How to move to Australia from Pakistan.
Pakistan is a growing source of skilled migrants to Australia. Pakistani professionals are well-represented in IT, engineering, accounting, and healthcare.
At a glance
- Estimated visa cost
- PKR 18,00,000
- Pakistan-born in Australia
- ~85,000
- Top cities
- Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide
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.
Pakistan-specific considerations.
- Pakistani qualifications from recognised universities are generally accepted by assessment authorities.
- English test is required - both IELTS and PTE are widely available in Pakistan.
- Pakistan police clearance can be obtained from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
- Medical examinations must be done at approved panel clinics in Pakistan.
- The IT and engineering sectors are particularly strong pathways for Pakistani applicants.
Popular occupations.
Common occupations for Pakistan-born migrants to Australia. Check the full Skilled Occupation List for all eligible occupations.
Frequently asked questions.
Is it difficult to migrate to Australia from Pakistan?
The process is the same as for any other country - you need a qualifying occupation, positive skills assessment, good English, and enough points. Pakistani applicants with IT and engineering backgrounds are well-positioned.
How long does the process take from Pakistan?
The typical timeline is 12-24 months from starting your skills assessment to visa grant. Processing times may be slightly longer due to security checks that apply to some applicants.
What points score do Pakistani applicants typically need?
The same scores as any other nationality - typically 80-95 points depending on your occupation. Use the points calculator to check your score.
Ready to start?.
MigrateYou guides you through the entire visa application process - from $199.