As one of the initially immigrant states, experiencing constant labor shortages due to low average population density and geographic isolation, Australia has traditionally taken a positive attitude towards labor migrants. But when considering visa applications, preference is given to people of those professions for which there are most vacancies in the country. Therefore, before preparing a resume and applying for a visa, it is worth studying the demanded professions in Australia, the owners of which have a good chance of leaving for the Green Continent.
Basic requirements for potential labor migrants
As in most other countries in the world, you can get an Australian work visa provided you have a signed contract with your employer. In this case, you will be subject to standard visa restrictions, and you will have to:
- submit an application and fill out a questionnaire (online or paper at the consulate);
- provide proof of financial solvency;
- confirm that you have a place to live;
- provide a health certificate and a certificate of proficiency in English (for example, IELTS with a score of at least 6.0).
But even if you do not have contacts with employers of the Green Continent, you have the opportunity to find a vacancy there. To do this, you can use the government's Skilled-Independent Visa (SIV) program, which allows qualified specialists to obtain a work visa for precisely those professions that are lacking in the country.
The list of such professions is approved annually by the government of the country and is called The Skilled Occupations List (SOL). You can get acquainted with it on the website of the Australian Foreign Ministry.
To participate in the SIV program you need:
- fill out a declaration of interest;
- pass a proficiency test;
- get at least 65 points based on the results of the audit;
- have a certificate of proficiency in English at the Competent level and above (the table of correspondence of the results of various popular certification tests to this level can be viewed on the official website of the Australian Department of the Interior);
- undergo a medical examination, which will establish that your state of health does not pose a threat to the health of others and does not require expenses from the host state;
- pass an identity check (it must show that your stay in the country does not pose a threat to its citizens and national interests);
- sign the Declaration of Australian Values.
Applications from persons over 45 years of age will not be considered by the Australian Government at the time of invitation. Also, persons who have previously been denied any type of Australian visa or whose visa has been canceled for any reason cannot participate in the program.
Based on the results of consideration of the declaration of interest, after a while you will receive an invitation. After that, you will have 60 days to complete a full visa application (online or at the consulate).
The whole procedure is quite lengthy and on average it takes from 18 to 33 months. Please note that the cost of applying for a work visa under the SIV program is about US $ 3,000. This relatively high cost was introduced by the Australian government to weed out potentially unreliable and financially insolvent applicants.
In addition to SIV, there are a number of other regional and national migration programs, the most popular of which are Skilled – Nominated Visa and Skilled – Sponsored Visa. Their main difference from the SIV is that your profession does not have to be part of SOL, but it must be requested or invited from the regional government, sponsor or employer.
There are also special graduate programs. They can be used by university graduates under the age of 31 from Russia and other countries. From the moment of graduation from the university to the submission of the application, no more than 2 years must pass.
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The most demanded professions
As of 2021, SOL is a consolidated list consisting of several sub-lists. It includes:
- Migration occupations in demand list (MODL) - general list of required professions.
- Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) - professions included in strategic programs for medium and long-term development (representatives of these professions are almost always needed).
- Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) - specialties for which there is a temporary shortage of personnel. Updated every six months.
- Regional Occupation List (ROL) - specialties that are in demand in the regions.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) - professions in demand in the regions, for which migration is possible not only according to SIV, but also according to targeted programs.
Let's consider the most popular professions in Australia for foreigners in different categories. Detailed knowledge and experience requirements for each are given in the ANZSCO online reference.
