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International Students

  • Working in Australia & New Zealand
  • Returning Home to Work – Information for International Students
  • Working in Australia - Visa Info

Working in Australia & New Zealand

International students...

Many graduate employment programs are only open to permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand. Below is some 'in-brief' information for international students who are interested in graduate opportunities in Australia or abroad. The careers service and international office at your university will be able to provide further information.

 

You may like to view GCA's Graduate Opportunities for International Students 2010 brochure, which contains useful information on visas, employers that do recruit international students for work in Australia and New Zealand, and profiles of some international students and the types of graduate employer opportunities they've found.

 

 

Some questions that might help in your job search

What if...I don’t have permanent residency but I would like to pursue a career in Australia?

As you may be ineligible for many graduate programs it is worthwhile gaining advice about obtaining permanent residency.

There are a range of pathways through which to apply for permanent residency, including Australia’s skilled migration program. Be aware that there are different categories of application depending upon where in Australia you wish to work, and whether you have a sponsoring family member.

The Australian Government is currently working closely with state, territory and local governments, and regional authorities, to provide migration programs that support regional development and help meet the skill needs of regional employers. The programs aim to attract young, skilled, English speaking migrants to areas of Australia where they are most needed. Generally, skilled migrants are under 45 years of age, have functional English, diploma level qualifications or above and relevant work experience.

Another option for you is a 'sponsorship' from an employer.

For more information on gaining a permanent residency options visit the following websites:

What if...I don’t have permanent residency but I would like to pursue a career in New Zealand?

For current information on visa options for students wishing to remain or reside in New Zealand, visit www.immigration.govt.nz .

What if...I want to work while I study?

In Australia, once you have commenced your studies you can apply for a work permit through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, which is also in charge of student visas. The process is the same for undergraduate and postgraduate students – once you obtain a work permit you can seek part-time employment. Further information: www.immi.gov.au/students/students/working_while_studying

In New Zealand, students enrolled full-time in a recognised qualification can apply for changes to the conditions of their student permit to allow for part-time work. Further information: www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/study/canistudyinnewzealand/allaboutvisasandpermits .

Further information

For full details on all aspects of visa requirements visit:

This article contains edited extracts from previous editions of Graduate Careers Australia's employer directory Graduate Opportunities .

Returning Home to Work – Information for International Students

Returning home can be an anxious time for international students. This article answers the main questions overseas students ask.

Australian universities have an outstanding reputation for teaching, learning and innovative research. Course content reflects the needs of students and employers and prepares students well for employment. Throughout your course you will have developed the personal skills and attributes that are attractive to employers. These include independence, oral and written communication, teamwork, cultural awareness and a high level of ability in English.

How can I plan for my return home?

During your penultimate year your should research the labour market and explore the career options available. Start thinking about your goals and assessing your strenghts.

In your final year, focus on your job search. Some useful tips are to:

  • identify the employers you wish to work for, find out how and where to apply and the closing dates
  • be an expert jobseeker; here your university/college careers service can help you
  • look online[, eg. Chinese students should explore www.ireturnee.com . This site not only has a job search function dedicated to graduates, but also provides company profiles which are a great help in that all important research component of finding the right job when you return home.] Also visit employer websites, research their products and services, and discover information on recruitment processes.

Returning home to look for a job

Most employers will not employ someone 'sight unseen'. You might secure a position during an on campus interview, but for most students, the job search begins at home. Here are some planning tips.

  • If your university has an alumni association in your home country be sure to join, as the people you meet may be helpful contacts in your job search.
  • Let your friends, family and their friends know what sort of job you are looking for, and ask for contacts.
  • Be flexible. It may be that the best start is not in the Central Business District (CBD) but with an employer in the suburbs or regions.

The Asian labour market

Transnational employers are looking for students with strong academic results, often citing second class honours as a minimum (equivalent to distinction average). This is a higher expectation than Australian offices have for local hires and is often difficult for students studying in a second language to attain. They also look for good English language skills, particularly spoken English, but often find that these are not as good as they would expect from students returning from English speaking countries. Extracurricular activities are important, as is a 'can do/will do' attitude. Interestingly, many accounting firms are happy to recruit non-accountants as long as they have the right generic and transferable skills.

