Before You Apply: Understanding Your Visa Options

Indian migrants moving to Australia have several visa pathways available, and choosing the right one is the first critical step. The most common routes are skilled migration (subclass 189, 190, 491), student visas (subclass 500), and employer-sponsored visas (subclass 482, 186). Each has different requirements, costs, and processing times.

The skilled independent visa (subclass 189) is popular because it doesn't require state sponsorship or employer support. You'll need to be under 45 years old, have relevant work experience, and meet English language requirements. Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. Most applicants need 65 points to receive an invitation.

State-sponsored visas (subclass 190 and 491) are another option. These require sponsorship from an Australian state or territory, which adds 5 or 15 points respectively. States like New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland actively recruit skilled workers in specific occupations. Processing can be faster because you're targeting a specific region's needs.

Student visas (subclass 500) are ideal if you want to study while working part-time. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full-time during breaks. After completing your degree, you may be eligible for a post-study work visa (subclass 485), which gives you 18 months to 3 years to find skilled employment.

Employer-sponsored visas (subclass 482 temporary skill shortage or subclass 186 employer nomination scheme) require an Australian employer to sponsor you. The employer must prove they cannot find an Australian citizen for the role. This pathway is faster than points-based visas but depends entirely on finding a willing employer.

Stage 1: Gathering Documents and Meeting Requirements

Before submitting any visa application, you'll need to prepare comprehensive documentation. This stage typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly you can obtain documents from India.

Essential documents include:

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay
  • Birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Educational qualifications and transcripts from your university or college
  • Work experience letters from previous employers
  • Police clearance certificate from India (obtained from your local police station or through the Ministry of External Affairs)
  • Medical examination results (chest X-ray and blood tests) from an approved panel doctor
  • English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
  • Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, property documents, or sponsor letters)

For skilled migration visas, you'll also need an assessment from the relevant professional body. Engineers must apply to Engineers Australia, accountants to CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), and IT professionals to the Australian Computer Society. These assessments verify that your qualifications meet Australian standards. Processing takes 4 to 12 weeks depending on the assessing authority.

English language requirements vary by visa type. Most skilled visas require IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0 in each band (or equivalent in TOEFL or PTE). Some occupations require higher scores. Student visas typically require IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 depending on the course.

Medical examinations must be done by a doctor on the Department of Home Affairs approved panel. In India, major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad have approved clinics. The cost is approximately INR 8,000 to 12,000 (AUD 150 to 230). Results are valid for 12 months.

Stage 2: Submitting Your Application and Waiting for Invitation

Once your documents are ready, the next step depends on your visa type. For skilled migration, you'll first create an Expression of Interest (EOI) on the SkillSelect system. This is free and takes about 30 minutes. You'll enter your personal details, qualifications, work experience, and English test scores.

SkillSelect calculates your points automatically. If you meet the minimum threshold, you'll be placed in a pool. Invitations are issued based on occupation demand and points. Processing times vary significantly. Some occupations receive invitations within weeks, while others may take months or never receive an invitation if demand is low.

Once invited, you have 7 days to submit your full visa application through the Department of Home Affairs online portal. This is when you upload all supporting documents. The application fee for subclass 189 is AUD 4,815 for the primary applicant (as of 2026), plus AUD 2,407 for each dependent adult and AUD 1,203 for each dependent child.

Processing times for skilled visas are currently 8 to 12 months from submission. The Department of Home Affairs website provides updated processing time estimates. Some applications are processed faster, but it's wise to plan for the longer timeframe.

For student visas, the process is simpler. You apply directly through your chosen university or a registered migration agent. Once you receive an offer letter, you submit your visa application with proof of financial capacity (typically AUD 25,000 to 35,000 per year depending on the course and location). Student visa processing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Stage 3: Medical Examination and Final Checks

After submitting your visa application, the Department of Home Affairs will request a medical examination if they haven't already received one. You'll receive an email with instructions and a reference number. You must complete the examination at an approved panel doctor within the specified timeframe, usually 28 days.

The examination includes a physical check-up, blood tests for HIV and syphilis, and a chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis. Tuberculosis screening is particularly important because India has higher TB prevalence. If you have a history of TB or the X-ray shows abnormalities, you may need additional tests or specialist assessment.

Alongside the medical examination, the Department of Home Affairs conducts character and security checks. They'll verify your police clearance certificate and may contact previous employers or educational institutions. This process can take several weeks.

During this waiting period, keep your contact details updated. Any change of address, phone number, or email must be reported immediately. Missing correspondence from the Department of Home Affairs can result in your application being refused.

Stage 4: Visa Grant and Preparation for Arrival

When your visa is granted, you'll receive a notification email with your grant letter and visa details. Read this carefully. It specifies your visa conditions, work restrictions, study restrictions, and any health undertakings you must comply with.

Most skilled migration visas are valid for 5 years from the date of grant. You must enter Australia within the validity period. Student visas are typically valid for the duration of your course plus a grace period (usually 2 to 3 months after course completion).

