How to move to Australia from Philippines.
The Philippines is a major source of skilled migrants to Australia, particularly in healthcare, hospitality, and trades. Filipino professionals are known for strong English skills and professional qualifications.
At a glance
- Estimated visa cost
- PHP 350,000
- Philippines-born in Australia
- ~310,000
- Top cities
- Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin
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.
Philippines-specific considerations.
- Filipino nursing qualifications are generally well-recognised by ANMAC, though bridging may be required.
- English test is required - most Filipino applicants do well on PTE or IELTS due to strong English education.
- NBI clearance (police clearance) from the Philippines typically takes 1-2 weeks.
- Philippine qualifications may need assessment against the Australian Qualifications Framework.
- The Filipino community in Australia is large and well-established, particularly in healthcare.
Popular occupations.
Common occupations for Philippines-born migrants to Australia. Check the full Skilled Occupation List for all eligible occupations.
Frequently asked questions.
What are the most common visas for Filipinos going to Australia?
The most common pathways are the 482 (employer-sponsored, especially in healthcare and hospitality), 189/190 (points-tested skilled), and partner visas. Nursing is one of the strongest occupation pathways.
How much does it cost in Philippine pesos?
Total costs are approximately PHP 350,000-500,000 including visa fees, skills assessment, English test, health check, and police clearance. This does not include flights and settlement costs.
Is nursing a good pathway from the Philippines?
Yes, nursing is one of the best pathways. Australia has a severe nursing shortage, and Filipino nurses are highly valued. You will need ANMAC assessment and AHPRA registration. The 482 employer-sponsored pathway is very common for nurses.
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