To live and work in Australia expats will be required to have a Visa. The Australian government have made it simple and easy to understand the application process. There are different types of visas available for expats, and the visa you should apply for will depend on the length of stay, your passport and the purpose of the visit.
Visa Wizard provides expats with information about how to apply for a specific visa, where to apply, the costs and more. This is a straight forward step by step system which evaluates an individual’s reason for moving to Australia. However it does not guarantee entry to the country.
Expats should do as much research possible to apply for a visa which will help simplify the process to gain entry into Australia.
Work Visas
If you are an expat and want to live and work in Australia there are many different types of working visas that you may be eligible for.
If an expat has a job offer with an employer then their employer will be required to apply for an Employer Sponsored Migration Visa on your behalf. Visas in this category are both temporary and permanent.
Employers use a temporary visa to sponsor an overseas skilled worker for a maximum of four years. The employer acts as the sponsor. A permanent visa allows an employer to sponsor experts to fill vacancies for their companies.
If an expat does not have a job offer but are looking to find employment, they do not require a sponsor but will need to prove they have the skills and qualifications required to work on the Australian skilled occupations list. Expats may be expected to pass a test expecting to score a minimum number of points which are based on their English skills, work experience and other skills they can bring into the country.
Temporary Business Visa
Majority of expats apply for this visa at it allows foreigners to work in the country for up to four years. The temporary business visa is a multiple entry visa and expats who are granted this visa can bring their family along with them. Once legally working in Australia, if expats want to change jobs then a new visa will not need to be applied for. Working visas must be paid a salary that is equal to market rates.
To get a working visa:
1. Before getting a working visa, the employers must prove to the government that certain requirements and responsibilities are met, i.e. a position needs to be filled, they are able to afford to pay salary to the applicant and no Australian citizen can do the job.
2. Expats will need to secure a job with an employer in Australia and sign a contract. A nomination by the employer must be approved or the work permit cannot move forward.
3. A visa application must be filed. This can be done online, by post or by person. Many certified documents must be submitted of original copies and in English.
If an expat wishes to move to Australia to start a business or invest in a business it is necessary to get a business working visa. There are many sub class visas and it depends upon the intention and their role in the business.
Working Holiday Visa
With Australia having partnership with different countries, young people are able to visit and work temporarily to fund their travels. The working holiday visa is for people who want experience living abroad for a few months. To get this visa, individuals must prove that the reason to visit is for travel. This visa can be obtained for 12 months, but they are not allowed to work for more than 6 months with one employer.
Expat applicants must be aged between 18-30 to apply for this visa and this is accepted from a number of countries, i.e.: UK, Canada, Germany, Taiwan, Estonia, Italy and more.
Expat applicants must have a passport with at least one year of validity left showing proof of enough funds to support themselves in Australia. The proof required will need to be stamped and dated with a bank statement. Individuals also must not have any prior criminal convictions or any serious medical issues.
If three months of work has been completed, applicants will be eligible to apply for an extension to their original visa.
Visitor Visa
A visitor visa allows an individual to visit for business or visiting purposes. This visa is valid for three, six or twelve months. A visiting visa cannot be extended and if people want to stay longer they will be required to apply for a different visa two weeks before their visitor visa expires.
An e-visitor visa can be applied for by European passport holders or UK passport holders who want to visit Australia for three months or less. This permits a person to visit for business purposes. You can apply for an e-visitor visa over a twelve month period, three months at a time. This is applied for online and must be made outside of Australia. Visa is granted via email notification and you must show this upon arrival in Australia. This visa is also not extendable.
Residence Permit
Expats who enjoy working in Australia as well as living here might want to stay on a permanent basis. They could be eligible to apply for permanent residency which will not make them a citizen. Residents who are permanent are allowed to remain in the country as well as work if they wish. Expats will also be eligible for Medicare as soon as they have become a permanent resident. Permanent residents have unrestricted rights to live, work, study and travel in New Zealand also.
The migration visa is valid for five years from when the application was submitted. Expats are able to travel freely from and to Australia within this time. If expats want to leave and re-enter they must do so on a Resident return visa.
To become a citizen of Australia, expats must be able to prove that they have been living in the country on a valid visa for four years before applying; this includes the 12 months as a permanent resident. They must not be away from Australia for more than one year and no more than 90 days in the year before applying.