In Johnny’s ranking, Australia is the second-best immigration destination after the US.
This isn’t an offhand comment. Australia’s resource wealth is extraordinary — world’s largest iron ore exporter, plus massive coal and gold reserves. Post-pandemic, Australia recovered faster economically than most developed nations. It has more job opportunities than Canada and far better weather (no -20°C winters).
But the reality is that Australia’s skilled migration threshold has been rising year after year.
The three main visa streams are: 189 (independent, no state nomination needed), 190 (state-nominated), and 491 (regional). All use the EOI points system — the higher your score, the sooner you’re invited.
Points factors: age (25-32 is optimal), English ability (IELTS 4×8 gives more points than 4×7), education (PhD more than bachelor’s), work experience (onshore vs offshore), and Australian study credentials.
Two critical warnings: Accounting and IT/Computer Science have been completely overrun by Indian and Chinese applicants. Invitation scores for these fields have reached 95-100 points. Do not pursue these fields if you want to immigrate through skilled migration.
Recommended professions: early childhood education, nursing, construction, quantity surveying, and social work — these are consistently in demand with friendlier point thresholds.
Employer sponsorship: 186 (direct PR) costs approximately 1.3-1.4 million RMB. 482 (temporary) costs about 300,000 RMB.
The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) — under 30, IELTS 5.5 — is a low-cost way to “try before you buy.”
Important: Australian policy changes fast. The recent removal of post-study work rights for graduates over 35 happened with no transition period. If Australia is your goal, move early while the window is still open.