Australian Migration Services for Nigerians: Investment & Skilled Worker Programs

Looking to apply for a life-changing immigration pathway that allows you to work, earn up to AUD $120,000 yearly and even plan your retirement in a country where payments are fast and job sign-ups are seamless?

Australia remains one of the hottest destinations for Nigerians ready to secure jobs, permanent residency, and long-term investment opportunities in 2026. This guide walks you through how to sign up, apply, migrate, and start earning confidently.

Why Travel to Australia as an Immigrant?

If you’ve been searching for a country where immigrants can work freely, earn high salaries like AUD $65,000 to AUD $150,000 yearly, and enjoy a stress-free immigration process, Australia gives you all that and more.

Many Nigerians choose Australia because the employment rate continues to rise, companies offer full visa sponsorship, and payments for skilled workers are among the best in the world, similar to the UK, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand.

Australia’s lifestyle blends comfort and opportunity. You can apply for tech jobs in Melbourne, healthcare jobs in Queensland, mining jobs in Perth, or hospitality roles in Sydney.

Each path gives room for professional growth. The Australian government also invests heavily in immigrant-friendly programs, making it easier for Nigerians to sign up for skilled visas or investment visas without unnecessary delays.

If you want a country where your degree, experience, or technical skill will be rewarded, Australia is that destination where your immigration journey translates directly into money, stability, and global exposure.

High Paying Jobs for Immigrants in Australia

Australia offers immigrants a wide range of jobs with attractive payments, and employers are actively hiring Nigerians across multiple fields. Whether you’re applying for tech, education, healthcare, construction, or engineering roles, salaries remain consistently attractive.

In 2026, job openings for immigrants in Australia continue to grow as the country battles labor shortages.

Below are high-paying immigrant roles in Australia:

• Software Engineers: AUD $90,000 to AUD $140,000 yearly
• Registered Nurses: AUD $70,000 to AUD $110,000 yearly
• Electricians: AUD $65,000 to AUD $120,000 yearly
• Civil Engineers: AUD $80,000 to AUD $150,000 yearly
• Accountants: AUD $65,000 to AUD $100,000 yearly
• Construction Workers: AUD $60,000 to AUD $90,000 yearly
• Caregivers & Support Workers: AUD $55,000 to AUD $85,000 yearly
• Truck Drivers: AUD $60,000 to AUD $95,000 yearly
• Hospitality Workers: AUD $50,000 to AUD $75,000 yearly
• Mining & Oil Workers: AUD $90,000 to AUD $180,000 yearly

These sectors allow easy immigration because employers prefer skilled workers who can sign up quickly and start work as soon as visa approval comes. If you’re looking for a destination where your job application translates into real earnings, Australia should be at the top of your list.

Qualifications for Immigrants in Australia

Every Nigerian planning to migrate to Australia under skilled or investment programs must meet certain qualification standards. Luckily, the process is more straightforward than places like the U.S. or Sweden.

Most skilled jobs require at least a diploma OR bachelor’s degree, while some technical fields only require vocational training and experience.

Here’s what most Australian employers look for:

• A diploma, degree, or trade certificate depending on the job
• Work experience of 1–5 years
• Skill assessment approval (for skilled migration programs)
• Ability to communicate in English
• Clean criminal and health record
• Readiness to sign up for visa sponsorship roles

If you’re applying for high-paying roles such as engineering or finance, qualifications like CPA, PMP, ACCA, or specialized certificates may increase your salary to AUD $120,000+. For caregivers, short-term certifications can be enough to qualify for salaries of AUD $55,000–$85,000.

Your qualification is your ticket, but your willingness to apply and follow the immigration steps is what gives you access to the earnings Australia promises.

Salary Expectations for Immigrants in Australia

One of the sweetest benefits of Australian migration for Nigerians is the attractive salary structure. Payments in Australia are among the highest globally, especially for immigrants coming through skilled worker programs.

Whether you’re earning hourly wages or annual salaries, the figures remain rewarding.

Here’s a general salary expectation for immigrants:

• Skilled Tech Workers: AUD $95,000 to AUD $140,000
• Health & Medical Staff: AUD $70,000 to AUD $120,000
• Construction & Trade Workers: AUD $65,000 to AUD $110,000
• Teachers & Education Officers: AUD $65,000 to AUD $100,000
• Caregivers & Aged Support Staff: AUD $55,000 to AUD $85,000
• Logistics & Transport Workers: AUD $60,000 to AUD $95,000
• Administrative Staff: AUD $50,000 to AUD $75,000
• Oil, Gas & Mining Workers: AUD $110,000 to AUD $180,000

Most Nigerian immigrants begin earning within the first month of employment, and salary increments are common. Australia also allows extra income through overtime and shift allowances.

