Australian Migration Services for Nigerians: Investment & Skilled Worker Programs

Are you ready to apply for Australian migration programs designed to help Nigerians secure high-paying jobs, long-term immigration benefits, and even retirement options in top cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane?

With 2026 skilled visas opening soon and salary offers ranging from AUD $65,000 to $180,000, this guide shows you where to sign up, how to get approved, and what documents you need for faster payments, processing, and job placement.

Why Travel to Australia as an Immigrant?

Traveling to Australia as a Nigerian immigrant is one of the smartest financial moves you can make right now. The country offers over 400,000 job openings annually, with industries paying between AUD $35–$70 per hour, depending on your skills.

What attracts most newcomers is the stability, consistent payments, predictable employment, and immigration pathways that can convert to Permanent Residency (PR) after three to four years.

You also enjoy access to well-funded public services, unemployment protection, and retirement savings through the famous Superannuation System, where employers deposit 10.5% of your salary monthly.

Australia remains one of the fastest-growing skilled markets, similar to the UK, Canada, and the UAE. So if you’re looking to apply for a visa that gives you career growth, family sponsorship possibilities, and high living standards, this is the moment to take it seriously.

High Paying Jobs for Immigrants in Australia

Australia has countless jobs paying Nigerians between AUD $70,000 and $200,000 per year, depending on your experience and where you apply.

Skilled workers in tech, healthcare, mining, engineering, and construction are in high demand, especially in regions like Perth, Queensland, and Canberra.

Employers in these sectors frequently offer visa sponsorship and relocation payments to attract foreign talent.

Some of the most rewarding career paths include:

• Registered Nurses: AUD $85,000–$120,000
• Electricians & Plumbers: AUD $75,000–$110,000
• Software Engineers: AUD $90,000–$150,000
• Mining Technicians: AUD $100,000–$180,000
• Truck Drivers: AUD $70,000–$105,000
• Construction Workers: AUD $65,000–$120,000

These roles are part of the national skills shortage list, meaning your chances of landing a job after applying are significantly higher than in countries like Ireland, Sweden, or Germany.

As long as you complete your visa and immigration requirements correctly, the pathway becomes even smoother.

Qualifications for Immigrants in Australia

Australia does not overcomplicate qualification requirements, but you must meet the basic academic and professional standards. Most skilled visas require a minimum of OND, HND, or Bachelor’s degree, depending on the job category.

Tradespeople such as welders, carpenters, and mechanics may qualify using certifications, apprenticeships, or work experience equivalent to Level 3–4 standards under the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF).

Employers look for applicants who can prove job readiness, skill competence, and English language strength.

For higher-paying jobs, especially those above AUD $100,000 per year, professional certifications such as PMP, ACCA, CCNA, IELTS, or industry-specific licenses can significantly boost your application.

If you’re entering through an investment or business migration program, your financial capacity matters.

The Business Innovation & Investment Visa (subclass 188) often requires a net worth of AUD $1.25 million and investment payments from AUD $200,000 upward, depending on your chosen stream.

Nigeria-based entrepreneurs increasingly use these routes because they lead to permanent residency and better international business expansion.

Salary Expectations for Immigrants in Australia

If you’re a Nigerian planning to migrate to Australia, expect starting salaries between AUD $60,000 to $95,000 for entry-level positions and AUD $120,000 to $200,000 for more advanced roles.

These salary packages often come with relocation bonuses, healthcare contributions, and employer-sponsored retirement payments. Regions like Western Australia and Northern Territory pay even higher due to skills shortages.

Some employers offer overtime payments ranging from AUD $30–$55 per hour, which can increase your annual earnings significantly.

Skilled migrants in engineering, medicine, and mining easily cross the AUD $150,000 salary line, especially when working in remote or industrial regions.

Below is a well-arranged salary table showing job categories and typical earnings:

JOB TYPE	ESTIMATED SALARY
Registered Nurse	$85,000 – $120,000
Software Developer	$90,000 – $150,000
Electrician	$75,000 – $110,000
Truck Driver	$70,000 – $105,000
Mining Technician	$100,000 – $180,000
Construction Worker	$65,000 – $120,000
Accountant	$70,000 – $115,000
Civil Engineer	$95,000 – $140,000
Teacher	$70,000 – $100,000
Hospitality Worker	$55,000 – $75,000

Eligibility Criteria for Immigrants

Australia’s eligibility criteria are designed to help the government filter skilled migrants who can contribute immediately to the economy.

Nigerians applying for Australian migration programs must meet age, skill, education, and financial capacity requirements.

