Australia
Points, skills, and sunshine
Australia's points-based immigration is famously rigorous but transparent. If you score high enough, you're in. The Global Talent Visa offers a faster track for exceptional achievers. High costs of living, but high wages to match and a lifestyle that's hard to beat.
Our framework evaluates Australia across 6 strategic pillars. Each pillar answers a key question that matters when planning your relocation strategy.
Profile Weight Distribution
How we score: Six strategic pillars with weighted sub-factors. Confidence indicators show data quality (●●● = verified, ●●○ = researched, ●○○ = editorial). Read our full methodology
Profile weighting: Different expat profiles prioritize different pillars. Select your profile above to see personalized rankings.
Something off? These scores improve with feedback. Help us get it right
Immigration Overview
Australia has perfected the art of selective immigration. The points system rewards what Australia wants: youth, skills, English proficiency, and willingness to work in regional areas. It's transparent, predictable, and unapologetically merit-based. Score high enough and you're in. Score too low and the door stays closed.
The Global Talent Visa (subclass 858) offers an alternative for exceptional achievers. If you're at the top of your field, particularly in tech, finance, or health sciences, this pathway bypasses the points system entirely. It's invitation-based but increasingly used by senior tech workers and entrepreneurs.
Australia isn't cheap. Sydney and Melbourne housing costs rival London and New York. But wages are correspondingly high, the healthcare system works, the beaches are real, and the quality of life is genuinely excellent. The 4-year path to citizenship is fast by global standards.
Visa & Residency Pathways
Subclass 189 Visa
Points-based residence without sponsorship
- 65+ points required (higher scores prioritized)
- Occupation on skilled occupation list
- Skills assessment required
- Permanent residence on grant
- 4-year path to citizenship
Subclass 858 (Global Talent)
Fast track for exceptional achievers
- Internationally recognized in target sector
- Salary threshold AUD 167,500 (or ability to earn)
- 10 target sectors including tech, health, finance
- Direct permanent residence
- Family included
Subclass 482 (TSS)
Temporary work visa with employer sponsorship
- Job offer from approved sponsor
- Occupation on relevant skills list
- Market salary rate required
- 2-4 years depending on stream
- Medium-term stream leads to PR
Subclass 188/888 (Business Innovation)
For entrepreneurs and investors
- Business Innovation: AUD 250k turnover
- Investor: AUD 2.5M designated investment
- Significant Investor: AUD 5M
- Premium Investor: AUD 15M
- Provisional then permanent
Why Australia?
Climate & Lifestyle
Sunshine, beaches, outdoor culture. BBQs, surfing, hiking. Weather that makes you want to be outside.
High Wages
Minimum wage AUD 23.23/hour. Tech salaries competitive with US. High costs offset by high income.
Medicare
Universal healthcare for residents. Medicare covers most medical costs. Private insurance for extras.
English Native
English-speaking country. No language barrier. Multicultural but culturally familiar for Western expats.
Multicultural Society
30% foreign-born population. Immigration is normal. Diversity celebrated. Easy to find your community.
Fast Citizenship
4 years from PR to citizenship. Australian passport ranks among world's best. No residence restrictions as citizen.
General Requirements
Points factors for skilled migration (189/190):
- Age: Maximum points at 25-32
- English: Higher scores for proficient/superior
- Work experience: Australian experience scores higher
- Qualifications: PhD highest, bachelor's baseline
- Partner skills and English
- State nomination (for 190): +5 points
The points system is calculable. Most successful applicants score 80+ points, though 65 is the minimum. We help you calculate your score, identify ways to improve it, and navigate the Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
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