Working in Australia: Requirements and Procedure
Australia’s diverse economy might just have the perfect job waiting for you. Australia, the land of many opportunities and a booming job market, invites skilled professionals from around the world. If you’re dreaming of a career change in this vibrant country, getting the visa and work permit process can seem difficult at first. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to embark on your Australian work successfully.
Do You Need a Visa or Work Permit?
First things first, understand the distinction between a visa and a work permit. A visa grants you permission to enter and stay in Australia for a specific period. A work permit, often included within the visa itself for skilled migrants, allows you to be employed in the country.
Types of Work Visas in Australia
Australia offers a variety of work visas catering to different professions and career stages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
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Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa: This visa is sponsored by an Australian employer who nominates you for a skilled position on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) [Australian Government Department of Home Affairs]. You’ll need relevant qualifications, work experience, and meet English language proficiency requirements.
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Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa: Similar to the ENS, this visa requires employer sponsorship, but for positions in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa encourages skilled migration to regional locations.
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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This points-based visa assesses your skills, qualifications, work experience, and English language ability. If you score enough points, you can apply for this visa without employer sponsorship.
Employer Sponsored Visas for Australia
Employer sponsored visas are a popular pathway for skilled professionals to work and potentially gain permanent residency in Australia. If the comprehensive guide above piqued your interest in this route, let’s delve deeper into the specifics of employer sponsored visas in Australia.
Types of Employer Sponsored Visas:
There are two main types of employer sponsored visas in Australia:
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Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186): This visa allows a nominated skilled worker to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis, in any location across the country.
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Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494): This visa is for skilled workers nominated by an employer to work in designated regional areas of Australia. It’s a temporary visa with a pathway to permanent residency after meeting specific criteria.
General Requirements
The specific requirements for each visa vary, but some general criteria apply:
- Occupation on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL): Ensure your occupation is listed as in-demand in Australia.
- Skills Assessment: For many occupations, you’ll need a skills assessment from a designated assessing authority to verify your qualifications meet Australian standards.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate competency in English through tests like IELTS or PTE.
- Health and Character Requirements: Pass mandatory health checks and meet character requirements for good standing.
- Age Limits: Some visas have age restrictions, typically under 45.
Visa Application Process
The application process can be broken down into these steps:
- Research and Choose Your Visa: Carefully research the different visa types to find the one that best suits your situation.
- Check Occupation and Skills Assessment: Verify your occupation is on the SOL and understand if a skills assessment is required.
- Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather documents like your passport, qualifications, work experience proof, English language test scores, and any other specified documents for your chosen visa.
- Expression of Interest (EOI) for Skilled Independent Visa: If applying for the Skilled Independent Visa, you’ll need to submit an EOI through SkillSelect, an online platform that expresses your interest in migrating to Australia.
- Visa Application: Once you receive an invitation to apply (for the Skilled Independent Visa) or employer nomination (for sponsored visas), proceed with the online visa application process.
- Medical Examination and Character Checks: Complete the required health checks and character checks as part of the application process.
Conclusion:
Employer Sponsored Visas provide a compelling option for skilled migrants seeking permanent residency in Australia. Carefully consider your career goals, desired location (for RSMS), and research potential employers in your field. With dedication and the right approach, you can leverage Employer Sponsored Visas to launch your successful Australian career journey.
