Let me tell you about Kashif. Two years ago, he was earning 85,000 rupees monthly in a Lahore IT company. Today he’s in Melbourne making $92,000 AUD yearly (about 2.4 crore rupees). Same job. Different country.
What changed? He took Australia Migration seriously.
If you’re a Pakistani engineer or IT professional, you already have what Australia wants. The question is will you take the next step?
Why Australia Migration Is Your Best Move Right Now
Australia needs 300,000+ skilled workers in the next few years. Pakistani professionals from universities like UET Lahore, NUST, GIKI, FAST, COMSATS, and NED are exactly who they’re looking for.
Walk into any engineering office in Pakistan and someone’s talking about moving abroad. Canada used to be everyone’s choice. Now? Processing takes 2-3 years there. Australia is different.
My cousin’s husband an electrical engineer from NUST got his Australia Migration visa in 8 months. They moved to Perth last quarter. He already has job interviews lined up.
Three Reasons 2026 Is Perfect
Australia has massive infrastructure projects happening. Roads, bridges, metro systems, government IT upgrades. Local graduates can’t fill these positions.
Your HEC approved degree is internationally recognized. Engineers Australia and Australian Computer Society (ACS) know Pakistani universities and trust the education quality.
The money makes sense too. An IT professional in Pakistan earns 150,000-200,000 rupees monthly. In Australia? Same person earns $7,000-9,000 AUD monthly (18-23 lakh rupees). You recover migration costs in two months.
What Nobody Tells You About Australia Migration
Age Matters
Australia’s points system gives maximum points to people aged 25-32. If you’re 33-39, you get fewer points. After 40, chances drop significantly. Don’t wait five years. Start now.
English Is Critical
You need IELTS or PTE scores. Minimum is 6 in each band, but to be competitive for Australia Migration, you want 7 or 8. My friend Bilal failed his first IELTS with 5.5 in writing. He retook it after practice and scored 7. That extra 1.5 bands made the difference between approval and rejection.
Your Job Title Must Match
Australia has a Skilled Occupation List. Your job must match an occupation on this list. In Pakistan, job titles are flexible. For Australia Migration, this matters.
A guy I know applied as “Software Engineer” but his letters described database work. Rejected. He reapplied as “Database Administrator” and got approved. Lost four months.
Your Three Australia Migration Pathways
Subclass 189 Independent Visa
This is what everyone wants. No job offer needed. No state nomination required. Just points.
You submit an Expression of Interest online. Australia grades you on points. If your score is high enough, you get invited. Once approved, you have permanent residency immediately.
Good for
Young professionals under 33 with strong English, 5+ years experience, high-demand degrees.
My friend Hamza got Subclass 189 last year. He’s 29, mechanical engineer from UET, 7 years in oil and gas, IELTS 7.5. His Australia Migration application scored 85 points. Invited within two months.
The catch
You need 65+ points minimum, but realistically 70-80+ to get invited quickly.
Subclass 190 State Nomination
This requires a state to nominate you. Different states need different skills. One might need civil engineers, another wants IT professionals.
You apply to a specific state. If they nominate you, you get 5 bonus points. You must live there for 2 years, then you can move anywhere.
Good for
People who score 60-70 points alone. State nomination gives the extra 5 points needed.
A FAST Islamabad software engineer got rejected for 189 (only 70 points). He applied for South Australia nomination, got 75 points total, received his Australia Migration visa in six months.
Subclass 491 Regional Fast Track
Regional areas (everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane CBD) desperately need skilled workers. They fast-track applications with lower points requirements.
You must live in a regional area for 3 years. After 3 years, you apply for permanent PR. During those 3 years, you have almost all PR benefits.
Good for
Anyone willing to live in Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, or regional Queensland.
A Karachi couple moved to Adelaide on 491. They love it. Lower costs, less traffic, good schools, strong Pakistani community. They’re applying for full PR this year.
The Points System Explained Simply
You need minimum 65 points. Current invitations select people with 70-80+ points.
Age (Maximum 30 points)
- 25-32 years: 30 points
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
English (Maximum 20 points)
- IELTS 6 each band: 0 points
- IELTS 7 each band: 10 points
- IELTS 8 each band: 20 points
Experience (Maximum 20 points)
- 3-5 years: 5-10 points
- 5-8 years: 10-15 points
- 8+ years: 15-20 points
Education (Maximum 20 points)
- Bachelor: 15 points
- Master: 15 points
- PhD: 20 points
Other Boosts
- State nomination: +5 points
- Partner skills: +5-10 points
Real Example Ahmed, 31, Software Engineer
- Age: 30 points
- English (IELTS 7): 10 points
- Experience (7 years): 15 points
- Bachelor: 15 points
- Victoria nomination: 5 points
- Total: 75 points Invited in 3 months
Your Step-by-Step Australia Migration Process
Month 1-2: Skills Assessment
Before starting your Australia migration process, make sure your travel documents are ready. You can follow this complete guide on how to apply for a passport in Pakistan to avoid delays during skills assessment and visa filing.
