Working in Australia from Ghana 2026
Australia offers excellent salaries, quality of life, and a transparent points-based immigration system. While more expensive than other destinations, Australia's skilled migration programme provides a direct pathway to permanent residency for qualified professionals.
Australian Work Visa Options
| Visa | Type | Cost (AUD) | Processing | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | Permanent | $4,640 | 6-12 months | Points-based; no employer or state sponsor needed |
| Subclass 190 | Permanent | $4,640 | 8-14 months | State-nominated; +5 points; must live in nominating state |
| Subclass 491 | Provisional (5yr) | $4,640 | 8-12 months | Regional; +15 points; pathway to 191 (PR) |
| Subclass 482 (TSS) | Temporary (2-4yr) | $1,455-$3,115 | 1-4 months | Employer-sponsored; medium or long-term stream |
| Subclass 494 | Provisional (5yr) | $4,640 | 6-12 months | Employer-sponsored regional |
Points System (Subclass 189/190/491)
Minimum: 65 points. Competitive: 85-90+ points.
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25-32 | 30 |
| Age 33-39 | 25 |
| English: Superior (IELTS 8.0+) | 20 |
| English: Proficient (IELTS 7.0+) | 10 |
| English: Competent (IELTS 6.0+) | 0 |
| PhD | 20 |
| Bachelor/Masters | 15 |
| Trade qualification | 10 |
| 8+ years overseas experience | 15 |
| 5-7 years overseas experience | 10 |
| 3-4 years overseas experience | 5 |
| State nomination (190) | 5 |
| Regional nomination (491) | 15 |
| Partner skills | 5-10 |
| NAATI accreditation | 5 |
| Professional Year | 5 |
Step-by-Step: Skilled Migration from Ghana
- Check your occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Skills assessment through the relevant assessing authority (e.g., VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ANMAC for nurses, ACS for IT)
- Take English test (IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL) -- aim for Proficient or Superior level
- Calculate your points -- need minimum 65, competitive at 85+
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- Receive invitation to apply when your points meet the threshold
- Lodge full application within 60 days with police clearance, health exam, and all documents
- Medical examination at Bupa Medical Visa Services in Accra
- Visa grant -- you have 12 months to make your first entry
IELTS Requirements
You will need an IELTS score for this visa. See our complete IELTS Guide for Ghanaians for test centres, fees, required scores, and registration.
For IELTS preparation tips, practice tests, and study materials, visit AllThingsIELTS.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total costs typically include: skills assessment (AUD 500-1,500), IELTS/PTE test (AUD 400), visa application (AUD 4,640 for main applicant + AUD 2,320 per adult dependent + AUD 1,160 per child), medical exam (AUD 400-600), police clearance (GHS 50-100), and flights (GHS 8,000-15,000). Total: approximately AUD 8,000-15,000 (GHS 70,000-130,000) for a family.
It depends on your occupation. Engineers: Engineers Australia. IT professionals: Australian Computer Society (ACS). Nurses: ANMAC. Accountants: CPA Australia or CAANZ. Teachers: AITSL. Trades: TRA. General professionals: VETASSESS. Each body has different requirements and processing times (typically 2-4 months).
While 65 is the minimum, it is rarely competitive. Most occupations require 85-90+ points in 2026. If you score below 80, consider state nomination (adds 5-15 points), improving your English score, or gaining more work experience. Regional visas (491) have lower point thresholds and are an excellent pathway.