Eligibility Criteria for Immigrants

Applying for Australian migration as a Nigerian means meeting certain eligibility standards that help the government and employers determine your suitability.

These requirements are straightforward, especially for those targeting skilled worker programs or investment visas. The more prepared you are, the faster your application and payments process moves.

To qualify for immigration to Australia, you must meet the following:

• Be between 18 and 45 years old
• Possess skills listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
• Score between 65–95 points in the SkillSelect system
• Have English test results (IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL)
• Provide proof of work experience (1–5 years minimum)
• Show financial capacity for settlement, often AUD $5,000–$12,000
• Be ready to apply for full-time job roles immediately

Once you sign up for SkillSelect and upload documents, your chances of receiving an invitation increase, especially for high-demand jobs like nursing, engineering, caregiving, mining, and ICT where starting salaries reach AUD $90,000–$150,000.

Language Requirements for Immigrants

Australia uses English as its primary language, so Nigerians migrating for jobs or investment programs must demonstrate language proficiency.

Thankfully, because English is widely used in Nigeria, many applicants score high in their tests, making them eligible for top-tier migration pathways.

Accepted English tests include:

• IELTS (Minimum score band: 6.0–7.0)
• PTE Academic (Minimum score range: 50–65)
• TOEFL iBT (Minimum score: 64–94)
• OET (For medical professionals)

A higher test score gives you more migration points, helping you earn priority selection. For example, an IELTS score of 7.5+ increases your points significantly, improving your chances of receiving a visa invitation quickly.

Employers also prefer applicants who can communicate clearly, especially for high-paying roles like IT specialists earning AUD $120,000 yearly or medical practitioners earning AUD $150,000+.

So, think of your language test as a simple step that opens the door to Australia’s best-paying jobs.

Visa and Work Permit Requirements for Immigrants in Australia

Australia offers multiple visa options for Nigerians seeking skilled work, investment opportunities, or employer-sponsored roles. The type of visa you apply for determines your work eligibility, salary range, and the speed of your approval.

Popular visa categories include:

• Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa: Permanent residency; no sponsorship required
• Subclass 190 State Nominated Visa: Permanent residency; requires state nomination
• Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa: 5-year temporary residency; steps to PR
• Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa: Employer-sponsored
• Investor & Business Visas (Subclass 188/888): Minimum investment AUD $200,000+

Each visa type has its own requirements for payments, language, qualifications, and sponsorships.

Skilled workers applying for visas like 189 or 190 often secure high-paying jobs with salaries ranging from AUD $80,000 to AUD $150,000 yearly.

Employer-sponsored visas move faster because companies are willing to pay and process your work permit quickly, especially in fields like healthcare, mining, IT, and trades.

Documents Checklist for Immigrants in Australia

To ensure your application doesn’t delay, you need to compile accurate and verifiable documents. Missing just one file can slow down your application, payments, or job approval by several weeks, especially in competitive regions like Western Australia and Victoria.

Here’s the essential document checklist for Nigerian immigrants:

• International passport (valid for 6–10 years)
• Educational certificates (WAEC, ND, HND, BSc, MSc)
• Professional certificates (ACCA, PMP, care training, etc.)
• Work experience letters
• Skill assessment approval (ACS, ANMAC, VETASSESS, etc.)
• English test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
• Birth certificate / Declaration of age
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical examination report
• Proof of funds (AUD $5,000–$12,000)
• Completed visa application form
• Passport photographs

These documents help the immigration office verify your qualification for skilled jobs paying AUD $60,000–$180,000 yearly. The earlier you submit them, the faster you can sign up for job roles, complete payments, and travel.

How to Apply for Jobs as Immigrants in Australia

Applying for jobs in Australia as a Nigerian is easier than many think. Employers are actively looking for skilled foreign workers to fill shortages across multiple industries, and most applications can be submitted with just your CV, certificates, and skill assessment.

Here’s how to apply step-by-step:

• Create a professional Australian-style CV
• Sign up on job platforms like SEEK and Indeed
• Apply for jobs matching your qualification and experience
• Indicate “Open to Visa Sponsorship”
• Prepare for online interviews (Zoom/Microsoft Teams)
• Gather your documents for quick submission
• Accept the offer and begin visa processing

Most Nigerians who follow this process secure roles paying AUD $65,000–$120,000 within months. Employers prefer applicants who answer emails quickly, attend interviews promptly, and present certificates clearly.

If you’re committed to starting your immigration journey, applying early gives you a strong advantage, especially for 2026 job cycles in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Top Employers & Companies Hiring Immigrants in Australia

If you’re a Nigerian planning to sign up for skilled migration or apply for visa-sponsored jobs in Australia, you’ll be glad to know that many top employers are aggressively hiring foreign workers.

