Working visas in Australia
Demystifying the process of working visas in Australia
~ by Shaun Hughston, from the medical recruitment company Beat Medical
~ by Shaun Hughston, from the medical recruitment company Beat Medical
There are myriad considerations to working in Australia, and one of them is the somewhat complex working visa system. For skilled, professional candidates there are a number of different options - one of the most common is the 457 Long-stay business visa.
This visa enables you to:
- Work in Australia for up to 4 years (and it can usually be extended)
- Work as an employee or a contractor
- Work in multiple locations
- Bring dependants (who will be able to work as well)
As such, it is often the preferred mode of entry for specialist doctors, nurses, engineers, and the like.
There are essentially two steps to the process - employer nomination, and the actual visa application.
1. Employer nomination
The employer nomination phase is what your new employer needs to do. They must show the immigration authorities that there is a bona fide position, that they can pay you, and will meet their responsibilities. They will also need to prove that they have adequately tested the Australian market before employing an expatriate.
You will not be involved in this side of the process, however need to keep in mind that visas are rarely granted to work in major cities. You should aim to work in a regional or rural area of Australia (at least 45 minutes from the city).
2. Visa application process
The visa application process is what you will need to do. The entire application is online, and there is a lot of information required. We recommend that you read through the immigration website thoroughly before commencing the process. Some things that you (and any dependents) will need to do for this application are:
- Undertake an in-depth medical
- Provide criminal history checks from every country you have ever lived in
- Meet English language proficiency requirements
- Declare that you will adhere to Australian laws and values
The entire process can take several months, so it is recommended that you start what you can sooner rather than later. Issues which can restrict entry to Australia are criminal convictions, complex medical problems, or incomplete paperwork. Once you arrive in Australia, you will need to show that you have appropriate health insurance to cover you, and your dependents for your stay.
It makes a difference to have professional support for both a job search, and the visa application process. You may consider a recruitment agency. Recruitment agencies are an invaluable resource - always free to candidates, to assist you throughout the entire process.
The take-home messages:
- You need to find a job before applying for a working visa
- Always be truthful and open on your visa applications - it is not unknown for people to be sent home
- Start as early as possible on the job search and visa process
- Be organised, and take responsibility
- Some factors, like criminal history, or health issues can result in a visa disapproval
- Keep location in mind - go for regional areas
- Think about working with a recruitment agency
