How to Move to Australia Without Money
The notion of relocating Down Under often seems daunting, especially when financial resources are limited. However, moving to Australia without much money is more achievable than you might think. Whether you’re drawn by Australia’s breathtaking landscapes or career prospects, a budget-friendly relocation is within reach. In this article, we will be showing you how to move to Australia without money, among other relevant information.
But before we proceed, it is important to know the kind of visa options for low-income earners.
Australian Immigration Pathways for Low-Income Earners
Immigration to Australia may appear financially stressful, especially for those who require proof of sufficient funds. However, there are visa pathways for people with low or no income and they include:
1. Working Holiday Visa
Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) is perfect for young people between the age of 18-30 years (or 35 years for certain countries) who wish to explore and travel to and within Australia while working to support themselves. This visa allows you to experience life in Australia for up to a year, and it provides the opportunity to do short-term work to pay for your living costs during your stay. It is suitable for those willing to fully engage in the culture of the country as working in such sectors as hospitality, farming, or tourism allows people to interact with the locals.
To be eligible, you have to present proof of funds to support yourself when you get there, around AUD 5000; and a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket back to your home country. This might sound like a disadvantage but these savings can come in handy when you are establishing yourself and searching for employment. The visa itself costs about AUD 510 but once you have been granted the visa, you can work to support your travel.
If one qualifies, the experience proves to be fulfilling, and most of the time, it often gives you the option to work and reside permanently in the country. You might also be able to apply for a second year working in some industries, such as agriculture, giving you the chance to travel around Australia and see more of the country.
2. Student Visa
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) enables international students to stay in Australia and study while also being able to work part-time. This visa is good for those willing to study and work to pay their bills and other expenses while in the country. Students are allowed to work for 48 hours a fortnight, which translates to 24 hours a week and can work full-time during school holidays. This enables students to pay bills and ensure they are financially independent to afford things like shelter and food.
However, many Australian universities and institutions provide scholarships and internships that would help cut tuition fees or living costs hence making becoming a student in Australia easier. The student visa can also be a bridging visa for those who plan to build a future in Australia, as some graduates may be eligible for the Post-Study Work stream, which enables employment in Australia upon graduation. The Student Visa is, therefore, an opportunity to study and, at the same time, gain experience for career growth in one of the world’s premier destinations for learning.
3. Skilled Migration Visas
Skilled workers are welcome in Australia, and skilled migration visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) are visa options for them. These visas are particularly suitable for people who possess qualifications or skills in areas that are likely to experience high demand. Unlike other visa categories, they do not require a lot of documents proving the ability to support yourself during your stay in Australia, especially if you have certain in-demand skills.
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) allows you to live and work in Australia and you do not need an employer’s sponsorship as long as you fulfil the required occupation standards as determined by the Department of Home Affairs. This enables those who possess the necessary qualifications to secure a job in Australia as soon as possible and, on top of that, have permanent residency that will unlock many opportunities.
4. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187)
The RSMS Visa (Subclass 187) offers a preferable opportunity for skilled workers who wish to work for Australia in regional territory. The purpose of this visa is to promote skilled employment in areas of low population density and grant permanent residency to the holder who secures an employment offer from the specified regional employer.
This visa must be sponsored by an employer in a specific regional area to guarantee that the applicant has a job before moving. Moving expenses may be covered by the employer, and given that the cost of living is relatively lower in rural areas compared to large cities, the cost of relocating is cheaper.
However, the variety of jobs may be lower in the region than in the city, and the availability of jobs depends on the sector. However, for people who want to engage with a new community and take advantage of the perks of regional living, this visa may be a fulfilling pathway to create a new life in the country.
How to Move to Australia Without Money
1. Look for Job Opportunities with Freebies before you Arrive
If you are thinking of migrating to Australia cheaply, then getting a job before you travel is a bonus. Finding a job that will cover basic expenses or even getting lucky to have a few perks like a house, is one of the best ways to relocate without a lot of money.
To get started, identify industries that have a problem of scarcity of human capital and are willing to employ foreigners. Healthcare, construction, hotel, and tourism industries usually require workers with and without skills, and these workers may be offered visas to work in the country. For instance, some of the common ones include nurses, electricians, chefs and seasonal employees who work in the agricultural industries. Getting a job in these areas can help make your visa process easier and offer a source of income from the start.
