How to move to Australia from Nepal.
Nepal is a growing source of skilled migrants to Australia, particularly through student visa pathways. Nepali professionals are well-represented in healthcare, IT, and hospitality.
At a glance
- Estimated visa cost
- NPR 8,00,000
- Nepal-born in Australia
- ~130,000
- Top cities
- Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane
Visa pathways.
Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent
Points-tested, no sponsorship needed. Direct permanent residency.
Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated
State-nominated with 5 bonus points. Permanent residency.
Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional
Regional visa with 15 bonus points. Pathway to PR.
Subclass 482 - Employer Sponsored
Employer-sponsored temporary visa. Pathway to 186 PR.
Nepal-specific considerations.
- Many Nepali applicants first come to Australia on a student visa and then transition to a skilled visa after completing Australian qualifications.
- English test is required - IELTS and PTE are both popular among Nepali applicants.
- Nepal police clearance is available from the District Police Office and typically takes 1-2 weeks.
- Nepali qualifications may require detailed assessment. Australian qualifications earned in Australia are directly recognised.
- The student to PR pathway (study, graduate visa, skilled visa) is a well-established route.
Popular occupations.
Common occupations for Nepal-born migrants to Australia. Check the full Skilled Occupation List for all eligible occupations.
Frequently asked questions.
Can I migrate to Australia from Nepal without studying there first?
Yes, you can apply for a skilled visa directly from Nepal if you have a qualifying occupation, positive skills assessment, and enough points. However, many Nepali applicants find the student to skilled visa pathway more accessible.
What is the student to PR pathway?
Study an eligible course in Australia (2+ years), obtain a post-study graduate visa (485), gain work experience and improve your English, then apply for a skilled visa (189, 190, or 491). This pathway takes 4-6 years but is well-established.
How much does migration cost in Nepali rupees?
Total costs are approximately NPR 8,00,000-12,00,000 for the direct skilled visa pathway. The student pathway involves additional tuition fees of NPR 15,00,000-30,00,000 per year.
Ready to start?.
MigrateYou guides you through the entire visa application process - from $199.