How can Zimbabweans get a work visa for Australia?

The main pathways are the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). You need your occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, a positive skills assessment, at least 65 points on the points test (85-95 is competitive), IELTS 6.0+ (or equivalent), and be under 45 years old. Healthcare workers and engineers are in high demand.

How many points do I need for Australian immigration?

The minimum is 65 points, but competitive scores in 2026-2026 are 85-95 points for most occupations. Points are awarded for age (25-32 is optimal, 30 points), English proficiency (up to 20 points), education (up to 20 points), work experience (up to 20 points), and state nomination (5-15 points). Healthcare and engineering occupations may receive invitations at lower scores.

How much do Zimbabweans earn in Australia?

Australian salaries are among the highest globally. Registered nurses earn AUD 75,000-95,000, software developers AUD 90,000-130,000, civil engineers AUD 80,000-110,000, accountants AUD 65,000-90,000, and electricians AUD 75,000-100,000. The minimum wage is AUD 24.10 per hour (2026). Australia also has compulsory 11.5% superannuation (pension) on top of salary.

Working in Australia from Zimbabwe

Complete guide to skilled migration visas, points test, and the application process for Zimbabwean citizens in 2026

Australia is a top destination for skilled Zimbabwean workers, offering high salaries, excellent working conditions, and a clear pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. The country has a significant Zimbabwean community, particularly in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane. With chronic shortages in healthcare, engineering, IT, and trades, Australia actively recruits skilled workers from around the world.

Skilled Migration Visas

Visa	Key Features	Processing	Cost (AUD)
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)	No sponsor/nomination needed. Occupation must be on MLTSSL. Permanent residency on grant.	6-12 months	$4,640
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)	State/territory nomination required (+5 points). Broader occupation list (STSOL+MLTSSL). Must live in nominating state for 2 years.	6-9 months	$4,640
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)	State nomination or family sponsorship in regional area (+15 points). 3 years regional, then apply for 191 PR.	6-12 months	$4,640
Subclass 482 (TSS Employer Sponsored)	Employer sponsors you. 2-4 year stay. Short-term or medium-term stream. Pathway to PR via 186.	1-4 months	$1,455-$2,770
Subclass 186 (ENS)	Employer nomination for PR. Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition (after 482).	6-12 months	$4,640

Points Test Calculator

You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Competitive invitation scores are 85-95+.

Factor	Criteria	Points
Age	18-24	25
	25-32	30
	33-39	25
	40-44	15
	45+	0
English	Competent (IELTS 6.0)	0
	Proficient (IELTS 7.0)	10
	Superior (IELTS 8.0)	20

Overseas Experience	3-4 years	5
	5-7 years	10
	8+ years	15

Education	Trade qualification / Diploma	10
	Bachelor's degree	15
	Master's or Doctorate	20
State Nomination (190)	Nominated by a state	5
Regional (491)	Regional nomination / family	15
Partner Skills	Skilled partner with competent English	10
Australian Study	2+ years of study in Australia	5
NAATI / Professional Year	Community language or professional year	5

Tip: Most Zimbabweans score 65-80 from age, education, and experience alone. Boosting IELTS to 7.0+ adds 10-20 points and is often the easiest way to become competitive. Read our IELTS Guide and visit AllThingsIELTS.com for preparation resources.

Skills Assessment

Before applying, you must get a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation:

Occupation	Assessing Authority	Cost (AUD)	Processing
Nurses & Midwives	ANMAC	$600-800	8-12 weeks
Engineers	Engineers Australia (EA)	$800-1,200	8-14 weeks
IT Professionals	ACS	$500-600	6-8 weeks
Accountants	CPA/CA/IPA	$500-600	6-10 weeks
Teachers	AITSL	$400-500	8-16 weeks
Trades (electrician, plumber)	TRA	$400-600	12-20 weeks
Doctors	AMC	$2,000+	Variable
Other professions	VETASSESS	$700-900	8-12 weeks

Salary Guide

Profession	Annual Salary (AUD)	ANZSCO Code
Registered Nurse	$75,000 - $95,000	254411
Software Developer	$90,000 - $130,000	261312
Civil Engineer	$80,000 - $110,000	233211
Accountant	$65,000 - $90,000	221111
Electrician	$75,000 - $100,000	341111
Pharmacist	$85,000 - $110,000	251511
Teacher (Secondary)	$75,000 - $105,000	241411
Motor Mechanic	$60,000 - $80,000	321211

Note: All salaries are before tax. Employers must also pay 11.5% superannuation (pension) on top.

Application Process (189/190)

Check occupation list: Verify your occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
Skills assessment: Apply to the relevant assessing authority and obtain a positive outcome
English test: Take IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or OET. Minimum: IELTS 6.0 each band (competent), aim for 7.0+ (proficient) for extra points
Submit EOI: Create a SkillSelect account and submit your Expression of Interest with points claim
State nomination (190 only): Apply for state/territory nomination if pursuing subclass 190
Receive invitation: Wait for an invitation to apply (ITA) based on your points ranking
Lodge visa application: You have 60 days to submit a complete application including health checks, police clearance, and evidence
Visa grant: Processing takes 6-12 months. You receive PR upon grant

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship. You apply based on your skills, qualifications, and points score. However, having a job offer from an Australian employer (subclass 482 or 186) can be a faster pathway.

Yes, you must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation for the 189 and 190 visas. The employer-sponsored subclass 482 has no age limit, and the subclass 186 (ENS) age limit is 45 unless you qualify for an exemption.

You can apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years of permanent residency (including at least 1 year as a PR). You must pass a citizenship test and meet the residence requirements. Zimbabwe allows dual citizenship, so you can hold both Zimbabwean and Australian passports.

Budget approximately AUD 8,000-12,000 for the complete process: skills assessment (AUD 500-1,200), English test (AUD 400), visa application (AUD 4,640 for primary applicant), health examination (AUD 400), police clearance (AUD 50-100), and miscellaneous costs. Additional applicants cost AUD 2,320 (adult) or AUD 1,160 (child under 18).