Visa pathways
Which Australian visa could suit you?
Most Indian applicants apply through one of these pathways. Which one fits depends on your occupation, age, English, experience and family.
Skilled Independent
Subclass 189Permanent visa for invited workers whose occupation is on the relevant list. No sponsor or nomination needed.
Points-tested · Skills assessment needed
Skilled Nominated
Subclass 190Permanent visa with nomination from an Australian state or territory government, which adds 5 points.
Points-tested · State nomination
Skilled Work Regional
Subclass 491Five-year provisional visa to live and work in regional Australia, with a pathway to permanent residence. Nomination adds 15 points.
Points-tested · Regional
Employer sponsored
Subclass 482 / 186An Australian employer sponsors you for a temporary or permanent position.
Employer sponsorship
Partner visas
309/100 · 820/801For partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens.
Relationship evidence
Visitor visa
Subclass 600For family visits, tourism and business visits, including parents visiting children in Australia.
Short stay
Points test
How skilled visa points work
For subclasses 189, 190 and 491 you need at least 65 points to be invited, you must be under 45, and you need at least Competent English. In practice, invitations often go to applicants with more than 65 points.
A new points test has been announced
On 17 September 2026 the Minister for Home Affairs announced a redesign of the points test. No start date has been set; the table shows the current test.
English points (tests on or after 7 Aug 2025)
Competent (0 points): IELTS 6 each · PTE 47 / 48 / 51 / 54
Proficient (10 points): IELTS 7 each · PTE 58 / 59 / 69 / 76
Superior (20 points): IELTS 8 each · PTE 69 / 70 / 85 / 88
Improve your score with PTE or IELTS coaching →
Proficient (10 points): IELTS 7 each · PTE 58 / 59 / 69 / 76
Superior (20 points): IELTS 8 each · PTE 69 / 70 / 85 / 88
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 18–24 | 25 |
| Age 25–32 | 30 |
| Age 33–39 | 25 |
| Age 40–44 | 15 |
| English: Proficient / Superior | 10 / 20 |
| Skilled employment outside Australia (3 / 5 / 8+ years) | 5 / 10 / 15 |
| Skilled employment in Australia (1 / 3 / 5 / 8+ years) | 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 |
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor’s or master’s degree | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
| Specialist education (master’s by research or PhD in STEM, in Australia) | 10 |
| Australian study, Professional Year, regional study, community language (each) | 5 |
| Partner skills / partner Competent English / single or partner is Australian | 10 / 5 / 10 |
| State nomination (190) / regional nomination (491) | 5 / 15 |
Summary of the current points test. Source: Home Affairs points calculator · SkillSelect
Step by step
The skilled migration process
01
Assessment with us
We check your occupation, age, English, experience and points, and advise you in writing.
02
Skills assessment
Your qualifications and experience are assessed by the authority for your occupation.
03
English test
PTE or IELTS. Higher scores earn up to 20 extra points.
04
Expression of Interest
Lodged in SkillSelect, plus a state application for 190 or 491.
05
Invitation
If invited, you have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application.
06
Visa lodgement and decision
We prepare and lodge the application and respond to any requests from Home Affairs.
What’s changing
Recent migration changes
17 September 2026 · announced
Skilled visa priorities and points test redesign
Processing priority will favour healthcare, construction, education and similar sectors. A redesigned points test was also announced; no start date yet.
Source: Minister for Home Affairs ↗
May 2026 · Budget
2026–27 Migration Program set at 185,000
The Skill stream has 132,240 places, with many going to applicants already in Australia.
Source: Budget 2026–27 ↗
7 August 2025
New English test scores for visas
New PTE minimums for each level and three more accepted tests: CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic and the Michigan English Test.
Source: Department of Home Affairs ↗
Common questions
Migrating to Australia: FAQs
I’m over 45. Can I still migrate to Australia?
Points-tested skilled visas need you to be under 45 when invited. Some employer-sponsored, partner and other visas have different age rules; we’ll check which options are open to you.
Is 65 points enough to get an invitation?
65 is the minimum to lodge an Expression of Interest, but invitations depend on your occupation and demand. Many applicants need more points to be invited.
What is a skills assessment?
An assessment of your qualifications and work experience by the authority for your occupation, such as ACS for IT or Engineers Australia. It’s needed before you can be invited for most skilled visas.
Can I include my spouse and children?
Yes, family members can usually be included in a skilled visa application. Your partner’s skills or English may also add points.
Can you guarantee my PR?
No. Visa decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs. We give honest advice on your chances and prepare a complete application.
How do I know your migration agent is registered?
Our founder Amit Bhardwaj is a Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1678902.
What are your fees?
Fees depend on the visa and your case. Before any work starts you receive a written service agreement with our fees and an estimate of government charges and other costs.
Get a written assessment of your options
Bring your degree, work history and English scores. You’ll receive written advice and, if you go ahead, a service agreement setting out the work and fees.