The labor shortage means companies are ready to offer competitive salaries ranging from AUD $65,000 to AUD $180,000 yearly, depending on the role.

Here are leading employers that hire immigrants:

• Commonwealth Bank Australia – Finance & IT jobs paying $80,000–$140,000
• BHP & Rio Tinto – Mining & engineering roles paying $120,000–$180,000
• Sonic Healthcare & Ramsey Health Care – Nurses & medical staff earning $75,000–$150,000
• Woolworths & Coles – Retail & logistics roles earning $55,000–$95,000
• Telstra – Tech, cybersecurity, software jobs paying $90,000–$150,000
• Acciona & Lendlease – Construction workers earning $65,000–$120,000
• Qantas Airways – Aviation staff earning $70,000–$130,000

These companies sponsor immigrants, support visa applications, and allow you to begin earning upon arrival. Many of them also offer retirement plans, paid training, and relocation allowances to Nigerians ready to work.

Where to Find Jobs for Immigrants

To secure a job in Australia from Nigeria, you need access to the right platforms, trusted sites where employers post daily openings for immigrants willing to apply from abroad.

The good news is that these sites are free, easy to sign up on, and host thousands of job listings with salaries clearly stated.

Best platforms to find immigrant jobs:

• SEEK Australia: The top job website with salaries from $60,000–$180,000
• Indeed Australia: Thousands of job postings with visa sponsorship tags
• LinkedIn Jobs: Direct recruitment from employers
• JobActive: Government-backed platform
• CareerOne: Skilled and trade job listings
• Australian Government Skilled Migration Portal: For PR and visa pathways

These websites allow you to filter roles by location, payments, employer type, and visa sponsorship. Whether you want a job in Sydney paying AUD $130,000 or a mining job in Perth paying AUD $180,000, you’ll find opportunities updated every hour.

Working in Australia as Immigrants

Working in Australia gives Nigerian immigrants access to competitive salaries, career growth, and a work culture that respects your time and effort.

Most workers earn enough to cover living costs, send money home, save, and plan for retirement within a few years.

Key things to expect when working in Australia:

• Standard Work Hours: 38 hours weekly
• Overtime opportunities paying 1.5x to 2x regular rates
• High Minimum Wage: AUD $23.23 per hour
• Access to employer-funded pension (Superannuation)
• Paid leave, health insurance, and tax benefits
• Safe work environments backed by strong labor laws

Immigrants working in major cities like Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide often earn between AUD $65,000 and $150,000 depending on the field.

Technical workers in trades and engineering earn even higher amounts. Employers also value diversity, so Nigerians blend easily into the work environment.

How to Migrate to Australia

Migrating to Australia from Nigeria involves a structured process that helps the government match your skills with high-paying job opportunities. You can sign up for skilled migration, apply for employer sponsorship, or invest in local businesses to gain residency.

Here’s how the migration process works:

• Check if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List
• Take an English test (IELTS or PTE)
• Complete your skills assessment
• Create a SkillSelect profile
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Wait for an invitation
• Apply for the visa
• Complete medical & police checks
• Receive your visa grant
• Travel to Australia and resume work

Migrants who follow this process end up securing salaries ranging from AUD $75,000 to AUD $150,000 within their first year. The smoothness of the process is why many Nigerians choose Australia over countries like the U.S., Sweden, or Italy.

FAQ about Temporary Housing Options for Immigrants in Australia

What is the average cost of temporary housing in Australia?

Temporary housing typically costs between AUD $350 and $700 per week, depending on the city. Sydney is the most expensive, while Adelaide and Perth offer cheaper options.

Can newly arrived immigrants pay for housing monthly?

Yes. Most temporary accommodations allow weekly or monthly payments, especially if you book through platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. This makes budgeting easy for new immigrants earning between AUD $65,000 and $120,000.

Are there free housing options for skilled immigrants?

Some employers offer 2–6 weeks of free temporary accommodation for workers earning above AUD $80,000 yearly, especially in mining, healthcare, and engineering.

What documents are needed to sign up for temporary housing?

Normally, you’ll need your passport, visa grant letter, bank statement, and employment offer letter. These help landlords verify your identity and income level.

Is shared housing cheaper for Nigerian immigrants?

Yes. Shared apartments or hostels can cost as low as AUD $150–$250 per week, helping new migrants save money before securing permanent housing.

Can I book temporary housing before arriving in Australia?

Absolutely. Nigerians can apply online for temporary housing before arrival through:

• Airbnb
• Booking
• Flatmates
• Gumtree Rentals

Do employers help immigrants find affordable housing?

Many top employers, especially in healthcare, construction, and logistics, assist new workers in securing affordable accommodation within their budget ranges.