Australia has long been one of the world’s most coveted destinations for people looking to start a new life abroad. With a strong economy, world-class healthcare, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed lifestyle that’s hard to beat, it’s no surprise that expats now make up 31.5% of Australia’s total population up from just 10.4% in 1948. As of 2026, nearly 400,000 job vacancies sit unfilled across the country, making it one of the most accessible job markets for skilled migrants worldwide.
But relocating to Australia isn’t as simple as buying a plane ticket. There are visa requirements, financial thresholds, skills assessments, and a mountain of paperwork to navigate. This guide breaks all of it down step by step so you can plan your move with confidence.
Is Australia the Right Move for You?
Before diving into the process, it’s worth understanding what life in Australia actually looks like.
Australia consistently ranks among the top countries for quality of life, safety, and work-life balance. It offers universal healthcare through Medicare, a clean natural environment, and a diverse, multicultural society. The median salary sits at approximately AUD $85,000 per year, which offsets what is admittedly a high cost of living.
The trade-offs? Australia is remote. It’s far from Europe, North America, and much of Asia, which means flights home are expensive and long. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are among the priciest in the world for housing. And adapting to a new culture even an English-speaking one takes time.
If you can live with those realities, Australia offers an exceptional quality of life that draws millions of people from every corner of the globe.
Step 1: Choose Your Visa Pathway
Australia runs one of the world’s most structured immigration systems. There are over 43 types of working visas alone, so the first step is identifying which pathway suits your situation. Here are the most important ones for 2026.
🟦 Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- What it is: A points-based permanent residency visa with no employer sponsorship or state nomination required
- Cost: AUD $4,770 for the main applicant (+ AUD $640–$10,000 for family members)
- Key requirement: Minimum 65 points on the points test; in February 2026, most successful invitations required 70+ points
- Processing: You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect (free, valid for 2 years), then wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). You have 60 days from invitation to lodge your application.
- Best for: Highly skilled professionals who want direct permanent residency without relying on an employer
🟦 Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- What it is: Similar to the 189, but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government
- Cost: AUD $4,770 for the main applicant
- Key requirement: State nomination adds 5 points to your score
- Best for: Applicants whose occupation is in demand in a specific state
🟦 Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
- What it is: The employer-sponsored work visa introduced in December 2024, replacing the old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. It has three tiers: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills.
- Cost: AUD $3,670 for the Core Skills pathway (a 20% increase over the previous year)
- Key requirement: A valid job offer from an approved Australian sponsor, plus 2 years of relevant experience (up from 1 year) for the Core Skills pathway
- Pathway to PR: After 2–3 years, you can transition to permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Note (2026 update): From July 1, 2025, employers must now prove they genuinely attempted to hire Australian workers first called “genuine position testing” before sponsoring an overseas worker
- Best for: People with a job offer from an Australian employer
🟦 Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 / 462)
- What it is: A visa for young adults aged 18–30 (up to 35 for some nationalities) to live, work, and travel in Australia
- Cost: AUD $670
- Duration: 12 months, extendable to 2–3 years with regional work
- Best for: Young adults who want to experience Australia before committing to permanent migration
🟦 Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- What it is: A visa to study at an Australian educational institution for up to 6 years
- Cost: AUD $2,000
- Key 2026 changes: Australia has introduced a national cap of 295,000 international student places for 2026, English test requirements have been tightened, and average processing times have increased from 3 weeks to 8–10 weeks
- Financial requirement: You must show access to at least AUD $29,710 in living expenses for the first year, plus tuition and airfare
- Best for: International students planning to study and potentially remain in Australia post-graduation
🟦 Family & Partner Visas
These visas are available for spouses, de facto partners, children, and parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. Processing can be lengthy some family visa categories have long queues and waiting periods of several years.
