How to Migrate to Australia: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Before anything else, you need to understand which visa pathway suits your situation. The main categories are:

• - Skilled migration — For workers with qualifications and experience in occupations Australia needs. This includes the Subclass 189 (independent), Subclass 190 (state nominated), and Subclass 491 (regional)
• - Employer sponsorship — Your Australian employer sponsors your visa (Subclass 482/186)
• - Family migration — Partner visas, parent visas, and other family stream visas
• - Student pathway — Start with a student visa, then transition to a graduate visa and eventually permanent residency
• - Business and investment — For entrepreneurs and investors (Subclass 188/888)

Check the Skilled Occupation List to see if your occupation is listed. Use our visa quiz for a quick assessment.

For skilled visas, you must have your qualifications assessed by the relevant Australian assessing authority. Each occupation has a designated authority:

• - Engineers: Engineers Australia
• - IT professionals: ACS (Australian Computer Society)
• - Accountants: CA ANZ, CPA, or IPA
• - Nurses: ANMAC
• - Teachers: AITSL
• - Tradespeople: TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)

The assessment compares your qualifications and experience against Australian standards. Processing times vary from 4 weeks to 6 months depending on the authority. Costs range from $500 to $1,500.

Read our detailed skills assessment guide for more information.

Most visa pathways require proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests include:

• - IELTS — The most widely accepted test
• - PTE Academic — Computer-based, fast results
• - TOEFL iBT — Accepted for most visa categories
• - OET — Specifically for healthcare professionals

Minimum scores depend on your visa type. For skilled visas, you generally need at least "competent English" (IELTS 6.0 each band), but higher scores earn more points. Healthcare professionals typically need IELTS 7.0 in each band.

Compare tests with our English test comparison tool.

For points-tested visas (189, 190, 491), you need a minimum of 65 points, though competitive scores are typically 80-90+. Points are awarded for:

• - Age — Maximum points for ages 25-32
• - English — Higher scores earn more points
• - Work experience — Both Australian and overseas
• - Education — Qualifications level
• - State nomination — 5 points (190) or 15 points (491)
• - Partner skills — If your partner also qualifies
• - Regional study — Studied in regional Australia

Use our points calculator to estimate your score. Read our points test explainer for detailed breakdowns.

For skilled visas, you submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs online system. Your EOI includes your points score, occupation, and preferred visa type.

The Department runs regular invitation rounds, selecting the highest-scoring candidates. Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge your full visa application.

Invitation scores vary by occupation and visa type. Some occupations are highly competitive (accounting, IT), while others receive invitations at lower scores (nursing, engineering specialisations).

After receiving an invitation (or directly for non-points-tested visas), you lodge your application online with:

• - Completed application forms
• - Skills assessment result
• - English test results
• - Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
• - Police clearances from every country you have lived in for 12+ months
• - Health examinations
• - Evidence of work experience
• - Qualification documents

Government visa fees range from $710 (student visa) to $48,365 (contributory parent visa). Skilled independent visas cost $4,640 for the primary applicant. Use our cost estimator for a full breakdown.

Processing times vary significantly by visa type:

• - Student visa: 1-4 weeks
• - Skilled independent (189): 6-12 months
• - State nominated (190): 6-9 months
• - Employer sponsored (482): 1-4 months
• - Partner visa: 15-30 months
• - Parent visa: 12-30+ years (non-contributory)

Check current processing times on our tools page. During processing, the Department may request additional documents or information.

For straightforward applications, you may be able to apply yourself. But for complex cases — skilled visas with borderline points, partner visas requiring extensive relationship evidence, or employer-sponsored visas — a MARA-registered migration agent can significantly improve your chances.

Agents typically charge $1,500-$8,000 depending on the visa type. Read our guide on migration agent costs and use our MARA check tool to verify any agent you are considering.