IT sphere
In information technology, there is a shortage of such specialists:
| original name | ANZSCO code | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst Programmer | 261311 | Analyst Programmer |
| Chief Information Officer | 135111 | IT director |
| Computer Network and Systems Engineer | 263111 | Computer Networks and Systems Engineer |
| Database Administrator | 262111 | Database administrator |
| Developer Programmer | 261312 | Programmer-developer |
| ICT Project Manager | 135112 | IT project manager |
| ICT Quality Assurance Engineer | 263211 | Quality Engineer |
| ICT Security Specialist | 262112 | Computer Security Specialist |
| ICT Support and Test Engineer | 263299 | Support and Testing Engineer |
| Multimedia Specialist | 261211 | Multimedia specialist |
| Network Administrator | 263112 | Network administrator |
| Network Analyst | 263113 | Network analyst |
| Software and Applications Programmer | 261399 | Application Programmer |
| Software Engineer | 261313 | Application Engineer |
| Software Tester | 261314 | Tester |
| Systems Administrator | 262113 | System Administrator |
| Systems Analyst | 261112 | Systems Analyst |
| Web Administrator | 313113 | Web admin |
| Web Developer | 261212 | Web developer |
Engineering specialties
Among the engineering professions included in SOL, the most in demand are:
| original name | ANZSCO code | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineer | 233911 | Aircraft engineer |
| Agricultural Engineer | 233912 | Agricultural engineer |
| Biomedical Engineer | 233913 | Biomedical engineer |
| Chemical Engineer | 233111 | Chemical Engineer |
| Electrical Engineer | 233311 | Electrical Engineer |
| Electronics Engineer | 233411 | Electronic engineer |
| Engineering Manager | 133211 | Design manager |
| Engineering Professionals | 233999 | Other engineering specialties |
| Engineering Technologist | 233914 | Process Engineer |
| Environmental Engineer | 233915 | Eco-engineer |
| Geotechnical Engineer | 233212 | Geotechnical engineer |
| Materials Engineer | 233112 | Materials scientist |
| Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | Mechanical engineer |
| Mining Engineer | 233611 | Mine Engineer |
| Petroleum Engineer | 233612 | Oil and Gas Engineer |
| Telecommunications Engineer | 263311 | Telecommunications engineer |
| Transport Engineer | 233215 | Transport engineer |
Medical professions
In healthcare, the following specialists are most in demand:
| original name | ANZSCO code | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthetist | 253211 | Anesthetist |
| Cardiologist | 253312 | Cardiologist |
| Clinical Haematologist | 253313 | Hematologist |
| Dentist | 252312 | Dentist |
| Dermatologist | 253911 | Dermatologist |
| Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist | 253917 | Radiologist |
| Emergency Medicine Specialist | 253912 | Resuscitator |
| Endocrinologist | 253315 | Endocrinologist |
| Gastroenterologist | 253316 | Gastroenterologist |
| General Practitioner | 253111 | General doctor |
| Medical Oncologist | 253314 | Oncologist |
| Medical Practitioners | 253999 | Other medical specialties |
| Neurologist | 253318 | Neurologist |
| Neurosurgeon | 253513 | Neurosurgeon |
| Obstetrician and Gynaecologist | 253913 | Obstetrician-gynecologist |
| Ophthalmologist | 253914 | Ophthalmologist |
| Otorhinolaryngologist | 253515 | Otolaryngologist |
| Paediatrician | 253321 | Pediatrician |
| Pathologist | 253915 | Pathologist |
| Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon | 253517 | Plastic surgeon |
| Psychiatrist | 25341 | Psychiatrist |
| Rheumatologist | 253323 | Rheumatologist |
| Registered Nurse | 254499 | Nurse |
| Specialist Physician (General Medicine) | 253311 | Therapist |
| Surgeon (General) | 253511 | Surgeon |
| Urologist | 253518 | Urologist |
Pedagogical specializations
In 2021, SOL includes the following teaching professions:
| original name | ANZSCO code | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher | 241111 | Preschool teacher |
| Middle school teacher | 241311 | High school teacher |
| Primary School Teacher | 241213 | Elementary school teacher |
| Secondary School Teacher | 241411 | Secondary school teacher |
| Special Needs Teacher | 241511 | Specialist in teaching children with special needs |
| Teacher of the Hearing Impaired | 241512 | Hearing impaired educator |
| Teacher of the Sight Impaired | 241513 | Educator for children with visual impairments |
Construction sphere
In the construction industry, the most popular vacancies are:
| original name | ANZSCO code | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Architect | 232111 | Architect |
| Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians | 312199 | Construction technician |
| Bricklayer | 331111 | Bricklayer builder |
| Carpenter | 331212 | A carpenter |
| Building and Engineering Technicians | 312999 | Construction and Engineering Technician |
| Construction Estimator | 312114 | Structural analysis |
| Construction Project Manager | 133111 | Construction manager |
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | Engineer (construction industry) |
| Civil Engineering Draftsperson | 312211 | Drafting Specialist |
| Fibrous Plasterer | 333211 | Plasterer (fiber) |
| Glazier | 333111 | Glazier |
| Painting Trades Worker | 332211 | Painter |
| Solid plasterer | 333212 | Plasterer |
| Stonemason | 331112 | Mason |
| Structural Engineer | 233214 | Large-scale construction engineer |
Manufacturing specialties
Consider a list of in-demand manufacturing jobs in Australia.