Before arriving, arrange the following:

  1. Book your flight. Most Indian migrants fly from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
  2. Arrange accommodation. Use websites like Domain, Real Estate, or Airbnb to find rental properties. Prices vary widely: a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney's inner suburbs costs AUD 400 to 600 per week, while outer suburbs are AUD 280 to 400.
  3. Open an Australian bank account. You can do this online before arriving or in person once you're here. Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB are the major banks. You'll need your passport and visa grant letter.
  4. Arrange health insurance. Permanent residents and citizens are eligible for Medicare, but skilled migrants on temporary visas must have private health insurance. Student visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
  5. Notify your state of residence. If you're on a state-sponsored visa, inform the sponsoring state of your arrival date.
  6. Check your visa conditions. Some visas require you to work in a specific occupation or location. Violating these conditions can result in visa cancellation.

Pack important documents in your carry-on bag: passport, visa grant letter, medical examination results, police clearance certificate, educational qualifications, and employment references. These may be requested at the airport or by your employer.

Stage 5: Arrival and First Steps in Australia

When you arrive at the airport, you'll go through immigration. Have your passport and visa grant letter ready. The officer will scan your documents and may ask about your employment plans or accommodation. Answer honestly and briefly. This process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

After clearing immigration, collect your baggage and proceed through customs. You can bring personal belongings, clothing, and household items duty-free. However, certain items are restricted: fresh food, animal products, plants, and weapons require declaration or are prohibited. Check the Australian Border Force website for a complete list.

Within your first week, complete these tasks:

  1. Register with the Indian High Commission or Consulate in your state. This helps them contact you in emergencies and keeps you informed about community events.
  2. Apply for an Australian Tax File Number (TFN). You can apply online at the ATO website or visit a local tax office. You'll need your passport and visa grant letter. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days.
  3. Open a bank account if you haven't already. Bring your passport, visa grant letter, and proof of Australian address (a rental agreement or utility bill).
  4. Enrol in Medicare if you're eligible. Permanent residents and citizens can enrol immediately. Temporary visa holders on certain visas may be eligible under reciprocal health care agreements (check with Services Australia). Most temporary visa holders must use private health insurance.
  5. Register your mobile phone. Australian providers include Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus. A basic plan costs AUD 30 to 60 per month.
  6. Get a driver's license if you plan to drive. You can use your Indian license for 3 months, then must apply for an Australian license. The test includes a written exam and a practical driving test.

If you're employed, your employer will need your TFN to set up your payroll. Provide it as soon as you receive it. Your employer must also register you with the superannuation scheme within 28 days of employment. Superannuation is a mandatory retirement savings scheme where your employer contributes 12% of your salary (as of July 2025).

If you're studying, enrol in your course immediately and attend orientation sessions. Universities provide support services for international students, including accommodation assistance, English language support, and career advice.

Useful Official Sources

For detailed information about visa types, requirements, and processing times, visit the Department of Home Affairs website. This is the official source for all visa information and application forms.

For information about skilled migration and SkillSelect, visit the skilled migration page.

For information about student visas and studying in Australia, visit Study Australia.

For information about work rights and employment conditions, visit Fair Work Ombudsman.

For information about tax obligations and TFN applications, visit the Australian Taxation Office.

For information about health and medical examinations, visit NSW Health.

This is general information only. It is not legal, migration, financial, tax, medical, or professional advice. Always check official sources before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an Australian visa from India?

Processing times vary by visa type. Skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491) take 8 to 12 months from application submission. Student visas typically take 4 to 6 weeks. Employer-sponsored visas (482, 186) take 2 to 6 months. These are estimates and some applications may be processed faster or slower.

What is the cost of applying for an Australian skilled migration visa?

The application fee for subclass 189 is AUD 4,815 for the primary applicant (as of 2026), plus AUD 2,407 for each dependent adult and AUD 1,203 for each dependent child. Additional costs include English language tests (AUD 300 to 400), skills assessment (AUD 500 to 1,500), and medical examination (AUD 150 to 230).

Do I need health insurance when I arrive in Australia on a skilled migration visa?

Yes. Temporary visa holders (skilled migration, student, working holiday) are not eligible for Medicare and must have private health insurance. Student visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Permanent residents and citizens are eligible for Medicare.

Can I bring my family members with me on a skilled migration visa?

Yes. You can include your spouse and dependent children as secondary applicants on your visa application. They must meet health and character requirements and will be included in your visa grant. Each dependent incurs an additional application fee.

What happens if my visa application is refused?

If your application is refused, you'll receive a detailed letter explaining the reasons. You can request a review of the decision within 28 days (for skilled visas) or appeal to the Migration Review Tribunal. You may also reapply if you can address the reasons for refusal.

Can I work in any job on a skilled migration visa?

It depends on your visa conditions. Subclass 189 visas allow you to work in any occupation. Subclass 190 and 491 visas may restrict you to your nominated occupation for the first 2 years. Always check your visa grant letter for specific work conditions.

How do I apply for permanent residency after arriving on a temporary visa?

If you're on a skilled migration visa, you can apply for permanent residency (subclass 801) after 2 years of residence. If you're on a student visa, you can apply for a skilled migration visa after completing your course. Each pathway has specific requirements and processing times.

What is the Indian High Commission's role in my visa application?

The Indian High Commission does not process Australian visa applications. The Department of Home Affairs handles all visa applications. However, the High Commission can provide support with police clearance certificates and can assist Indian citizens in Australia with consular services.