Are you someone who dreams of moving to Australia but has no idea where to start? You want to make the move, but the process feels overwhelming. I have good news for you: Australia is still issuing visas. How do I know? Because people are still arriving every single day—people from your country, your city, and your background. Whether you are from Africa, Asia, or Europe, the opportunity is there. But before you pack your bags, you need to understand the reality of the process so you don’t lose your money to scams.
australia visa truth
The Reality of Visa Allocations
The Australian immigration year runs from July to June. For the 2025–2026 planning period, the Australian Government has confirmed an allocation of 185,000 visa places. You can view the official breakdown of these numbers on the Migration Program Planning Levels page.
A significant portion of these—about 132,200 places—is dedicated to skilled visas. These are the pathways that actually allow you to live and work here permanently:
Don’t Fall for the “Agent Magic” Scam
I want to be very clear: Australia visas are not “agent visas.” There is no such thing as an agent doing “magic” to get you a visa if you are not qualified.
If an agent tells you they can get you an Australian work visa in 30 days, it is a scam. Here is why:
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The Process Takes Time: For a work visa, you usually need to find a job first.
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Strict Requirements: The job must be advertised, you must be interviewed, and you must pass a screening process.
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No Shortcuts: No agent has the power to maneuver or boycott the Australian immigration process.
Pro Tip: If you want to use an agent, ensure they are registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). You can verify an agent’s registration at mara.gov.au.
The Visitor Visa Trap
Many people think they can come to Australia on a Visitor/Tourist Visa and simply start working. This is a huge mistake.
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No Work Rights: Visitor visas come with a condition that strictly prohibits working. You can check your specific visa conditions using the VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) system.
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No Further Stay: Most visitor visas have a “No Further Stay” condition (Condition 8503), meaning you cannot apply for another visa while you are inside the country.
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Employment Barriers: Even if a business needs cleaners, security guards, or drivers, they cannot hire you on a visitor visa. These jobs are generally reserved for locals because they are not on the “Skilled Occupation List” required for sponsorship.
Skilled Occupations vs. General Jobs
To get a work visa, your job must be on the official Skilled Occupation List.
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Not on the list: Warehouse attendants, forklift drivers, and general fruit picking.
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On the list: Early childhood educators, electricians, plumbers, and agricultural consultants (usually requiring a degree).
For many of these, you will need a Skills Assessment. This is a process where you provide documentation to prove you can actually do the job you claim to do.
Key Takeaways for Your Move
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It’s Not Getting “Harder,” It’s Just Strict: The process has been strict since 2014. Requirements like the Points Test and English proficiency (IELTS/PTE) have remained consistent.
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English Requirements: For employer-sponsored visas, you might only need “Competent English.” For skilled visas, you usually need a higher score to get enough points. You can find more details on English language requirements here.
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Do It Yourself: You don’t actually need an embassy or an agent. You can apply for these visas online through ImmiAccount.
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Costs Vary: The cost depends on the visa. You can check current pricing using the Visa Pricing Estimator.
Final Advice
Don’t give up on your dream, but start with the facts. Check the occupation lists, see if you qualify for a skills assessment, and ignore anyone promising “guaranteed” work visas in two weeks. Australia needs migrants, and the spots are there—you just have to follow the right path.
Have questions about a specific visa type?
Drop your questions in the comments below! This is an interactive section, and I will be answering your queries to help you on your journey.
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