Question by unsure: What is the first step to immigrating to australia from south africa?
I am interested in immigrating to australia, but i dont know where is the best place to start. Do i look for a sponser first or do i apply for a visa first? or what should i do?

Best answer:

Answer by Pinkpout
The decision
1. Make the decision to immigrate
2. Make the decision to apply for a visa yourself or to use an immigration agent.
3. Start reading the www.immi.gov.au website. Spend hours reading about all the different visa options and who they are for. It is a fantastic website and most of your questions will be answered there.
4. Register as a user on www.saaustralia.org and make your first post in the foyer thread. Do not be a lurker who reads and takes but never contributes or helps. If you get help by reading then try give help to others. No one expects you to be an expert before you post, and no one is going to hold you personally accountable if you give a wrong answer to someone’s question. All we really want is an opinion from people who are in the same boat.

The Visa application process
5. Choose which visa is best for you and your situation.
6. Start collecting the required documents for your particular visa.
7. Get multiple passport sized photographs. You will need about 8-10 per person. (You even need photo for the customs department that inspects your container.)
8. Apply for passports
9. Apply for all family member’s unabridged birth certificates from home affairs
10. Apply for unabridged marriage certificate from Home Affairs or get proof of De Facto relationship.
11. Get certified copy of custody documents (and access arrangements) / adoption papers (if applicable to dependents)
12. Apply for military discharge papers from the Defence force if you did National Service.
13. Book to write your IELTS exam with the British Council if required
14. Apply for academic transcripts from your university
15. Apply for a letter from your university saying the course was taught in English (if not using IELTS to prove English speaking ability)
16. Apply for a letter from your High School saying the medium of instruction was taught in English (if not using IELTS to prove English speaking ability)
17. Get certified copies of all academic qualifications
18. Get certified copies of all licenses you hold to practise your profession
19. Ask for detailed references from all places that you have worked (previous and current)
20. Apply for skills recognition/assessment from the relevant Australian skills assessing authority. See document 1121.pdf for all assessing bodies.
21. Make a curriculum Vitae (this is not only for looking for work but needs to be attached to some visa applications)
22. Study up on the different areas in Australia.
23. Do an LSD (look-see-decide) trip - either actual or virtual - to help make the decision. For a virtual tour use Google Earth / Google Maps http://www.google.com.au or go to http://www.migrate360.com (provides incredible 360 degree photos of Perth, its suburbs, various streets - unfortunately Perth only).
24. Choose where in Australia you would want to live.
25. Secure work in Australia from an employer who is willing to sponsor you to DIAC (if not going the independent route)
26. Get a formal letter of appointment signed by both employer and employee
27. Complete your character Assessment (Form 80)
28. Apply for police clearance certificate
29. Book your medical exams (form 26 for medical and form 160 for x-rays)
30. Read and sign the Statement of Australian Values (Form 1281)
31. Get a copy of Regional Certification Body approval (if applicable)
32. Get a copy of the Nomination approval letter
33. Submit your visa application
34. Get your "visa approved" letter
35. Book your airplane tickets through IOM (International Organisation for Migration) who often provide cheaper one way tickets and increased luggage allowance.

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