If you’re considering a move from the UK to Australia, ormoving to New Zealand from the UK, then you’ll need to navigate the migration policy of the two countries.If you’re looking to go down the skilled migrant route, then you’ll need to know exactly which sorts of visas are available.Let’s take a look at some of them.
Australian Skilled Visas
Australian skilled visas come in six different categories, which place various demands upon those applying for them.Let’s examine them in turn and see which might be best for you.
Independent
An independent visa is the most popular category.It places no demands on the prospective migrant other than that they have the skills necessary to fit the Australian economy’s needs.The Australian government maintain a list of suitable skilled occupations, which changes constantly to reflect the demand for certain sorts of labour within Australia.
Nominated
A nominated visa requires that you’re a skilled worker, and that you’ve been sponsored by an Australian state or territory to become a migrant.It’s a less popular route than the independent visa, and comes in two different sorts – the permanent and the provisional.The latter is a temporary visa for skilled migrants to work in a given Australian territory or area.
Sponsored
A skilled sponsored visa grants temporary rights for skilled immigrants to live and work in a specific area of Australia – provided that they have obtained a sponsorship from a family member living in that area.There are limits to this sponsorship, as certain territories will place limits on the postcodes they allow sponsored migrants to settle into.
Regional
If a prospective applicant is willing to settle into a certain territory, then they’ll be able to via a regional visa.These visas help the Australian government to manage migration, funnelling new arrivals to the area where they’ll have the most positive impact on the country.
Employer Nomination
If you’ve already got a job waiting for you in Australia, then you’ll want your employer to sponsor your visa.This route is also open to those who already have another, temporary sort of visa – such as the working holiday visa or a student visa.
Labour Agreements
Slightly distinct from employer nomination is a labour agreements, which allow Australian employers to recruit a limited number of employees from oversees, in order to address identified problems in the labour market.
Regional Skilled Migration Scheme
The RSMS, as it’s known, is restricted only to certain parts of the country.It’s another means of allowing Australian employers to get the workers they need into the country, and provides permanent residency to successful applicants.
What about New Zealand?
If you’d prefer to move to Australia’s near-neighbour, then you’ll be pleased to learn that New Zealand has its own mechanisms through which to allow skilled workers into the country.New Zealand Skilled visas, like their Australian counterparts, come in many categories – but applying for each involves much the same procedure.
Prospective applicants to New Zealand should first perform a self-assessment in order to see that their application stands a chance of success.If it looks like they’ve amassed enough points to be granted citizenship rights, then the next step is to submit an expression of interest, paying the appropriate fees along the way.If you’re deemed to have earned more than 160 points, then you’ll be offered an invitation to apply, and after you’ve done so you’ll be presented with your visa.
Within the skilled migrant category there are several different sorts of visa available, and the one you apply for will depend on your circumstances.It’s worth using the New Zealand government’s questionnaire to determine which is right for you.
When applying for a visa either in Australia or New Zealand, you’ll need to be sure that your skills are recognised by the assessment board in the country you’re looking to settle into.It’s also important to be sure that any work experience you’re factoring into your points total is going to be considered applicable to the country you’re applying for.So, if you’re looking for a skilled visa as a gourmet chef, then a stint in a fast-food restaurant is unlikely to be considered relevant.
Once you’ve navigated the minefield of their respective immigration systems, either country makes a great place to settle into.So, if you’re considering a move, but you’re dissuaded by the hurdles being tossed in your way, then try not to despair – the eventual rewards may prove more than worth the hassle!