🇦🇺 Immigration to Australia: Pathways, Costs, and News

Australia uses a points-tested skilled migration system heavily weighted toward age, English, qualifications, and work experience. If your occupation is on the MLTSSL and your points are competitive, you can get PR directly through Subclass 189.

~190,000
Annual migration cap
65+ pts
Minimum to apply
12–18 mo
Subclass 189 processing
4 yrs
PR → citizenship

Immigration pathways for Australia

Every major route into Australia, at a glance. Tap any pathway for the full guide — eligibility, documents, timeline, and links to the official government source.

work

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent

Points-tested PR visa. No employer or state sponsor required. Occupation must be on the MLTSSL.

⏱ 12–18 months💰 AUD 4,640+
Read the full guide →
 work

Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated

Points-tested PR. Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory. Adds +5 points.

⏱ 12–18 months💰 AUD 4,640+
Read the full guide →
 work

Subclass 482 TSS (Employer Sponsored)

Temporary work visa up to 4 years. Pathway to PR via Subclass 186 after 2–3 years with the same employer.

⏱ 2–4 months💰 AUD 1,495–3,115
Read the full guide →
 nomad

Working Holiday Visa (417/462)

Age 18–30 (35 for some passports). 12 months of work + travel. Extensions via regional work.

⏱ 2–4 weeks💰 AUD 650
Read the full guide →
 family

Partner Visa (820/801)

Spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or PR holder. Leads to PR after 2 years.

⏱ 12–36 months💰 AUD 9,095
Read the full guide →

Cost of living snapshot

Typical monthly costs for a single person. Numbers are approximate and updated quarterly.

Rent (1-bed, Sydney)
AUD 2,500–3,200/mo
Rent (1-bed, Melbourne)
AUD 1,900–2,500/mo
Groceries (single)
AUD 400–600/mo
Health insurance
AUD 100–200/mo (OSHC)
Transit pass
AUD 180/mo (Sydney)

Latest immigration news from Australia

Policy updates, fee changes, and program announcements — sourced daily from official channels.

News aggregated from major outlets. For policy and form details, always verify with immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

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