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Top Reasons Why to Live and Work in Australia

Australia is fast becoming a preferred destination for immigrants in terms of its great lifestyle and excellent career opportunities. Due to its booming economy, getting jobs in Australia whether skilled or professional has made easier and the chances of being employed becomes higher and better. Currently, there are over thousands of employment opportunities are awaiting for qualified workers. But before one could land down under to start their new life and career, he must secure first an Australian Visa, either Australian Skilled Visa or Australian Working Visa, as a legal document for his immigration to Australia.

Australia offers an excellent quality of life to be enjoyed. With its high standard of living, pleasant climate, outstanding cities with awesome attractions, safe and multicultural environment with friendly and easy-going residents, stable economy and great culture. What else can you ask for? All of the best things that you consider for a country to live and work, Australia has it. And to give you some detailed information why most immigrants prefer to receive the benefits of Australian living, here are some of the top reasons.

Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to other developed countries, Australia is a better place for immigrants to live in because of its affordable cost of living most especially if you have a child who wants to study in any of its reputable universities and colleges.

Shortage of Skilled Workers

If you are seeking for a wide-range of employment opportunities, Australia offers it. With its continuously growing economy, they are needing for more skilled and professional workers who can help bring valuable benefits to its economy.

English-Speaking Country

Adopting yourself in the culture and environment of Australia is not difficult. Australia is an English-Speaking country in which most Australians virtually speak English language. For this reason, communicating and relating to them would not be hard for you.

Excellent Career Opportunities

Having an Australian qualification, excellent career opportunities are countless. With over thousands of available jobs in Australia, starting your new career down under is within your reach.

High Pay Rates


Employees in Australia whether they are skilled or professional are given excellent pay rates. This is one the best reasons why a remarkable number of overseas workers most especially for those who need to support their family consider migrating and working in Australia. And what's more? Employers also give merit to those who work extra effort in their jobs. Aside from these competitive salaries, workers also receive valuable benefits such as health care, sick and vacation leaves and other company's incentives.

Immigration Numbers Going Down

One of the countries that have been popular with many people planning immigrations is Australia. In fact, this can be easily proved by the long lines of Australian immigration applicants getting their visas in the embassies daily. However, the status of immigration in the country seems to be on the verge of change. According to the latest statistics, long term immigration to the land down under has actually gone down by a significant level. In a tally provided by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) long term stay arrivals for the month of February dropped by around 44 percent as compared to the numbers posted in January. The DIAC further added that the number of permanent residency arrivals also fell by almost the same mark for the the month.

One of the biggest contributing factors that officials say affected the number of immigrants coming to the country were the recent changes made by the immigration department to the Skilled Migration Program. These changes involved removing more than a hundred low level positions from the Skilled Occupation List to make way for more high level positions. The department said that these moves were necessary in order to cope up with the shortage of high level workers that the country is currently experiencing. However, many experts said that the move is likely to affect the number of immigrants coming to the country. They said that many of the people coming in to Australia do so by getting low level positions. They added that the removal of these jobs from the list effectively stops a large number of applicants from coming into the country.

Experts also said that these changes also severely affected the number of foreign students enrolling in the country. Since many of these students are taking vocational courses in preparation for filing of permanent residency in the country (which was trhe norm before), the removal of these positions from the list meant that their opportunities have now been cut. Furthermore, they said, the stricter skills requirements have also greatly limited the number of applicants that will be able to enter the country.

Another major factor that many say contributed to the decline in immigration to Australia in the last few months is the stricter security measures that are being implemented by the DIAC on applicants. One of these is the proposed issuance of biometric visas to applicants coming from so called high risk countries.those applicants coming from these countries have said that these moves are seemingly done to prevent them from entering the country, a claim that the DIAC has refuted. However, the immigration department is optimistic that migration rates will be up again in the coming months. They also added that the initial effects of the changes are only temporary and will likely wane down from here on.

Australian Immigration cuts Brisbane's Foreign Students

It's foreign students no-more as an immigration policy declared a cut to Brisbane's student immigration to Australia. The country's two parties, Labor and Liberal National Party, have been arguing over which factors greatly affects the continuous increase in Australia's migration. After a long road of talk, they end up with a conclusion stating that the number of international students entering the country is the largest contributor to net overseas migration.

It is a fact that Brisbane holds 80% of Queensland's $2.7 billion international student industry which is a part of an international education sector that generated $18.6 billion in the 2009 export earnings. If we'll look into it, it's Queensland that sets the high jump in overseas students since 2004 – showing a number of Immigration Department figures of more than doubled from 25,231 to 52,347 in 2009.

