How to Migrate to Australia from the Philippines: 2026 Guide

Skilled Migration - Nurses and healthcare workers — Australia has massive demand for Filipino nurses. Subclass 189, 190, or 482 are common routes. - Engineers, IT professionals, accountants — Points-tested skilled visas - Trades — Electricians, plumbers, welders through employer sponsorship

Family - Partner visa (820/801) — If your spouse/partner is Australian - Parent visa (143/103) — If your children are settled in Australia

Student Pathway - Study in Australia → Post-Study Work visa → PR. Popular for nursing, IT, and accounting courses.

Working Holiday - Subclass 462 for Filipino citizens aged 18-30

Nursing is the single most common skilled migration pathway for Filipinos. Here is the typical process:

1. IELTS/OET — Score at least IELTS 7.0 in each band (or OET B)
2. ANMAC assessment — Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council skills assessment
3. AHPRA registration — Registration with the nursing board
4. Apply for visa — Subclass 189, 190, or employer-sponsored 482

Many Filipino nurses come on employer-sponsored visas (482) through aged care facilities, hospitals, and regional health services that actively recruit from the Philippines.

See our Nurses Migration Guide for more detail.

Approximate costs in Australian dollars:

• - IELTS/PTE test: AUD -400
• - Skills assessment: AUD -1,200
• - Visa application: AUD ,640 (subclass 189)
• - Migration agent: AUD ,500-6,000
• - Health exam: AUD -500
• - Police clearance (NBI): PHP 500

Total: approximately AUD ,000-13,000

Use our Cost Estimator for a personalised breakdown.

Australia has over 400,000 Filipino-born residents, with large communities in:

• - Sydney — Blacktown, Parramatta, Liverpool
• - Melbourne — Dandenong, Casey, Brimbank
• - Brisbane — Logan, Ipswich
• - Perth — Wanneroo, Stirling
• - Darwin — One of the highest concentrations per capita

These established communities mean you will find Filipino grocery stores, churches, cultural organisations, and support networks in most major cities.

• - Start English preparation early — IELTS 7.0+ is the biggest hurdle for many Filipino applicants
• - Get your NBI clearance early — Processing can take 2-4 weeks
• - Gather employment documents — Philippine employers may take time to provide certificates
• - Consider regional visas — Subclass 491/494 have lower points thresholds and regional areas actively recruit Filipino workers
• - Use a MARA-registered agent — Avoid unlicensed "consultants" who operate in Filipino communities

Visit our dedicated Philippines 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.