Visa Options for Nepali Citizens Moving to Australia in 2026

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

### Requirements for Nepali Applicants

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): From a CRICOS-registered institution.

English proficiency:
- Vocational courses: IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0)
- Bachelor's degree: IELTS 6.0-6.5
- Master's/PhD: IELTS 6.5-7.0
- Nursing programs: IELTS 7.0 in all bands

Financial evidence: Demonstrate access to:
- Full first-year tuition
- AUD 29,710 for living costs per year
- AUD 2,000 for return travel
- Additional per dependent (partner: AUD 4,540, child: AUD 3,152)

Financial evidence options: bank statements (funds held for minimum 3 months), education loan approval from a Nepali bank, scholarship letters, or sponsor statutory declarations.

OSHC: Mandatory for the duration of your visa.

GTE statement: Critically important for Nepali applicants. Nepal is in a higher-risk assessment category. Your statement should clearly explain why you're choosing this specific course at this specific institution, how it connects to your career, and your circumstances in Nepal.

### GTE Strengthening Tips for Nepali Applicants

- Course logic: Ensure your chosen course logically follows from your previous education. A SLC/+2 graduate applying for a bachelor's in IT makes sense. A bachelor's in arts graduate applying for a diploma in cookery needs strong justification.
- Institution quality: Higher-ranked institutions strengthen your GTE case. University courses are viewed more favourably than private college diplomas in most circumstances.
- Previous visa history: If you've previously been refused a visa (to any country), address this directly in your statement.
- Financial genuineness: Large, sudden deposits in bank accounts raise red flags. Show a history of funds accumulation or a formal education loan from a recognised bank.
- Ties to Nepal: Family, property, employment history, and career prospects in Nepal demonstrate that you have reasons to return (or that you're making an informed choice to study abroad, not simply seeking migration).

### Cost

AUD 2,500 (≈NPR 222,000) for the visa application.

### Processing Time

Typically 4-12 weeks. Can be longer if additional documentation is requested or if you're asked for a GTE interview.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Your bridge from study to skilled migration.

### Post-Study Work Stream

For graduates of bachelor's degrees and above (minimum 2 years of study at an Australian institution):
- Bachelor's: 2 years
- Master's coursework: 3 years
- Master's by research or PhD: 4 years

No skills assessment required. No occupation list restriction. Full work rights.

### Graduate Work Stream

For graduates whose qualification relates to an occupation on the MLTSSL:
- Duration: 18 months
- Requires a skills assessment
- Occupation must be on the list

### Application

Deadline: Within 6 months of completing your course. This is strict — do not miss it.

Cost: AUD 5,750 (≈NPR 512,000) for the primary applicant, current as at 1 July 2026.

Health insurance: You need adequate health insurance for the 485 period. OSHC or a complying policy.

### Using the 485 Effectively

This is your window to build a profile strong enough for PR. Focus on:

1. Working in your qualified field. Australian work experience in your nominated occupation adds points (5 points for 1 year, 10 for 3 years, 15 for 5 years).
2. Improving English. Target IELTS 7.0 (10 points) or IELTS 8.0 (20 points). The difference between 0 English points and 20 English points often determines whether you receive a 189 invitation.
3. Getting a skills assessment. This takes 6-12 weeks. Do it early in your 485.
4. Building professional networks. Employers who know your work are more likely to sponsor you.

Skilled Migration (189/190/491)

### Points Profile for Nepali Applicants

Typical starting position for a 27-year-old Nepali graduate with an Australian bachelor's degree:

To reach competitive levels (80-90+), you need:

Key insight: English is the single biggest points lever. The difference between competent English (0 points) and superior English (20 points) is enormous. Invest heavily in English preparation during your 485 period.

Community language points: If you hold a NAATI-credentialed community language qualification in Nepali, you get 5 points. This is a lesser-known advantage — consider taking the NAATI CCL test in Nepali.

