Are you a Nigerian professional thinking of signing up for a high-income skilled worker program in Australia where salaries start from AUD $65,000 to over $180,000 yearly, depending on your field?
This guide gives you the exact immigration steps, visa sponsorship pathways, job application processes, investment options, and everything you need to apply and relocate legally without hidden payments.
If you’ve been dreaming about working, studying, investing, or retiring abroad in places like Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Calgary, Munich, and London, this is your starting point.
Why Travel to Australia as an Immigrant?
Relocating to Australia has become a top choice for many Nigerians who want stable jobs, better retirement benefits, and transparent immigration programs.
The country offers skilled visas, investment visas, and visa sponsorship jobs with salaries starting at AUD $30 per hour, making it attractive for anyone planning a long-term settlement abroad.
Australia’s job market is booming in tech, healthcare, engineering, mining, logistics, education, finance, and even entry-level roles like warehouse assistants and support workers earning AUD $50,000 – $120,000 annually.
The high demand for manpower means companies are willing to apply for your work permit, sponsor your visa, and even assist with relocation payments.
Australia also has a world-class social system. You get access to free healthcare under Medicare, structured retirement plans called “Superannuation,” and multiple pathways to apply for permanent residency in just 2–3 years.
If you’ve been thinking about Canada, the UK, the U.S., or Norway, Australia ranks in the same league, but with faster hiring processes and more flexible immigration requirements.
High Paying Jobs for Immigrants in Australia
Australian employers actively look for foreign workers to fill shortages, especially skilled workers from Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
If your goal is to apply for a high-paying role, Australia offers plenty of options with stable payments and benefits:
Some of the most in-demand high-salary immigrant jobs include:
- Registered Nurses: AUD $70,000–$120,000 yearly
- Software Engineers: AUD $90,000–$150,000 yearly
- Electricians: AUD $75,000–$140,000 yearly
- Mechanical Engineers: AUD $85,000–$160,000 yearly
- Accountants: AUD $65,000–$120,000 yearly
- Truck Drivers: AUD $60,000–$110,000 yearly
- Welders & Fabricators: AUD $55,000–$95,000 yearly
- Mining Technicians: AUD $80,000–$180,000 yearly
- Construction Managers: AUD $100,000–$180,000 yearly
- Aged Care Workers: AUD $55,000–$90,000 yearly
Whether you want to apply for entry-level work or you’re a senior professional looking to upgrade your earnings, Australia has programs that support you. Many Nigerian immigrants start with temporary sponsorship jobs, then move to PR and eventually citizenship.
Qualifications for Immigrants in Australia
Australia’s immigration system is structured to allow skilled workers, investors, and specialists to apply easily.
Even if you have no university degree, you can still qualify under categories like trade skills, caregiving, hospitality, logistics, and construction. Your qualifications affect the kind of jobs you can apply for and the type of visa pathway available.
Key qualification expectations include:
- A minimum of SSCE, OND, HND, or Bachelor’s degree, depending on the job.
- For professional roles, a recognized credential evaluation through bodies like Engineers Australia, ANMAC, ACS, etc.
- At least 1–3 years of experience for most skilled worker programs.
- Trade certifications for roles like welding, plumbing, baking, carpentry, or hairdressing.
- For investor migrants, proof of business ownership or capital ranging from AUD $250,000 to $1.5 million depending on the investment visa type.
The good thing? Australia doesn’t complicate things. As long as you meet the skill, language, and health requirements, you can sign up and apply for migration programs that fit your background.
Salary Expectations for Immigrants in Australia
As a Nigerian immigrant, your salary will depend on your industry, experience, and visa type. Skilled migrants typically earn higher than the average citizen, especially in shortage jobs.
Below are common immigrant salary ranges:
- Caregivers & Support Workers: AUD $50,000–$85,000
- ICT & Tech Professionals: AUD $90,000–$180,000
- Engineers: AUD $75,000–$160,000
- Teachers & Educators: AUD $60,000–$110,000
- Doctors & Nurses: AUD $80,000–$200,000
- Construction & Trade Workers: AUD $55,000–$130,000
- Truck Drivers & Logistics Workers: AUD $60,000–$120,000
- Mining Industry Workers: AUD $90,000–$180,000
Australia pays weekly or bi-weekly, and most companies offer paid leave, tax benefits, and retirement contributions.
| JOB TITLE | AVERAGE SALARY (AUD) |
| Registered Nurse | $70,000 – $120,000 |
| Software Developer | $90,000 – $150,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $85,000 – $160,000 |
| Accountant | $65,000 – $120,000 |
| Welder | $55,000 – $95,000 |
| Truck Driver | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| Caregiver | $50,000 – $85,000 |
| Construction Manager | $100,000 – $180,000 |
| Mining Technician | $90,000 – $180,000 |
| Electrician | $75,000 – $140,000 |
Eligibility Criteria for Immigrants
Before you apply for any skilled worker or investment visa in Australia, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria.
