Is Australia Good for Indians?

Is Australia good for Indians? For many skilled workers, students and families from India, yes. India-born residents are now Australia’s largest overseas-born group: about 971,000 people, or 5.2% of the population, at June 30, 2025. Australia also has a national minimum wage of $26.44 an hour from July 1, 2026, and permanent residents get public healthcare through Medicare. The trade-offs are high housing costs in Sydney and Melbourne, competition for skilled visas, and being far from family. Last updated: November 14, 2026. Sources: Business Standard (ABS data), Mondaq (Fair Work Commission decision).

Why many Indians choose Australia

• A large Indian community. With nearly a million India-born residents, you will find Indian food, temples, community groups and professional networks in every major city.
• Worker protections. There is a national minimum wage, and awards set pay and conditions for many jobs.
• Skilled migration pathways. Points-tested skilled visas let qualified workers apply for permanent residence. We explain how in how to settle in Australia from India.
• Language and culture. English is the main language and the population is very mixed, which most newcomers find makes settling in easier.
• Quality of life. Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide all offer good public services, safety and an outdoor lifestyle.

What to think about before you move

• Housing and cost of living. Rent in Sydney and Melbourne is high compared with other cities. See the cost of living in Australia.
• Competitive visas. Skilled visa places are limited and the rules are changing, with a new tier-based skilled migration system planned. Read about the new system.
• Getting your skills recognised. Many occupations need a skills assessment, and some need local registration or a licence before you can work in your field.
• Distance. Flights to India are long and costly, so plan for long stretches away from family.
• Starting again. Some people take a role below their previous level at first, while they build local experience.

Ways to move to Australia from India

• Skilled migration: Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491). For 2026–27 the planning levels are 21,090 places for the 189, 35,500 for the 190 and 14,110 for regional visas (491 and 494 combined).
• Study first, then work: some people study in Australia and apply for a work or skilled visa afterwards. Rules change, so check the current requirements.
• Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462): a ballot-based visa for eligible young Indians. See the 462 ballot process.
• Employer-sponsored and family visas: routes that depend on a job offer from an approved employer or on a relative in Australia.

Frequently asked questions

Is Australia a good place to live for Indians?
Many Indians live and work there successfully, and India-born residents are the largest overseas-born group. How it goes for you depends on your occupation, city, English and finances.

How is life in Australia for Indian families?
Families usually value the safety, the public schools, healthcare access for permanent residents and the Indian community. The main challenges are housing costs and being far from relatives.

What is the minimum wage in Australia?
The national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour ($1,004.90 for a 38-hour week) from July 1, 2026, according to the Fair Work Commission decision. Many jobs pay more under awards.

Is it easy for Indians to get PR in Australia?
No. Skilled visas are points-tested and competitive, and only a limited number of invitations go out. Whether you qualify depends on your occupation, age, English, experience and points.

Can Visas Avenue guarantee a visa?
No. Every case is decided on its own merits, so we cannot guarantee any outcome.

Want to know which Australian visa fits your profile? Take a free assessment with our advisers, or call our toll-free number 78-18-000-777.