Submit to Engineers Australia (for engineers) or ACS (for IT). You need degree certificates, transcripts, detailed work reference letters, resume. Takes 6-10 weeks. Costs $500-700 AUD (140,000-200,000 PKR).
Month 1-2: English Test
Take IELTS or PTE simultaneously. Book a month in advance. Prepare properly. Cost: $300-400 AUD (85,000-115,000 PKR).
Month 3: Expression of Interest
Once you have assessment and English results, submit EOI through SkillSelect. Free. Takes 2 hours.
Month 3-6: Wait for Invitation
With 75+ points, you might get invited in 1-3 months. With 65-70 points, maybe 6-12 months. During this time, improve points by retaking English or gaining experience.
Month 6-7: Lodge Visa Application
Got invitation? You have 60 days to submit full application. Submit police clearances, medical exams, proof of funds, all documents. Cost: $4,640 AUD main applicant, plus spouse and children (total around 2.5 million PKR for family of four).
Month 7-15: Processing
Currently 8-12 months for most Australia Migration applications. Case officer might ask for additional documents. Respond quickly.
Decision: Get Your Visa
When approved, you get 12 months to enter Australia. Once you enter, you’re a permanent resident.
Real Success Stories
Sadia: UET Lahore Civil Engineer
Started Australia Migration January 2024. Got PR November 2024. Moved to Brisbane February 2025. Now earns $88,000 annually, sends money home. Her advice: “Don’t overthink it. I wasted two years thinking before applying.”
Farhan: NUST Network Engineer
Age 35 when he started. People said too old. He scored IELTS 8 bands. With 10 years telecom experience, got South Australia nomination. Moved to Adelaide 2024 with wife and kids. Combined income: $165,000 AUD. His advice: “Compensate age with other points. Regional areas are underrated.”
Hassan: FAST Karachi Software Developer
Tried Canada first. 18 months, then rejected. Applied Australia June 2024, approved March 2025. Nine months. Now in Melbourne fintech startup. His advice: “Australia’s process is clearer and faster than Canada right now.”
Where Pakistani Professionals Live
Sydney
Lakemba, Auburn, Parramatta have huge Pakistani communities. Halal restaurants, desi grocery stores, cricket leagues. Highest costs but highest salaries. Most IT and finance jobs.
Melbourne
Craigieburn, Glenroy, Broadmeadows. Great for IT professionals. Tech startups, innovation companies. More relaxed than Sydney.
Brisbane
Sunnybank, Logan, Chermside. Booming infrastructure work. Warmer weather. Housing 40% cheaper than Sydney.
Perth
Canning Vale, Willetton. Highest salaries for engineers. Mining and oil/gas sectors massive. Beautiful beaches.
Adelaide
Regional area with faster processing. Lower costs. Houses 50% less than Sydney. Smart choice for Australia Migration.
Real Costs Breakdown
Before Visa
- Skills assessment: 140,000-200,000 PKR
- English test: 85,000-115,000 PKR
- Documents, translations: 60,000-140,000 PKR
Visa Fees
- Main applicant: 1,300,000 PKR
- Spouse: 650,000 PKR
- Each child: 325,000 PKR
- Medical & Police: 100,000-150,000 PKR per person
- MARA Agent (recommended): 850,000-1,700,000 PKR
- Total for family of four: 40-50 lakh PKR
Sounds like a lot. But within 6 months of working in Australia, you’ll recover these costs from salary difference.
Why You Need a MARA Agent
I’ve seen people try Australia Migration themselves. Some succeed. Many don’t. My friend filled forms incorrectly about work dates. Got rejected. Lost 13 lakh rupees application fee. Had to restart with an agent.
MARA agents are officially registered with Australia’s government. They know current laws, recent changes, common rejection reasons.
Look for AINiT Consultancy Services. They’re MARA registered and have helped dozens of Pakistani professionals I know. They assess your case honestly and tell you real chances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Weak Reference Letters
Need detailed letters with dates, duties, technologies, projects, hours per week. Not just “Hassan worked here as engineer.”
Wrong Occupation Code
Choosing wrong occupation for assessment kills applications. Read descriptions carefully. Pick what matches actual duties, not job title.
