🇦🇺 Moving to Australia from South Africa
Australia is home to one of the biggest South African communities abroad, with Perth often called a 'second Cape Town'. The climate, outdoor lifestyle, rugby and cricket all feel familiar, and many skilled South Africans qualify for permanent residency.
Visa routes for South Africans
- Skills in Demand (employer-sponsored): A temporary skilled visa sponsored by an Australian employer, which replaced the old TSS/482 stream. Many roles have a pathway to permanent residency.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): Permanent residency sponsored by your employer.
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189): Points-tested permanent residency, no sponsor needed. You submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation.
- Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491): Points-tested visas nominated by a state or territory. The 491 is for living in regional areas, which includes Perth and Adelaide for many occupations.
- Partner visas: If your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Getting your qualifications recognised
- Nurses & midwives: Register with AHPRA through the Nursing and Midwifery Board. ANMAC handles skills assessment for migration.
- Doctors: Australian Medical Council (AMC) pathways, then registration with the Medical Board via AHPRA.
- Teachers: Skills assessment by AITSL, then registration with the teacher registration board in your state.
- Accountants: Skills assessment by CPA Australia, CA ANZ or IPA. CA(SA)s have a recognition pathway with CA ANZ.
- Engineers: Engineers Australia does the skills assessment. Washington Accord degrees from South Africa are usually recognised.
- Trades: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) or VETASSESS, depending on the occupation.
Where South Africans live in Australia
Perth (especially its northern suburbs), Brisbane, the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, Sydney's North Shore (St Ives is famous for it) and Melbourne's eastern suburbs all have big South African communities, with biltong shops and SA churches. Browse South African shops, restaurants and pubs in Australia and upcoming Saffa events.
Settling in: practical tips
- Get your skills assessment first. It's usually the longest step and the one most applications depend on.
- Medicare covers permanent residents. Many temporary visas require private health insurance.
- Australia's quarantine rules for pets from South Africa are strict and take months. Start early.
- Superannuation (retirement savings) is paid by your employer on top of your salary. Check it's included in your contract.
Official sources
Before you go, work through our emigration checklist and read up on SARS and tax residency.
Visa-sponsored jobs in Australia
Broiler Farm Manager
Australia
🇦🇺 BROILER FARM MANAGER | AUSTRALIA An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Broiler Farm Manager to join an established poultry operation in Australia. 🐔 What you’ll be responsible for: 🔹 Managing day-to-day broiler farm operations 🔹 Managing poultry health, welfare and production 🔹 Monitoring flock performance and production targets 🔹 Managing farm staff and daily…
Project Manager - Construction
Australia
🇦🇺 PROJECT MANAGER – CONSTRUCTION | PERTH, WA A growing commercial & civil construction business in Perth, Western Australia is looking for an experienced Project Manager to join their team. What you’ll be doing: 🔹 Managing multiple construction projects from handover to completion 🔹 Coordinating crews, labour, materials & plant 🔹 Client, engineer & site supervisor liaison 🔹 Site visits &…
Electrician
Australia
🇦🇺⚡ ELECTRICIAN – RELOCATE TO PERTH, WA! ⚡🇦🇺 🇿🇦 ARE YOU A SOUTH AFRICAN ELECTRICIAN READY FOR A NEW ADVENTURE? We are looking for an experienced Electrician for a fantastic full-time opportunity in Neerabup, Perth, Western Australia! 🇦🇺 If you're ready to take your electrical career to Australia, experience the incredible Perth lifestyle, and build your future in Western Australia — this…
Industrial Electrician
Perth
🇦🇺⚡ INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN – RELOCATE TO PERTH, WA! ⚡🇦🇺 🔥 READY FOR A NEW LIFE IN PERTH? Are you an experienced Industrial Electrician dreaming of making the move to Australia? This could be your opportunity to take your electrical career to Western Australia and start your next chapter in Perth! 🌴☀️🇦🇺 We are looking for an experienced Industrial Electrician to join an established…
A taste of home in Australia
African Vibe Biltong
African · 🇦🇺 Australia
Mufasa Biltong
Deli · 🇦🇺 Australia
The South African Shop
Supermarket · Templestowe · 🇦🇺 Australia
112 James Street, 3106