Australia & New Zealand Immigration Service for African Immigrants

Australia:
To apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), follow these steps:

1. Get accepted into a registered institution – Obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian university or college.
2. Meet financial requirements – Show proof that you can cover tuition, living expenses, and return travel costs.
3. Provide English proficiency proof – Submit IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE test scores (if required).
4. Obtain health insurance – Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
5. Meet character and health requirements – Pass medical exams and submit a police clearance certificate.
6. Apply online – Submit your application through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and pay the visa fee.
7. Attend an interview (if required) – Some applicants may need to attend an interview or provide additional documents.

New Zealand:
To apply for a New Zealand Student Visa, follow these steps:

1. Secure admission – Receive an offer letter from a recognized New Zealand educational institution.
2. Provide financial proof – Show evidence of funds to cover tuition and living expenses (at least NZD $20,000 per year).
3. Show English proficiency – Submit IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted test scores.
4. Get medical and character clearance – Undergo health checks and provide police clearance.
5. Arrange health insurance – International students must have appropriate medical insurance.
6. Submit your application – Apply online through Immigration New Zealand’s website, attach documents, and pay the visa fee.
7. Wait for processing – Once approved, you’ll receive a student visa allowing you to study and work part-time in New Zealand.

Both countries allow students to work a limited number of hours while studying, providing opportunities to gain experience and support living costs.

Australia:

To obtain permanent residency (PR) in Australia, follow these steps:

1. Choose the right visa pathway – Common options include:

   • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – For skilled workers without employer sponsorship.
   • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory.
   • Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186 or 494) – If an Australian employer is willing to sponsor you.
   • Partner or Family Visas – If you have a spouse, partner, or family member who is an Australian citizen or PR.

2. Check eligibility – Ensure you meet age, English proficiency, work experience, and health & character requirements.

3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) – Through the SkillSelect system, detailing your skills and qualifications.

4. Receive an invitation to apply (if required) – For points-based visas, only applicants with high scores get invited.

5. Submit a PR visa application – Upload required documents and pay the visa fee through the Department of Home Affairs portal.

6. Undergo health and character checks – Pass medical exams and provide a police clearance certificate.

7. Wait for processing & receive PR – Once approved, you’ll receive your permanent residency grant and can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

New Zealand:

To obtain permanent residency (PR) in New Zealand, follow these steps:

1. Choose your PR pathway – Common options include:

   • Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa – For skilled workers meeting New Zealand’s occupation and points requirements.
   • Work to Residence Visa – If you've worked in NZ for at least 24 months on an eligible work visa.
   • Investor or Business Visa – For entrepreneurs and investors willing to contribute to New Zealand’s economy.
   • Family Sponsorship – If you have a partner or immediate family member who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.

2. Meet the eligibility criteria – Age, work experience, English proficiency, and health & character requirements apply.

3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) (if required) – If applying under the Skilled Migrant Category, submit an EOI and wait for an invitation.

4. Apply for a resident visa – Submit all required documents through Immigration New Zealand and pay the visa fee.

5. Complete health and character checks – Undergo medical exams and provide a police clearance certificate.

6. Receive your PR status – If approved, you’ll receive a resident visa, and after maintaining residency conditions for two years, you may apply for permanent residency with unrestricted travel rights.

Both Australia and New Zealand offer a pathway to citizenship after living as a PR for a certain period.

Australia:

The processing time for an Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) varies depending on the type of stream and applicant circumstances:

• Tourist Stream (Outside Australia) – 10 to 50 days
• Business Visitor Stream – 5 to 20 days
• Sponsored Family Stream – 50 to 75 days

Factors affecting processing time include application completeness, additional document requests, and peak travel periods.

New Zealand:

For a New Zealand Visitor Visa, processing times vary based on the applicant's country and visa type:

• General Visitor Visa – Typically 20 to 50 days
• Business Visitor Visa – 10 to 30 days

Applications may take longer if additional documents, health checks, or character assessments are required. To avoid delays, ensure all required documents are submitted correctly.

Australia:

Yes, international students on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) can work while studying. The conditions include:

• During study periods: Up to 48 hours per fortnight (every two weeks).
• During scheduled breaks: Unlimited work hours.
• Must be enrolled in a full-time course and maintain academic progress.
• Work must not interfere with studies.

Certain postgraduate research students may have unlimited work rights while completing their thesis or research.

New Zealand:

Yes, international students on a New Zealand Student Visa can work under the following conditions:

• During term: Up to 20 hours per week.
• During holidays: Full-time work allowed (if enrolled in a course of 12+ months).
• Master’s and PhD students: Can work unlimited hours.

Students must comply with visa conditions and ensure their work does not affect academic performance.

Australia:

Becoming an Australian citizen offers several key benefits:

1. Right to Vote – Citizens can vote in federal, state, and local elections, influencing the country's political landscape.
2. Access to Healthcare – Citizens have access to Medicare, Australia's public health system, which provides free or subsidized healthcare.
3. Social Security Benefits – Eligibility for government benefits such as unemployment, pensions, and child care support.
4. Travel Benefits – Citizens have an Australian passport, which allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries.
5. Work Rights – Full rights to work anywhere in Australia without restrictions.
6. Public Education – Access to government-subsidized education, including free primary and secondary schooling.
7. Dual Citizenship – Australia permits dual citizenship, so you can retain your original nationality while becoming an Australian citizen.

New Zealand:

Becoming a New Zealand citizen provides numerous advantages:

1. Right to Vote and Stand for Election – New Zealand citizens can vote in national and local elections and stand for public office.
2. Access to Healthcare – Citizens are eligible for public healthcare under the New Zealand public health system, which provides subsidized medical care.
3. Social Welfare – Eligibility for New Zealand social welfare programs such as unemployment benefits, pensions, and family assistance.
4. Work and Residency Rights – Citizens can work freely and live anywhere in New Zealand.
5. Travel Freedom – A New Zealand passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries.
6. Education Benefits – Citizens have access to free primary and secondary education and subsidized tertiary education rates.
7. Dual Citizenship – New Zealand allows dual citizenship, so you may hold both New Zealand citizenship and that of your home country.

Both countries also offer pathways to permanent residency and citizenship for skilled migrants, entrepreneurs, and family members.