Migrate to Australia, One of the best ways to migrate to Australia is through their skilled visa program. As Australia’s economy grows, the demand for skilled workers also increases. The skilled visa allows people with certain skills, qualifications and job experience in specific occupations to migrate to Australia.
The main types of skilled visas are:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): For points-tested skilled workers who want to live and work permanently in Australia. You need to nominate an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list and meet the points requirement.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): For skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government agency. You need to nominate an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list and meet the nomination requirements.
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): For skilled workers who want to live and work in specified regional areas of Australia. You need to be nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area.
Another option is the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) if you have a successful business career and want to own and manage a new or existing business in Australia. You need to meet the points-tested criteria and make a designated investment in Australia.
Further, Australia offers various work and holiday visas for young individuals who want an extended holiday in Australia and to work here to supplement their travel funds. The most popular one is the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) which allows university-educated individuals to work in Australia for up to 12 months.
In summary, Australia welcomes migrants and provides various pathways to migrate based on your skills, experience, age, investment capacity and nominated occupation. The key is to determine which visa category you are eligible for and meet the specific criteria to make your dream of migrating to Australia come true.
READ ALSO: Best Part time Jobs Available for Students in Canada
Migrate to Australia Evaluating the Different Visa Options
Australia offers several visa options if you want to migrate there permanently. The main types are:
Skilled Visas
For those with in-demand skills, the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely. You’ll need to meet the points test based on English proficiency, work experience, age, and occupation. The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) also leads to permanent residency if nominated by an Australian state or territory.
Family Visas
If you have family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents, you may be eligible for a Partner Visa or other Family Visa. These allow you to migrate to Australia to join your family and also provide a path to citizenship.
Investor and Business Visas
For entrepreneurs or investors, the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188) can lead to permanent residency. You’ll need to invest in or start a business in Australia. The Special Category Visa (subclass 444) allows New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia indefinitely without needing a specific purpose.
Other Options
There are also visas for students, working holidaymakers, and refugees or asylum seekers. The best approach is to evaluate your own circumstances and priorities to determine which visa option will suit you best for building a new life in Australia on a long-term basis. With the right preparation and perseverance, making Australia your permanent home can absolutely be achieved. The key is finding the path that is right for you.
Getting Your Skills Assessed for Migration Eligibility
To move to Australia, one of the first things you’ll need to do is get your skills assessed. This helps determine if your qualifications and experience match an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list. If they do, you’ll have a better chance of getting a skilled visa.
Skills assessments
The skills assessment process varies depending on your occupation. Usually, it involves submitting documents like:
- Academic transcripts, diplomas or degrees
- Letters of reference from employers
- A detailed work experience statement
The assessing authority will evaluate your qualifications and experience to determine if they’re comparable to an Australian qualification in your field. If assessed positively, you’ll receive a skills assessment which is valid for a certain time period.
Some popular skills assessing authorities are:
- VETASSESS – For trades and paraprofessionals
- Engineers Australia – For engineering professionals
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) – For nurses and midwives
Meeting the Points Requirements
In addition to a skills assessment, you must meet the points requirement of the skilled visa you’re applying for. Points are awarded based on factors like:
- Your skills assessment
- English language ability
- Age (more points if you’re under 45)
- Years of work experience in your occupation
- Having a spouse or family member with suitable skills
The more points you have, the better your chances are of getting an invitation to apply for a skilled visa. With the right skills and enough points, you’re well on your way to building a new life down under!
Finding a Job in Australia Before You Migrate
Finding work in Australia before you migrate there is key to a successful move. Here are some tips to help you land a job from overseas:
Build your professional network
Reach out to your existing personal and professional networks to see if anyone has connections in Australia. Join relevant LinkedIn groups and Facebook communities to start making new connections. Many jobs are filled through networking, so start building relationships early.
Polish your resume
Make sure your resume is in Australian English and style, highlighting any international experience. Emphasize skills and experience that would be valuable to Australian employers. Get feedback from Australian colleagues if possible.
Search job sites
Websites like Seek, Indeed, and CareerOne are popular for job hunting in Australia. Set up alerts for jobs in your target locations and fields. Be prepared for some differences in titles and requirements compared to what you’re used to.
Consider temporary work
Temporary work, like contracting or seasonal jobs, can be a good way to get Australian work experience, network, and look for a permanent role. Some employers prefer candidates already in Australia. Make sure you understand the visa requirements for temporary work before traveling.
Prepare for the interview
If you land an interview, do thorough research about the company and role. Be ready to interview remotely via phone or video chat at odd hours, due to the time difference. Focus on your transferable skills and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work in Australia. Ask good questions about relocation support and visas.
The key to finding work abroad is persistence and patience. While the job market in Australia continues to grow, the process can still take 6-18 months. Stay determined in your search, keep an open mind about different paths to your goal, and don’t get discouraged. With hard work and the right approach, you’ll land an opportunity for a new adventure down under.
READ ALSO: Best Ways to Migrate to Canada
Important Tips for Preparing Your Migration Application
Preparing a strong migration application is key to successfully moving to Australia. Here are some tips to help you put together a solid application:
Do your research
Make sure you understand all the requirements for your specific visa subclass. Check official Australian government websites to learn about necessary paperwork, eligibility criteria, waiting periods, and application fees. The more you know, the less likely you’ll face delays or rejection.
Gather documents
Compile all the needed documents to support your application like language test scores, employment references, medical exams, police clearances, etc. Obtain certified copies and official translations of any documents not in English. It’s best to start collecting these well in advance of applying.
Complete forms accurately
Fill out all application forms carefully and truthfully. Double check that you’ve included all necessary details and that everything is clearly legible. Any errors or omissions can slow down processing or lead to refusal.
Prepare for the interview
If your visa subclass requires an interview, practice your responses to common questions. Be ready to discuss your reasons for migrating, plans to find work or study opportunities, financial situation, and more. Appearing well-prepared and genuine will make a good impression.
Consider using a migration agent
A registered migration agent can help ensure your application is as strong as possible. They are up to date with the latest requirements and can guide you through the entire process. While not always required, an agent is especially helpful for complex cases or if your situation is unusual in any way.
Following these useful tips will set you up for the best chance of success in your move to Australia. With the right preparation and patience, you’ll be calling Australia home before you know it!