Australia tops the list of destinations that migrant workers want to penetrate. There are a number of reasons why it is becoming a popular choice among those seeking for better job opportunities.
Over the last decade, Australia's strong economic performance has resulted in significant economic growth, low inflation, low unemployment and low interest rates. The Forbes Magazine claims the same and even added that because of Australia's strong economy and the record level unemployment levels the employment prospects in the country is very optimistic. This observation is attributed to the fact that a number of industries such as health care services, retailing, construction, hospitality and hairdressing are expected to experience growth. Thus, with this Australia will be able to accommodate more skilled workers to fill possible jobs that might be created because of such. What makes Australia's employment prospective more appealing is that other than the growth of industries there is already an existing job shortage in certain industries. These job shortages are classified as Occupation in Demand which are across a range of industries like Accounting, Engineering jobs, Health and Medical, Computing and Trades.
This scenario brings the Australian government to seek for workers to fill the current and even future job shortage that their economy will need. However, if you are interested to apply for a job in Australia you have to consider certain things.
Although the economy of Australia is open you have to also take note that it is competitive. The industries in Australia are composed of a very dynamic and highly skilled workforce and if you wish to penetrate its workforce your qualifications should at least be at par with the workers that they already have. Hence, there is a need for you to fully assess your skills and eligibility before you apply for a work in Australia. The only way for you to do this is through the General Skilled Migration Program wherein a candidate must meet the basic requirement of the GSM and passed the Australian Immigration Point System.
The Basic Requirements for an Australia Skilled Visa include the following:
- • Age - you must be under 45 when you apply;
- • English language - you should have sufficient ability in the English language to work in Australia (at least at a vocational level);
- • Qualifications - you must have post-secondary qualifications and your skills must be assessed by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for your nominated occupation;
- • Nominated occupation - when you apply you nominate a skilled occupation, which fits your skills and qualifications. Your nominated occupation must be found on the Skilled Occupations List;
- • Recent work experience - the period of work experience required will vary depending on the number of points you may be granted for your nominated occupation;
- • Australian qualification exemption - you do not need to meet the work experience requirement if you have completed an Australian qualification less than 6 months before lodging your visa application; and
- • Skills assessment - before you apply, you must have your skills assessed by the Australian assessing authority designated to assess your nominated occupation.
- • Health assessment - you should be of reasonably good health and all applicants must have their health assessed by a panel doctor and undergo a medical examination.
- • Character assessment - you should be of good character and this too will be assessed.
On the other hand, most Skilled Visas for immigration to Australia require applicants to score a minimum number of points on the Points Test. The Points Test awards points for:
- • Skill
- • Age
- • Language
- • Specific Work Experience
- • Occupation in Demand / Job Offer
- • Australian Work Experience
- • Australian Qualifications
- • Regional Study
- • Partner Skills
- • Nomination
- • Designated Area Sponsorship and
- • Designated Language
There are a number of organizations and agencies that offer to do the assessment for you base on the criteria set by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). They usual conduct online free visa eligibility assessment through online forms that you can fill up. The forms are designed to determine if you are eligible to apply for a work visa that will suit your skills and situation. You can also immediately know the results after filling up the pertinent data that are needed. If you will be able to pass this, you can be assured that you are a step closer to you dream to work in Australia.
