How to move to Australia from South Africa.
South Africa has a long history of migration to Australia. South African professionals are well-represented in engineering, healthcare, education, and trades.
At a glance
- Estimated visa cost
- ZAR 115,000
- South Africa-born in Australia
- ~200,000
- Top cities
- Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Visa pathways.
Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent
Points-tested, no sponsorship needed. Direct permanent residency.
Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated
State-nominated with 5 bonus points. Permanent residency.
Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional
Regional visa with 15 bonus points. Pathway to PR.
Subclass 482 - Employer Sponsored
Employer-sponsored temporary visa. Pathway to 186 PR.
South Africa-specific considerations.
- South African qualifications are generally well-recognised by Australian assessment authorities.
- English test is required for South African passport holders, despite English being widely spoken.
- Police clearance from SAPS (South African Police Service) can take 4-8 weeks - apply well in advance.
- South African engineers often benefit from Engineers Australia recognition of ECSA-accredited degrees.
- Perth has a particularly large South African community.
Popular occupations.
Common occupations for South Africa-born migrants to Australia. Check the full Skilled Occupation List for all eligible occupations.
Frequently asked questions.
Do South Africans need an English test for Australia?
Yes, South African passport holders are required to take an English language test (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent) for skilled migration, even though English is widely spoken in South Africa.
How long does the South African police clearance take?
SAPS police clearances typically take 4-8 weeks. You can apply in person at a SAPS office or through the South African embassy if you are already overseas. Apply early as this is often the longest document to obtain.
Is Perth popular with South Africans?
Yes, Perth has one of the largest South African communities in Australia. The timezone is closer to South Africa, the climate is similar, and the mining and engineering sectors offer strong employment opportunities.
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