Australia is a land of opportunities for immigrants seeking to build successful careers or study. After Canada imposed immigration laws to aid reduce the migration rate to the country, Australia has become one of the leading destinations for immigrants.
The Australian labor market continues to perform well over the years with a low unemployment rate and there has been a noticeable increase in employment in the following industries: Health Care and Social Assistance, Construction and Manufacturing.
Whether you’re looking to move for skilled work, temporary opportunities, or long-term employment, Australia offers a range of pathways to meet different career goals and this article will provide an overview of how to secure a job as an immigrant in Australia.
Leading Industries In Australia For Immigrants
Below are top industries with prospects for skilled immigrants in Australia:
Health Service Industry
Health Services Industry encompasses a range of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare industries. This is one of the biggest industries in Australia with an estimated revenue of over 200 billion according to a report by IBIS World.
Immigrants can work as Nurses or Doctors in top hospitals in the country provided they have the right certification. This sector is a very delicate one and requires the best hands so ensure a proper research is done on the certifications needed before proceeding to apply for a job.
Engineering and Construction
The construction sector is one of the huge sectors in Australia contributing 7.4% of overall GDP. skilled workers such as electricians, carpenters, and welders. Some of the leading construction companies that can hire immigrants include: Lendlease, CIMC Group, Laing O’Rourke, John Holland Group, Thiess, and CPB Contractors.
Education
Education in Australia is world-class which implies that the Government ensures it hires the best. Teachers, especially those specializing in early childhood and special education, are in demand. Categories of teachers in high demand in Australia include:
- Primary school teachers who specialize in mathematics, technology, and science
- Early childhood educators
- Special education teachers
- Teachers in remote and rural areas
- High school or secondary school teachers for English, design and technology, mathematics, and foreign languages
Securing An Australian Work Visa As An Immigrant
Immigrants who possess the right skills and capabilities to enhance Australia’s economy and workforce are eligible to apply for the work visa. Below are some of the common work visas immigrants are eligible to apply for:
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
This visa allows skilled workers to work in Australia for up to four years provided they are sponsored by an approved employer. This visa was introduced in March 2018 to replace the Temporary Work (skilled) subclass 457 visa and address labor shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers.
TSS visa allows the holder work in Australia in their nominated occupation for their approved sponsor under one of three streams:
- The Short-Term stream
- The Medium-Term stream
- The Labour Agreement stream
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 186 Visa
ENS is a permanent visa that enables Australian employers to sponsor highly skilled workers to live and work in Australia. The visa has three streams namely: Temporary Residence Transition Stream, Direct Entry Stream, and Agreement Stream.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
The SESP visa allows the holders to live, work, and study in designated areas of Australia. It is designed for regional employers to address identified labor shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA Visa) (Subclass 482 to Subclass 186)
Abbreviated as DAMA, this is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional state or territory authority. One of the key elements of the agreement is pathways to permanent residency for DAMA visa holders.
Requirements for Working in Australia As An Immigrant
To work legally in Australia, immigrants need to meet specific requirements. These often depend on the type of visa you’re applying for and the job you’re seeking. Common requirements include:
- English Language Proficiency: Australia is an English speaking nation and one of the requisites needed to apply for a visa is the demonstration of proficiency in English, through standardized tests like IELTS or PTE.
- Skills Assessment: Some occupations require a formal skills assessment from a recognized authority to prove your qualifications.
- Health and Character Checks
Documents that will be requested during the application include: Passport, National ID card, Family certificate, Police Certificate, Health Insurance, proof of financial means, and Detailed Itinerary.
How to Find Jobs in Australia
Securing a job is crucial before applying for a work visa. One of the best places to secure a job as an immigrant are online job portals. Websites like Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn are excellent resources to start your job hunt. Additionally, industry-specific platforms can help narrow your search based on your profession.
Recruitment agencies are companies that act as intermediaries between job seekers and companies. Once you select the industry you want to work in, proceed to go through the official website of the recruitment agency before submitting your credentials or contacting them.
Leading recruitment agencies in Australia include: Chandler Macleod, Adecco Staffing, Robert Half, Randstad, Michael Page, Morgan consulting, and Healthcare Australia.
Working with as Australian multinational company situated within your country is another way of securing a job in the country alongside a work visa. Companies like Cochlear, ResMed Inc, CSL, Ramsay Health Care, James Hardie Industries, Macquarie Group are examples of multinationals.
Finally, other ways of securing jobs in Australia are via Professional Networks, and Direct applications though these methods are not as reliable as the ones mentioned above.
Conclusion
Australia is a fantastic place for immigrants seeking new job opportunities and a high quality of life. The country’s growing economy, diverse job market, and inclusive policies make it an attractive destination for professionals.
Selecting a an affordable city to migrate to after securing a job is advised especially for immigrants. Salaries in Australia are quite attractive the cost of living in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne can be high. It’s essential to plan your finances and explore affordable housing options.