Ways to get into Australia

As a South African who went to Australia then back to South Africa and is now back in Australia I am often asked how did you get into Australia. My answer is quite simple I am fortunate to be skilled in an area of highly skilled work where a worldwide shortage of people exist.

There are many ways to get into Australia but by far the simplest method is a subclass 457 visa. The only catch here is that you need to find a prospective employer who is willing to sponsor you (lets face it at the moment most companies are cutting back so I think the 457 visa's will be at a premium for the next few months until the global economy starts to settle and everyone has finished licking their wounds). The paperwork for a 457 visa is not that detailed you need to provide all your relevant qualifications and undergo an X-Ray (checking for TB) if you have kids under a certain age they will need to go for medical exams as they cannot be X-Rayed.

The turn-around time for the application varies although I have been through the 457 visa process numerous times and the longest it has taken is 2 weeks. There are drawbacks to a 457 visa:

• Maximum time is 4 years
• You are not entitled to Medicare (Public health system)
• If you lose your job you will have a month to find a new one otherwise you will need to leave the country
• Does not count towards permanent residency

On the other hand it is the simplest way to get into Australia and once you are here it is easier to convince employers that you are worth keeping for the long term and typically if you remain with the same company for 2 years they can sponsor you for permanent residency. This will normally take a few months and once you have that you are on your way to becoming a citizen.

I myself am on my second year and will be looking at doing my permanent residency application at the end of the year as I can no longer live in limbo (I need a new home - plus my kids were born in Australia).

Good luck to anyone out there.