Living and Working in Australia: The Basics

Australia is a very popular destination for young people. Why Australia? There is a (true) belief that it offers many, well-paid work opportunities. But what do you need to live and work in Australia? Let’s have a look.

What you need to live and work in Australia

This may seem obvious but the first thing you need to work in Australia is a visa. A tourist visa is valid for 3 months, and is renewable for another 3 months. You can apply online, but it will not allow you to work during your stay.

Anyone under the age of 31 can apply for a 12-month “working holiday” visa, which allows you to take up “seasonal” work.

Alternatively, there’s a study visa, which is valid for the length of your course and also extends to family members. This “Student Visa” also allows you to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week.

If your intention is to work in Australia, you need one of those famous sponsors. Which translates as an employer. His job is to sponsor you in relation to the Australian Government to allow you to obtain a work visa which is valid for at least two years.

If you have a job, a sponsor, and you like Australian life, why not apply for permanent residence? This would allow you to work, study, ask for a loan and even buy a home. You can apply for permanent residence in Australia after two years of sponsored work and with a business visa.

The final step would be to take out citizenship. To do this, you have to pass a test to prove a knowledge of English, and familiarity with the culture and the economy of Australia. There are about 20 very difficult questions, but if you manage to pass this you will then be 100% Australian.