Skip to main content

India

Healthcare, engineering, digital and professional skills.

Last updated 29 October 2026

GRIA has merged with Hire Australia. Hire Australia now handles recruitment, registration and enquiries. Australian Immigration Agency (AIA) is our immigration partner.

Country guide

Hiring talent from India

This guide outlines occupation areas and practical checks when considering candidates from India. Availability and suitability depend on the individual and the role.

Hire Australia now handles recruitment following the GRIA merger. Its recruiters run the search and send employers a shortlist. AIA advises on immigration requirements where sponsorship is needed.

Talk about hiring Ask AIA about visas
15%one fixed recruitment fee, excluding super, plus GST
15+years of migration experience at AIA
MARAregistered migration agents handle the visa
Experience and skills

Occupation areas to discuss

Healthcare and support

Registered nurses, allied health professionals, aged care and disability support workers.

Engineering and trades

Civil, electrical and mechanical engineers; site engineers, welders, fitters and HVAC technicians.

ICT and creative

Software developers, systems analysts, cloud and cybersecurity specialists, designers and digital content professionals.

Other professional roles

Accountants, procurement and project staff, educators, vocational trainers and agricultural technicians.

Before a shortlist becomes a hire

Check English and qualifications

English-medium medical, nursing, technical and professional education can be relevant to a candidate's background. English ability still varies by person. Assess workplace communication and any English evidence needed for registration or a visa.

Candidates may have university, polytechnic or Industrial Training Institute qualifications. Review the issuing institution, course, work history and Australian licensing or registration requirements for the occupation.

Evidence worth reviewing

  • Qualifications, transcripts and relevant training
  • Employment history and role-specific experience
  • Professional registration or trade licences, where needed
  • English communication and any required test evidence
  • Current work rights and proposed work location
What it takes

Steps specific to hiring from India

Indian emigration clearance

ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport holders need emigration clearance when leaving India for work in a notified ECR country. Australia is not an ECR country, so this clearance does not apply to a job here. India’s guidance tells workers to deal only with registered recruiting agents.

Trade skills assessment

For trades such as electricians, welders, fitters, carpenters, cooks and chefs, Indian passport holders are on the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) list for the Skills in Demand (482) visa. Where this assessment is mandatory, it must be started before the visa application is lodged.

Nursing registration

Nurses and midwives must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), assessed by Ahpra. Registration and the visa are separate applications, and success in one does not guarantee the other. See our healthcare hiring guide.

English test for the visa

Indian passport holders are not exempt from the 482 English requirement. Core Skills and Specialist Skills stream applicants take an approved test within 3 years before applying, for example IELTS with at least 5.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Another exemption may apply, such as at least five years of full-time study at secondary level or higher, with most classes taught in English.

How it works

Plan the match, visa and start

  1. Brief the recruiter

    Explain the duties, location, qualifications and practical skills needed. Discuss what the role offers and the candidate's preferences without assuming relocation or long-term intent. Our guide to eligible occupations and roles covers what to prepare.

  2. Check immigration options

    After a job match, AIA checks visa eligibility. Skills in Demand (482), Employer Nomination Scheme (186) or a regional pathway may be relevant, subject to the requirements. See the overview of visa pathways and Home Affairs’ current processing times.

  3. Prepare for the workplace

    Agree the onboarding needed for local systems, safety, communication and role expectations. Confirm qualifications, registration and work rights before the person starts.

Your questions

Country-specific planning

General information is a starting point. AIA can check the requirements for your circumstances.

What should we check early?

Do not treat a nursing qualification as Australian registration, or assume one assessment route applies to every Indian-trained practitioner. Review the individual's training and registration history.

What will the visa work cost?

Migration fees are quoted case by case by AIA, in writing. Government fees are charged separately by the Australian Government. Ask AIA for a current eligibility check and written quote for the proposed case.

Can candidates register from this country?

Candidates can register free with Hire Australia, then apply for jobs or join the talent pool. Registration does not guarantee a job, sponsorship or a visa.

Where can I compare other country guides?

See the global talent countries overview for all seven guides.

Official sources

The rules on this page come from these official pages. Requirements change, so check the current version before you act.

Discuss the skills your team needs

Tell Hire Australia about the role and the work location. Its recruiters will help assess the available candidates.

Talk about hiring Ask AIA about visas
Contact Us