Working in Australia for Nigerians 2026
Skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, SkillSelect points system, and job opportunities
Why Australia? Australia offers some of the highest salaries in the world, excellent quality of life, and a points-based immigration system similar to Canada. Healthcare, engineering, and IT professionals are in high demand. The growing Nigerian community (especially in Sydney and Melbourne) provides support for new arrivals.
Work Visa Types
| Visa | For | Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | Skilled workers (no sponsor) | Permanent | $4,640 |
| Subclass 190 (State Nominated) | Skilled workers + state nomination | Permanent | $4,640 |
| Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled) | Skilled workers for regional areas | 5 years (pathway to PR) | $4,640 |
| Subclass 482 (TSS - Employer Sponsored) | Workers with Australian job offer | 2-4 years | $1,455-$3,035 |
| Subclass 186 (ENS - Employer Nominated) | Permanent employer sponsorship | Permanent | $4,640 |
| Subclass 485 (Graduate) | Recent Australian graduates | 2-6 years | $1,895 |
SkillSelect Points System (Subclass 189/190)
Points Test (Need 65+ to be eligible)
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25-32 | 30 (max) |
| English: Superior (IELTS 8+) | 20 |
| English: Proficient (IELTS 7+) | 10 |
| Overseas work experience (8+ years) | 15 |
| Australian work experience (3+ years) | 10 |
| PhD | 20 |
| Bachelor's degree | 15 |
| State/territory nomination (190) | 5 |
| Regional nomination (491) | 15 |
Process
- Check if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
- Get skills assessment from relevant authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ANMAC for nurses)
- Take IELTS/PTE English test
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- Wait for invitation to apply (based on points ranking)
- Submit full visa application within 60 days of invitation
- Processing: 6-12 months
Salary Expectations
| Role | Average Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $75,000-95,000/yr |
| Software Engineer | $90,000-140,000/yr |
| Civil Engineer | $80,000-120,000/yr |
| Accountant | $65,000-90,000/yr |
| Electrician | $70,000-100,000/yr |
| Teacher | $70,000-100,000/yr |
Best cities for Nigerians: Sydney (largest Nigerian community), Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide. Regional areas (e.g., Wollongong, Newcastle, Geelong) offer faster visa pathways and lower costs.
FAQ
The minimum is 65 points to submit an EOI, but competitive scores are typically 70-90+ depending on the occupation. Higher scores receive invitations faster. To boost points: improve English (IELTS 8+), get partner skills assessed, or apply for state nomination.
Yes. The subclass 189 and 190 visas grant permanent residency directly. The subclass 482 (employer-sponsored temporary) can transition to permanent via subclass 186 after 2-3 years. The subclass 491 (regional) transitions to permanent (subclass 191) after 3 years of living and working in a regional area. Australian citizenship is available after 4 years as a permanent resident.
Both use points-based systems. Canada generally has a higher immigration target and slightly faster processing. Australia offers higher salaries. Key differences: Canada requires IELTS General Training while Australia accepts both IELTS Academic and PTE. Canada's ECA (WES) is simpler than Australia's skills assessment process. Many Nigerians apply to both simultaneously.
Australia Quick Facts
- Main Visa: Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
- Min. Points: 65 (competitive: 70-90+)
- Visa Cost: AUD $4,640
- Processing: 6-12 months
- English: IELTS or PTE required
- Citizenship: After 4 years as PR