Unlike in Australia, most firms in South East Asia accept applications year round, rather than in cycles. Most firms do start graduates in 'batches', with the main intake being in July/August. This runs contra to the Australian graduate cycle. Most firms would prefer students to graduate and then apply for mid year commencement. Malaysia is the notable exception to this, actively promoting to final year students for commencement in January/February, interviewing in Australia and offering jobs at interview.

And finally...

Employers look for the right attitude and personal skills – workplace communication skills, 'can do' attitude, competitiveness and initiative. It is up to you how much effort you put into the application process. Give it your best shot

This article is taken from the 2006 edition of Graduate Careers Australia's employer directory Graduate Opportunities .
Author: David Essex and David Copeland, Career and Academic Development Unit, Deakin University
© 2006 Graduate Careers Australia

Working in Australia - Visa Info

Australian employers require you to have the legal right to work in Australia. Some specify Australian citizenship and/or permanent residency (PR) status. If you do not have your PR, it is important to check on the eligibility requirements of individual employers.

It has now become easier for you, as a graduating international student, to test out the Australian workplace and establish whether you really do want to work in Australia. Since its introduction in September 2007, the Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485) has become popular with both students and employers.

To be eligible to apply for most visas under the Australian Government’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, you need 12 months post-qualification work experience and/or a high level of English language ability.

Temporary work visa for skilled graduates

The Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485) allows overseas students who are unable to pass the point test for a permanent GSM visa at the completion of their studies to remain in Australia for 18 months to gain skilled work experience or improve their English skills. There are no restrictions on work or study with this visa, so you are free to do any of the following during the period of stay:

  • work
  • travel
  • study to improve your English skills
  • complete a Professional Year Program (PYP).1

Separate from professional legal fees, the visa application fee is $230 (as at September 2009) and allows you to obtain relevant work experience or undertake a PYP so you can accumulate 10 Australian work experience points after 12 months of work, before you can apply for a GSM visa. The 12 months experience need to be in your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation – for example, a ‘closely related’ occupation would be if you had nominated ‘accountant’ as your skilled occupation, but you have been employed as an ‘internal auditor’. The PYP must be undertaken with an approved partner of the Australian Government’s registered program providers.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is for you, if you are an overseas student who:

  • is under 45 years of age
  • holds an eligible student visa or has held one in the last six months
  • has met the two-year study requirement in the past six months
  • nominates a 50 or 60 point occupation from the Skilled Occupation List
  • has applied to have your skills assessed for your nominated skilled occupation
  • has competent English, or vocational English in the case of an applicant who has applied to have their skills assessed in a trade qualification.

For further details of other eligibility requirements, see www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilledmigration/485/index.htm

For more information about the PYP, see www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/professional-year.htm

Other visas you can apply for if you are currently in Australia are outlined below.

1. This is an Australian government initiative specifically designed for Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485) holders. The PYP is a 44-week program offered by approved industry providers. It includes workshops, skills training and a professional internship placement. The PYP is recognised by the Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) and on successful completion of the program participants may be eligible to be awarded 10 GSM points. The PYP is available to IT, Engineering and Accounting graduates.

Visas & Processes

Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (885)
You will need to meet minimum eligibility criteria and pass the points test on your own as an independent applicant.

Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (886)
You will need to meet minimum eligibility criteria and organise sponsorship via an eligible relative or your state or territory government.

Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (487)
Three-year temporary visa for which you will need to meet minimum eligibility criteria and

  • be nominated by a state/territory government OR
  • be sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia
  • need letter of offer from a regionally-based employer.

You will receive bonus points for sponsorship. Holders of this visa can apply for a permanent Skilled – Regional visa (see below) once they have lived for two years and worked for one year in a specified regional area of Australia.

Skilled – Regional (Residence) visa (887)
This is a permanent visa (eligible 487 holders and other provisional visa holders can apply). You need to have

  • lived in a regional area for at least two years
  • worked full time for at least one year AND
  • complied with visa conditions.

