Your first step for travel to Australia is getting the right visa. Unless you are a citizen of New Zealand, you are required to have a visa to enter Australia.
Which Visa is Right For You?
Most travelers opt for the 3 month tourist visa which allows you to travel around Australia for a total of 3 months. This visa is available on line and is usually processed in less than 48 hours. Unless you have some criminal convictions, there is likely to be no problem in being granted this visa. Currently the visa costs approx $110 AUD. [1:4:J]
If you would rather stay longer, you can apply for a tourist visa for a longer period. There are visas for 6 months and 12 months. Equally you could apply to immigration and extend your 3 month visa. Be careful with this option. If you are turned down for an extension, you will be expected to leave after the 3 months is up.
The Working Holiday Visa is another great option if you are under 30. It is also known as the Work and Holiday Visa depending on which country you are from. Most countries are eligible but you should check that your country is part of the programme. This visa is valid for 12 months and allows you to combine work and travel. The idea is that it helps to pay for your travels. There are a few restrictions such as only being able to work for the same employer for 3 months at a time.
This visa costs approx $240 AUD. You can apply on line and your application is usually processed in less than 2 days. When you arrive in Australia, you will be asked to go to a desk to have your visa added to your passport.
If you are 30 and would like to travel when you are 31, I think this is still possible providing that you apply for the visa when you are still 30. Check the immigration website for more details.
If you are over 30 and want to work in Australia, it does get fairly tricky. The best advice I can give you is to contact an immigration lawyer. This is because Australian immigration offers many different types of visas and there may be one that could work for you. Generally, though, it is very difficult to work in Australia without a skill that is in demand.
Staying for Longer
There are a couple of ways to stay more permanently in Australia. The first is to find a business to sponsor you. The 457 visa allows you to work in Australia for that one employer for 4 years. The other option is to apply for Permanent Residency through the points system (175 Visa) Currently you need 120 points to qualify and you earn points for your skill, English ability and any Australian work experience. Jobs that are high in demand are awarded more points, making it easier to enter the country.
If you really want to live and work in Australia then you can find a way. But expect the process to be difficult with an exceptionally large amount of paperwork. Currently applications for Skilled Migration have been put on hold due to the World Recession. Immigration are only processing applications for jobs that are in high demand. So, expect the process to take a few years rather than months.
Which Visa is Right For You?
Most travelers opt for the 3 month tourist visa which allows you to travel around Australia for a total of 3 months. This visa is available on line and is usually processed in less than 48 hours. Unless you have some criminal convictions, there is likely to be no problem in being granted this visa. Currently the visa costs approx $110 AUD. [1:4:J]
If you would rather stay longer, you can apply for a tourist visa for a longer period. There are visas for 6 months and 12 months. Equally you could apply to immigration and extend your 3 month visa. Be careful with this option. If you are turned down for an extension, you will be expected to leave after the 3 months is up.
The Working Holiday Visa is another great option if you are under 30. It is also known as the Work and Holiday Visa depending on which country you are from. Most countries are eligible but you should check that your country is part of the programme. This visa is valid for 12 months and allows you to combine work and travel. The idea is that it helps to pay for your travels. There are a few restrictions such as only being able to work for the same employer for 3 months at a time.
This visa costs approx $240 AUD. You can apply on line and your application is usually processed in less than 2 days. When you arrive in Australia, you will be asked to go to a desk to have your visa added to your passport.
If you are 30 and would like to travel when you are 31, I think this is still possible providing that you apply for the visa when you are still 30. Check the immigration website for more details.
If you are over 30 and want to work in Australia, it does get fairly tricky. The best advice I can give you is to contact an immigration lawyer. This is because Australian immigration offers many different types of visas and there may be one that could work for you. Generally, though, it is very difficult to work in Australia without a skill that is in demand.
Staying for Longer
There are a couple of ways to stay more permanently in Australia. The first is to find a business to sponsor you. The 457 visa allows you to work in Australia for that one employer for 4 years. The other option is to apply for Permanent Residency through the points system (175 Visa) Currently you need 120 points to qualify and you earn points for your skill, English ability and any Australian work experience. Jobs that are high in demand are awarded more points, making it easier to enter the country.
If you really want to live and work in Australia then you can find a way. But expect the process to be difficult with an exceptionally large amount of paperwork. Currently applications for Skilled Migration have been put on hold due to the World Recession. Immigration are only processing applications for jobs that are in high demand. So, expect the process to take a few years rather than months.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly half a decade of experience in travelling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers practical information for planning your trip to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more information on Australian Visas
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