Advice on moving to Australia?

Question

What type of options would I have if I wanted to move to Melbourne? Im single, English, 37, with good Investment banking experience. I met an Australian girl who I would maybe settle down with but what are the visa options, and what sort of work availability is there?

Answer 1

For one, Workchoices  is still abound. So you wouldn't get any adequate job protection.

The whole world is having a recession now. Many Australians are also going overseas to find jobs. So you chances of getting a job will be tough.

How about trying to be a lecturer and work in one of the remote universities?

Answer 2

Immigration to Australia is restricted to people with skills and experience in occupations in which workers are in short supply, so your first step is to see if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL):

http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121...

If you qualify on that score, you must also pass a points test:

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-s...

You must also meet health and character requirements.

See: http://www.immi.gov.au/immigration.htm for all information.

If you qualify on the SOL job front (no SOL = no visa), but don't earn enough points (your age is a disadvantage there), most investment banks have branches or associates here and perhaps you may be able to wangle a transfer or a job offer - you then don't need as many points.

If you simply don't qualify for a work visa, your only other option is to come as a spouse or prospective spouse, but that's very difficult unless you've been living with your girl for 12 months or will be marrying soon after your arrival. All info relating to spouse visas is on the .immi site (link above).

For people with experience and qualifications, there is plenty of work in Australia. The investment banking sector is going through a rough patch ATM with Babcock and Brown going under just yesterday, but there should still be work for a good applicant. Melbourne is a major financial centre so you would be going to the right city.

EDIT:

All of the links I've provided are to Australian government immigration sites. Other links you've been given are to migration agents, one of which looks like a government agency, but isn't (check out the About Us) and you will not need to use that type of service. The rules are very clear and inflexible and agents can't do anything to circumvent them.

Answer 3

You could start with applying on line to see how many points you get. It's judged on a points system. You can apply on the Australian embassies web site.

http://www.visabureau.com/australia/emba...

http://www.migrationexpert.com/australia...

Also look at this.

http://www.howtobooks.co.uk/abroad/austr...

Answer 4

depends if you qualify to immigrate

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-s...