Every Route Open to US Citizens
These are the Australian routes in our data that a US citizen can apply for. Fees are the government fee for the main applicant.
| Pathway | Government fee | Processing | Published salary floor | Leads to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (subclass 189) | $3,035 | 6–18 months | See pathway page | Yes |
| Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) | $3,035 | 9–18 months | See pathway page | Yes |
| Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) | $2,770 | 2–5 months | See pathway page | Yes, about 3 years |
| Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188A) | $8,150 | 12–36 months | See pathway page | Yes, about 4 years |
| Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) | $4,640 | 6–18 months | See pathway page | Yes, about 3 years |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | $1,140 | 3–9 months | See pathway page | Yes, about 2 years |
| Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) | $420 | 1–2 months | See pathway page | No |
The American advantage
Under 31: Start With the Work and Holiday Visa
The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) is reserved for a list of partner countries that includes the United States. It is open from age 18 to 30, costs $420, and processes in 1–2 months. You must be outside Australia both when you apply for this visa and when it is decided.
It does not lead to permanent residence on its own, but Australian work experience and local employer contacts can help when you look for a sponsor later.
With a Job Offer: Employer Sponsorship
The subclass 482 is the employer-sponsored route. It needs a job offer from an approved sponsor, processes in 2–5 months, and can lead to permanent residence after about 3 years in our data. You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for this visa, as long as you are not in immigration clearance.
Without a Job Offer: The Points-Tested Visas
The Skilled Independent visa (189) is permanent residence from day one, with no employer and no state nomination. You need a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation and at least 65 points, and you must be under 45 when invited.
- The 190 adds state nomination and its points.
- The 491 is a regional provisional visa that leads to permanent residence after living and working in a designated regional area.
- Our 189 checklist puts the out-of-pocket cost beyond the government fee at AUD $5,000-9,000.
The points calculator scores your profile, and the 189 guide explains the invitation rounds.
After You Arrive
Australia records citizenship eligibility after about 6 years of residence in our data. Your US obligations do not stop when you leave: the IRS guidance for citizens abroad says you remain subject to tax on worldwide income, and foreign accounts above the reporting threshold go on FinCEN Form 114.
Still comparing? The Australia vs Canada comparison and the ranking of every country for Americans use the same data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an American move to Australia?
Yes. 7 Australian visa routes in our data are open to US citizens, 6 of them leading to permanent residence. The main ones are the Work and Holiday visa for younger applicants, the points-tested 189, 190 and 491 skilled visas, and employer sponsorship on the 482.
Do Americans need IELTS for an Australian visa?
Not for the skilled visas. US citizens are on the English-test exemption list for 5 of Australia's skilled routes in our data, including the 189 and the 482.
Can Americans get a working holiday visa for Australia?
Yes, the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) is open to US citizens aged 18 to 30. The government fee we hold is $420, and you must be outside Australia when you apply and when it is decided.
How long does it take to move to Australia from the US?
It depends on the route. The 462 processes in 1–2 months, employer sponsorship on the 482 in 2–5 months, and the points-tested 189 in 6–18 months after an invitation. Our 189 checklist puts the whole process at 12-24 months total (EOI → invite → grant).
Do I still file US taxes if I live in Australia?
Yes. The IRS states that US citizens abroad are subject to tax on worldwide income, and benefits such as the foreign earned income exclusion only apply if you file a return.
official sources: SC 189 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·SC 189 success-rate data · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·SC 190 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·TSS 482 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·SC 188A · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·491 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·485 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·462 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au