How can I apply for software engineering jobs in Australia/Europe, etc., when I am currently working in India?

Without a valid work permit, you're not eligible to directly apply to an European or Australian job. I'm ignoring point-based skilled migration route. Best chance is to apply for an MNC in India such as Siemens et al. Once you perform above their expectations, you might be considered for an overseas assignment. Many Indian techies get such opportunities, so there will be a good chance. Enjoy!

Applying for international jobs in Australia shouldn't be a problem for you if you are a software engineer working overseas since there is a massive demand of experienced engineers and developers in Australia. But, you must know that your chances of landing an interview as an overseas applicant are certainly limited but not rare, provided you meet all the requirements of the specific job opportunity advertised. There are quite a few IT consultants overseas who are sponsored by the perspective Australian employers all the time because of the specific skills shortage in local IT industry. Australian employers usually only look at sponsoring the overseas applicants if there is an absolute no way they can find someone with similar skills locally - as it costs them quite a lot of time, energy and money in order to bring someone from overseas on a 457 visa. Mentioned below are a few steps you may want ro take in order to get some attention from any potential employers in Australia. Check out the skills shortage list at DIBP (Immigration Australia) website. Check out http://seek.com.au to see what type of jobs and requirements are currently in demand. Connect with some Australian recruitment agencies or agents on LinkedIn etc and express your intention of relocation to Australia. Find out from recruitment agencies about how to customise your covering letter/Cv etc - Because there are various approaches Australian employers prefer their candidates to follow while demonstrating their skills & experience on paper and in person. You can also do a bit of research on google and make a list of IT employers in Australia and may be register on their career pages. Try calling directly and speaking to a few employers and recruitment agencies to get an idea on local terminologies and way of verbal communication. I hope the above information is helpful in someway to you. All the best! :)

You have two options to consider: Pursue the migration process. This is quite lengthy and the requirements are rigid. Many who apply get denied but your chances are higher through a fiancé VISA or through a relative’s help. Once you get there, you may start applying for a job. Find a company which will be willing to help process your migration. Although not quite common, there are still companies which will assist applicants overseas towards acquiring a work VISA. Some may even fund a postgraduate program. There are websites you can find leads for this such as Monster or even LinkedIn. You may also search through job agencies which offer the option to find employer for you in exchange for a free which may either be paid during the job hunt process or after you found one via a salary deduction scheme. The latter may be a better option.