How to move to Australia from Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has an established migration pathway to Australia. Sri Lankan professionals are well-represented in IT, engineering, healthcare, and accounting.
At a glance
- Estimated visa cost
- LKR 20,00,000
- Sri Lanka-born in Australia
- ~140,000
- Top cities
- Melbourne, Sydney, 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.
Sri Lanka-specific considerations.
- Sri Lankan qualifications from recognised universities are generally well-accepted by assessment authorities.
- English test is required - IELTS and PTE are both available in Sri Lanka.
- Police clearance from the Sri Lanka Police can take 2-4 weeks.
- Melbourne has the largest Sri Lankan community in Australia.
- The IT and healthcare sectors offer the strongest pathways for Sri Lankan applicants.
Popular occupations.
Common occupations for Sri Lanka-born migrants to Australia. Check the full Skilled Occupation List for all eligible occupations.
Frequently asked questions.
How large is the Sri Lankan community in Australia?
Approximately 140,000 Sri Lankan-born people live in Australia, with the largest communities in Melbourne and Sydney. The community is well-established with cultural organisations and temples.
What is the best visa pathway from Sri Lanka?
For most Sri Lankan professionals, the 189 or 190 skilled visa is the most direct pathway. The 482 employer-sponsored visa is also common, particularly for IT and healthcare workers.
Are Sri Lankan engineering degrees recognised?
Engineering degrees from recognised Sri Lankan universities (like the University of Moratuwa) are generally well-accepted by Engineers Australia. Some may qualify for Washington Accord recognition.
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