Working in Australia; Requirements and Procedures – Whether you are looking for entry-level positions or professional roles, understanding the requirements and procedures for working in Australia is essential. This guide provides comprehensive information on the steps and qualifications needed to start your career in Australia.
Why Study in Australia
Australia is popularly known for its vibrant multicultural society and high quality of life. Australia is a very popular destination for immigrants seeking employment opportunities.
Working in Australia: Entry-Level Jobs for Immigrants
For those immigrating, securing an entry-level job in Australia can be a great way to start. These positions often require minimal experience and provide a pathway to gaining valuable work experience in the Australian job market.
Common entry-level jobs for immigrants include roles in retail, hospitality, customer service, and administration. Additionally, industries such as agriculture and aged care frequently seek workers, offering a variety of job opportunities.
Common Entry-Level Job Roles:
- Administration: Office assistants, data entry clerks, and receptionists.
- Hospitality: Wait staff, kitchen assistants, and hotel housekeeping.
- Customer Service: Call center operators, and customer support representatives.
- Aged Care: Personal care assistants, home care workers.
- Retail: Sales assistants, cashiers, and stockroom staff.
- Agriculture: Farmhands, fruit pickers, and laborers.
VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR WORKING IN AUSTRALIA
Australia offers a range of visa options for those seeking to work in the country. The specific requirements will depend on your situation, such as your skills, qualifications, and work experience. Here’s a breakdown of some of the major visa pathways:
Skilled Migration Visas:
- General Skilled Migration (GSM): This points-based system awards points for factors like age, work experience, education, and English language skills. If you score high enough points, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence. Popular GSM visa subclasses include:
- 189 Skilled Independent Visa: For skilled workers with a positive skills assessment and migration points.
- SkillSelect: An online platform where you express your interest in migrating to Australia and potentially receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
- 190 Skilled Nominated Visa: Requires nomination by a state or territory government in Australia.
Employer-Sponsored Visas:
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS): Similar to ENS, but focuses on employers in regional areas of Australia.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS): An employer in Australia nominates you for a visa based on your skills and the specific needs of the position.
Working Holiday Visa
The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) Provides an opportunity for young adults (typically ages 18-30) to combine travel and work experiences in Australia. Working holiday visa holders can work for up to one year with each employer, allowing them to travel around the country and gain experience in various industries.
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
- The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is designed to address skills gaps in the Australian labor market. It is sponsored by an approved employer who can demonstrate that they have been unable to fill the position with a suitably qualified Australian worker. The TSS visa offers several benefits for both employers and workers. For employers, it provides a pathway to access a wider pool of skilled workers to fill critical positions and ensure business continuity. For workers, it presents an opportunity to work and gain experience in Australia in their field of expertise. There are two streams under the TSS visa:
- Long-term stream: This stream is for occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSOL) and provides a pathway to permanent residence for eligible candidates. To be eligible for a TSS visa, you must be nominated by an approved employer for an occupation on the SOL or STSOL, meet the skills and experience requirements for the nominated occupation, and have a demonstrated good command of English. You may also be required to undergo a skills assessment and a medical examination.
- Short-term stream: This stream is suitable for occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and allows for stays of up to three years.
Salary Scale for Immigrants Working in Australia
The salary scale for immigrants in Australia varies significantly depending on the industry, job role, and level of experience. Below is a table outlining the approximate annual salaries for common entry-level positions and mid-level roles.
| JOB ROLE | ENTRY-LEVEL SALARY (AUD) | MID-LEVEL SALARY (AUD) |
| Retail Sales Assistant | $42,000 – $48,000 | $50,000 – $55,000 |
| Customer Service Operator | $40,000 – $48,000 | $50,000 – $60,000 |
| Hospitality Worker | $40,000 – $50,000 | $50,000 – $60,000 |
| Office Administrator | $45,000 – $52,000 | $55,000 – $65,000 |
These figures are indicative and can vary based on location, employer, and individual qualifications.
Working in Australia: Application Requirements
When applying for a job in Australia, it is important to prepare and submit all required documents. These typically include:
- Proof of Identity: Passport or other forms of identification.
- Resume/CV: A detailed document highlighting your work experience, education, skills, and achievements.
- Qualifications: Certificates and transcripts from educational institutions.
- Cover Letter: A personalized letter explaining why you are suitable for the position.
- Skills Assessment: For certain occupations, a skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority may be required.
- References: Contact details of previous employers or professional references.
Ensuring that your application is complete and tailored to the job you are applying for will increase your chances of success.
Job Websites to Find Opportunities
Finding a job in Australia can be streamlined by using various employment websites. These platforms offer a wide range of job listings across different industries and regions. Here are some of the most popular job search websites in Australia:
- Indeed: A global job search engine with a strong presence in Australia.
- LinkedIn: A professional networking site where you can find job postings and connect with potential employers.
- Gumtree Jobs: A classified site with job listings, particularly for casual and temporary positions.
- Seek: One of Australia’s leading job portals with thousands of job listings.
- JobActive: An Australian government initiative providing job listings and employment services.
- CareerOne: A comprehensive job search site with various resources for job seekers.
Using these websites, you can explore job opportunities, submit applications, and connect with employers.
Conclusion
Utilize the resources and information provided in this guide to embark on your career journey in this dynamic and welcoming country.
Working in Australia offers a wealth of opportunities for immigrants, provided they meet the requirements and follow the correct procedures. From obtaining the right visa to preparing a strong job application, understanding the process is key to securing employment in Australia.