Australia offers a transparent points-based migration system with excellent regional opportunities. With a strong economy, high quality of life, and multicultural society, Australia is an ideal choice for Arab professionals and families.
190,000+
Skilled Visas/year
65
Minimum Points
6-12
Months Processing
500+
Eligible Occupations
Australia's premier permanent residence visa for skilled workers. No employer or state sponsorship needed. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), score 65+ points, and receive an invitation. High demand occupations often receive invitations at 65-70 points.
An Australian state or territory nominates you based on their skills needs. Adds 5 bonus points to your score. You commit to living in that state for 2 years. Each state has its own occupation list and requirements.
Provisional visa for regional Australia with +15 bonus points. Live and work in a regional area for 3 years, then apply for permanent residence (191). Many occupations have lower cutoffs in regional areas, making this an excellent pathway.
Get sponsored by an Australian employer. TSS visa (482) for temporary work, or DAMA/regional employer sponsored (494) for regional areas. After 2-3 years, transition to permanent residence through employer nomination (186).
Study at an Australian institution (CRICOS registered), earn a Temporary Graduate visa (485) for 2-4 years post-study work rights, then apply for skilled migration. Regional study gives extra visa duration.
Australia's SkillSelect system requires a minimum 65 points for most visa subclasses.
Source: Department of Home AffairsSubclass 189 (points-tested) requires at least 65 points; most successful applicants score 80+.
Source: Department of Home AffairsAustralia issued over 195,000 skilled migration visas in 2023-24.
Source: Department of Home AffairsDetailed guides covering skills assessments, police clearance, and health exams for each country
Top occupations on Australian skilled lists with salaries and points thresholds
ANZSCO: 261313
AUD 110,000/yr
ANZSCO: 261212
AUD 85,000/yr
ANZSCO: 224711
AUD 120,000/yr
ANZSCO: 261112
AUD 115,000/yr
ANZSCO: 254499
AUD 95,000/yr
ANZSCO: 253111
AUD 280,000/yr
ANZSCO: 251511
AUD 105,000/yr
ANZSCO: 233211
AUD 95,000/yr
As defined by the Australian Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au), the General Skilled Migration points test is scored out of approximately 130 points with a minimum pass mark of 65. Points are awarded for: age (25–32 earns maximum 30 pts), English proficiency (up to 20 pts — Superior IELTS 8.0 across all bands), Australian or overseas work experience (up to 20 pts), education qualifications (up to 20 pts), and bonus factors including regional study (+5), partner skills (+5 or +10), and community language (+5). The Department of Home Affairs holds monthly SkillSelect invitation rounds — higher scores are invited first.
According to the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au), a positive skills assessment from an Australian assessing authority is mandatory before you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for most skilled visas. Each occupation has a designated assessing body — for example: ACS (Australian Computer Society) for ICT roles, Engineers Australia for engineering, VETASSESS for most professional and trade occupations, AHPRA for healthcare. Assessment costs range from AUD 500–1,500 and processing takes 4–12 weeks. Having a positive skills assessment is also worth points in the test.
Yes. The Australian Government actively promotes regional migration to address skills shortages outside major cities. The Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa grants +15 bonus points and access to a wider occupation list. After living and working in a designated regional area for at least 3 years and meeting income requirements (AUD 53,900+/year as of 2025), you can apply for Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence Regional) visa. Regional areas include Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, Canberra, Hobart, and Darwin. Source: homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing.
Per the Department of Home Affairs points table (homeaffairs.gov.au), English proficiency is scored as follows: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each component) = 0 bonus points but meets minimum requirement; Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 in each component) = 10 bonus points; Superior English (IELTS 8.0 in each component) = 20 bonus points. Accepted test providers include IELTS Academic or General, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge C1 Advanced. Many MENA applicants prioritize PTE Academic for its faster results and computer-based format.
Based on processing times published by the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au), typical timelines are: skills assessment 4–12 weeks; EOI submission and SkillSelect invitation varies by score and occupation demand; visa application processing for Subclass 189 is 6–12 months and for Subclass 190 is 6–18 months. Total journey from start for MENA applicants typically spans 14–22 months. Police clearances from Egypt, Lebanon, and Iraq may take longer (1–3 months). Health examinations must be completed by Department-approved panel physicians.
The Department of Home Affairs maintains consolidated skilled occupation lists that determine which visas you can apply for. The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) is required for the 189 and 190 permanent visas. The Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) is for the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa. The Regional Occupation List (ROL) covers the 491 regional visa. As of 2025, IT, engineering, healthcare, and trade occupations dominate the lists due to Australia's national skills shortage. Lists are reviewed regularly — always verify at homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging your skills assessment.