Your Complete Australia Guide
Australia's points-based immigration system rewards skilled workers with fast PR pathways and exceptional quality of life.
Top Job Sectors
- Healthcare & Nursing
- Information Technology
- Engineering (Mining, Civil)
- Construction & Trades
- Education & Teaching
- Agriculture & Farming
- Hospitality & Tourism
Salary Ranges (Annual AUD)
- Software Engineer: $90K – $150K
- Registered Nurse: $70K – $100K
- Mining Engineer: $100K – $160K
- Electrician: $75K – $110K
- Teacher: $65K – $90K
- Accountant: $65K – $100K
- Chef: $55K – $80K
Cost of Living
- Sydney rent: AUD $2,500–$4,000/mo
- Melbourne: $1,800–$3,000/mo
- Brisbane/Perth: $1,500–$2,500/mo
- Groceries: $500–$700/mo
- Transport: $150–$250/mo
- Medicare: Universal (free)
Visa Pathways
- Skilled Independent (189)
- Skilled Nominated (190)
- Skilled Work Regional (491)
- Temporary Skill Shortage (482)
- Student Visa (500)
- Graduate Temporary (485)
- Employer Nomination (186)
Points Test System
Australia uses a points-based SkillSelect system. You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but competitive scores are typically 80–90+.
- Age (25–32): up to 30 pts
- English (Superior): 20 pts
- Skilled Employment: up to 20 pts
- Education: up to 20 pts
- State nomination: +5 pts
Processing Timeline
- Skilled Independent (189): 8–12 mo
- Skilled Nominated (190): 6–9 mo
- TSS Visa (482): 2–4 months
- Student Visa (500): 4–6 weeks
- Graduate Visa (485): 4–6 months
- Citizenship: 12–18 months
Best States for Skilled Migrants
New South Wales (Sydney)
Australia's largest economy. NSW nominates skilled workers in tech, healthcare, and engineering. Sydney offers the highest salaries but also highest cost of living. Strong Indian community.
Tech & Finance hub | +5 pts nomination
Victoria (Melbourne)
Cultural capital of Australia. Victoria's skilled migration program targets healthcare, education, and trades. Melbourne consistently ranks in the world's most liveable cities.
Healthcare focus | Most liveable city
Western Australia (Perth)
Mining and resources boom. WA offers some of Australia's highest wages, especially in mining engineering and trades. Lower cost of living than Sydney/Melbourne with strong job market.
Mining & Trades | Highest wages