Recently, Australia has become a popular destination for Nigerians. The number of Nigerians living in the country is increasing yearly.
In 2016, there were just 8,493 Nigerians in Australia however, this number has increased significantly in recent years.
As of 2021, the number of Nigerians in Australia is reported to be over 12,883 and is expected to increase in the coming years.
Read also: How to find part-time jobs in Australia for international students
Nigerians move to Australia for different purposes, some to study, others for career opportunities, invest in businesses, reunite with family members, or seek a better quality of life.
Australia’s strong economy, friendly immigration policies, high standard of living and excellent educational system attract immigrants from all over the world including Nigerians.
If you want to migrate abroad (for study, business or work), Australia should be top of your list of destinations.
Read also: Is it easy to get PR in Australia after study?
To move to the country, you need to obtain a visa (Nigeria is not visa-free to Australia), this guide will walk you through how to apply for an Australia visa from Nigeria.
Is it easy to get an Australian visa from Nigeria?
Yes, it’s easy to get an Australian visa from Nigeria if you meet the visa requirements, submit all the required details and show genuine intent to visit.
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Your chances of getting an Australian visa from Nigeria depend on
- How well you follow the application guidelines (we will share the guidelines below for you to follow),
- Whether or not you meet the application requirement
- How complete your visa application is.
If you meet the application requirements for the particular visa you are applying for, follow the right guidelines and submit a complete application, you will easily get approval.
Types of Australian visa you can apply for in Nigeria
One of the most important parts of applying for an Australian visa from Nigeria is choosing the right visa.
Read also: Can you use a passport right after you receive it?
There are different types of Australian visas you can apply for from Nigeria.
You can apply for:
- Visitor visa (Subclass 600): This is your visa type if you are going to Australia for tourism, visiting family or friends, or business purposes.
- Student Visa (Subclass 500): A student visa is for anyone who is going to Australia to study.
- Work Visa (Subclass 482 or 485): If you are a skilled worker who is going to Australia to work, this visa type is for you.
- Business Visa (Subclass 188): This is for investors, entrepreneurs, or business owners who have a genuine reason to visit Australia.
How to apply for an Australia visa from Nigeria
To apply for an Australian visa from Nigeria, start by choosing the right visa type.
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Choose your visa type
The first step you need to take is to choose your visa type – the one that suits your purpose of travel.
Each visa type has specific requirements and conditions, so choose the one that aligns with your plans in Australia.
If you want to go to Australia to study, you need a student visa (Subclass 500), if you are just visiting maybe for tourism and family visits, you need a Visitor visa (Subclass 600).
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Anyone who is going to Australia to work needs to get a work visa (Subclass 482 or 485) for skilled work or post-study work.
If your visit is for business purposes, you need a Business Visa (Subclass 188).
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Get the visa requirements ready
Once you’ve selected the visa type, thoroughly review the requirements on the official Australian government website by clicking here.
Common requirements you will need include:
- Your valid passport with at least six months of validity.
- Completed visa application form.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Character and health assessments.
- Letter of acceptance from an Australian institution (for student visas).
- Employment contract or sponsorship (for work visas).
Your document must be complete for the particular visa you are applying for – if you apply with missing documents, it will be rejected.
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Get all your documents
Collect all necessary documents according to your chosen visa type.
They include your financial statements (as proof of fund), educational certificates (if you are going to study), employment records (if you are going to work), travel itineraries (especially if you are going for tourism), and any additional documents specified by the Australian embassy.
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Apply online or offline
Most visa applications for Australia are submitted online through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal.
If you prefer to apply online, use ImmiAccount to lodge your application.
- Create ImmiAccount: If you don’t have an account yet, follow the instructions to create an account on the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal (https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login) to start your visa application.
- Fill out the application form: Complete the application form, upload scanned documents, and pay the visa fee.
If you are applying offline, download the application form from the official website, fill it out, and submit it along with all other required documents to the Australian embassy in Nigeria.
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Pay your visa application fees
After submitting your application, pay the application fee using any accepted payment methods specified by the Australian embassy.
You can use your card to pay, pay with Paypal or fund transfer at the embassy.
Read also: Can I bring my wife to Canada while on a work permit?
Depending on your visa type, the fees differ. Visitor visas (AUD 140) cost less than the rest.
After making payment, keep the payment receipt as proof of payment.
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Attend biometrics appointment
Depending on the visa type, you may be required to go for biometrics collection (fingerprint and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nigeria.
Before going to the embassy, make sure you schedule an appointment.
After submitting your application and biometrics (if applicable), wait for your visa to be processed.
Processing of visa (no matter the type) takes time, however, you can track the status of your application online using your ImmiAccount.
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Get a decision
Once your visa application is processed, you will receive a congratulatory notification via email.
If approved, you will receive your visa grant letter with instructions on travel conditions and validity.
How much is a visa from Nigeria to Australia?
The cost of a visa from Nigeria to Australia depends on the type of visa you are applying for. The fees range from approximately AUD 140 to AUD 1,095.
The amount changes frequently so, before you pay, go to the official Australian Government website to check the latest amount.
Tips for success when applying for an Australian visa from Nigeria.
- Submit accurate information about yourself and the purpose of your visit: Before you submit your application, double-check all information you provided and make sure that they are accurate.
- Submit before deadlines: If there is a deadline attached to your visit, do not wait till the deadline before you submit your visa application.
- Provide genuine intent: You must show that you have a genuine reason to travel to Australia.
- Show intent to return: Finally, you must demonstrate your intention to return to Nigeria after your visit
If you wish to get an Australian visa from Nigeria, follow the steps above and you will get your visa.
Read also: Is it easy to get a part-time job in Canada?
Do not forget; to always choose the right visa type, submit a complete application package and ensure that there is no inconsistency in your information.