### Common Occupations for Nepali Applicants

IT roles: Software engineer (261313), developer programmer (261312), ICT business analyst (261111), network administrator (263112). ACS assessment.

Accounting: Accountant (221111), external auditor (221213). CPA/CAANZ/IPA assessment.

Nursing: Registered nurse (254499 and specific specialisations). ANMAC assessment. Requires IELTS 7.0 in all bands for AHPRA registration.

Engineering: Civil engineer (233211), mechanical engineer (233512), electrical engineer (233311). Engineers Australia assessment.

Trades: Cook (351411), chef (351311), motor mechanic (321211). TRA assessment.

### Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)

Direct permanent residency. No employer or state sponsor needed. Currently the most competitive pathway — scores of 80-95+ are typical for invitations.

Cost: AUD 6,135 + skills assessment + English test.

### Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)

State-nominated PR. Adds 5 points. You commit to living in the nominating state for 2 years.

Cost: AUD 6,140 + state nomination fee (AUD 300-500 depending on state).

Tip: Research which states are actively nominating your occupation. South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT often have more accessible nomination criteria than NSW or Victoria.

### Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)

Regional provisional visa with +15 points. Leads to the 191 PR after 3 years of living and working in a regional area and earning above AUD 53,900/year.

Cost: AUD 6,140.

Best for: Nepali graduates willing to live outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Regional areas often have better job markets for specific occupations and less competition for housing.

Employer Sponsorship (Subclass 482)

An Australian employer sponsors you for a specific role.

### Requirements

- Occupation on the relevant list
- Minimum salary: AUD 73,150 or market rate
- English: IELTS 5.0 overall, 5.0 in each band (medium-term stream)
- Skills assessment (sometimes required)

### Pathway to PR

Medium-term stream → 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) after 2-3 years.

### Tips for Nepali Applicants

- Build relationships with employers during your 485 period
- Target industries with chronic shortages (healthcare, IT, construction)
- Have a direct conversation with your employer about sponsorship — many are willing but don't know the process
- A MARA-registered agent can guide both you and your employer through the sponsorship application

Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

If your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Cost: AUD 11,710, charged once on the combined 820/801 application. The most expensive pathway.

Processing: 12-24+ months for the temporary stage, then permanent.

Evidence: Genuine relationship evidence including shared finances, cohabitation, social recognition, and mutual commitment. De facto relationships (living together for at least 12 months) are accepted alongside marriages.

Timeline: Student to PR

The typical timeline from first arriving as a student to receiving PR is 5-8 years. This requires consistent effort: strong academics, English improvement, relevant work experience, and strategic visa planning.

Next Steps

Read the overview guide for the broader picture.

If you're planning the student route, start by identifying courses that match your academic background and are linked to occupations on the skilled lists.

Our settling guide covers practical daily life in Australia.

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Related Resources

- Nepal to Australia: Complete 2026 Guide
- Settling in Australia from Nepal
- Student Visa to 485 Graduate Pathway
- Student Visa Refusal: Next Steps
- 482 to PR Pathway
- Over 45? Skilled Migration Options
- First Week in Australia Checklist
- Best OSHC for International Students

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Can I get permanent residency directly without studying in Australia?

Yes, if you have an occupation on the skilled occupation list, adequate work experience, a skills assessment, and strong English. But most Nepali applicants find the student pathway more accessible because Australian study adds points, provides work experience, and gives you time to improve English.

How many points do I need for the 189 visa?

The minimum is 65 points, but competitive invitation scores are typically 80-95+ depending on your occupation. Australian study (+5), Australian work experience (+5-20), and superior English (+20) are the key ways Nepali applicants boost their scores.

What happens if my student visa is refused?

You can reapply with a stronger application (better GTE statement, clearer financial evidence, more logical course choice). Some refusals can be appealed to the AAT. Read our guide on student visa refusal recovery for detailed steps.

Can my spouse work on my student visa?

Yes. Your spouse or de facto partner can be included as a dependent on your student visa and receives work rights of 48 hours per fortnight. They can also study for up to 4 months.