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If you’re sitting in Lagos or anywhere else dreaming about packing up your family and starting fresh in Australia, you’re in good company. The beaches, the schools, the jobs, the safety—it’s a powerful pull. But making it happen with a spouse and kids means dealing with visas, real costs, paperwork mountains, and making sure everyone’s health is covered from the moment you land.
I’ve tracked Australian immigration trends closely, and I’ve seen what actually works for families right now in 2026. This post walks you through the most realistic paths, the exact steps, updated costs based on the latest rules, and how to handle insurance properly so you don’t get caught out. Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Australia Remains a Top Choice for Families in 2026
Australia keeps ranking near the top globally for family life—great public education (free for permanent residents), solid healthcare once you’re in the system, safe neighborhoods, and a lifestyle that actually lets you enjoy weekends with the kids. Wages in skilled fields like IT, nursing, engineering, teaching, and trades are still strong, and there’s a clear road to citizenship after a few years.
The 2025–26 permanent Migration Program is set at 185,000 places (unchanged from last year). About 71% (132,200 places) go to skilled migration—perfect for families where one person qualifies and brings dependents. The family stream gets around 52,500 places, mostly partner visas if you already have ties.
For most foreigners without Aussie relatives, skilled migration is your best shot at bringing the whole family to permanent residency (PR).
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Main Visa Options for Families Migrating Together
1. Skilled Migration Pathways (The Go-To for Most Families)
These are points-based and let you add your partner and dependent children as secondary applicants.
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent: No sponsor needed. Live/work anywhere. Needs high points (often 85–95+ now because of competition).
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated: State/territory nomination gives +5 points. You commit to living in that state for 2 years—often easier to get invited.
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional): 5-year provisional visa, leads to PR after 3 years in a regional area. Lower points needed, family-friendly because housing and schools are more affordable outside big cities.
Core requirements (main applicant):
- Under 45 at invitation time
- Positive skills assessment for an occupation on the current list
- Competent English (IELTS 6+ or equivalent; higher = more points)
- At least 65 points (realistically much higher for invites)
Your partner and kids (under 18, or dependent students/disabled adults) come along. Prove the relationship and that you can support them.
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2. Partner/Family Visas (If You Have Connections)
If your spouse is already an Australian citizen/PR, go for the Partner Visa (309/100 offshore or 820/801 onshore). It’s a two-stage process and you can include dependent children. Parent and other family visas exist but are slower, more expensive, and have long queues.
Skilled route usually wins for speed and certainty if you’re starting from zero ties.
Australia Awards Scholarships: A Fully Funded Study Path to Australia (Great for Families in 2026)
If skilled migration feels out of reach right now or you’re looking for a way to study in Australia without massive costs, the Australia Awards Scholarships could be your golden ticket. These are prestigious, fully funded awards from the Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – DFAT) aimed at emerging leaders from developing countries, including Nigeria and many African nations.
They cover full-time undergraduate, master’s, or (select) PhD studies at top Australian universities. The big win for families? Successful awardees can bring their spouse and dependent children to Australia on dependent visas—though the scholarship itself doesn’t fund family travel or living costs. Many families use this route as a stepping stone: study first, gain skills/experience, then transition to work visas or PR later.
Key Benefits of Australia Awards Scholarships
- Full tuition fees
- Return airfares
- Establishment allowance
- Contribution to living expenses (CLE) stipend
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the awardee
- Introductory Academic Program
- Possible pre-course English training
Important note for families: The Australian Government does NOT provide extra financial support for dependents. You (the awardee) must prove you can support your spouse and kids financially for their visa applications, including showing sufficient funds for living costs (roughly AUD 7,100+ per year for a spouse, AUD 3,000+ per child extra). No funding for family flights or daily expenses from the scholarship.
Eligibility Basics (2026/2027 Intake)
Check if Nigeria/your country is participating—most African countries are under Australia Awards Africa. General requirements:
- Citizen/resident of a participating developing country (Nigeria qualifies)
- Not holding Australian/NZ citizenship or PR
- Minimum 18 years old (some age caps, e.g., under 50 in certain programs)
- Strong academic record and work experience in priority areas (e.g., education, health, agriculture, governance—check your country profile)
- Commitment to return home for at least 2 years after studies (to contribute to development)
- Meet English requirements (often IELTS/PTE, but some flexibility or pre-training provided)
Family status: You can be married/with kids when applying—no bar to having dependents.
How & Where to Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships 2026/2027
Applications for the 2027 intake opened around February 2026 (check exact dates—often Feb to April/May depending on country). It’s competitive, so start early!
- Check your country profile & dates – Go to the official site: dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards. Select your participating country (e.g., Africa region at australiaawardsafrica.org for Nigerians). See opening/closing dates, priority fields, and eligibility specifics.
- Read the Policy Handbook – Download the latest Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook from the DFAT site (updated versions cover family/dependent rules in detail).
- Apply online – Most countries use the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS) at oasis.dfat.gov.au. Create an account, fill the form, upload docs (CV, academic transcripts, work refs, passport, development impact statement, etc.). Some countries (e.g., Indonesia/Philippines) have separate portals—check your profile.
