How to Get Started Migrating to Australia: First Steps Guide

Start by asking yourself these questions:

• - Do you have a skilled occupation? (IT, engineering, healthcare, trades, accounting) → Look at skilled visas (189, 190, 491)
• - Does an Australian employer want to hire you? → Employer sponsored visa (482, 186)
• - Are you in a relationship with an Australian? → Partner visa (820/801)
• - Do you want to study in Australia? → Student visa (500)
• - Are you under 35 with a qualifying passport? → Working holiday visa (417/462)
• - Do you have $5M+ to invest? → Business investment visa (188)

Not sure? Try our Visa Quiz — it asks you a few questions and recommends the best visa for your situation.

You can also compare visa types side by side to see the differences in cost, processing time, and requirements.

If you're going down the skilled migration route, you need at least 65 points. Most successful applicants score 75-90.

Points are based on: - Age (maximum at 25-32) - English ability (20 points for superior English) - Work experience (up to 20 points) - Qualifications (up to 20 points) - Australian study, partner skills, regional study, community language

Use our Points Calculator to estimate your score right now. It takes about 2 minutes.

Migration to Australia is not cheap. Typical total costs range from $8,000 to $20,000 AUD depending on the visa type. This includes:

• - Visa application fees ($1,600 - $8,850)
• - Skills assessment ($500 - $1,500)
• - English language test ($350 - $400)
• - Migration agent fees ($2,000 - $10,000)
• - Health examinations ($300 - $500)
• - Police clearances ($50 - $200)

Use our Cost Estimator for a breakdown based on your specific visa type.

Important: these costs do not include relocation expenses (flights, accommodation, settling in).

Strictly speaking, no — you can apply for any visa yourself. But most people benefit from professional help because:

• - The application forms are complex (a single mistake can cause refusal)
• - An agent knows which evidence to provide and how to present it
• - They can identify the best pathway for your situation
• - They handle communication with the Department of Home Affairs
• - Refusal rates are higher for unrepresented applicants

A MARA-registered agent is legally required to act in your best interest and follow a code of conduct. Always check an agent is registered using our MARA Check tool before engaging them.

Read more: Do I Need a Migration Agent?

Start collecting documents early — this is often the longest part of the process.

Common documents needed for most visas: - Passport (certified copy) - Birth certificate - Qualification certificates and transcripts - Employment reference letters - English test results - Police clearances from every country you've lived in for 12+ months

Use our Document Checklist Generator to get a personalised list for your specific visa type.

Month 1-2: Research visa options, check points score, consult a migration agent Month 2-4: Skills assessment application, English test, start gathering documents Month 4-6: Lodge visa application (EOI for skilled visas) Month 6-18: Wait for processing (varies hugely by visa type)

Total: 12-24 months for most skilled visas. Partner visas take 2-3 years total. Student visas can be processed in weeks.

Check our Processing Times page for current estimates by visa type.

1. Applying for the wrong visa — Get professional advice before committing
2. Not checking the skilled occupation list — Your occupation must be listed
3. Underestimating English requirements — Start preparation early
4. Submitting incomplete applications — The #1 cause of delays and refusals
5. Using unregistered agents — Only use MARA-registered agents
6. Waiting too long — Age points decrease after 32, immigration policy changes frequently
7. Not keeping copies — Keep copies of everything you submit