For Americans building a future in Australia
Migrating from the USA to Australia
Americans often expect a lottery like the green card system. Australia does not run one: it is points, sponsorship and occupation lists, and once you understand that structure the pathway is usually clearer than the one you left behind.
US citizens and permanent residents migrate to Australia across professional, technical, and skilled occupations. US qualifications are generally well-recognised in the Australian system, and English is not a barrier. The main consideration for US applicants is usually pathway selection and points competitiveness.
US citizens are not eligible for the standard Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), but may be eligible for the subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa depending on age and other criteria.
PATHWAYS FOR US APPLICANTS
Skilled independent (189): US professionals in IT, engineering, healthcare, and accounting with a positive skills assessment and competitive points score can apply for the 189.
State-sponsored (190, 491): where the independent pathway is not available, state nomination can provide a viable alternative.
Employer sponsorship (482, 186): US applicants with an Australian employer prepared to sponsor can be nominated on the 482 with a pathway to permanent residence.
Partner visa: US citizens in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident apply through the standard partner visa framework.
STEPS FOR US APPLICANTS
Step 1 Identify your nominated occupation and assessing authority
Step 2 English language: US citizens are generally exempt from the formal IELTS requirement for skills assessment purposes
Confirm for your specific visa subclass.
Step 3 Obtain a skills assessment
US degrees and professional qualifications are generally assessed positively.
Step 4 Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect and build your points profile
Step 5 Receive an invitation and lodge the application with FBI 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 an FBI clearance required?
Yes. US applicants need an FBI Identity History Summary (the US federal criminal history check) for character purposes on most visa applications.
Are US professional licences recognised in Australia?
Professional licences do not automatically transfer. Your qualifications are assessed by the relevant Australian authority (Engineers Australia, ACS, AHPRA, etc.). Most US degrees from accredited universities assess positively.
What is the 462 Work and Holiday visa?
The subclass 462 is available to US citizens aged 18 to 30. It allows 12 months of work and travel. Check current eligibility on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Can a sponsored worker's family come to Australia with them?
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.
