Working in Australia can be chance for you to change the scope of your work-life. Australia, the land down under is an amazing destination for job seekers and those who desire a relaxed lifestyle; this has been a major drawcard for people from all walks of life. On the other hand, the process of getting the required visa and finding a job might look complicated at first sight.
In this guide, we will help take you through all the essential steps and what is required to apply for an Australian work visa.
Also, we will explain the exact process involved and also give you an idea of the procedures and processing times. If you are determined and well-prepared, then the job of your dreams, in Australia, can be your very own one day.
Work In Australia: Types Of Australia Work VISAs
When it comes to working in Australia, there are several visa options available. Let’s explore some of them:
- Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) Visa: This visa is for foreign nationals who have been nominated by Australian employers. It allows you to work and live in Australia permanently. If you have a job offer from an Australian employer, this could be a suitable option for you.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): If you’re an experienced foreign individual with occupations in demand in Australia, this visa allows you to work and live in a specific Australian state or territory. You’ll need to be nominated by that state or territory government.
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): This visa is for skilled workers who don’t require sponsorship from an employer or family member. It’s a points-based visa that allows you to work and live in Australia permanently.
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482): If you’re a skilled foreign worker, this visa provides a 2- to 4-year work permit. It requires sponsorship from an Australian employer. The TSS visa has three streams: Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labour Agreement.
- Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): Graduates who have completed at least two years of study in Australia may be eligible for this visa. It allows you to work temporarily in Australia after your studies.
- Skilled – Recognised Graduate Visa (subclass 476): If you’ve recently graduated with an engineering degree from a recognized institution, this visa allows you to work and gain experience in Australia for up to 18 months.
Remember to check the specific eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa type. The Australian immigration system offers various pathways, so choose the one that aligns with your qualifications and career goals!
Working In Australia: VISA Requirements
Before you start packing your bags, there are a few key requirements you’ll need to meet:
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- Visa Permission – The most often used visa to enter temporary job contracts is the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457). This means that qualified personnel can stay at work and permanently reside in the country for a maximum of four years. Different alternatives like the Working Holiday Visa for younger applicants and the Skilled Nomination visa by Australian employers for overseas applicants are also in process.
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- Skills Assessment: The evaluation of skills is one of the most important documents in the relocation process since it determines whether your occupational qualifications fulfill the requirements and standards of the respective Australian assessing authority. This may take a considerable amount of time, thus one might start the procedure earlier.
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- English Skills – If you are not from an English-speaking nation, you must pass at least an IELTS or PTE examination to show your language fluency.
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- Health & Character Qualifications – You’re expected to be in good health and to obtain police clearances, which attest to your decent crime records.
Procedures To Apply For An Australian Work Visa
Once you’ve determined your eligibility, the application process generally involves the following steps:
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- Step 1. Skill appraisal (if provided) – Collect all of the needed certificates and other documents and send them for their appraisal.
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- Step 2. Expression of Interest (if existing) – Many of the visa applicants at the very beginning start by attending an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect which is Australia’s online visa application service system.
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- Step 3. Look for a Job or Visa Sponsorship – Generally, when it comes to employer-sponsored visas, you must first get a job offer from an organization that is approved for sponsoring international job candidates.
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- Step 4. Health screenings & police background checks – This means having a medical examination done by an approved doctor and obtaining police clearance certificates.
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- Step 5. Visas Application – The last step will be your online visa application, where you’ll upload all required documentation, make payments, and submit the visa application.
Processing Times for Work in Australia Visa
One of the most annoying things about applying for a visa in Australia is the processing time that they take. Although the government estimates the time, the processing schedule might deviate from the expected time depending upon the unique factors of the individual and the total number of applications being processed.
For instance, subclass 457 (temporary work (skilled)) currently takes about 5-9 months or more after you have submitted your fee and application. However, many of them apply for the permits only to find that the case typically takes 9 to 12+ months and sometimes even longer to process. Similarly, some visas may take longer i.e. the Employer Sponsored visa could take from 5 to 11 months and above.
The visa program in Australia is very dynamic in nature, processing times change now and then with new policy changes, demand, and other factors. This implies you have to do the applications in plenty of time before your starting date and save for any unforeseen delays.
When it comes to Australian visa enrolment, you may find it hard to do without support (if you can find any), so all you need to do is give your best to be patient and start gathering all necessary documents at the very first stage. Hence, one of the main points for a successful Australia work visa is to be in good order and leave a lot of deadlines in advance.
