For Filipinos building a future in Australia
Migrating from the Philippines to Australia
Applications from the Philippines have their own document trail: PSA certificates, NBI clearances, and employer references that need to be in the right form the first time. Knowing the quirks in advance saves weeks.
Filipino nationals are among the largest migrant groups in Australia, with strong representation in healthcare, engineering, trades, and service industries. The Australian migration system has clear pathways for Filipino applicants with relevant qualifications and employment experience.
The most common pathways for Filipino applicants are employer-sponsored visas (subclass 482 and 186) and the points-tested skilled stream. English proficiency is rarely a barrier for Filipino university graduates and professionals, but formal English test results are required for most visa applications.
COMMON PATHWAYS FOR FILIPINO APPLICANTS
Employer sponsorship (482 and 186): Filipino tradespeople and professionals already employed by an approved Australian sponsor have a direct pathway. MigrationBuro works with Australian employers in engineering, manufacturing, and healthcare who sponsor Filipino workers.
Points-tested skilled stream (189, 190, 491): Filipino applicants with a positive skills assessment and competitive points score can pursue the independent or state-sponsored skilled pathway.
Healthcare stream: Filipino nurses and healthcare professionals are a significant group. AHPRA assesses Filipino nursing qualifications. IELTS or OET is required. The pathway from 482 sponsorship by a healthcare employer to 186 ENS is well-established.
Partner visa: Filipino nationals in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident can apply for a partner visa.
STEPS FOR FILIPINO APPLICANTS
Step 1 Confirm your occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
Step 2 Meet the English language requirement
IELTS or PTE. For healthcare occupations, OET may also be accepted. Check the specific requirement for your visa subclass.
Step 3 Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant authority
Step 4 If employer-sponsored: confirm your employer is an approved sponsor or can become one
Step 5 Lodge the visa application with all supporting documentation, including NBI clearance for character purposes
Speak to a Migration agent
Call 1300 VISA OZ (1300 8472 69) to discuss employer sponsorship for your Brisbane business. 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.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
Secure permanent residency for skilled international employees, strengthening your workforce with long-term expertise.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
This visa provides a way for skilled workers in specific occupations, who are nominated by their employer in regional Australia, to live and work in Australia for 5 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.
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)
The Subclass 400 visa allows individuals with highly specialised skills to undertake short-term, non-ongoing work or projects in Australia..
Your Australian Visa application
Some frequently asked questions
Answers to some questions we often hear from people in your situation.
Is a Filipino nursing qualification recognised in Australia?
Filipino nursing degrees from CHED-recognised universities are assessed by AHPRA. The assessment includes an English language component (IELTS or OET). Most Filipino nursing graduates who meet the English requirement obtain a positive assessment.
What is an NBI clearance?
A clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation in the Philippines. Required for character purposes on most visa applications for Filipino applicants.
Do I need a skills assessment for employer-sponsored visas?
For most occupations on the MLTSSL, a skills assessment is required for the subclass 482. Check the specific requirements for your occupation with MigrationBuro.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Spouse or de facto partner and dependent children are secondary applicants on most visa subclasses.
What is the difference between a 482 and a 186 visa?
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. With over 18 years of experience, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.
