Australia vs. Korea: Immigration Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities - Visa, Age limits, and Top nationality

Australia has long been a well-known immigration destination, while Korea has traditionally not been. 

Recently, more people are considering moving to Korea—why is this happening? 

This blog will explore the latest immigration trends, including: 

  • Immigration statistics for both countries 
  • The ease of immigration and popular visa pathways
  • Top immigrant nationalities in each country
  • The growing Indian immigrant population
  • Key residency requirements, age limits, and tests




1. Immigration Statistics: Australia vs. Korea

Australia: 

  • 29.1% of residents are foreign-born (~7.5 million people).
  • Top immigrant countries include India, China, and the UK.
Korea:

  • Historically a homogenous country, but now seeing an increase in foreign residents.
  • Key immigrant groups include Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipinos.

2. Immigration Pathways: How Easy Is It to Move?

Australia:

  • Points-based skilled migration is the most common pathway.
  • Other visa options: family, student, and business(work) visas.
  • English proficiency and work experience are key factors. 

Korea:

  • Stricter immigration rules, but slowly changing due to workforce shortages.
  • Common visas: work visas (E-7), student visas (D-2), and residency (F-2).
  • Language barriers and cultural adaptation can be challenges.

3. Who Is Moving? Top Nationalities in Each Country

Australia’s Top Immigrant Groups:

  1. India (753,520 residents)
  2. China
  3. UK
  4. Philippines
  5. Vietnam
  6. South Korea (108,810 residents) 

Korea’s Top Immigrant Groups:

  1. China (including ethnic Koreans)
  2. Vietnam
  3. Thailand
  4. The Philippines
  5. Increasing numbers from India and Western countries

4. The Growing Indian Immigrant Population

  • Indian immigrants are now among the largest groups in both Australia and Canada.
  • India is a major source of skilled workers, students, and business migrants.
  • Are Indians also moving to Korea?
    • Yes, but in much smaller numbers.
    • Many work in IT, academia, or multinational corporations.

5. Popular Visa Types in Australia and Korea

Australia

  • Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) – For professionals without sponsorship.
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) – Requires state nomination.
  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) – Employer-sponsored.
  • Student Visa (subclass 500) – For higher education.
  • Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) – For spouses of Australian citizens.

Korea

  • E-2 Visa – English teachers.
  • E-7 Visa – For skilled professionals in various fields.
  • D-2 Visa – International students.
  • F-2 Visa – Residency visa (long-term stay).
  • F-6 Visa – Marriage migrant visa.

6. Age Limits & Tests for Permanent Residency

Australia

  • Most skilled visas require applicants to be under 45 years old.
  • English language tests (IELTS, PTE) required for skilled migration.

Korea

  • No strict age limit, but younger applicants may have an advantage for work visas.
  • Korean language ability (TOPIK test) may be required for residency.

Conclusion

  • Australia remains a top destination for immigrants, but South Korea is emerging as an option, especially for skilled professionals and students.

  • The reasons behind immigration policies in both countries reflect global demographic and economic changes, like workforce gaps, aging population crisis, and global competitiveness etc. 

  • Indian immigrants are leading in numbers in Australia and Canada, and their presence in South Korea is growing.

  • Immigration requirements, visa types, and residency conditions vary greatly between the two countries.

  • If considering a move, research visa options carefully and prepare for language and cultural differences.

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