Australia migration · India
Australian Migration for Indian Citizens
Your pathways to Australia — skilled migration, employer sponsorship, study and partner visas — and what each one really requires
MARN 1576536 · Verifiable at mara.gov.au
India is one of the largest sources of skilled migrants and students to Australia. Whether your goal is permanent residency through skilled migration, a job with an Australian sponsor, or study with a work pathway, the right first step is choosing the pathway that matches your occupation, age, English and points — and preparing the evidence properly. This guide lays out your options.
Skilled migration (points-tested PR)
The most popular route for Indian professionals. If your occupation is in demand and you have the qualifications, English and a positive skills assessment, you may qualify for permanent or provisional skilled visas — no employer required.
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent (permanent, points-tested)
- Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated (state nomination)
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (→ 191 permanent)
- Check your points for 189/190/491
- Skills assessment by occupation & authority (ACS, Engineers Australia, CPA/CA, ANMAC, TRA)
Employer-sponsored work visas
If an Australian employer will sponsor you, the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa lets you work for 2–4 years, with a pathway to permanent residency via the 186 visa. This is a strong route for IT, healthcare, trades and hospitality professionals with an Australian job offer.
Study in Australia (and stay to work)
A Subclass 500 Student visa lets you study, and a 485 Temporary Graduate visa afterward lets you work — often a stepping stone to skilled or sponsored PR.
- Student visa from India — Genuine Student, funds & refusal risks
- Subclass 500 Student visa — complete overview
- 485 Temporary Graduate visa — post-study work
Partner visas
If you are the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a partner visa leads to permanent residency. Strong, well-organised relationship evidence is decisive — start early.
Not sure which pathway fits you?
Start with a free eligibility assessment, or book a consultation to map your best route to Australia.
Frequently asked questions
What are the ways to migrate to Australia from India?
The main pathways for Indian citizens are the Student visa (Subclass 500) with a post-study work visa (485), the points-tested skilled visas (189, 190, 491), employer-sponsored work visas (482, 186), and partner visas. India is one of the largest sources of skilled migrants to Australia, especially in IT, accounting, engineering and nursing.
Which occupations are in demand for skilled migration from India?
Commonly in demand are Software Developers and ICT roles (assessed by ACS), Accountants (assessed by CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA), Engineers (assessed by Engineers Australia, often via a Competency Demonstration Report), Registered Nurses (ANMAC + AHPRA registration) and many trades (assessed by Trades Recognition Australia). Occupation lists change, so confirm your occupation before you rely on it.
How many points do I need for Australian PR from India?
Points-tested skilled visas (189/190/491) require a minimum of 65 points, but competitive scores are usually higher and vary by occupation. Points come from age, English, skilled work experience, qualifications, and state or family nomination. Use a points calculator and get advice before lodging an Expression of Interest.
Why are some Indian student visas refused?
Under the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, refusals often stem from a weak explanation of the course choice relative to your background, financial evidence without a clear source of funds, or inconsistencies with your study and work history. A carefully prepared GS statement and genuine, traceable financial evidence make a real difference.
Do I need a registered migration agent?
You are not required to use one, but Australian migration advice should come from a MARA-registered agent (MARN holder) — not an unregistered consultant. WIDEN is led by Keshab Chapagain, MARN 1576536, who advises on and lodges every matter personally after a paid consultation.
Migrating from another country? See all country guides →
General information only, not migration advice. Visa criteria, occupation lists and points settings change. Migration advice for your specific situation is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid consultation under a written service agreement.