Australia has been forth-coming with its newly relaxed visa policies. If you know everything about how to immigrate to Australia from Pakistan, you have a good chance of successful immigration.
Currently, Australia is offering various pathways for immigration to Australia from Pakistan.
If you are considering moving to Australia from Pakistan, this guide has all the answers about visa categories, costs of the visa process, timeline and challenges of the process.
Guided Pathway – How to Immigrate to Australia from Pakistan
Australia is the top choice of many Pakistanis when it comes to migrating abroad. Australia is bursting with diverse cultures, work and education opportunities.
If you are looking to start a new career, pursue studies from the world’s best universities, or join a family member – there are various pathways that facilitate moving to Australia from Pakistan.
Here are some of the most commonly pursued options:
- Skilled Migration
- Family Sponsorship
- Student Visa
- Work Visa
These options come with a different set of requirements and processes. Discuss your plans with an immigration consultant so you can have more chances of success in moving to Australia from Pakistan.
Step-by-Step Immigration Process to Australia
Identifying which course of action is best for your case is key to a successful outcome. Here are the steps of the process of immigration to Australia from Pakistan.
Step 1 – Choose the Visa Category
Unique to every case; there are different segments of each visa category. First, identify which visa category brings you more advantages. Then, proceed with the process.
Step 2 – Check Eligibility
Read the requirements of your selected visa category. For instance, if you are applying for a work visa for Australia from Pakistan, check whether you meet the qualifications, English proficiency, and work experience needed for the category.
Step 3 – Expression of Interest (EOI)
After assessing that you meet all the requirements comes the complex part of submitting an EOI. After the expression of interest is reviewed, you ‘may’ receive an invitation to apply.
Step 4 – Prepare and Submit the Application
After receiving the invitation, you need to submit your visa application. The process involves submitting all the necessary documents. Depending on your case, you would need to submit educational qualifications, an English language test, and proof of work experience.
Step 5 – Wait for Approval
The processing time for each visa is different.
Step 6 – Prepare for Arrival
After getting the approval, prepare for the relocation. You would need to sort out job opportunities, housing, and learning to adjust to new life.
Visa Categories for Pakistani Immigrants for Australia
If you are unsure how to immigrate to Australia from Pakistan, here are visa categories that one can explore:
Student Visa
Australia is home to over 38 top-ranking universities in the world. Pakistani students who wish to study abroad aim to study in Australia and immigrate.
Many universities offer scholarship opportunities to students from foreign countries. Plan ahead and talk to education consultants who are tapped with Australian universities and scholarship details.
Skilled Migration Visa
- Subclass 491: Previously known as subclass 489, subclass 491 allows you to work in a specific region. With this visa, you can live in a designated region for five years and convert it into permanent residency.
- Subclass 190: This category requires a nomination from the state/territory. You are free to work part-time or full-time in any region.
- Subclass 189: This is an independent visa category. You do not need sponsorship; you’re your employer, state or family for this visa.
- Subclass 476: Pakistani students who graduated in the field of engineering are granted this visa for 18 months. The visa can further be extended and converted to PR when the requirements are met.
If you have a medical professional or an educationist, immigration to New Zealand is a great option for you.
Family Visa
There are several visa types when you are applying through a family visa. For instance:
- Partner visa has subclasses 100, 300, 801, and 820
- For Children visas, there are subclasses 101, 143, 445, and 802
- Parents visa there are subclasses 103, 143, 804, and 864
- Relative visa has subclasses 115 and 835
- Carer visa has subclasses 116 and 836
If planning to explore more options, here is how you can immigration to USA if you have family living there.
Costs and Timeline for Immigration in Australia
Immigration to Australia from Pakistan isn’t budget-friendly. Here is a breakdown of the process:
- Skill Assessment: somewhere between 50,000 – 150,000 PKR
- Visa Application Fee: 4,000 AUD – it varies with visa type
- English Proficiency Test (PTE/IELTS): 70,000 – 80,000 PKR
- Medical and Police Checks: approximately 30,000 PKR
For each visa type, there is a different timeline. Student visas have quicker turnout. Meanwhile, the parent visa has a long wait time.
You can anticipate somewhere between six months to two years depending on visa type.
Better IELTS score gives you an edge with jobs and scholarships. It is advised to enroll in an IELTS preparation course if needed.
Disclaimer: These fees and charges are subject to change at any time. Best to check the fee of these requirements as you begin the process.
Challenges for Pakistani Immigrants to Australia
Initially, you struggled with the process how to immigrate to Australia from Pakistan. The difficult part is over.
New life comes with some challenges like job competition, cost of living, and cultural adjustments.
These aren’t such big problems. With some planning and consultation, you can prepare before you fly to Australia.
Life in the Australia for Pakistani Immigrants
Life is different from back home, no doubt. Everything has a system, and nothing goes out of routine.
It is not very difficult for Pakistanis to settle in Australia, as many Pakistanis have settled down in Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.
You will find communities and cultural events in the heart of the city. You will face no challenges in finding halal food options. Education and healthcare system is perfect for families.
If your skill lands in ‘skills in demand in Australia,’ you will find a good job in no time. Here is a complete guide on the cost of living in Australia. The insight will keep you prepared with some ideas and what to anticipate.
Life in Canada is simpler for Pakistanis. You can also look into immigration to Canada while you are exploring options in Australia.
Alternative Pathways to Australian Immigration
If your case is not simple, you require unique methods to get success; here are some pathways to try:
- Regional Visa: It has lower competition, lesser requirements, and better chances.
- Investor and Business Visa: Besides skills, Australia is welcoming investors and businessmen. Immigration to Australia from Pakistan is simpler and fast-tracked for these categories.
- Humanitarian and Refugee Programs: Applicable in some cases; check the requirements.
Post-Immigration Opportunities in Australia
Once you have landed a job, it is going to be a progression. After four years and less in certain cases, you can proceed to:
- Permanent Residency
- Australian Citizenship
- Family Sponsorship
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to immigrate to Australia from Pakistan?
If your occupation is in demand, the easiest way to immigrate to Australia from Pakistan is via skilled migration. The General Skilled Migration program has a streamlined path for qualified applicants.
How does the points-based system work for Australian immigration?
The Australian immigration system works on a point-based system. Points are awarded on the basis of experience, education, English language skills, and age.
What are the costs of immigrating to Australia for Pakistanis?
Immigration to Australia from Pakistan will require somewhere between 4000 – 8000 AUD. It includes the cost of visa fees, medical exams, English language test, document processing and consultation.
How long does the Australian immigration process take?
It largely depends on the visa type. Some visas take less than six months to process, while some may take about two years.
Which Australian visas are most suitable for Pakistanis?
Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189, State Nominated Visa subclass 190, and Student Visa are popular options for those who wish to study in Australia and immigrate.
Are there regional or state-specific migration opportunities for Pakistanis?
Regional visa subclass 491 has faster processing time and less competition.
What are the language requirements for Australian immigration?
If you are applying for skilled migration to Australia from Pakistan, family sponsorship to Australia or work visa for Australia from Pakistan, you would need IELTS with a minimum 6.0 score or PTE certification.
Conclusion
How to immigrate to Australia from Pakistan may sound overwhelming after the first glance on the Australian website – planning and persistence win.
All you need is proper guidance, documents that make your case better, and picking the right route for your case.