However, some sources reported that as the number of overseas university students grow up, foreign students heading for TAFE colleges had been "tanked". In year 2008-2009, the total number of Australian student visa holders had decreased from 320,368 to 269,826 in 2009-2010. While enrollments on higher education dropped from 133,990 to 118,541. According to Glenn Withers, the chief executive of Universities Australia, the issue of international students' slowing number had already been experienced before. He then advised the two major parties to be more careful in their plan of cutting the number of foreign students.

"A severe drop in international student numbers would cost many Australians their jobs," He said. "For example, according to Access Economics estimates, a 50 percent drop in international student numbers represents 62,000 jobs gone - and this process is already happening. Many of these jobs are in marginal and regional seats where universities and colleges are a major community presence," Withers explained. Aside from this, the Australian Tourism Export Council has also cautioned the two parties to consider the economic consequences, especially if they wish to continue the cut to international student visa numbers.

As stated by ATEC managing director Matt Hingerty, more than 80% of all foreign students attract at least one other overseas visitor during their stay to Australia. "Any changes to international student visa numbers need to be made with the knowledge of the flow-on effects this will have on other sectors of the economy," he uttered in a statement. But it seems that the opposition group is still on their way to continue the plan. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott announced that there will be no cuts to Australian skilled  migration categories, only to overseas student immigrants. He recently introduced a plan stating that they will reduce Australia's net overseas migration to 170,000 people each year by 2013.

Along with Abbott, Tony Burke, government's Minister for Sustainable Population, also unveiled a cut to foreign students, especially on hairdressing and chef courses. This is due to an evidence explaining that some overseas students used student visas just to have a permanent citizenship. "Some of them weren't being used to fill work shortages, they were being used to get cheaper workers. There were some overseas students coming, not for the purpose of getting an Australian education, but as a pathway for permanent residency," Mr. Burke explained.

Tradesmen Needed in Australia

Currently, Australia is in need of skilled tradesmen and as a result there are opportunities galore. Perhaps you've acquired the skills but you don't have the necessary official qualification papers to qualify for Australian Immigration ?

No worries, there is a solution - are you willing to do what it takes?

Currently, trades persons earn much more than graduates. This is due to the high demand for trade skills.

The opportunity to study a trade in Australia ensures an opportunity to migrate  to Australia successfully. Over 30 percent of TAFE (Technical and Further Education) students in Australia already hold bachelor degrees but are training for trade skills to gain lucrative jobs.

How can you benefit?

The bottom line is – Australia’s economy is booming. Fortunately for you, the growth is restricted due to shortages of skilled people across many of the trade industries. In fact, there are huge infrastructure developments that are on hold because of this great shortage of skills.

Currently, tradespersons are earning much more than graduates. This is due to the high demand for trade skills.

Study in Australia? The  study options avaliable are open to international students. This will allow these students to gain skills to qualify in a number of occupations that are in demand. If you already hold a degree you're able to gain admission to two year post graduate courses to gain recognition as accountants, teachers, nurses and IT Specialists. If you've attained a HND (Higher National Diploma) you're able to gain credit into a Bachelor degree. You can then qualify in a wide range of occupations. You'll also enhance your chances of gaining skilled migration.

If you don’t have qualifications

You can train as a cook, hairdresser, bricklayer, automotive mechanic, cabinet maker or backer (there are more trades that you can train for). Of course, those in the above mentioned categories can also train for these trades.

How to go about it...

Generally, Australia aim to attract young people that have proficient English skills and are qualified in skilled occupations. Preferably, these applicants want to settle in regional areas. An Eligibility test will determine the above factors. The eligibility points allocate points to applicants based on age, skill, English language ability, work experience and a few other factors.

For skilled Migration you'll need 120 points.

How are points gained?

If you study specific programmes in Australia for at least 2 years will allow you to gain points for;

Skilled Occupations – amounts to 40, 50 or 60 points

If you study in Australia for two years you can gain 5 points

If you studied in a regional area in Australia you are given a bonus of 5 points

If you graduate with qualifications included on the Migration Occupation In Demand List (MODL), you may attract an additional 15 points.


The Age Requirement

Persons under 30 years of age with good English skills and qualified in a 60 point occupation (through 2 years of study in a regional area in Australia) will gain 120 points which is the current target.

Various occupations are shown on the Skilled Occuptations List (SOL)

Sought-after Trades Skills

Which skills are in demand?

Nurses, Accountants, Cooks, Hairdressers, Bricklayers are on the MDOL.

The MODL is reviewed at least every 6 months. This is done in line with the current workforce demands at the time. For example, If you proceed to do cookery courses , ensure that when by the time you're expected to complete the course, your newly attained skill will still feature on the MODL. Remember, not all courses will qualify you for a migration outcome. In order to be granted points, you'll need to meet the criteria that are set down by the relevant assessing body. Particularly for the occupation you're studying for as shown on the SOL.

