The Time to Stay Has Come: How Brazilians Are Turning Exchange Programs into Permanent Residency in Australia

How to Permanently Migrate to Australia as a Brazilian: Visas 189, 190, and 491 in 2026

In summary: Brazilians can permanently migrate to Australia through the Skilled Migration program, which uses a points-based system (SkillSelect). The main visas are: 189 (independent, no sponsorship), 190 (state-sponsored, +5 points), and 491 (regional temporary, +15 points, path to permanent residency). The process takes 1 to 4 years depending on the visa and score.

More and more Brazilians are arriving in Australia to study or work and end up wanting to stay permanently — and it makes sense. Australia offers exceptional quality of life, one of the most robust public health systems in the world, world-class education, and a job market that pays well and values qualified professionals.

If you are thinking of making Australia your permanent home, this guide explains the main paths available for Brazilians in 2026.

Why do Brazilians choose to migrate to Australia?

Australia is one of the countries that receives the most skilled immigrants in the world, and Brazilians are among the fastest-growing communities in the country. The main reasons:

• High salaries: minimum wage of AUD 26.44/hour in 2026 (one of the highest in the world)

• Quality of life: cities consistently ranked among the most livable on the planet

• Transparent immigration system: based on points and skills, not luck

• Demand for professionals: dozens of areas with chronic shortages of skilled labor

• Structured path: Australia has a clear permanent migration program, unlike many other countries

What are the main permanent migration routes for Brazilians?

There are three main paths:

1. Skilled Migration

It is the most common and accessible path for most Brazilians. It works through a points-based system called SkillSelect, where you declare your qualifications and the government invites candidates with the highest scores.

The three main visas in this category:

Visa 189 — Skilled Independent
The "golden dream" of Australian migration. Does not require sponsorship from any state or employer. You apply on your own and, if invited, receive permanent residency directly. The minimum score historically hovers around 80-90 points, which requires a strong profile in English, qualification, and experience.

Visa 190 — Skilled Nominated
Requires sponsorship from an Australian state or territory, but in return adds 5 extra points to your application. You need to live and work in the sponsoring state for at least 2 years after approval. South Australia (Adelaide) and Queensland have been especially active in sponsoring Brazilian professionals.

Visa 491 — Skilled Work Regional
The most accessible option for those with lower scores. State or family sponsorship in a regional area adds 15 extra points. The visa is temporary (5 years) but opens the way to permanent residency through visa 191 after 3 years living and working in a designated region.

2. Family Visas

If you have a partner, spouse, or relative who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, family visas can be the fastest path:

• Subclass 820/801 (Partner Visa Onshore): for those already in Australia with an Australian partner

• Subclass 309/100 (Partner Visa Offshore): for those still in Brazil

3. Employer Sponsored

Some Australian companies sponsor foreign professionals directly. Visa 482 is temporary and can lead to permanent visa 186. Requires a formal job offer from a company registered as a sponsor with Home Affairs.

How does the SkillSelect points system work?

SkillSelect is the online platform where you register your application profile. The system scores candidates on different criteria:

Criterion | Possible points

• Age (25–32 years = maximum): up to 30 points

• English (superior proficient): up to 20 points

• Overseas work experience: up to 15 points

• Australian work experience: up to 20 points

• Academic qualification: up to 20 points

• State sponsorship (190): 5 points

• Regional sponsorship (491): 15 points

• Others (Australian partner, study in Australia, etc.): variable

Minimum score for any invitation: 65 points. In practice, most invitations for visa 189 require 80-90 points.

Which professions have the best migration chances in 2026?

Australia regularly publishes lists of occupations in demand. In 2026, areas with the highest demand for permanent migration include:

Health: Nursing, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Aged Care, Disability Support
Construction and Engineering: Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering; Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters
Technology: Software Development, Cybersecurity, Data Analysis, Cloud Computing
Education: Primary and Secondary School Teachers, Early Childhood Education
Finance: Accountants, Auditors, Financial Analysts
Social Work: Social Workers, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists
Gastronomy: Qualified Chefs, especially in regional areas

Lists are updated periodically. Always consult the latest versions on the Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before making any decisions.

How long does the permanent migration process take?

Be honest with your expectations: permanent migration does not happen overnight. The typical process:

• Skills assessment: 2 to 6 months

• Accumulation of points and waiting for invitation: 6 months to 2 years

• Application processing after invitation: 6 to 18 months

• Estimated total time (visa 189): 1 to 4 years

For those who go through the 491 (regional) path, the complete process until permanent residency can take 4 to 6 years. Planning early makes all the difference.

How to do the Skills Assessment?

Before submitting an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, you need to have your professional qualification assessed by an accredited Australian body for your area. This process is called Skills Assessment and is mandatory for all skilled migration visas.

Each profession has a specific assessing body. For example:

• Engineering: Engineers Australia

• Accounting: CPA Australia or CAANZ

• Nursing: ANMAC

• IT: ACS (Australian Computer Society)

• Education: AITSL

• Construction: TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)

The process involves submitting academic and professional documents, proof of experience and, in some cases, taking practical tests. The deadline varies from 2 to 6 months depending on the body and the volume of applications.