The primary skilled migration categories usually accept applicants between 18 and 45 years old, and age is a major scoring factor in the points test system. Those closer to 25–32 years often score the highest and qualify for visas faster.

You must also meet occupational requirements under the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which determines if your job category is allowed.

Most roles on this list pay between AUD $65,000 and $140,000 per year, so Australia uses this system to match skills with demand.

Financial readiness is also important, especially if you plan to apply with your family. Settlement funds may range from AUD $5,000 to $15,000, depending on your location in Australia.

Finally, skilled immigrants must show good character records and clean police clearance, just as required in the UK and New Zealand immigration systems.

Language Requirements for Immigrants

Language competency is one of the most important factors for Nigerians applying for Australian migration services. English tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL are mandatory for most skilled visas.

The minimum score usually starts from IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50, but higher scores help you earn up to 20 additional points, which can increase your visa approval chances significantly.

Some jobs, especially healthcare and teaching positions, may require IELTS 7.0 or PTE 65 because these roles involve direct communication and safety responsibilities.

Australia uses English test scores to ensure newcomers can fit into the workforce and apply for jobs without struggles.

Higher English scores also give you access to advanced jobs that pay from AUD $100,000 to $160,000 per year, particularly in cities like Melbourne and Canberra.

Even investors under subclass 188 visas sometimes need to demonstrate functional English to reduce extra payments called “English Education Charges,” which may cost AUD $4,000 to $10,000 per adult applicant.

Visa and Work Permit Requirements for Immigrants in Australia

Migrating to Australia for work or investment requires selecting the correct visa pathway. The most common routes include the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), Regional Skilled Visa (491), and Business Innovation & Investment Visa (188).

Each visa type has different requirements, but all involve skills assessment, English testing, health checks, and financial capability.

Work permits in Australia usually depend on employer sponsorship or visa category. For example, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa 482 allows Nigerians to work for specific employers in jobs paying AUD $70,000 to $120,000 per year.

Meanwhile, permanent skilled visas offer full employment rights and access to superannuation retirement benefits.

Visa fees range from AUD $4,640–$11,000, and applicants must prepare for payments covering medicals and police checks. If you secure employer sponsorship, some companies may even cover part of your visa costs.

Documents Checklist for Immigrants in Australia

To apply successfully for Australian migration programs, Nigerians must prepare all required documents early to avoid delays in job placement and visa approval.

Immigration officers assess your identity, qualifications, employment history, and financial readiness before granting visas. Missing documents can lead to a refusal, so proper preparation is essential, especially for skilled visas paying above AUD $90,000 per year.

Core documents include:

• International Passport (valid for 6–12 months minimum)
• Academic Certificates (OND, HND, BSc, MSc where applicable)
• Professional Certifications (optional but gives higher-paying jobs)
• Work Experience Letters
• CV/Resume in Australian format
• English Test Results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
• Skills Assessment Report (from authorities like ACS, ANMAC, VETASSESS)
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Medical Examination Results
• Proof of Funds or Bank Statement
• Payment receipts for visa fees

Organizing these documents early gives you a strong advantage when applying for jobs or securing employer sponsorship in regions like Queensland, South Australia, or Western Australia.

How to Apply for Jobs as Immigrants in Australia

Applying for jobs in Australia as a Nigerian immigrant requires strategy, preparation, and consistency. Most high-paying employers expect applicants to submit resumes in the Australian CV format, short, clear, and achievement-oriented.

When you apply for roles ranging from AUD $70,000 to $150,000, ensure your CV highlights measurable results, certifications, and technical skills. Adding Australian-recognized licenses can also increase your chances of being shortlisted.

To apply effectively:

• Create profiles on major job platforms used in Australia
• Update your CV and cover letter to match Australian standards
• Target employers who offer visa sponsorship
• Set job alerts for categories paying high salaries
• Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters in cities like Perth and Sydney
• Prepare for online video interviews and skills testing

Some industries, like mining, engineering, and healthcare, hire workers even before they arrive in Australia.

Many employers offer relocation payments, temporary housing, and visa sponsorship once your application meets their job requirements.

Top Employers & Companies Hiring Immigrants in Australia

Australia is home to thousands of employers actively hiring Nigerians through skilled migration and sponsorship programs.

Most companies offer salaries ranging from AUD $70,000 to $180,000, depending on your role and how quickly you complete your visa sign-up process.

Big cities like Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney have some of the highest-paying companies, similar to top employers in Canada, the USA, and the UK.