The Requirements

Ensure that you're in possession of the necessary requirements. You'll need one of the following;

Degree or Postgraduate qualification that is on the assessing body’s accredited list. Examples; accountants or IT Specialists. Certificate III in a specific subject and 900 hours that are recognised as relevant work experience is needed. Examples; bricklayers, hairdressers’ or Automotive Mechanics. Recognised qualification that incorporates a minimum amount of days done under supervised work experience.


High English Score - For example, teacher and nurses require 7.0 on the international English Language Testing System Test or;


Diploma or Degree that features on the accredited list

Applicants must ensure that the course that they're studying for will meet the criteria of the relevant assessing body. These requirements may change. Throughout the past five years to qualify as a cook and attain 60 points, the TRA assessing body required students to have the following;

  • One year Certificate III in Commercial Cookery,
  • Have Passed Skills Test,
  • Hold a Certificate III (in conjunction with a minimum two year study package) and
  • 900 hours of relevant work experience.


What's worth Knowing?

Once you’ve applied for your student visa, it can take up to 3 months to be granted, before courses commence. You're obligated to attend at least 80 per cent of your classes. You're also expected to meet your course requirements. Moreover, immediate dependent family members are generally included on the student visa. Child Dependants of school going age must be enrolled in a school before your visa is granted. It's greatly advised that you consult a clued up consultant that is proficient in dealing with such cases.

It's also important to remember that you'll not be allowed to work until you've started the course and applied for work rights.

Once you’ve applied for work rights, you'll be permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. Your partner or spouse will be allowed to work 20 hours a week during the entire student visa period, once he/she has been granted work rights. Note that spouses of students studying towards a Masters or research Masters or PHD are permitted to work full-time. Although work that is registered as part of your course will not be included in the limited 20 hours.

Migration can become a very real possibility once you’ve completed your studies. So, hang in there and give it all you’ve got!

Want more information from one of our trained professionals? Fill out our FREE ASSESSMENT form or call us on 0845 2 606030 on a no obligation basis.

Disclaimer: While all due care has been taken to ensure that the information within this article at the time of publication is correct, I.U cannot accept responsibility for the content for any inaccuracies that occurs as a result of changes in immigration regulations, policy or other variables affecting the eligibility of individual applicants. Immigration laws, skill shortage determinations etc are subject to change by appropriate authorities and thus are outside of our control. Please contact us for further advice before taking steps towards immigrating. This article is published in good faith.

Immigrating to Australia: What You Need to Know

Australia is such a wonderful country. It is no wonder that people may want to immigrate to the country, or even just to spend a few days’ visit in it. However, it is not always easy to get a visa and permission to enter Australia. You need a very excellent guide who will more or less walk you through the process and prepare you for actual application of a visa.

Selecting a Visa

The first step to applying for a visa for immigration to Australia is to know what kind of visa you will be applying for. There are several visas available for entry to Australia, each of them meant for a specific type of applicant. These visas include:

Worker visa

The worker visa itself has different types of visas available. There is a specific visa for doctors or nurses, for people who are sponsored by employers in Australia, as well as seamen and airmen entering Australia.

Family visa

This is for people who are moving into Australia or just visiting the country via petition by family members that are already permanent residents of Australia. This is also for people who have married an Australian citizen and would wish to move to the country. These visas are just but a few of the many specific visas available for immigrating to Australia. Find out which of these visas you are most likely eligible for, and then start applying.

Start Applying

Actual application for the visa can be facilitated through the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs’ website. They have application forms available at the site. You only need to fill it up and follow the instructions indicated. You may think your application is done after this, but no, not yet. You have to send in supporting documents that will prove your eligibility and qualification to move to Australia. There are different documents that may be required depending on your application and the type of visa you are applying for.

For example, if you are applying for a student visa, you will need to send in proof of your enrollment in an Australian university. This includes your Letter of Offer and your Confirmation of Enrollment. These are documents provided by the University after you have completed all the necessary steps for enrollment. On the other hand, if you are married to an Australian and are moving to the country as part of the marriage, you have to provide supporting evidence of your relationship and marriage. These requirements would include your marriage contract, proofs of joint accounts such as electric bills, water bills, and a joint bank account, among others.

Being third in the World Health Organization’s list of countries with the best performance in health care, Australia is very strict about health issues concerning people entering their borders. As part of your application, you would need to complete a medical checkup carried out by the Australian embassy’s accredited physicians in every country. After these steps are carried out, it’s purely a waiting game. However, relax. As long as you have been thorough in completing the requirements and submitting the necessary documents, you will be getting a visa and move to Australia in no time.