Even though moving to a new nation usually entails large costs, if you prepare well and make the most of your alternatives, you can move to Australia on a shoestring budget. This is the way you can do that.
Is It Possible to Move to Australia Without Money?
Yes, It is feasible, but only with careful planning, ingenuity, and a strong dedication. If you are coming to Australia on a shoestring, you will have to rely on sponsorships for your visa, employment prospects, and reasonably priced or free support networks to get by.
Below are the essential steps to successfully move to Australia with minimal financial resources.
Step 1: Research Visa Options That Offer Employment
In order to relocate and work in Australia, a variety of visa alternatives are available. It’s easier to pay living expenses when you may work as soon as you arrive thanks to a lot of these visas.
The visa options you listed offer diverse pathways for individuals seeking work opportunities in Australia. Here’s a summary of the key differences, benefits, and challenges of each visa:
Here are the key visa options that allow you to work legally in Australia:
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)
- Overview: A flexible visa for young travelers (18-30 or 35) who want to work and explore Australia.
- Eligibility: Citizens from specific countries like the UK, USA, Canada. Health, character, and financial requirements apply.
- Benefits: Work while traveling and possibly extend the visa by doing specific types of work, like farm work.
- Challenges: Requires savings to apply, and only allows you to work for up to six months with one employer.
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
- Overview: Allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers.
- Eligibility: Your occupation must be on the Short-Term or Medium/Long-Term Skilled Occupation Lists, plus English proficiency and relevant work experience.
- Benefits: Employer sponsorship covers some visa and moving costs, making relocation easier.
- Challenges: Finding a job with sponsorship from an Australian employer can be time-consuming.
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Overview: A visa for skilled workers in high-demand fields without the need for employer sponsorship.
- Eligibility: Requires at least 65 points on a points-based system (considering age, skills, and English proficiency).
- Benefits: Offers permanent residency, allowing indefinite stay and work.
- Challenges: The application process is lengthy, with upfront costs for assessments and paperwork.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187)
- Overview: Designed to attract skilled workers to regional areas, leading to permanent residency.
- Eligibility: Job offer from an approved employer in a regional area.
- Benefits: Lower living costs and potential employer support for relocation.
- Challenges: Regional job opportunities may be more limited compared to larger cities.
Step 2: Secure a Job Before You Arrive
You will need to find employment prior to moving to Australia if you plan to do it on a shoestring. Possessing a job offer will guarantee you have a source of income upon arrival in addition to streamlining the visa application procedure. Here’s how foreigners can go about getting employment in Australia:
Research Industries in Demand
Key Sectors: Australia faces labor shortages in key sectors like healthcare, construction, hospitality, and agriculture. Focus on industries that actively recruit foreign workers and offer visa sponsorship.
In-Demand Occupations: High-demand roles include nurses, electricians, carpenters, chefs, and IT professionals. If you have expertise in these areas, you’ll have a stronger chance of securing employment.
Use Online Job Boards
Platforms like Seek (seek.com.au) and Indeed Australia (au.indeed.com) are great resources for finding job opportunities. Look for positions that specify visa sponsorship or are in sectors facing worker shortages.
LinkedIn: Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and actively engage with Australian employers and recruiters. Networking on LinkedIn can often lead to job offers.
Apply for Jobs in Regional Areas
Regional areas in Australia typically have fewer job seekers, increasing your chances of employment. These areas often offer visa sponsorship and come with lower living costs compared to cities like Sydney or Melbourne.
Consider Temporary or Seasonal Work
Short-term jobs, such as fruit picking, hospitality, or tourism roles, often provide visa sponsorship and allow you to earn money soon after arriving. These can serve as stepping stones while you search for more permanent opportunities.
Step 3: Leverage Accommodation and Relocation Assistance
Moving to Australia with Minimal Funds
Here are some ways to reduce living expenses when moving to Australia with little money:
Employer-Sponsored Accommodation:
If you secure a job before arrival, some employers may provide temporary housing or relocation assistance. This can help significantly lower your living costs during the first few months.
Hostels and Budget Accommodation:
For those on a Working Holiday Visa, hostels are an affordable choice while searching for longer-term housing. Many hostels offer work-for-accommodation programs, allowing you to stay for free in exchange for a few hours of work daily.
Couchsurfing or Staying with Friends/Family:
If you have friends or family in Australia, ask if you can stay with them temporarily while you get settled. Alternatively, platforms like Couchsurfing.com connect travelers with locals who offer free accommodation, helping you save on housing costs.
Step 4: Plan for Basic Living Expenses
While you may be able to minimize costs by securing accommodation and a job before arrival, you will still need to cover basic living expenses, such as food and transportation, during your first few weeks. Here’s how to manage:
- Budget Carefully
- Australia has a relatively high cost of living, so you’ll need to budget wisely. Use apps like Mint or YNAB to track your expenses and ensure you’re not overspending.
- Cost of Living: A basic meal can cost around AUD 15-20, while rent in major cities may range from AUD 300-500 per week. Regional areas tend to be more affordable.
- Look for Free or Affordable Resources
- Take advantage of free resources, such as public transportation passes, community centers, or free events in the area where you’ll be staying.
- Many supermarkets offer discounted food near closing time, which can help reduce grocery costs.
Step 5: Build a Support Network
Building a Support Network When Moving with Limited Resources
Join Online Communities:
Engage with expat-focused Facebook groups, Reddit forums, and other online communities to get advice, job leads, and emotional support. Popular groups like “Australians Expats and Friends” and “Moving to Australia Advice” are great resources for connecting with others in similar situations.
Attend Networking Events:
After arriving, attend local networking events, job fairs, and community gatherings to meet new people. These connections can help you with job referrals, housing opportunities, and general advice as you settle into your new environment.