Working in Australia is a wonderful combination of earning a living and enjoying one’s time. Australia is one of the most popular countries in the world among workers because it is developed with high living standards. If you’ve ever wished to change your office perspective from the boring four walls in front of you to the scenic views with a touch of the Sydney Opera House or the Great Barrier Reef than you’re not along either.
However, before you start making travel arrangements to get to Australia – that one-way ticket and suitcase, there is some important information that you ought to be made aware of regarding working in Australia.
VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR WORKING IN AUSTRALIA
I do not know about you but personally, most people do not fancy paperwork, none the less, it is a reality while engaging in international assignments. Australia has rather rigorous immigration laws, and there’re somethings that you have to accomplish before you can legally get a job in the country.
Skilled Migration Visas:
If you possess certain skills which are in high demand in the country, then the possibilities are you might be lucky. The country has its list of desired occupations ranging from medical practitioners such as doctors, engineers, chefs, electricians, and many more. If your job title is on the above list, then you may be a candidate for skilled migration visa.
When applying for a job you must provide sufficient evidence that you have the necessary educational background and experiences. You will also be required to take English proficiency test (if you are not a citizen of an English speaking country) and there will be some health and character requisites as well. Yes and before you forget, anyone who has a shot at the program should not be over the age of 45. Well, they are quite insistent on that part.
The skilled visas are of two categories: the permanent one and the temporary one though there are a few of each. The most common ones are:
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): This is the golden ticket to secure a safe and favourable position in the future. It allows one to live and be engaged in any form of gainful activity within the territory of Australia without restriction on permanency. But it is quite official – you will need to gain enough points concerning your age, level of English, and work experience.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): Like the 189, but you have to be recommended by a state or territory government. In return, you will have to reside in that state for a minimum of two years, otherwise known as ‘the two year rule’.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): This one for people who are willing to live work and maybe do their shopping there in regional Australia. It is given for a period of 5 years and gives a holder a chance to apply for an indefinite leave to remain.
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa:
If you have received a job offer from an employer in Australia then your door to the country might lie in TSS visa. That comes in two varieties:
- Short-term stream: The voucher is valid up to 2 years (with a possibility to extend it for 2 more years if you are from some countries).
- Medium-term stream: May take up to 4 years and can result in getting a Permanent Resident permit.
You will have to find an employer willing to bring you in and demonstrate to him that you have what it takes to take on the job. The catch? Notably, you can only volunteer for your sponsoring employer.
Working Holiday Visa:
Working Holiday visa seems to be more suitable if you are a young person of 18 to 30 years (up to 35 years depending on the country of residence). It allows you to take paid employment and or travel in Australia for twelve consecutive months or twenty-four months if you also undertake certain restricted employment in regional Australia.
You can work for any employer you want but for six months in every place or employer. This is a good way of financing their travels and also experience some of the Australian feels and ways. Just remember, it’s not a suitable position if one is expecting to find a permanent abode.
WORKING IN AUSTRALIA PROCEDURES
Once you’ve got your visa sorted, there are a few more steps before you can start earning those Aussie dollars:
- Get a Tax File Number (TFN): This is first like a social security number in the US. You have to use it to work lawfully and also pay taxes. They can for instance apply once they have reached Australia.
- Open a bank account: Aussie employers mostly use direct deposit as the mode of payment, and therefore, you must have an Australian bank account. Most of the banks allow you to open an account specifically for your visit through the Internet.
- Apply for a Medicare card: If you are from a country that is on a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia or if you have a permanent visa in Australia then you may be qualified to avail the subsidized services of the Australian health care.
- Find a place to live: I have noted that particularly when renting in some of the biggest cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, one can face tough competition. Begin the search as early as possible and try to negotiate as much as possible and they may ask for a bond (deposit) as well as first month’s rent and possibly the second month’s rent too.
- Look for work: Go revise your résumé (or ‘curriculum vitae’, as they say it out here in Australia) and begin applying for jobs. Some of the reliable job portals are LinkedIn, SEEK, Indeed. Finally, do not forget to talk to people – as Australians are generally friendly, positions could be secured through knowing people.
- Understand your rights: It is recommended that one familiarize oneself with the Australian workplace laws. Minimum wage is not that low compared to many other countries, one is given rights to things such as annual leave and sick pay.
Working in Australia can be yet a very fulfilling experience. This means that besides the fact that it is the land of laid back and additional natural beauty, it is multicultural and provides excellent locations where one could live and work. Nevertheless, it is also an exhibition of the reality that may not be so pleasant: like everywhere in the world, it also offers its difficulties.
Housing expenses can be steep – meals, for example, could be expensive depending on what state you are in, although there are student deals and many things are cheaper than brand new; there may be days where you feel homesick.
However, if you prepare yourself well and have a good attitude, then you could be well on your way to your dream Australian life. Good luck!