| original name | ANZSCO code | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineer | 233511 | Industrial engineer |
| Production Manager (Manufacturing) | 133512 | Production manager |
| Production or Plant Engineer | 233513 | Production engineer |
| Manufacturer | 133411 | Small production specialist |
| Metal fabricator | 322311 | Workshop locksmith |
| Metal Machinist (First Class) | 323214 | Locksmith (1st class) |
| Metallurgical or Materials Technician | 312912 | Metallurgist-technician |
| Metallurgist | 234912 | Metallurgist |
| Sales Representative (Industrial Products) | 225411 | Sales Representative (Industry) |
| Sheetmetal Trades Worker | 322211 | Distributor |
| Toolmaker | 323412 | Toolmaker |
Popular Legal Jobs
The most needed lawyers in Australia are:
| original name | ANZSCO code | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Barrister | 271111 | Lawyer (highest qualification) |
| Clerk of court | 599211 | Court clerk |
| Intellectual Property Lawyer | 271214 | Intellectual Property Lawyer |
| Law clerk | 599214 | Lawyer |
| Solicitor | 271311 | Lawyer (average qualification) |
Vacancies for auto mechanics
In Australia, there is a need for the following auto mechanic specialists:
| original name | ANZSCO code | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Electrician | 321111 | Auto electrician |
| Diesel Motor Mechanic | 321212 | Diesel mechanic |
| Motor Mechanic (General) | 321211 | Engine maintenance mechanic |
| Motorcycle Mechanic | 321213 | Motorcycle mechanic |
| Vehicle body builder | 324211 | Car builder / auto mechanic-bodybuilder |
| Vehicle painter | 324311 | Auto-painter |
| Vehicle trimmer | 324212 | Auto mechanic for body and interior |
Professions in maritime business
SOL includes the following vacancies for seafarers and shipbuilders:
| original name | ANZSCO code | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Boat Builder and Repairer | 399111 | Shipbuilder (boats and small craft) |
| Naval Architect | 233916 | Engineer (shipbuilding) |
| Ship's Engineer | 231212 | Ship engineer |
| Ship's master | 231213 | Captain (civilian shipping) |
| Ship's officer | 231214 | Navigator (navigator) |
| Shipwright | 399112 | Shipbuilder |
Other specialties
Let's also consider what professions are in demand in Australia in 2021 in other sectors of the economy.
| original name | ANZSCO code | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant (General) | 221111 | Accountant |
| Airplane pilot | 231111 | Air pilot |
| Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic | 342111 | Cooling Systems Maintenance Specialist |
| Animal Attendants and Trainers | 361199 | Animal helper / trainer |
| Business Machine Mechanic | 342311 | Electronic mechanic |
| Cafe or Restaurant Manager | 141111 | Restaurant manager |
| Cook | 351411 | Cook |
| Cinema or Theater Manager | 14991 | Film or theater manager |
| Dietitian | 251111 | Nutritionist |
| Electrician (General) | 341111 | Electrician |
| Electrical Linesworker | 342211 | Electrician |
| Fitter (General) | 323211 | Locksmith |
| Hotel or Motel Manager | 14131 | Hotel manager |
| Make up artist | 399514 | Visagiste |
| Mine Deputy | 312913 | Senior miner (foreman) |
| Office Manager | 512111 | Manager |
| Plumber (General) | 334111 | Plumber |
| Psychologist | 272399 | Psychologist |
| Research and Development Manager | 132511 | Research and Development Manager |
| Sales and Marketing Manager | 131112 | Sales manager / marketer |
| Social worker | 272511 | Social worker |
| Surveyor | 232212 | Surveyor |
| Welder (First Class) | 322313 | First class welder |
Companies that assess professional level according to SOL
SOL qualifications are tested by government-selected professional councils, institutes and associations. A list of these organizations is given in the table.
