Australia immigration help!?

Question

So, I want to move to Australia- been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I don't know what the process is, though.

Is it really strict and hard to get in? (I want to work there as a marine biologist in cairns, preferably)

What happens during a medical test? I want to study my masters and PhD @ james cook university in Cairns- so can I stay in AU after my studying is done or what?

And if I can't, can i come back to AU and live there permanently?

Please help! It will be very appreciated!

Answer 1

the types of australian visas and the requirements for each can be found on this website http://www.immi.gov.au/

Answer 2

It is strict and hard to get in, but if you have skills in an occupation where workers are needed in Australia, you'll be welcome. The required occupations are listed on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) and applicants must also pass a points test and meet health and character requirements. Following are direct links to everything you need to know:

http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121... (the SOL)

http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/occupations/... (info. re skills recognition)

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-s... (the points test)

http://www.immi.gov.au/immigration.htm (all immigration info.)

If you get your masters and PHD in Australia, you will be virtually guaranteed to earn enough points for a skilled migration visa and you would also of course have established good contacts for finding employment here. Without Australian qualifications, it will be difficult to amass enough points (though you wouldn't be far off). You would be able to apply while still a student and may be able to stay without needing to return to your home country.

The medical test is simply to determine if you have any condition that may cause an immigrant to become a drain on Australian taxpayers and to ensure that you don't have TB or anything like that that would cause a threat to public health.