For South Americans building a future in Australia

Migrating from South America to Australia

Spanish and Portuguese documents, apostilles, and police checks from more than one country: South American applications are usually won on paperwork discipline. We build the document plan before anything gets lodged.

South American applicants migrate to Australia most commonly from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. The Australian migration system is open to South American applicants with relevant skills and qualifications, but the English language requirement is a significant factor: most South American applicants must demonstrate English proficiency via IELTS, PTE, or an equivalent test.

For South American applicants, the honest assessment covers English language preparation, occupational recognition, and realistic points scores, not just whether a visa subclass exists.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SOUTH AMERICAN APPLICANTS

English language: the most significant factor for South American applicants. A strong IELTS or PTE score increases points (and therefore invitation competitiveness) and is required for most skills assessments. English preparation before starting the migration process pays off.

Skills assessment: South American university degrees and trade qualifications are assessed by the relevant Australian authority. Outcomes vary by country and by institution. Professional engineering degrees from major South American universities are generally assessed by Engineers Australia.

Working Holiday eligibility: citizens of Argentina, Chile, Thailand, and certain other countries are eligible for the Working Holiday visa (subclass 462). Check current country eligibility.

Employer sponsorship: South American applicants with an Australian employer prepared to sponsor have a direct pathway that bypasses the points test.

STEPS FOR SOUTH AMERICAN APPLICANTS

Step 1 Invest in English language preparation before starting the migration process

A higher IELTS/PTE score affects both your skills assessment and your points total.

Step 2 Identify your nominated occupation and assessing authority

Step 3 Obtain a skills assessment

Allow for the processing time of the assessing authority.

Step 4 Build your points profile in SkillSelect and assess state nomination options

Step 5 Receive an invitation and lodge the visa application with police clearances from relevant countries

Speak to a Migration agent

Call 1300 VISA OZ (1300 8472 69) to discuss your visa or sponsorship options. Available Monday to Friday. Zoom consultations take 45-60 minutes and give you a clear answer on what is achievable.

Prefer to start in writing? Email info@migrationburo.com.au with the role title, the occupation, and the candidate's nationality and qualifications.

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

(Subclass 482)
Custom migration pathways for businesses facing ongoing skills shortages, including DAMA’s, industry-specific Labour agreements and Company Specific Labour Agreements.

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Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

Secure permanent residency for skilled international employees, strengthening your workforce with long-term expertise.

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Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
This visa provides a way for skilled workers in specific occupations, nominated by their employer for a position in a designated regional area, to live and work in Australia for five years. This visa contains two ‘streams’ with varying conditions and eligibility requirements. Click below to learn more, and contact us for professional advice and assistance.

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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

A points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, with no employer or state nomination required.

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Your Australian Visa application

Some frequently asked questions

Answers to some questions we often hear from people in your situation.

What IELTS score do I need?

The minimum IELTS score varies by visa subclass and skills assessment authority. For most points-tested skilled visas, a minimum overall band of 6.0 is required to claim points. Higher scores provide more points and improve invitation competitiveness.

Are Brazilian or Argentine engineering degrees recognised?

Engineers Australia assesses engineering degrees from South American institutions. Recognition depends on the specific institution and program. Some institutions have been reviewed; others require a more detailed assessment. MigrationBuro advises on the likely outcome for your specific qualification.

Which South American countries are eligible for a Working Holiday visa?

Argentina and Chile are currently eligible for the subclass 462. Check the current country list on the Department of Home Affairs website as eligibility changes.

Can a sponsored worker's family come to Australia with them?

Yes. Partners and dependent children can be included in the application as secondary applicants. Each secondary applicant is subject to health and character requirements. Partners may work full-time. Secondary applicants are named in the visa grant and subject to the same conditions as the primary holder.

What is the difference between a 482 and a 186 visa?

The 482 (Skills in Demand) is a temporary visa, typically granted for two to four years. The 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) is permanent residence. Many 482 holders transition to a 186 after two years of sponsored employment under the Temporary Residence Transition stream. The 186 can also be lodged directly via the Direct Entry stream if the worker holds the right qualifications and the role meets the criteria.

Migration experience you can trust

MigrationBuro are your trusted migration agents in Brisbane. Founded and led by Andrew Heathcote, we specialise in Australian immigration services. Registered since 2008, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN 0850840) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.