Working in Australia provides an excellent balance of making a living and enjoying one’s time. Australia is one of the most attractive countries in the world for workers due to its established economy and great living standards. If you’ve ever wanted to transform your office perspective from the monotonous four walls in front of you to stunning vistas of the Sydney Opera House or the Great Barrier Reef, you’re not alone.
However, before you begin making travel arrangements to Australia, such as purchasing a one-way ticket and packing your suitcase, you should be aware of some vital information about working in Australia.
Visa Requirements for Working in Australia
I don’t know about you, but most individuals dislike paperwork; nonetheless, it is a reality while working on an international job. Australia has quite strict immigration regulations, and there are several requirements that must be met before you may legally work in the nation.
Skilled Migration Visas
If you have in-demand skills in the country, you may be eligible. The country has a list of desirable jobs that includes medical practitioners such as doctors, engineers, cooks, electricians, and many more. If your job title appears on the list above, you may be eligible for a skilled migration visa.
When applying for a job, you must offer sufficient evidence that you have the required educational background and experience. You will also be required to take an English proficiency test (if you are not a citizen of an English-speaking nation), as well as meet certain health and character requirements. Yes, and don’t forget that everyone applying to the program should be under the age of 45. They are extremely persistent about that.
The skilled visas are divided into two categories: permanent and temporary, albeit there are a few of each. The most common ones include:
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): This is your ticket to a secure and prosperous future. It allows you to live and work in Australia without any restrictions on your permanent residency. However, it is official: you must earn enough points based on your age, English proficiency, and work experience.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): Similar to the 189, but requires a recommendation from a state or territory government. In exchange, you must live in that state for at least two years, also known as ‘the two-year rule’.
- The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is for those who want to live, work, and shop in regional Australia. It is valid for five years and allows the bearer to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
If you have been offered a job in Australia, you may be eligible for a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. This occurs in two varieties:
- Short-term stream: The coupon is good for two years (with the option to extend it for an additional two years if you are from certain countries).
- Medium-term stream: This could take up to four years and culminate in a Permanent Resident permit.
You will need to find an employer who is prepared to hire you and demonstrate to him that you have the necessary qualifications. Is there a catch? Notably, you may only volunteer for your sponsoring employer.
Working holiday visa
The Working Holiday Visa is best suited for those aged 18-30 (or up to 35 depending on the country of residency). It permits you to work and travel in Australia for twelve months in a row, or twenty-four months if you also work in regional Australia under specific restrictions.
You can work for any employer you like, but only for six months at each location or employer. This is a terrific method for them to fund their trips while also experiencing some Australian culture and customs. Just keep in mind that it is not a good situation for those looking for a permanent residence.
Working in Australia Procedures
Once you’ve obtained your visa, there are a few more requirements before you can begin earning Australian dollars:
- Get a Tax File Number (TFN): This is similar to a social security number in the United States. You must use it to work lawfully and pay taxes. They can, for example, apply after arriving in Australia.
- Open a bank account: Because Australian companies typically use direct deposit as a payment method, you must have an Australian bank account. Most banks allow you to setup an account exclusively for your Internet visits.
- Apply for a Medicare card: If you are from a nation having a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia, or if you have a permanent visa in Australia, you may be eligible to receive discounted Australian health care services.
- Find a place to live. I’ve seen that renting in some of the largest cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, can be competitive. Begin your search as soon as possible and try to negotiate as much as feasible; they may require a bond (deposit), first month’s rent, and potentially the second month’s rent as well.
- Look for work: Revise your résumé (or ‘curriculum vitae’, as it is known in Australia) and start applying for jobs. LinkedIn, SEEK, and Indeed are some of the reliable job portals. Finally, remember to talk to people; while Australians are generally sociable, knowing individuals can lead to job opportunities.
- Understand your rights. It is recommended that one get familiar with Australian workplace legislation. The minimum wage is not particularly low when compared to many other nations, and employees are entitled to benefits such as annual leave and sick pay.
Working in Australia may be a very rewarding experience. This means that, in addition to being a land of relaxation and natural beauty, it is multicultural and offers excellent living and working opportunities. Nonetheless, it is a demonstration of a potentially unpleasant reality: it, like somewhere else in the world, has its troubles.
Housing costs can be high – meals, for example, might be expensive depending on where you live, but there are student discounts and many items are less expensive than brand new; there may be days when you feel homesick.
However, if you prepare properly and maintain a positive attitude, you could be on your way to living your dream Australian life. Good luck!
