

How long is permanent residence valid?

Permanent residence is indefinite, but you must meet residency requirements to maintain status.

Can I become an Australian citizen?

Yes, permanent residents can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements (typically 4 years, including 12 months as permanent resident).

Conclusion

Immigrating to Australia as a South African requires understanding different immigration pathways, meeting requirements, and navigating the application process. Research programs, improve your points score, obtain skills assessment, and submit a strong application. With proper preparation and patience, you can successfully immigrate to Australia and start a new life.

For the most up-to-date immigration information, consult the official Department of Home Affairs website or consult with registered migration agents.