Ignoring State Nomination
Everyone wants 189, but 190 gives 5 extra points and faster processing. You can move after 2 years. Get PR first.
Poor English Prep
IELTS costs 40,000 rupees. Failing twice is 120,000 plus delays. Invest in preparation. Score 7 or higher.
Waiting Too Long
Next year you’re older (fewer points). Requirements change. Quotas fill. If you’re qualified now, apply now.
Life After Landing in Australia
First Three Months Are Hard
Different accent, work culture, finding housing, setting up accounts. My friend Saad said his first month was the most stressful. By month three, he was settled with job, apartment, kids adjusting to school.
Job Hunting Reality
Most find work in 3-6 months. Your first job might not be dream level. You might need something lower to get “Australian experience.” My cousin started junior despite 6 years Pakistan experience. After 8 months, better role. After 18 months, earning more than imagined.
Financial Difference Is Real
Within a year, most families I know have bought cars, saved 30-40 lakh PKR, sent money home, started planning property purchase. A couple went from 300,000 PKR monthly Pakistan income to $12,000 AUD monthly (33 lakh PKR) in Australia.
Your Next Steps This Week
Today
- Check if your occupation is on skilled occupation list
- Calculate approximate points online
- Identify your assessment authority
This Week
Gather degree certificates and work documents, and prepare reference letters from employers for guidance on official documentation, see FPSC jobs 2025 advertisement.
This Month
- Contact MARA agent like AINiT Consultancy for free assessment
- Submit skills assessment
- Begin English test preparation
Every month you delay, you’re getting older (fewer points), rupee is weakening (costs rising), opportunities passing.
That software engineer making 25 lakh monthly in Melbourne started his Australia Migration on a random Tuesday in 2022. Nothing special about that day. He just decided to start.
There’s no perfect moment. The best time to start was last year. The second best time is today.
Australia is waiting for professionals like you. Your skills, education, experience they’re valued there in ways they might not be here.
Don’t let this opportunity pass. Start today. Contact a MARA consultant. Calculate your points. Take that first step.
Your future self will thank you.
FAQs
Q1: What is the minimum experience required for Australia Migration?
Generally 3 years post-qualification experience in nominated occupation. More experience (5-8+ years) scores more points.
Q2: Can my spouse work after Australia Migration?
Yes, PR holders have full work rights. No restrictions. Many Pakistani families double household income with both spouses working.
Q3: How long does Australia Migration take?
From starting assessment to visa: typically 12-18 months. Regional 491 can be 8-10 months. Depends on points and occupation demand.
Q4: Is Australia Migration easier than Canada?
Currently yes. Canada takes 2-3 years with unpredictable outcomes. Australia’s points system is transparent with relatively faster processing.
Q5: Can I apply if I’m over 35?
Yes, until age 44. You get fewer age points but can compensate with excellent English (8 bands), strong experience (8+ years), or state nomination.
Q6: Do I need a job offer for Australia Migration?
Not for Subclass 189 or 190. These are points-based. Most Pakistani professionals use skilled migration pathways without pre-arranged employment.
Q7: What if my application gets rejected?
You can reapply after addressing rejection reasons. Common causes: incomplete documents, points errors, health/character issues. MARA agents help ensure correct applications.
Q8: Can I include parents in Australia Migration?
Not in initial PR. Parents have separate contributory visas but they’re expensive with long waits. Get your PR first, sponsor parents later.
Q9: How much money should I save before Australia Migration?
Minimum $10,000-15,000 AUD (28-42 lakh PKR) settlement funds for initial rent, food, transport while job hunting.
Q10: Which engineering field has best chances?
Civil, mechanical, electrical engineers consistently high demand. Mining engineers for Western Australia. Check current skilled occupation list for updates.
Q11: Is IELTS or PTE better?
Both accepted equally. Some find PTE easier for higher scores. PTE is computer-based with faster results (2-3 days).
Q12: What are regional areas for Australia Migration?
Everything except Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane city centers. Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Hobart count as regional with faster processing and extra points.
Q13: Can I start business after Australia Migration?
Yes, PR holders have full rights to start businesses. Many start consultancies or IT services. Government grants available for new businesses.
Q14: What if I only have bachelor’s degree?
Bachelor’s is fine. You get 15 points (master’s also 15, PhD gets 20). Most succeed with bachelor’s. Work experience and English matter more.
Q15: How long until I can apply for citizenship?
After 4 years as PR holder (with at least 12 months as PR). Citizenship gives Australian passport and voting rights. Many apply after 4-5 years.