| Specialty category | Abbreviated name of the organization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Trading and other professions | VETASSESS | Company "Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services" |
| Audit, accounting and accounting | CAANZ | Association of Australian and New Zealand Accountants |
| Audit, accounting and accounting | CPAA | Australian Association of Certified Public Accountants |
| Audit, accounting and accounting | IPA | Institute of Public Accountants |
| Chinese traditional medicine (acupuncture and similar practices) | CMBA | Australian Council of Chinese Medicine |
| Management and management of enterprises | AIM | Australian Institute of Management |
| Engineering and manufacturing specialties | Engineers Australia | Institute of Engineering Australia |
| civil Aviation | CASA | Government Civil Aviation Safety Committee |
| Trade, service industry, other specialties | TRA | State Commission for the Assessment of Professional Skills |
| Medicine | MedBA | State Agency for the Regulation of Medicine |
| IT | ACS | Australian Computer Society |
| Architecture | AACA | Architects Accreditation Council |
| Service industry, law | Legal admissions authority of a state or territory | Regional bodies for the assessment of qualifications |
| Manual therapy | CCEA | Chiropractic Education Board |
| Psychology | APS | Australian Psychological Society |
| Public Works | ACWA | Association of Public Workers |
| Dentistry | ADC | Dentists Council |
| Dietetics | DAA | Association of Nutritionists |
| Education | AITSL | Institute of Pedagogy and School Leadership |
| Medicine (nurses) | ANMAC | Nursing Accreditation Council |
| Pharmaceuticals | APharmC | Pharmaceutical advice |
| Translation | NAATI | National Agency for Accreditation of Translators |
| Radiology, X-ray therapy and medical research | ASMIRT | Society for Medical Imaging and X-ray Therapy |
| Medical laboratory research | AIMS | Institute of Medical Sciences |
| Nuclear medicine | ANZSNM | Australian-New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine |
| Ergotherapy | OTC | Occupational Therapy Council |
| Optometry | OCANZ | Australian-New Zealand Optometry Council |
| Orthopedics and prosthetics | AOPA | Association of Orthopedists and Prosthetists |
| Osteopathy | AOAC | Australasian Osteopath Accreditation Council |
| Physics (in medicine) | ACPSEM | College of Physics and Engineering in Medicine |
| Podology | ANZPAC | Australian-New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council |
| Geodesy | AIQS | Geodetic Institute |
| Marine business | AMSA | Governmental Maritime Safety Committee |
| Social work | AASW | Association of Social Workers |
| Speech therapy | SPA | Association of speech therapists |
| Land surveying | SSSI | Institute of Land Surveying and Geodesy |
| Veterinary | AVBC | Veterinary advice |
Thus, if the profession does not relate to medicine, engineering, IT, finance, management, air and sea transport, surveying, education, public sphere or translation, then VETASSESS or TRA will in most cases assess the corresponding skills.
Categories of visas
As of 2021, there are the following main categories of Australian work visas:
- SIV, subclass 189 - for eligible program participants.
- Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 457) - Opens when contracting to work with any Australian resident organization. Upon termination of the contract, 28 days are given to find a new employer / sponsor.
- Employer Nomination Scheme, subclass 186 - allows you to switch from subclass 457 to a permanent visa at the request of the employer after 2 years in the country.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, subclass 187 - a permanent permit for participants in regional migration programs, issued at the request of the employer.
- Temporary Skill Shortage, subclass 482 - a temporary permit (up to 4 years) to stay in the country for holders of rare specialties, issued at the request of the employer.