Temp. Business (Long-Stay) visa (457)
Gain employer sponsorship. This visa is for Australian employers (company/business) who would like to employ an overseas worker (for up to four years) to fill a nominated skilled position within their company/business. You generally need to have qualifications/skills and language ability to fill the nominated skilled position within the company/business and amongst other requirements, be paid a market salary to fill that position.

For more information about the options and processes in the table above, see www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/visa-options.htm

For more information on gaining permanent residency and all aspects of visa requirements for Australia visit:

For information about working and residency visas and all aspects of visa requirements for New Zealand visit:

University Careers Services

It is recommended that you make use of your university’s careers service, as it is a useful source of information for international students. A complete list of careers services can be found at: www.graduatecareers.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions:

I am unsure of my visa eligibility and need assistance. Where can I go for help?
Your university careers service and/or international office should be able to provide assistance to you and refer you to other sources of information and support.

I don’t have permanent residency (PR), but I would like to pursue a career in Australia.
There is a range of pathways through which to apply for PR, including the GSM program (outlined on previous page). Be aware that there are different categories of application depending upon where in Australia you wish to work, whether you have a sponsoring family member or sponsor employer, and other factors such as English language proficiency, occupational area etc. The aforementioned Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485) is a good option for international students.

When should I put in my application for a 485 visa? Do I need a letter of offer?
Ideally you need to lodge your application for a 485 visa after you have completed your studies and before your current student visa expires. In some circumstances you can apply whilst you hold another type of visa provided you apply within six months of completing your studies. An official letter of employer offer is not required.

How long does it take for a 485 visa to be processed?
The Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) indicates that 75 per cent of applications applied for within Australia are processed within six months. Processing times vary depending on whether the applicant is from a ‘high risk’ or ‘low risk’ country.

What is a ‘low risk’ country?
‘Low risk’ countries are often based in Europe, the Scandinavian region, Americas and selected Asian countries (Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea). For specific countries, check the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) list (www.eta.immi.gov.au ). ‘High risk’ countries are generally those not on this list.

Role of migration lawyers and/or migration agents and some tips on how to choose a reputable one.

Making the decision to apply for residency to another country can often be one of the most important life decisions that a person will have to make.

Australian immigration law is one of the most complex and at times daunting pieces of legislation that an individual must deal with. It is often difficult and confusing to negotiate Australia’s migration system which consists of many programs and various temporary and permanent visa options. With over 140 different visa options available it is important for an individual to get the right advice about the right option for their particular circumstances.

In Australia, individuals can get migration assistance and advice from either a registered migration lawyer/ solicitor or migration agent. These people are referred to as registered migration advisors. Migration advisors must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) – www.mara.com.au – and are subject to a professional code of conduct.

A good registered migration advisor will assist you by explaining the various options open to you, helping you prepare your visa application properly together with all the necessary documents and information required by the DIAC, and effectively advocating on your behalf during the processing of your visa application.

When choosing a migration advisor to assist with your application and/or provide you with migration advice, ensure that they are a registered advisor (by asking for their MARA registration number), seeking information about their background and experience in the migration industry, how long they have been a registered advisor and whether or not they have legal qualifications/background.

Spectrum Immigration Services (SIS) is Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre’s not-for-profit immigration legal advice service, based in Preston, Victoria. International students can obtain legal advice about their migration options by attending a low cost 30 Minute Initial Consultation (via phone or face to face) by emailing sis@spectrumvic.org.au or calling (03) 9470 2311.Visit us at www.spectrumvic.org.au

GCA would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance of the following organisations and individuals in reviewing and editing the content of this page relating to visas, citizenship and permanent residency:

  • Spectrum Immigration Services, particularly Mary Hanna, Migration Lawyer & Practice Manager
  • Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education (ICTE-UQ), The University of Queensland, particularly Frances Wickerson, Communications Officer

Information on visas current as at December 2009.The editorial articles contained in this publication are produced independently of the employer-sponsored pages and aim to offer a current and balanced viewpoint.

http://www.gradlink.edu.au/content/view/print/2872