Important tip: even if you are not ready to apply for the visa now, starting the skills assessment as early as possible is strategic — it has limited validity (generally 3 years) and the process can be time-consuming.

How to increase your SkillSelect score?

If your current score is below what SkillSelect invitations require, there are ways to increase it over time:

Improve your English: the difference between IELTS 7.0 (competent English) and IELTS 8.0 (superior proficient English) is worth 10 extra points in SkillSelect. It is one of the most impactful factors for those below 80 points.

Accumulate experience in Australia: working in your field of study in Australia adds additional points — each year of local experience is worth more than overseas experience.

Consider visa 190 or 491: if your profile is unlikely to reach the necessary points for 189, state sponsorship adds 5 to 15 points and can be the differential to receive an invitation.

Study in Australia: completing a course of at least 2 years at an Australian institution can add additional points and, in some cases, provide access to the Temporary Graduate Visa (485) before applying for permanent residency.

If you have a partner: if your spouse or partner also has qualifications and competent level English, this can add points to your joint profile.

Which Australian states sponsor more Brazilians?

State sponsorship (for visas 190 and 491) is managed by each state and territory. In 2025/2026, those that have sponsored more Brazilian professionals are:

South Australia (Adelaide) — historically one of the most active states in the sponsorship program. Has special interest in health, construction, gastronomy, and education professionals. Yooz Study has an office in Adelaide precisely because of this strategic opportunity.

Queensland (Brisbane/Gold Coast) — strong in health, education, and tourism. Rapid growth for the 2032 Olympics has opened many jobs in construction and infrastructure.

Victoria (Melbourne) — strong in IT, health, and education. More competitive process due to the high volume of candidates.

Tasmania (Hobart) — has active sponsorship for areas such as health, education, and gastronomy. Very low cost of living and excellent quality of life for those who like nature.

Each state periodically publishes the occupations it is prioritizing for sponsorship. Always consult the official state websites and the Yooz Migration team to find out which areas are open at the time of your application.

How much does a VET course or graduation in Australia help with migration?

A lot — and it is one of the most efficient strategies for Brazilians who want to maximize their chances of obtaining permanent residency.

Doing a recognized course in Australia contributes in several ways:

• Adds points for Australian qualification

• Improves English to achieve maximum score in SkillSelect

• Creates connections with employers and local community

• Opens the way for the Temporary Graduate visa (485), which allows working in Australia for 2 to 4 years while you gain experience

Areas with the best results in this strategy: Aged Care, Childcare, Civil Construction, IT, Nursing, and Education — all in constant demand and present in the lists of prioritized occupations.

How much does the permanent migration process in Australia cost?

One aspect that many Brazilians underestimate is the total cost of the permanent migration process. Here is an estimated reference:

Skills Assessment: AUD 500 to AUD 1,500 depending on the body and profession

Visa fee when submitting the application (reference values 2025/2026):

• Visa 189: AUD 4,640 (primary) + AUD 2,320 per adult dependent

• Visa 190: AUD 4,640 (primary) + AUD 2,320 per adult dependent

• Visa 491: AUD 4,640 (primary) + AUD 2,320 per adult dependent

English exam (IELTS/PTE): AUD 300 to AUD 450 per application. Generally, 2 to 3 attempts are needed to achieve the ideal score.

MARA agent fees (optional, but recommended): AUD 3,000 to AUD 8,000 depending on the complexity of the case

Mandatory health exams: AUD 300 to AUD 600 per person

The total investment of the process can vary between AUD 8,000 and AUD 20,000 for one person, depending on the visa and circumstances. It is a significant investment — but the long-term benefits of Australian permanent residency amply justify it.

Frequently asked questions about permanent migration in Australia

Do I need to be in Australia to apply for permanent residency?
Not for most skilled visas — you can apply while in Brazil. But having work experience in Australia adds important points to SkillSelect.

Can I migrate without having done an exchange before?
Yes. The permanent migration process is independent of previous visa history. What matters is your SkillSelect score and eligibility for the chosen visa.

Can my spouse work with permanent residency?
Yes. Australian permanent residency grants unrestricted work rights to both the main applicant and dependents included in the application.

Do children born in Australia become citizens?
Not automatically. Children of permanent residents are born as permanent residents — citizenship can be applied for after a period of residency.

What is the difference between permanent residency and Australian citizenship?
With permanent residency, you can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, but you cannot vote or obtain an Australian passport. Citizenship can be applied for after 4 years of permanent residency, with at least 1 year as a permanent resident.

Does studying in Australia help with permanent migration?

Yes — and a lot. Studying a VET course or graduation in an in-demand area can be a powerful catalyst:

• Adds points for Australian qualification

• Improves English to achieve maximum score in SkillSelect

• Creates connections with employers and local community

• Opens the way for the Temporary Graduate visa (485), which allows you to work in Australia for 2 to 4 years while you gain experience

How can Yooz Migration help?

Yooz Migration is a specialized division of Yooz Study composed of MARA agents (Migration Agents Registration Authority) — professionals licensed and regulated by the Australian government to advise on migratory processes.

Our team offers:

• Free assessment of your score profile

• Personalized migration strategy

• Complete support in preparing and submitting the application

• Follow-up until visa approval

Want to know how many points you have today and what is the best path for your migration? Schedule a consultation with the Yooz Migration team.