Read about what a work visa is, the requirements for paperwork, its differences from a tourist visa and much more in the article “Everything that is useful to know about a work visa”.
Wage level
Since the minimum hourly wage in Australia is 19.49 AUD or 13.19 USD, the minimum monthly wage in the country is about US $ 3,000. The average salary in the country is even higher and amounts to about $ 5,000 / month (hereinafter, salaries are indicated in US dollars).
At the same time, the specific value of the amount of remuneration strongly depends on the profession. The highest paid jobs in Australia are associated with:
- oil and gas industry - salary of about $ 9,000 / month;
- business and management - about $ 8,100 / month;
- mechanical engineering — an average monthly salary of $ 8,000;
- engineering - about $ 7,500 / month;
- construction - about $ 7,000 / month.
Earn a little less:
- scientists - about $ 6,400 / month;
- IT specialists - on average about $ 5,800 / month;
- lawyers - $ 5,600 / month
More detailed information on labor market indicators, income by occupation, gender, region and industry can be found in the article “National Employment Standards in Australia and Average Wages in 2021”.
Specialists in marketing, industry and banks earn about $ 5,200 / month.
Sales, healthcare, entertainment, insurance, and real estate workers can expect an average monthly income of $ 4,600.
Finally, those in education, the automotive business, tourism or retail earn about $ 3,400 / month.
In addition to wages, it is important to know about the taxation system in force in the country, which you can get acquainted with by reading the material “Taxes on income, property and wages in Australia”.
How to Assess the Chances of Successful Immigration
To find out if it is worth applying for the SIV program, it is important to first assess the number of points that you can receive from the qualification assessment. To do this, you can use the official calculator, which is located on the website of the Australian Foreign Ministry.
When considering applications, the following characteristics of the nominee are taken into account:
- age (the younger, the better, but not less than 18);
- level of English proficiency;
- education;
- professional experience;
- experience of study or work in Australia.
If, according to the results of the preliminary assessment, you receive less than 65 points, then you should not submit an application for now. Instead, try upgrading your qualifications, such as obtaining a certificate of proficiency in English with a higher grade.
If you received 65 points or more, then your application has every chance of being approved. The more points in excess of the passed 65 you score, the more likely a positive answer is.
An additional 5 qualification points can be earned through the Australian Professional Year internship program.
Is it possible to immigrate permanently through employment
All labor immigrants who entered Australia using the SIV program and its analogues, as well as holders of long-term work visas, have the opportunity to apply for citizenship after some time.
Requirements for the applicant:
- permanent residence in Australia for at least 4 years;
- total time of stay outside the country during this period - no more than 12 months;
- a valid labor contract and a place of permanent residence;
- absence of socially dangerous diseases;
- the absence of criminal cases opened by the Australian authorities against the applicant.
You can get information on how the process of adaptation of emigrants in Australia, in which cities they live better, from the material “Life of Russian emigrants in Australia”.
Citizenship applications can be submitted online or filled out at the offices of the migration service.
On average, the time for considering an application and making a decision is from 17 to 20 months.
Starting your own business
If you own a large business, plan to open your own company in Australia or invest large sums in its economy, you may be interested in 3 programs that allow you to obtain a permanent residence permit on the Green Continent:
- Business talent (Business Talent visa) - to participate, you need to have a fortune of at least 1 million US dollars or receive guaranteed funding for your innovative project from an Australian venture capital firm in the amount of at least 700,000 dollars;
- Owning a business (Business owner visa) - to participate, you must legally reside in Australia for at least 2 years and own or co-own any existing business.
- Support for innovation and investment (Business Innovation and Investment) - nominees must invest in the economy of the state at least 1 million US dollars. This program is also available to holders of temporary business visas who are running a successful innovative business.
Conclusion
Immigration to Australia will allow you to significantly increase your income - qualified managers here can earn about $ 8,000 / month, and a programmer's salary is on average $ 5,800. A good way to get a positive decision on your visa application is to participate in one of the professional programs. To use them, you need your profession to be on the SOL list, be less than 45 years old, and your English proficiency level is at least 6.0 on IELTS.