It may be daunting to look for a job from overseas, but doing it online can at least be done conveniently. Websites like Seek and Indeed Australia will post job positions that might sponsor a visa or hire foreign candidates first. LinkedIn is also beneficial for direct interaction with Australian employers & recruiters, who can potentially interview applicants remotely. Make sure that the skills that you post in your LinkedIn profile relate to the skills that will make you a worthy candidate for employment.
Rural areas in Australia also have specific job openings that are not as saturated with many people as those in the city or those with higher living costs. Skilled workers who find jobs in regional areas can get visas sponsored by their employers, hence, getting a job before arrival is made easier that way.
Australia’s gig economy may also offer flexibility for workers. Riding for Uber, delivering food through UberEats, or doing freelance work through Airtasker helps you earn on your own time. Such jobs are perfect for newcomers because they do not involve signing a contract for permanent employment and enable you to start earning right away.
2. Look for Cheap Housing Options
When arriving in Australia with little or no money, one has to plan on how to spend as little as possible once in the country. Employer-provided accommodation is one of the best ways of ensuring that you get accommodation at no cost since your employer will be the one to provide it. If you’re lucky enough to find a job before moving, some employers will either offer temporary accommodation or even help you with your relocation expenses which will greatly reduce your initial costs.
If you are on a Working Holiday Visa, hostels are ideal in a way as an affordable accommodation option while you look for a more permanent home. Most hostels all over Australia provide work for accommodation whereby you will be provided with free accommodation as you work for a few hours in the day. Besides, this way is more cost-effective, and you also can find people with similar interests with whom you can communicate.
Another way is to approach friends or relatives who have houses in Australia and ask if they can host you for some time. If you know someone in the town, it’s always good to stay with them as they help you get used to the new environment in a short time. Also, there is a website called Couchsurfing.com that connects hosts who are willing to offer their homes for free to travellers. It helps one to meet new people while, at the same time, reducing the cost of accommodation.
3. Network
If you are planning to migrate to Australia with little or no cash at your disposal, then, having a good network of friends once you get to the country is important. A good starting point would be to become an active member in online forums that are focused on expats living in Australia. Sites like Facebook and Reddit have subgroups like “Australians Expats and Friends,” and “Moving to Australia Advice.” These groups can provide good information and possible job opportunities and make the transition easier for you.
Also, do not ignore networking opportunities, even if they are held online. Sites like Meetup and InterNations usually offer information about events for people who are new to a location, so one can find other people who can tell about their experience and tips on living in Australia. Getting recommendations for jobs and places to live before you get there is helpful if you’re moving without much cash.
Another great way to grow your network and guarantee a place to stay is through volunteering. There are several platforms like Workaway and HelpX that let you trade your skills and time for accommodation and food. You could work on a farm, in a hostel or even in a family home, and at the same time pay your bills. This not only saves you money but also enables you to interact with the people and get a feel of the Australian culture before you are fully involved.
Tips to Help You Settle in Australia With Little or No Money
Living in Australia with little cash means that one has to change the way he or she thinks about spending money. Here are some easy tips to help you manage your expenses:
1. Use Public Transport
Public transport in Australia is relatively efficient. Try to replace taxis and ride-sharing services with buses, trams, and trains. It is recommended to get a transport card, such as an Opal card used in Sydney, to get cheaper prices for the ride.
2. Cook Your Own Meals
It is worth noting that the cost of food in Australia can be relatively high, particularly when eating out. Reduce your expenses by buying your groceries from cheap outlets such as ALDI and preparing your own food. This will assist you in saving your hard-earned money from being spent on take-out and restaurant meals.
3. Find Free Activities
Australia is not a very expensive country and there are many free activities that tourists can engage in. Why don’t you go out and visit the parks, beaches and see the natural scenery for free? You can also take part in other activities such as visiting free events, galleries, and other cultural attractions in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
4. Be on the Lookout for Government and Community Support Programs
Australia has many programs for new migrants especially those in need of financial assistance:
a. Centrelink
This is the government welfare program that assists residents by offering them financial support. Most benefits are available to permanent residents, but some new migrants holding certain visas may receive some level of support if they are seeking employment or experiencing financial difficulties.
b. Community Centers
Most of the community centres provide services at little or no cost to people, such as food assistance, employment services, and shelter. These may be wonderful tools as you transition to your new life and try to get accustomed to it.
Conclusion
Moving to Australia with limited financial resources may seem challenging, but with careful planning and a proactive approach, it’s entirely achievable. If you have been worried about how to move to Australia without money, then we hope this article has been of tremendous help to you.
