Moving to Australia is exciting, but it comes with a lot of questions. How hard is it to get a visa? What are the job prospects? Can I bring my family? If you’re planning the move, you need answers—fast. The Australia immigration FAQ below covers the most common concerns people have before relocating.
Whether you’re applying for a work visa, permanent residency, or just exploring options, this guide will help you avoid mistakes and speed up your move.
1. What Are the Main Ways to Immigrate to Australia?
Australia offers several visa pathways, but the most popular options are:
✔️ Skilled Migration (Points-Based Visas) – For professionals with work experience (Subclass 189, 190, 491).
✔️ Employer-Sponsored Visas – If a company offers you a job (Subclass 482, 186).
✔️ Student Visas – Study in Australia and later apply for PR (Subclass 500).
✔️ Partner & Family Visas – For spouses or relatives of Australian citizens or PR holders.
✔️ Business & Investment Visas – For entrepreneurs and investors.
🚀 Pro Tip: If you don’t qualify for PR now, starting with a student or work visa can lead to permanent residency later.
2. How Does the Points-Based System Work?
For skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491), you must score at least 65 points to qualify.
How Points Are Calculated:
✔️ Age (Max 30 Points) → 25-32 years old get the most points.
✔️ English Proficiency (Max 20 Points) → Higher IELTS/PTE scores = more points.
✔️ Work Experience (Max 20 Points) → More years = higher score.
✔️ Education (Max 20 Points) → Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD holders get more points.
✔️ State Nomination (5-15 Points) → Required for Subclass 190 and 491 visas.
✅ Best Strategy: If your score is below 65, improve your English test results or get nominated by a state for extra points.
3. How Long Does It Take to Get an Australian Visa?
Processing times vary by visa type:
- Skilled Independent Visa (189): 6–12 months
- Skilled Nominated Visa (190): 6–9 months
- Employer-Sponsored Visa (482): 2–4 months
- Partner Visa (309/100): 12–24 months
- Student Visa (500): 1–3 months
🚀 Pro Tip: Apply early and ensure all documents are correct to avoid delays.
4. Can I Move to Australia Without a Job Offer?
Yes—if you qualify for a skilled migration visa (Subclass 189 or 190). These visas do not require a job offer but depend on your points score and occupation being on the Skilled Occupation List.
If you don’t qualify, you can:
✔️ Find an employer who can sponsor you (Subclass 482 or 186).
✔️ Apply for a student visa and later transition to a work visa.
✅ Best Strategy: Check Australia’s Skilled Occupation List and see if your job qualifies for migration.
5. How Much Does It Cost to Immigrate to Australia?
Visa costs vary, but here are the basic fees:
✔️ Skilled Migration Visas (189, 190, 491): AUD 4,640 for the main applicant.
✔️ Employer-Sponsored Visa (482): AUD 1,455–3,035.
✔️ Partner Visa (309/100): AUD 8,850.
✔️ Student Visa (500): AUD 710.
Other Costs to Consider:
✔️ English test (IELTS/PTE): AUD 410
✔️ Skills assessment fee: AUD 500–2,000
✔️ Health check & police clearance: AUD 200–500
🚀 Pro Tip: Some employer-sponsored visas allow the company to cover your visa costs—negotiate this in your job offer!
6. Can I Bring My Family With Me?
Yes! Most Australian visas allow you to include dependents (spouse, children).
✔️ Skilled Migration Visas (189, 190, 491): You can add your spouse and children to your application.
✔️ Employer-Sponsored Visas (482, 186): Employers can sponsor your spouse and kids.
✔️ Student Visa (500): Spouses can get a work visa while you study.
✅ Best Strategy: Ensure your family is listed in your application to avoid extra fees later.
7. What Jobs Are in High Demand in Australia?
Australia needs workers in healthcare, engineering, construction, IT, and trades.
High-Demand Occupations:
✔️ Nurses & Doctors
✔️ Software Engineers & IT Professionals
✔️ Civil & Mechanical Engineers
✔️ Electricians & Plumbers
✔️ Teachers & Childcare Workers
🚀 Pro Tip: Some occupations qualify for state nomination (extra points for PR). Check your profession on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
8. Can I Apply for Permanent Residency (PR) After Moving?
Yes—many temporary visas lead to PR. The best pathways:
✔️ Skilled Migration (189, 190, 491 Visas) → Direct PR pathways.
✔️ Employer-Sponsored Visas (186 Visa) → PR after working for the same employer.
✔️ Student Visa → Graduate Visa → PR → Study, work, and apply for PR later.
✅ Best Strategy: Pick a visa that offers a clear path to PR from the start.
9. How Much Money Do I Need to Move to Australia?
You’ll need funds for visa fees, flights, housing, and daily expenses. A single person should have at least AUD 10,000–15,000 saved before moving.
✔️ Rent (First 3 Months): AUD 5,000–9,000
✔️ Visa Fees & Flights: AUD 5,000–10,000
✔️ Living Costs (Food, Transport, etc.): AUD 2,000–4,000 per month
🚀 Pro Tip: Major cities like Sydney & Melbourne are expensive—consider Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth for lower costs.
10. What Happens After My Visa Is Approved?
✔️ Book Your Flight → Plan your arrival & temporary stay.
✔️ Find Housing → Rent in cheaper suburbs first.
✔️ Set Up Finances → Open an Australian bank account.
✔️ Get a Tax File Number (TFN) → Required for working legally.
✔️ Apply for Medicare (if eligible) → Free healthcare for PRs & some visa holders.
✅ Best Strategy: Join local Facebook groups or expat forums for job & housing tips before you arrive.
Final Thoughts: How to Move to Australia Smoothly
Moving to Australia isn’t difficult—if you plan correctly. Know your visa options, calculate your points, and choose a pathway that leads to PR. The sooner you start, the faster you’ll get there.
If you meet the Australia immigration FAQ criteria, start gathering documents, improving your points score, and applying today. Your new life in Australia is waiting.