How to Migrate to Australia from China: Complete 2026 Guide

Skilled Migration - Subclass 189/190 — Points-tested skilled visas for IT professionals, engineers, accountants, and healthcare workers - Subclass 491 — Regional skilled visa with a pathway to PR

Business & Investment - Subclass 188A — Business Innovation (for business owners with AUD $1.25M+ turnover) - Subclass 188B — Investor (AUD $2.5M designated investment) - Subclass 188C — Significant Investor (AUD $5M investment) - Subclass 188E — Entrepreneur

Student Pathway - Subclass 500 → Post-Study Work → PR. Very popular route for Chinese students.

Family - Partner visa (820/801) - Parent visa (143/103) — Very long wait times for standard; contributory is faster

The Significant Investor Visa (SIV, subclass 188C) has been particularly popular with Chinese applicants. Key requirements:

• - Invest AUD $5 million in complying investments
• - At least $500K in venture capital or growth private equity
• - At least $1.5M in approved managed funds
• - Remaining balance in balancing investments
• - Hold investment for 4 years
• - Pathway to permanent residency (subclass 888)

This visa does not require English language skills, a points test, or age limit — making it accessible for wealthy Chinese individuals who may not qualify for skilled migration.

Chinese qualifications are generally well-recognised in Australia, but you still need a formal skills assessment:

• - ACS (IT) — Chinese degrees from recognised universities are accepted
• - Engineers Australia — Chinese engineering degrees typically assessed as equivalent
• - CPA/CA — Accounting qualifications need assessment; additional units may be required
• - VETASSESS — For trades and general professional occupations

Processing times for Chinese applicants average 6-12 weeks depending on the assessing body.

Approximate costs in AUD:

• - Skills assessment: $500-1,500
• - English test (IELTS/PTE): $350-400
• - Visa application: $4,640 (subclass 189) or $9,390 (subclass 188C)
• - Migration agent: $3,000-15,000 (higher for business visas due to complexity)
• - Health exam: $300-500
• - Document translation and notarisation: $500-2,000

Business visa applicants should also budget for investment advisory fees and complying investment setup costs.

All Chinese documents must be translated into English by a NAATI-accredited translator. This includes:

• - Hukou (household registration)
• - Degree certificates and transcripts
• - Employment references
• - Business registration documents
• - Police clearance from the Public Security Bureau
• - Marriage and birth certificates

Using a non-NAATI translator will result in your documents being rejected.

Visit our dedicated China migration page for links to agents who speak your language, relevant visa types, and community resources.

You can also use our Cost Estimator to get a personalised cost breakdown, or our Points Calculator to check your skilled migration score.