How to Migrate to Australia from India: Complete 2026 Guide

The most popular routes for Indian migrants include:

• - Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) — Points-tested, no employer or state sponsorship needed. Ideal for IT professionals, engineers, accountants, and healthcare workers.
• - Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) — State-sponsored, adds 5 points to your score. Each state has different occupation lists.
• - Employer Sponsored Visa (subclass 482/494) — Your Australian employer sponsors you. Common in IT, healthcare, and trades.
• - Student Visa (subclass 500) — Study in Australia with a pathway to post-study work rights and eventual PR.
• - Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) — If your spouse or partner is an Australian citizen or PR holder.

For skilled visas (189, 190, 491), you need a minimum of 65 points. Most successful Indian applicants score 75-90 points. Key scoring areas:

• - Age: Maximum points (30) for ages 25-32
• - English: Superior English (IELTS 8+) scores 20 points — this is where many Indian applicants gain an edge
• - Work experience: 5+ years in your nominated occupation scores 10-15 points
• - Qualifications: Australian or recognised overseas qualifications
• - Partner skills: If your partner also qualifies, you can claim additional points

Use our Points Calculator to estimate your score before applying.

Before applying, you must get your qualifications assessed by the relevant Australian authority:

• - ACS (Australian Computer Society) — for IT professionals
• - Engineers Australia — for engineers
• - CPA/CA/IPA — for accountants
• - AHPRA — for doctors and nurses
• - VETASSESS — for many other occupations

Processing times vary from 4 weeks to 6 months. Start this early — it is often the longest step.

Budget approximately:

• - Skills assessment: AUD -1,500
• - English test (IELTS/PTE): AUD -400
• - Visa application fee: AUD ,640 (subclass 189)
• - Migration agent fees: AUD ,000-8,000
• - Health examinations: AUD -500
• - Police clearances: AUD -100

Total: approximately AUD ,000-15,000 for the primary applicant. Use our Cost Estimator for a personalised breakdown.

• - Skills assessment: 4-12 weeks
• - English test preparation: 1-3 months
• - EOI submission and invitation: 1-12 months (depends on points score)
• - Visa application processing: 6-12 months
• - Total: 12-24 months from start to visa grant

Higher points scores receive invitations faster. A score of 90+ typically gets invited within 1-2 months.

While you can apply independently, a MARA-registered migration agent can:

• - Identify the best visa pathway for your situation
• - Ensure your skills assessment application is correct the first time
• - Maximise your points score
• - Handle complex situations (gaps in employment, unusual qualifications)
• - Respond to requests for further information from the Department

The cost of an agent is often recovered by avoiding mistakes that cause delays or refusals.

Visit our dedicated India 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.