Some of the most immigrant-friendly employers include:

• BHP (Mining & Engineering): AUD $120,000–$200,000
• Rio Tinto (Mining & Operations): AUD $110,000–$180,000
• Telstra (IT & Telecoms): AUD $90,000–$150,000
• Commonwealth Bank & ANZ (Finance): AUD $80,000–$130,000
• Ramsay Health Care & St. Vincent’s (Nursing): AUD $85,000–$120,000
• Lendlease & CPB Contractors (Construction): AUD $75,000–$140,000

These companies frequently sponsor visas like the TSS 482, Skilled Nominated 190, and Regional 491 visas.

Once hired, immigrants gain access to consistent payments, paid leave, health insurance, and strong retirement packages through the Australian Superannuation system.

Where to Find Jobs for Immigrants

Finding high-paying jobs in Australia becomes easier when you search on verified platforms used by top employers. The Australian government also provides official sign-up portals where Nigerians can apply for skilled jobs without fear of scams.

Salaries listed on these platforms often start at AUD $70,000 for entry roles and rise to AUD $180,000 for advanced technical or managerial positions.

You can find real immigrant jobs on:

• Seek Australia – the largest database of Australian vacancies
• LinkedIn Jobs – ideal for visa sponsorship roles
• CareerOne – useful for both skilled and unskilled positions
• Indeed Australia – high-volume postings with relocation offers
• JobActive (Australian Government) – trusted platform for migrants
• Company websites like BHP, Telstra, ANZ, Woodside & Qantas

Applying consistently improves your chances. Many Nigerians secure interview invitations within 2–4 weeks after submitting applications, especially in shortage fields like healthcare, IT, logistics, education, and construction.

Working in Australia as Immigrants

Working in Australia gives Nigerians access to one of the world’s most stable labor markets, high hourly wages, and strong worker protections.

The minimum wage sits around AUD $24 per hour, but immigrants typically earn between AUD $35 and $60 per hour, depending on their occupation.

Australia prioritizes job safety, regulated payments, and equal employment rights, which makes the work environment similar to Canada’s and New Zealand’s system.

Immigrants also enjoy benefits such as:

• Employer-paid retirement contributions (10.5% Superannuation)
• Overtime pay and weekend shift bonuses
• Paid annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave
• Access to healthcare coverage through the Medicare system (for PR holders)
• Job mobility, allowing you to switch employers after visa rules permit

Employers in Australia value results, professionalism, and reliability.

Once you start earning in AUD, one of the strongest currencies globally, you gain the financial strength to save, invest, or even pursue permanent residency pathways that secure your long-term future.

How to Migrate to Australia

Migrating to Australia as a Nigerian involves choosing the right visa, completing skills assessments, meeting English requirements, and passing the immigration points test.

The most popular pathway is the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which includes the 189, 190, and 491 visas. These visas lead to permanent residency and jobs paying up to AUD $180,000 annually.

To start the migration process:

• Sign up for an English test (IELTS or PTE)
• Complete your skills assessment through the appropriate authority
• Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect
• Meet the minimum points requirement (usually 65–85 points)
• Apply for nomination where required (state or regional)
• Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
• Submit final documents and payments
• Complete health and character checks

Investors entering via the subclass 188 visa must show a net worth of AUD $1.25 million and meet investment thresholds starting from AUD $200,000 to $2.5 million, depending on the stream.

This route offers one of the fastest ways to secure residency and expand your business in Australia.

FAQ about Temporary Housing Options for Immigrants in Australia

What is the average cost of temporary housing for new immigrants in Australia?

Temporary housing for newcomers usually costs between AUD $250 and $500 per week, depending on the city. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive, while Adelaide and Perth offer cheaper options.

Can employers provide temporary accommodation for immigrants?

Yes. Many employers hiring Nigerians offer 2–8 weeks of free temporary housing, especially for roles paying above AUD $90,000 per year. This is common in healthcare, mining, and engineering.

Is it cheaper to rent shared accommodation as a new immigrant?

Absolutely. Shared accommodation reduces rent to AUD $120–$200 per week, helping you save money until your job payments stabilize. Many migrants start with shared rentals.

How long can immigrants stay in temporary accommodation?

Most temporary accommodations allow stays of 2–12 weeks. This gives enough time to settle, apply for permanent rentals, and complete your job onboarding requirements.

What documents do I need to rent a house in Australia?

You typically need an ID card or passport, employment letter, pay slips (if available), bank statements, and rental application forms. Some landlords also request a 4-week bond payment.