Step 2: Check If Your Occupation Is on the Skilled List
For points-tested and employer-sponsored skilled visas, your occupation must appear on one of Australia’s recognised skilled occupation lists:
- MLTSSL – Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (eligible for 189, 190, 491)
- STSOL – Short-term Skilled Occupation List (employer-sponsored routes)
- PMSOL – Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (fast-tracked processing)
- ROL – Regional Occupation List (for regional visas)
As of 2026, the top in-demand roles include chefs, early childhood teachers, engineers, IT professionals, nurses, cabinet makers, and various trade occupations. Use the Department of Home Affairs’ official visa finder tool to check your occupation’s eligibility.
Step 3: Complete a Skills Assessment
A skills assessment is mandatory for all points-tested skilled visas. It must be completed before you lodge your application. The assessing body depends on your profession:
| Occupation | Assessing Authority |
|---|---|
| IT Professionals | ACS (Australian Computer Society) |
| Engineers | Engineers Australia |
| Healthcare Workers | AHPRA / relevant medical board |
| Trades Workers | TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) |
| Other Professions | VETASSESS |
Timeline: 6–12 weeks
Cost: AUD $500–$1,500, depending on occupation and authority
Step 4: Meet the English Language Requirements
English proficiency is a core requirement for Australian skilled migration even for native English speakers (though citizens of the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, and New Zealand are exempt from formal testing).
| Visa Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Subclass 189 / 190 | IELTS 6.0 in each band (Competent English) |
| Subclass 482 | IELTS 5.0 overall, no band below 4.5 |
| Citizenship | Functional English (demonstrated at interview) |
Accepted tests: IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1 Advanced. Note that from 2026, at-home or online test versions are no longer accepted for student visa applications.
Step 5: Understand the Full Cost of Relocating
This is where most people underestimate what’s needed. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what relocation actually costs.
Visa Costs
| Visa | Main Applicant Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Working Holiday (417/462) | $670 |
| Student (500) | $2,000 |
| Skills in Demand (482) | $3,670 |
| Skilled Independent (189) | $4,770 |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | $4,770 |
| Partner visa | ~$8,850 |
Shipping & Moving Costs
- Shipping household belongings: AUD $2,700 – $7,600
- International flights: AUD $950 – $2,800 per person
- Relocating a pet (dog/cat): AUD $8,000 – $15,000
- Shipping a car: AUD $4,000 – $50,000 (including customs and registration)
Settlement Budget
Plan for at least 2–3 months of expenses before you have stable income. For one person, that’s approximately AUD $5,000–$9,000 for basic living costs alone not including a rental deposit, furniture, and initial setup fees.
Total estimated relocation cost:
- Minimum: AUD $12,000 (single applicant, no pets or vehicle)
- Realistic average: AUD $15,000–$25,000
- With family, pets, or vehicle: AUD $30,000–$50,000+
For skilled migration visas, many applicants must also show proof of settlement funds of AUD $16,000–$25,000 in their bank account.
Step 6: Know the Cost of Living in Australia
Once you arrive, here’s what to expect:
Rent (Monthly)
| City | 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | AUD $2,200 – $3,200 |
| Melbourne | AUD $1,800 – $2,600 |
| Brisbane | AUD $1,400 – $2,000 |
| Perth | AUD $1,500 – $2,100 |
| Adelaide | AUD $1,200 – $1,700 |
Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are generally 25–40% cheaper than Sydney.
Other Monthly Costs (Single Person)
- Groceries: AUD $100–$150/week
- Public transport pass: AUD $100–$180/month
- Utilities: AUD $150–$250/month
- Health insurance (private): AUD $100–$200/month
Comfortable monthly budget (outside Sydney): AUD $3,500–$4,500 including rent
Step 7: Apply Step-by-Step
Here’s the general application process for skilled visas:
- Check your occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Book and pass your English language test (if required)
- Complete your skills assessment with the relevant authority (6–12 weeks)
- Create an ImmiAccount at the Department of Home Affairs website
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect free and valid for 2 years
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) you have 60 days to lodge once invited
- Lodge your full visa application with all required documents
- Attend biometrics appointment if requested
- Undergo a medical examination with a registered panel physician
- Wait for a decision processing times vary by visa type (use the government’s processing time tool)
Step 8: What to Do When You Arrive
Once you land in Australia, here’s your immediate to-do list:
Register for Medicare
Australia’s public healthcare system is available to most permanent and many temporary visa holders. Register within 7–10 days of arrival at your nearest Medicare service centre. As a registered Medicare cardholder, you’ll receive free or heavily subsidised access to GPs, hospitals, and many specialist services.
Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
You’ll need a TFN before you can legally work and pay taxes. Apply online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website. Processing typically takes 1–4 weeks.
Open a Bank Account
Major Australian banks (Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, Westpac) allow you to open an account before you arrive. Alternatively, multi-currency fintech options like Wise are popular with new arrivals for their lower fees.
Find Accommodation
Renting first is strongly recommended. This gives you time to explore neighbourhoods before committing to a purchase. Most landlords require 4–6 weeks’ rent as a bond (deposit), plus 2 weeks’ rent in advance.
Get an Australian SIM Card
Major providers include Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Prepaid SIMs start from around AUD $10–$30/month.
Which City Should You Move To?
Choosing the right city can make or break your Australian experience. Here’s a quick guide:
| City | Best For | Average Salary | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Finance, tech, media | AUD $95,000+ | Fast-paced, coastal, premium |
| Melbourne | Arts, culture, education | AUD $85,000+ | Vibrant, diverse, café culture |
| Brisbane | Outdoors, growth industries | AUD $80,000+ | Warm, laid-back, affordable |
| Perth | Mining, engineering | AUD $90,000+ | Sunny, spacious, isolated |
| Adelaide | Healthcare, defence, wine | AUD $75,000+ | Quiet, affordable, relaxed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert a tourist visa to a work visa while in Australia?
In most cases, no. Tourist visas are for short visits only, and you typically cannot change your visa status from within Australia to a skilled or work visa. Apply before you leave.
Do I need a job offer to move to Australia?
Not necessarily. The Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship you apply independently based on points. However, employer-sponsored routes like the 482 visa do require a confirmed job offer.
How long does the whole process take?
From skills assessment to visa grant, the process typically takes 12–24 months for points-tested visas. Employer-sponsored visas can move faster sometimes 4–8 months depending on your occupation.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Most skilled visas allow you to include a spouse/partner and dependent children in your application, though additional visa charges apply (AUD $640–$10,000 per family member depending on age and visa type).
What if my occupation isn’t on the skilled list?
Explore the 43+ working visa options Australia offers, including business owner visas, investor visas, regional migration programs, and working holiday visas. There are routes for a wide range of backgrounds.
Final Checklist Before You Apply
- Confirm your occupation is on the skilled occupation list
- Book and pass your English language test
- Complete your skills assessment
- Calculate your points score (use the official points calculator)
- Ensure you have sufficient funds (AUD $16,000–$25,000+)
- Create your ImmiAccount
- Submit your Expression of Interest via SkillSelect
- Gather supporting documents (passport, qualifications, work experience letters, health checks)
- Research cities and job markets
- Line up initial accommodation for your first month
The Bottom Line
Relocating to Australia in 2026 is absolutely achievable but it takes planning, patience, and money. The good news is that Australia’s immigration system is transparent and structured: if you meet the requirements, the path is clear. With nearly 400,000 job vacancies, a strong economy, and one of the world’s best standards of living, the reward for those who do make the move is significant.
Start with your visa, know your numbers, and give yourself at least 12–18 months to navigate the process properly. Australia isn’t going anywhere and with the right preparation, neither are you.
Sources: Australian Department of Home Affairs, ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics), Expatica Australia, VisaVerge, Seven Seas Worldwide. All costs and requirements are accurate as of May 2026 but may change always verify with the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying.