Australia migration · 🇵🇰 Pakistan
Australian Migration from Pakistan
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
Pakistani professionals migrate to Australia mainly through points-tested skilled visas and employer sponsorship — in IT, engineering, accounting and healthcare — as well as study pathways. As a higher-scrutiny country for some visas, careful, well-evidenced applications matter.
Skilled migration (points-tested PR)
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
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. Healthcare, trades, IT and hospitality are commonly sponsored.
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.
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
Can I migrate to Australia from Pakistan?
Yes. The main pathways for Pakistani citizens are points-tested skilled visas (189, 190, 491), employer-sponsored work visas (482, 186), the Student visa (Subclass 500) with a post-study work visa (485), and partner visas. Which one fits depends on your age, occupation, qualifications, English and whether you have an Australian employer or partner.
Which occupations are in demand for migration from Pakistan?
Commonly in demand from Pakistan: IT & Software, Engineers, Accountants, Medical & Health professionals. Each occupation has a designated assessing authority (for example ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineering, ANMAC for nursing, Trades Recognition Australia for trades, and CPA/CA ANZ/IPA for accounting). Occupation lists change, so confirm your occupation before you rely on it.
How many points do I need for Australian PR from Pakistan?
Points-tested skilled visas (189/190/491) require a minimum of 65 points, though 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.
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.
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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.