These requirements determine whether you can sign up for pathways like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (190), Employer-Sponsored Visa (482), or the Business Investment Visa (188).
For Nigerians planning to relocate for jobs, salaries, and better retirement prospects, meeting these criteria early gives you a strong advantage.
You must be between 18 and 45 years old for most skilled programs. Investors may apply up to 55 years depending on the state.
You also need to score at least 65 points on the Australian immigration points system. The more experience, education, or English proficiency you have, the higher your points and the better your chances of getting invited.
You also need to meet skill assessment conditions if you want to work in high-paying fields like engineering, nursing, accounting, tech, or construction.
Even tradespeople like welders and electricians must pass assessments. Most companies offering visa sponsorship start their salary offers at AUD $60,000+, so meeting the eligibility rules is your first key step.
Language Requirements for Immigrants
To work or study in Australia, you must meet the minimum English language requirement. The good thing is that these tests are simple, affordable, and valid worldwide, including in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Accra, Dubai, London, and Toronto.
English tests are required whether you’re applying for skilled migration, visa sponsorship jobs, or investment pathways.
Australia accepts:
- IELTS (minimum band 6.0)
- PTE Academic (minimum score 50–65)
- TOEFL iBT
- OET for healthcare professionals
Most employers prefer workers with at least IELTS 6.5 because it improves your job opportunities and salary negotiations.
Tech workers, caregivers, engineers, and accountants who meet the English requirement often earn between AUD $65,000 and $160,000 yearly. Investors may need only functional English, which has a lower score requirement.
Passing your language test increases your immigration points and makes your visa processing faster.
It also helps you sign up for better jobs, earn higher payments, and communicate more effectively with clients, patients, and employers across Australia.
Visa and Work Permit Requirements for Immigrants in Australia
To legally work in Australia as a Nigerian immigrant, you must apply for a visa that allows employment. Your visa determines your salary structure, level of job security, and eligibility for PR. Most foreign workers earn between AUD $30–$60 per hour, depending on the visa subclass.
Popular visa options include:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482)
- Skilled Independent Visa (189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (190)
- Skilled Work Regional (491)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
- Working Holiday Visa (18–30 years)
- Business Innovation & Investment Visa (188)
Employer-sponsored visas require:
- A confirmed job offer
- Employer nomination
- Proof of qualifications and skills assessment
- English test results
- Health and character clearance
Investor visas require:
- Minimum capital of AUD $250,000–$1.5 million
- Investment in Australian businesses or state-approved programs
- Proof of business ownership
The good thing? Once you secure your visa or work permit, you can start earning immediately, enjoy free healthcare in most cases, and move toward permanent residency with stable payments and retirement benefits.
Documents Checklist for Immigrants in Australia
To apply successfully for migration programs, visas, and visa sponsorship jobs, you need a clean and complete set of documents.
This ensures faster processing and higher chances of approval, especially when applying for salaries ranging from AUD $60,000 to $180,000 yearly.
Your checklist includes:
- Valid international passport (6+ months)
- Passport photographs
- Birth certificate
- Academic certificates (SSCE, OND, HND, BSc, MSc)
- Professional licenses (where applicable)
- CV or résumé
- Work experience letters
- English language test results
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical fitness examination
- Proof of funds (for some visas)
- Skill assessment certificates
- Investment documents (for investors)
- Employment offer letter (if employer-sponsored)
Having your documents ready before you apply saves time, helps you sign up for more job openings, and positions you for quick approval, especially in sectors like healthcare, engineering, logistics, caregiving, IT, and mining where companies offer visa sponsorship and relocation payments.
How to Apply for Jobs as Immigrants in Australia
Applying for jobs in Australia as a Nigerian immigrant is easier today than it was 10 years ago. Most employers now offer online applications, drag-and-drop résumé portals, and simple sign-up options.
Whether you’re going for a skilled role with AUD $90,000 yearly or an entry-level job at AUD $50,000, you can do everything directly from your phone.
To apply successfully:
- Search for companies offering visa sponsorship
- Write your CV to Australian standards
- Highlight your experience, certifications, and English test
- Apply on official platforms, never through random social media pages
- Prepare for interviews within 24–48 hours after application
- Negotiate salaries confidently (most Nigerians get above AUD $70,000)
- Use LinkedIn (Australia has one of the highest recruiting activities on LinkedIn)
Many employers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth want workers fast. Fields like construction, nursing, trucking, and welding are often hire within 2–6 weeks, making it one of the easiest ways to start your immigration journey legally.
Top Employers & Companies Hiring Immigrants in Australia
When it comes to applying for high-paying skilled jobs and visa sponsorship roles, Australia has some of the most immigrant-friendly employers in the world.
These companies hire Nigerians every month and offer salaries between AUD $60,000 and $200,000 yearly, depending on your field and experience. Many also provide relocation payments, sign-up bonuses, and long-term retirement benefits.