- Submit & wait – Selection involves shortlisting, interviews, etc. If successful, you’ll get pre-departure briefing on family visas.
Pro tip for Nigerians: Visit australiaawardsafrica.org for Africa-specific info, webinars, and support. Applications are free—no fees to apply.
Bringing Your Family on Australia Awards (Dependent Visas)
Yes—spouse and dependent children (unmarried, usually under 18) can join you.
- Visa type: Subclass 500 Student Dependent visa.
- When: Often after you arrive, start your course, and get university approval. Some apply together initially if listed on your visa app.
- How to apply: Through ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. You’ll need a ‘No Objection Letter’ from DFAT/Australia Awards (arranged via your program contact after arrival/on-course). Prove financial capacity (funds for family living costs).
- Spouse work rights: Usually full-time work allowed on dependent visa—huge help for family finances!
- Timeline tip: Many families wait 6 months after arrival for the awardee to settle before dependents join.
Short Course Awards don’t allow dependents—only long-term Scholarships do.
This route isn’t “easy” migration—it’s study-focused with return obligations—but it’s fully funded, builds qualifications, and opens doors to stay longer via post-study work visas or skilled migration later. If you’re in education, public sector, or development fields, it’s worth checking today.
Head to dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-scholarships or your regional site to start. Questions on Nigeria-specific deadlines or docs? Drop them below!
Step-by-Step Process to Migrate with Your Family
- Check eligibility first – Use the free points calculator on the Department of Home Affairs site. Include age, English, work experience, qualifications, and any partner skills.
- Get skills assessment – From the right authority (e.g., VETASSESS, Engineers Australia). Takes weeks/months, costs $500–$1,500+.
- English test – IELTS, PTE, etc. Aim high for points.
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect – Free, be accurate.
- Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA) – 60 days to lodge once invited.
- Lodge full application via ImmiAccount. Include everyone: passports, birth/marriage certs, police checks (16+), health exams, relationship proof.
- Processing & decision – Several months typically. Respond fast to any requests.
- Visa grant → Move! Book flights, ship stuff, arrive, and start settling.
Tip: Add family members from day one. Adding later is possible but extra hassle.
Real Costs for a Family Migration in 2026
It’s not cheap—plan carefully.
Visa application charges (approximate, check official site for exacts):
- Main skilled applicant: around AUD 4,500–6,500
- Partner: extra ~AUD 2,500
- Each child under 18: ~AUD 1,250
- Family of 4 total: often AUD 8,000–12,000+
Other upfront costs:
- Skills assessment, English tests, medicals, police checks: AUD 2,000–5,000 family total
- Flights + shipping: AUD 5,000–12,000+
- First 3–6 months buffer (rent, food, setup): AUD 20,000–40,000 minimum
Monthly living (family of 4, 2026 estimates):
- Sydney/Melbourne: AUD 6,500–9,000
- Brisbane/Perth: AUD 6,000–7,500
- Regional: AUD 5,000–6,500 (cheaper rent/jobs easier)
Save 6–12 months’ expenses before moving. Both adults working makes a huge difference fast.
Health Insurance for New Migrant Families – Don’t Skip This
Medicare – Your Main Safety Net
As a permanent visa holder, your family qualifies for Medicare right after arrival (or even from application date in some cases). It covers:
- Doctor visits (bulk-billed often free)
- Public hospital care
- Subsidized prescriptions
Enrol online via myGov or at a Medicare office ~7–10 days after landing. Bring passports and visa grant notice. Coverage kicks in quickly for PR holders.
Why Add Private Health Insurance Anyway?
Medicare doesn’t cover everything:
- Private hospital (shorter waits for elective surgery)
- Dental, optical, physio, extras
- Ambulance in some states
- Avoid Medicare Levy Surcharge tax if income rises
New migrants usually avoid Lifetime Health Cover loading penalties if you buy hospital cover within set time limits after Medicare eligibility (often by age 31 or within 12 months of enrolling).
Compare on privatehealth.gov.au. Family policies run AUD 150–450+/month depending on cover level and ages. Get hospital + extras for peace of mind.
Other must-haves:
- Home/contents insurance (protect shipped goods)
- Car insurance (comprehensive recommended)
- Life/income protection (especially with dependents)
Step-by-Step Process to Migrate with Your Family (Including Exactly How & Where to Apply for the Visa)
- Check eligibility first – Go to the official Department of Home Affairs website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Use their free Visa Finder tool or points calculator to see if skilled migration fits. Factor in your age, English, work experience, etc.
- Get skills assessment – Contact the assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., VETASSESS for many trades/professions, Engineers Australia for engineers). Costs $500–$1,500+, takes weeks to months. Find the right one via the Home Affairs site under “Skills assessment.”
- English test – Book IELTS, PTE, or another approved test. Higher scores boost points.
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) – Create a free account on SkillSelect (linked from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). Submit your EOI—no fee, but be accurate and detailed.
- Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA) – If points are competitive, you’ll get an invitation via SkillSelect. You have 60 days to lodge.
- Lodge the full visa application – THIS IS WHERE YOU APPLY
Where: Everything happens online through ImmiAccount, the official portal of the Department of Home Affairs.
How to apply:- Go to online.immi.gov.au (or search “create ImmiAccount” on the Home Affairs site).
- Create an ImmiAccount if you don’t have one—use a valid email, set strong security, and link it to receive updates.
- Once logged in, start a new application: Select your visa subclass (e.g., 189, 190, or 491), add family members as secondary applicants.
- Upload all docs: passports, birth/marriage certificates, skills assessment, English results, police clearances (everyone 16+ from your home country and any lived-in places), health exams (book via approved panel physicians—find them on the Home Affairs site), relationship proof (joint bills, photos, etc.), and pay the visa fee online.
- Submit and track progress in your ImmiAccount dashboard. Respond quickly to any requests for more info.
Processing takes several months (check current times on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times). No paper applications for these skilled visas—online only via ImmiAccount.
- Visa grant → Move! You’ll get a grant notice digitally linked to passports. Book flights, ship belongings, and prepare arrival.
Pro tip: Use only the official site—avoid third-party “agents” promising faster processing unless they’re MARA-registered (check mara.gov.au). ImmiAccount is secure, free to create, and the only way to lodge most skilled visas from outside Australia.
Health Insurance for New Migrant Families – Where & How to Get It
Medicare – Public Healthcare (Free/Subsidized for PR Holders)
As soon as you arrive on a permanent visa, your family qualifies for Medicare. It covers doctor visits, public hospitals, and subsidized meds.
Where & how to enroll:
- Online (easiest & fastest): Link to myGov (my.gov.au) – create/link a myGov account if you don’t have one (you’ll need it for Tax File Number anyway). Then link Medicare service and select “Enrol in Medicare.” Upload passport/ImmiCard/visa grant notice. Do this ~7–10 days after arrival; track progress online.
- In person or mail: Visit a Medicare Service Centre (find locations on servicesaustralia.gov.au) with passports, visa grant, and proof of address. Or download the Medicare enrolment form from servicesaustralia.gov.au and mail/email it to Medicare Enrolment Services.
Coverage usually starts right away for PR holders—bring proof when seeing doctors initially. For family enrollment, include partner/kids in the same application.
Private Health Insurance – Essential Add-On for Faster/Better Care
Medicare has waits for non-urgent surgery and doesn’t cover dental, optical, physio, ambulance (in some states), or private hospitals. Private cover fills those gaps and avoids extra taxes (Medicare Levy Surcharge) once earning more.
New migrants get a grace period to buy without age-based “Lifetime Health Cover” loading penalties—usually within 12 months of Medicare eligibility or by a certain age cutoff.
Where & how to buy/compare:
- Best starting point: Use the official government comparison site privatehealth.gov.au. Search family policies, filter by hospital + extras cover, see prices from all major insurers (Bupa, Medibank, HCF, nib, etc.). Enter your ages, location, and needs.
- Direct from insurers: Visit sites like bupa.com.au, medibank.com.au, hcf.com.au, or nib.com.au. Many have “new migrant” or “family” packages with online quotes in minutes. Buy directly or via comparison sites like finder.com.au or canstar.com.au for deals.
- Cost example (2026 family of 4): Basic hospital + extras ~AUD 200–450/month depending on level, ages, and state. Shop around—promos often apply for new joiners.
Get it soon after arrival (or even before if planning elective care). Policies start quickly, and you can switch later with portability rules.
Other insurances to sort: Contents (for shipped goods—try comparethemarket.com.au), car (once you buy/register one), and life/income protection (via super funds or direct).
Practical Settling Tips for Families
- Housing: regional/outer suburbs easier & cheaper. Check realestate.com.au or domain.com.au.
- Jobs: Use Seek, LinkedIn, state networks. Many land work in 3–6 months.
- Schools: Public is free/excellent for PR kids. Enrol early.
- Basics: Open Aussie bank account, get TFN online, transfer driver’s licence (many countries reciprocal).
- Adjustment: Join Facebook expat groups, playgroups. Kids settle faster than you think.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
- Underestimating costs → Budget conservatively, target regional areas.
- Job hunt slow → Network hard, consider slight step-down start.
- Kids struggling → Involve them, keep routines.
- Complex case → Use a MARA-registered migration agent (worth it for tricky situations).
Wrapping Up: Your Family’s Aussie Chapter Starts Here
Migrating with family takes planning, savings, and patience—but thousands of families do it successfully every year. The payoff? Better schools, lifestyle, opportunities, and security for your kids long-term.
Head to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au today and run your points test. Get Medicare rolling the minute you arrive, then layer on private cover. If your occupation, points, or state choice has you stuck, drop a comment—I can point you to the freshest resources.
Australia’s been welcoming families forever. With solid prep, yours could be next.
Disclaimer: Rules, fees, and processing times change. Always verify on the official Department of Home Affairs website. This is general info—not personalized migration advice.
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