Country Guide
Migrate to Australia
Australia's skilled migration program is one of the world's most structured, offering clear pathways from temporary work to permanent residency and citizenship.
AUD $98,000
Average Full-Time Salary (2025)
Why Australia?
High minimum wage — AUD $24.10/hr, one of the highest globally
Universal healthcare through Medicare for all permanent residents
Strong worker protections including 4 weeks paid annual leave by law
Diverse economy spanning mining, tech, healthcare, and agriculture
Pathway to citizenship after 4 years of permanent residency
Safe, multicultural society with over 30% of residents born overseas
Key Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Population | 27.1 million (2025) |
| Official Language | English |
| Currency | Australian Dollar (AUD) |
| National Minimum Wage | AUD $24.10 / hour |
| Healthcare System | Universal public (Medicare) |
| Key Programs | Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482, 494 |
Visa Pathways
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Points-tested permanent residency visa for workers whose occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List. No employer or state sponsorship required. Assessed on age, English level, qualifications, and work experience.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Similar to the 189 but requires nomination by a state or territory government. Adds 5 points to your assessment and often has lower overall thresholds than the independent stream.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa lasting 2-4 years. Available for occupations on the short-term or medium-term skill shortage lists. Can lead to permanent residency via the 186 visa.
Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)
Provisional 5-year visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. Adds 15 points for state/territory nomination and provides a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
Cost of Living Snapshot
Average monthly costs in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Rent (City Centre) | AUD $2,000 – $2,800 / month |
| Groceries (Single Person) | AUD $400 – $600 / month |
| Public Transport Pass | AUD $150 – $200 / month |
| Internet (50 Mbps+) | AUD $60 – $100 / month |
| Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water) | AUD $200 – $300 / month |
In-Demand Occupations
Registered Nurses & Midwives
Software Developers & Cybersecurity Analysts
Civil & Structural Engineers
Electricians, Plumbers & Carpenters
Chefs & Hospitality Managers
Secondary School Teachers
Accountants & Auditors
Medical Practitioners & GPs
Frequently Asked Questions
What points score do I need for Australia's Skilled Independent visa?
You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but competitive invitation rounds in 2025 typically require 80-90 points for most occupations. High-demand fields like nursing and engineering sometimes receive invitations at lower scores.
How long does the Australian visa process take?
Processing times vary by subclass. The Subclass 189 currently takes 6-12 months. Employer-sponsored 482 visas average 3-6 months. State-nominated 190 visas take 8-12 months including state processing time.
Is healthcare free in Australia for migrants?
Permanent residents have full access to Medicare, Australia's universal healthcare system. Temporary visa holders from countries with reciprocal agreements (e.g., UK, Ireland, NZ) also get limited Medicare access. Others need private health insurance.
Can I get permanent residency from a temporary work visa?
Yes. The Subclass 482 (medium-term stream) can transition to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) after 2-3 years of employment with the sponsoring employer.
Start Your Australian Migration Journey
Let our team evaluate your skills assessment, points score, and visa options for Australia.
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