Top employers include:
- BHP (Mining & Engineering) – $120,000–$200,000
- Commonwealth Bank (Finance & IT) – $70,000–$150,000
- Woolworths Group (Retail & Logistics) – $55,000–$120,000
- Telstra (Telecommunications & Tech) – $80,000–$160,000
- Ramsay Health Care (Healthcare) – $70,000–$140,000
- Rio Tinto (Mining & Engineering) – $130,000–$210,000
- Accenture Australia (Tech & Consulting) – $85,000–$190,000
- Coles Group (Retail & Supply Chain) – $50,000–$110,000
- Qantas Airways (Aviation & Operations) – $60,000–$150,000
- Downer Group (Construction & Infrastructure) – $70,000–$160,000
These companies are known for sponsoring Subclass 482, 186, and 494 visas. Most Nigerians who sign up for these roles get quick responses because the talent shortage in Australia is real.
Where to Find Jobs for Immigrants
Knowing where to find legitimate visa sponsorship jobs is the key to successful migration. Many Nigerians lose opportunities because they don’t apply on the right platforms.
But Australia makes job hunting simple with verified job boards offering roles with salaries from AUD $55,000 to $180,000.
Best platforms include:
- Seek Australia (seek.com.au) – Australia’s biggest job site
- Indeed Australia – Thousands of daily skilled worker jobs
- LinkedIn Jobs – Top employers prefer LinkedIn screening
- Australian Government JobSearch – Verified immigrant-friendly roles
- WorkForce Australia – Trades and entry-level sponsorship jobs
- CareerOne – Tech, hospitality, construction & mining jobs
- Company career pages – BHP, Qantas, Coles, Telstra
These websites let you select salary ranges, filter by sponsorship availability, and apply instantly. If you’re in Nigeria, the UAE, the UK, Canada, or South Africa, you can apply from your phone, complete your profile, and receive interview calls within days.
Working in Australia as Immigrants
Working in Australia gives you access to competitive salaries, strong employment laws, and benefits that help you build a stable life.
Most workers earn AUD $30–$60 per hour, and companies provide paid leave, tax benefits, insurance, and retirement contributions known as Superannuation.
Immigrants enjoy:
- Equal work rights
- Weekly or bi-weekly payments
- Overtime and holiday pay
- Free or subsidised healthcare
- Employer-funded retirement contributions
- Job stability and promotion opportunities
The Australian work culture is friendly and structured. Employers expect punctuality, communication skills, teamwork, and safety compliance, especially in engineering, construction, mining, and logistics where salaries reach AUD $150,000+.
For Nigerians relocating to Australia, the work environment is less stressful than in many countries. You can build a long-term career, support your family, and apply for permanent residency after gaining experience.
How to Migrate to Australia
Migrating to Australia can be fast when you follow the correct steps. Whether you want to apply for a skilled worker visa, sign up for employer sponsorship, or invest through the business visa program, the process is straightforward.
Steps include:
- Check occupation lists to confirm your job is in demand
- Take your English test
- Complete your skill assessment
- Create an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Score 65+ immigration points
- Apply for a skilled visa, sponsorship visa, or investor visa
- Submit documents and pay processing fees
- Attend medicals and character checks
- Receive your visa grant
- Travel and begin working
Most Nigerians migrate under visa types offering salaries from AUD $70,000–$150,000. Investors may qualify faster depending on capital and business experience.
Skilled workers often become permanent residents in 2–3 years, with the option to apply for citizenship later.
FAQ about Temporary Housing Options for Immigrants in Australia
What is the average cost of temporary housing in Australia?
Temporary housing costs range from AUD $150 to $450 per week, depending on the city.
Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive, while Adelaide and Perth are more affordable. Payments can be made weekly or monthly.
Can immigrants sign a short-term rental agreement before arriving?
Yes. Many Nigerians sign up for 1–3 month rentals before arrival. Platforms like Airbnb, Flatmates, Booking.com, and Furnished Finder allow international payments from Nigeria, the UAE, the UK, and Canada.
Are employer-provided accommodations available?
Some employers offer free accommodation for 2–12 weeks, especially in construction, mining, healthcare, and regional jobs paying above AUD $80,000. Always check your job contract before you apply.
What documents do I need for temporary housing?
You need your passport, visa, employment offer letter, ID, and sometimes proof of payments or a bank statement. Weekly rentals often accept newcomers without credit history.
Which cities have the cheapest temporary housing for migrants?
Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, and Perth offer the lowest costs, ranging from AUD $150–$250 weekly. Sydney and Melbourne can go up to AUD $450–$600 weekly.
Can I share accommodation with other Nigerians?
Yes. Shared apartments reduce housing costs by 40–60%. Many migrants earning AUD $60,000–$120,000 yearly use shared apartments when they first arrive.
