Start here - could be a good start

http://www.newcomersnetwork.com/mel/information/allcategories/expatgroups/im.php and also http://www.newcomersnetwork.com/mel/oursay/ouradvice/dtm.php

All the best!

Sue Vitnell
Founder, Newcomers Network
we'll tell you where to go...
Australia's first network for newcomers
suevitnell @ newcomersnetwork.com
http://www.newcomersnetwork.com

Post a Reply

00abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

Have you looked at the Australian government's immigration website at www.immi.gov.au ? That has all the options and requirements from the government's perspective.

The Australian immigration system generally works on a point system. You get so many points for your education, professional skills, age (younger is better), English as a native language etc. Depending on what your profession is, you may be able to apply for permanent residency in Australia from overseas as a "skilled independent". There are certain approved professions - listed on the website - which you can use as a basis for your application. If you are approved, you can then move to Australia in your own right and not be dependent on an employer sponsoring you. You also are not required to work in the field that earned you your permanent residency - you can do whatever you like. Once permanent residency is granted, you must live in Australia for at least 3 of the next 5 years to retain the residency. After living in Australia for five consecutive years, you can apply for citizenship if you so choose.

If you happen to be fluent in a language other than English and do not have one of the professional skills listed, you may want to look into training for the translator test. The test is not easy - I think about 90% of the people who take it fail the first time around - but translation is one of the approved professions.

If you're serious about this it probably would be worth your while to contact an experienced migration agent, who can look at your experience etc. and suggest the best approach. There's a high turnover in the immigration department plus the laws change frequently - using a professional will cost a few thousand Australian dollars, but it can save a lot of time and frustration, and can mean the difference between a successful application and an unsuccessful one. Just be as certain as you can that the person you hire knows what they're doing and has a good track record.

Good luck!

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hi From Jenny and Drew.

We have been in the Sydney suburbs for a year now, and life is certainly different to back home in the UK. Be prepared to work hard at your job, under US-style conditions. You will be expected to "work back" to get the job done, and time of for sickness is scrutinised.

Tranfer with your company is probably the best route to residency. That's what we did in 2004, and it took from Febuary to December (10 months) with the company paying a local immigration agency. You are effectively an employee of the agency until your residency is granted, and then your employment reverts to the sponsoring company.

Your employer has to advertise the position locally, to ensure that nobody locally has the qualifications to fill it. This is unlikely, as training in Australia is virtually non-existent, and the country is run be imported skilled workers.

Once accepted on a 457 4-year work visa, apply for permanent residency almost immediately. We are on an unrestricted PR visa, but some tie you to your company for a bit.

Expect to pay for everything you get here, as the dollar rules all. On the other hand, most things you need to run your life are a lot cheaper here, appart from housing, health care, and schooling. Renting will cost you from GBP 300 upwards per month (more like 400+), and buying a property in the Sydney area will be at least double that. Blame the Chinese retaking Hong Kong. All the Asians with porable cash came here, and bought the place up. Prices of property doubled in 5 years.

The country is very sedate compared to the UK. Unless you live near a major city, Australia shuts at 5pm, seven days a week. Bring a good book! On the other hand, crime is low, people are mannerly, and it is too effing hot to get up to mischief!

Good Luck!

Post a Reply

00abuse