Has Australia made it into your bucket list? Thinking about taking the plunge and emigrating to Australia? You are definitely not alone. Thousands of people around the world are emigrating to Australia every year in pursuit of a better life, a great career, or a beautiful place to retire.
Australia is known for its gorgeous landscapes, high living standards, and of course – plenty of job and career opportunities for Australian citizens and Australian immigrants alike. In fact, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ranked Australia at the top in several related aspects such as income and wealth, jobs and earnings, low unemployment rates, health status, and housing.
Australia’s success is undoubtedly related to its growing number of people emigrating to Australia over the years. Immigrants of different backgrounds bring new skills and ideas, open more businesses that create job opportunities, and add billions of dollars in income tax, which enables the Australian government to further invest in its population, academic institutions, medicine, technology, etc.
As a result, the Australian government heavily relies on immigration to support the economy and contribute to Australia’s growth. The question is: what is in it for you?
We now know that Australia is a top destination for immigrants, and we know how the Australian government benefits from welcoming skilled immigration with open arms. Now, let’s take a look at the 5 top reasons you should apply for a working visa Australia and get on the move:
Great Economy
There is no denying that Australia’s economy is one of the strongest and most stable in the world, placing as the 14th largest economy in 2019.
Achieving almost 3 decades of steady financial growth without recession doesn’t happen just like that. This reflects on Australia’s ability to manage its economy through thick and thin, even when countries around it fall into a financial crisis. This is a very promising fact especially for those who want to open a business in Australia.
Additionally, over 70% of the population, ages 15 to 64, have a paid job. Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide are the strongest cities economically, where you can find plenty of career opportunities in a variety of sectors: technology, medicine, financial services, law, mining, engineering, and more. Applying for a working visa Australia definitely opens many doors in this perspective.
Pension Benefits
Australia knows how to give back to its hard-working population with generous benefits; After you decide to retire and you are found eligible for an Age Pension, you will receive payments to your account every two weeks, as well as discounts and concessions on life and health essentials.
If you meet the requirements for Age Pension, you will also receive a Pensioner Concession Card which includes numerous discounts on medicine, health, and government services. You can also use the card for extra discounts on gas, water, electricity, and more!
Australia also provides rent assistance to those who are eligible, tax offsets, and low-cost banking.
Personal Safety
Australia takes the top spot again when it comes to safety; Australia is ranked as the 2nd safest country in the Global Child-Safety Index and is generally known for low crime rates and a welcoming environment.
Having a working visa Australia and providing a safe environment to raise children often means the world to people emigrating to Australia.
While it is always important to take precautions wherever you go, you can rest assured that you will be able to live comfortably and confidently in Australia.
Another option is moving to Sydney. Sydney is ranked as the safest city in Australia and the 2nd safest city in the entire world.
Quality of Life
World-class academic institutions with premium facilities, job opportunities in a wide range of sectors, relatively high wages and low living costs, pension benefits, safety, clean air and water, unique outdoor activities, and more, contribute to a high standard of living in Australia.
According to the OECD, Australians feel a strong sense of community and an astounding 91% of the population voted during recent elections, which indicates that they feel that they have a true voice and impact on how their lives will be shaped, or, in other words, cared for by the government.
Australians also gave a 7.3 grade out of 10 for general satisfaction with their lives in Australia, above the OECD average of just 6.5.
Numerous Visa Options
As mentioned earlier, Australia heavily relies on immigration, so policies and systems were set in place to welcome immigrants from all walks of life; people of different cultural, occupational, and academic backgrounds.
The Australian government created the following programs:
General Skilled Migration Program
Temporary Work Visas
Working Holiday Visa
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visas
Business Talent – Subclass 132 Visas
Investor (Residence) – Subclass 893 Visa
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is one of the most popular immigration programs, where you can live, work, and travel anywhere in Australia and obtain Australia permanent residency. This immigration program is aimed at skilled workers and their families who want to live and work in Australia permanently.
The General Skilled Migration Program includes 4 different visas:
The Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
The Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) – Subclass 491
The Skilled Regional – Subclass 887 Visa
Each working visa Australia has its own eligibility requirements regarding your age, work experience, occupation, education, and more. You can easily find out what working visa Australia you qualify for by contacting an immigration professional for a visa eligibility assessment.
If you want to work while you study, are looking for an adventure, or could just use the extra income without committing for life, you have the option to apply for temporary work visas such as Temporary Skill Shortage visa – Subclass 482, Temporary Graduate visa – Subclass 485, Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, and more. These visas are usually granted for 2-4 years.
Another temporary work visa is the Working Holiday Visa, where young adults who are 18-35 years old can work while they travel for a whole year. The Working Holiday Visa is an excellent opportunity to have fun while forming social and work connections. Forming these connections may lead to a work sponsorship by an Australian employer, which can lead to Australia permanent residency. If eligible, you can apply for this visa 3 times.
If you are a business owner or entrepreneur who would like to expand your business internationally, you should probably aim for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visas, Business Talent – Subclass 132 Visas, or the Investor (Residence) – Subclass 893 Visa. Each of these visas can lead to permanent residency as well.
Australia Permanent Residency Benefits
After covering the 5 top reasons to work in Australia, let’s talk about the cherry on top – permanent residency benefits:
You will be able to live, work, study and travel anywhere in Australia
You will be able to sponsor your family to come live with you
They will be able to sponsor more family members for permanent residency
You and your family will be eligible for free healthcare
Your children will be eligible for subsidized education (up to a certain age)
If you choose a working visa Australia with a path to permanent residency, these are the benefits you and your family will be able to enjoy. However, as mentioned, you also have temporary work visa options available.
Getting Started
Feeling ready to live like a true Aussie? Or, perhaps you still have some questions?
Applying for a working visa Australia can often become a complicated process – depending on the type of visa you are applying for, the number of applications you need, and your familiarity with Australia’s immigration policies and legalities.
So, don’t hesitate to get a bit more insight into your possible immigration process; contact UIS Australia’s immigration team today to discover your options for immigration to Australia, receive professional consultation and step-by-step guidance.
We assisted hundreds of people emigrating to Australia on their journey. Click below to get started!
Ron Ford
Ron Ford immigrated with his family to Australia in 2005 to work as a social worker. Following their difficult immigration process, he slowly turned to blogging and creating content about immigration: "…As a family of 5, we struggled to make ends meet. I was working around the clock and Clarissa was working in housekeeping any time she could spare. The move to Australia completely changed our lives, but it cost us a lot of money, time, and tears. Ever since I've wanted to help others on their journeys the way I wished someone had helped us".