Working in Australia as a Kenyan Citizen 2026
Australia offers some of the highest wages in the world, excellent quality of life, and a strong demand for skilled workers. Over 30,000 Kenyans live in Australia, primarily in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. The points-based immigration system rewards education, experience, and English proficiency.
Strong Demand: Australia's skilled occupation lists include hundreds of roles across healthcare, engineering, IT, trades, and education. Kenyan nurses, teachers, and engineers are particularly sought after.
Australian Work Visa Options
| Visa | Subclass | Type | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent | 189 | Permanent | Permanent | Skilled workers (no employer/state sponsor) |
| Skilled Nominated | 190 | Permanent | Permanent | State/territory nominated workers |
| Skilled Work Regional | 491 | Provisional (5 yrs) | 5 years | Regional area workers |
| Employer Nomination | 482 (TSS) | Temporary | 2-4 years | Employer-sponsored workers |
| Employer Nomination | 186 (ENS) | Permanent | Permanent | Employer-sponsored permanent |
| Global Talent | 858 | Permanent | Permanent | Exceptional talent in priority sectors |
| Working Holiday | 462 | Temporary | 1 year | Ages 18-30 (limited countries) |
Points Test (Subclass 189/190)
The Skilled Independent (189) and Skilled Nominated (190) visas use a points test. You need at least 65 points to be eligible, but competitive scores are typically 80-90+.
| Factor | Points Available |
|---|---|
| Age: 25-32 years (max), 18-24 or 33-39 (25pts), 40-44 (15pts) | 0 - 30 |
| English: Superior (IELTS 8+: 20pts), Proficient (7+: 10pts), Competent (6+: 0pts) | 0 - 20 |
| Work experience (overseas): 3-4 yrs (5pts), 5-7 yrs (10pts), 8+ yrs (15pts) | 0 - 15 |
| Australian work experience: 1-2 yrs (5pts), 3-4 yrs (10pts), 5-7 yrs (15pts), 8+ (20pts) | 0 - 20 |
| Education: PhD (20pts), Bachelor/Master (15pts), Diploma (10pts), Trade (10pts) | 0 - 20 |
| Australian study: 2+ years study in Australia | 5 |
| Specialist education: STEM Master/PhD by research | 10 |
| Regional study: Study in regional Australia | 5 |
| Community language: NAATI accredited interpreter | 5 |
| Spouse skills: Competent English + skilled occupation | 5 - 10 |
| State nomination (190 only): Automatic | 5 |
| Skilled regional nomination (491): Automatic | 15 |
Minimum 65 points to enter the pool. Competitive invitation scores are typically 80-95 depending on occupation.
Step-by-Step Process
- Check your occupation: Your job must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for 189, or the Combined list for 190/491.
- Skills assessment: Get your qualifications assessed by the relevant authority (e.g., ANMAC for nurses, Engineers Australia for engineers, ACS for IT). Cost: AUD 500-1,000.
- English test: Take IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or OET. Aim for IELTS 7+ in each band for maximum points.
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Through SkillSelect online system.
- Receive invitation: If your points are high enough, you receive an invitation to apply.
- Lodge visa application: Submit within 60 days with all supporting documents.
- Health and character checks: Medical exam (panel clinic in Nairobi) and police clearance.
- Visa grant: Processing takes 6-12 months for 189, 6-9 months for 190.
Nursing in Australia (Popular for Kenyans)
Australian hospitals are actively recruiting international nurses. Kenyan nurses with a BSN degree are well-positioned.
AHPRA Registration Steps
- ANMAC skills assessment: Submit your nursing qualifications to ANMAC. Cost: AUD 600-800.
- English proficiency: IELTS Academic 7.0 in each band OR OET B in each component OR PTE Academic 65 in each component.
- AHPRA registration: Apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
- Bridging program: Some nurses may need to complete an Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA) or supervised practice.
- Apply for visa: 189 (independent), 190 (state nominated), or 482 (employer sponsored).
Salary: AUD 65,000 - 95,000/year for registered nurses, plus penalty rates for nights and weekends.
Salary Expectations
| Profession | Starting | Mid-Career | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | AUD 65,000 | AUD 85,000 | AUD 100,000+ |
| Software Developer | AUD 75,000 | AUD 110,000 | AUD 150,000+ |
| Civil Engineer | AUD 70,000 | AUD 95,000 | AUD 130,000+ |
| Secondary Teacher | AUD 75,000 | AUD 95,000 | AUD 110,000+ |
| Electrician | AUD 65,000 | AUD 90,000 | AUD 110,000+ |
| Accountant | AUD 55,000 | AUD 80,000 | AUD 110,000+ |
Australia has a high minimum wage (AUD 23.23/hour). Superannuation (employer pension contribution of 11.5%) is paid on top of salary.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Skills assessment | $500 - $1,000 |
| IELTS/PTE test | $400 |
| Police clearance | $50 (KSh 1,050) |
| Medical exam | $300 - $500 |
| Visa application (189) | $4,640 (primary applicant) |
| Visa - partner | $2,320 |
| Visa - child | $1,160 |
| Flight (Nairobi to Sydney) | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Total (single) | AUD 7,000 - 9,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
You need a minimum of 65 points to enter the SkillSelect pool, but competitive invitation scores are typically 80-95 depending on your occupation. Nurses and IT professionals generally receive invitations at lower points due to high demand.
Both are excellent options. Australia offers higher salaries but also higher visa costs and stricter English requirements. Canada has a faster PR process and lower costs. Australia suits those in healthcare, engineering, and trades, while Canada is strong for IT, healthcare, and general skilled workers.
Yes. The 189 and 190 visas grant permanent residence directly. The 491 (regional) leads to PR after 3 years. The 482 (employer sponsored) can lead to PR through the 186 visa after 2-3 years. After 4 years as a PR, you can apply for Australian citizenship. Kenya allows dual citizenship.