Skilled migration, employer sponsorship, student visa, Working Holiday — your complete guide to moving to Australia.
For: Skilled workers (no sponsor needed)
Points: Min 65
(competitive: 80-90+)
Skills: Occupation on Medium & Long-term
list
Processing: 6-12 months
Cost: AUD $4,640
(primary)
Result: Permanent Resident immediately
For: Skilled workers + state nomination
Points: Min 65
(state adds 5 bonus points)
Must: Live in nominating state for 2
years
Processing: 6-9 months
Cost: AUD
$4,640
Result: Permanent Resident
For: Workers willing to live regionally
Points: Min 65
(state adds 15 points!)
Duration: 5 years provisional
After 3
years: Apply for 191 (PR)
Benefit: Lower points
threshold
Must live regionally
For: Workers with Australian job offer
Sponsor: Employer
must be approved
Duration: 2-4 years
PR path: After
2 years → 186 (PR)
Cost: AUD $1,455-$3,035
No points test
needed
Study: CRICOS registered course
Work: 48 hrs/fortnight
(during term)
Duration: Course length + extra
time
Post-study: 485 visa (2-6 years work)
Cost: AUD
$1,600
GTE: Genuine Temporary Entrant
For: 18-30 (some 35) from eligible countries
Duration: 1
year (extendable to 3)
Work: Any employer (6 months max
each)
Farm work: 88 days for 2nd year visa
Cost: AUD
$640
Great for exploring Australia!
| Factor | Max Points |
|---|---|
| Age (25-32 best) | 30 |
| English (IELTS 8+ each) | 20 |
| Overseas Experience (8+ yrs) | 15 |
| Australian Experience (8+ yrs) | 20 |
| Education (PhD) | 20 |
| Australian Study | 5 |
| State Nomination (190) | 5 |
| Regional Nomination (491) | 15 |
| Partner Skills/Single bonus | 10 |
Minimum: 65 points. Competitive: 80-90+ points for 189 invitations.