Are you looking for a new challenge and are you well qualified with experience in your field of expertise?  If you would like a lifestyle and a work change, Australia may be the place for you!

Visas: There are many visa categories available for entry to Australia. Therefore it is very important to choose the most appropriate visa to live and work in Australia.

The Australian Government has nominated "General Skilled Migration" (GSM) as the main priority of its Migration program. GSM aims to encourage people to apply, who have skills and experience in identified occupations where their skills are generally required in the Australian job market.The GSM program will continue to change and adapt as the countries economic needs change.

The (DIAC) Department of Immigration and Citizenship is currently changing the skilled occupation list (SOL) used for visa applicants. The new list is expected to be released mid 2010.

Individuals can apply for a working visa by engaging a Migration Agent or applying  themselves for a position on the grounds of the gazetted occupations listing (SOL). There might also be a possibility of a sponsorship by an employer (temporary business-long-stay(see below)). This is a 2 step process whereby the prospective employer applies for sponsorship and nomination of the individual applicant. Following this, the agreed applicant applies to DIAC  for their individual temporary visa. This allows the applicant to stay in Australia for up to 4 years and at the end of this period the residency status can be reviewed.

The visa application process involves passing a "points test" (GSM points test).This test is currently being reviewed and an updated schedule is due for release mid 2010. A nominated, minimum number of points must be obtained. Points are allocated for qualifications, work experience, English language ability and age. Bonus points may be allocated for particular visas. For job seekers planning to live and work in Australia, the relevant visa categories are as follows:

General Skilled Migration - suitable for:
Applicants who have an occupation nominated on the Government's Skilled Occupations List (SOL) at the time of applying. This list covers skilled professional and tradespeople whose training and experience is identified as acceptable for permanent and temporary skilled migration. There are 2 separate categories:
Applications can be submitted as either offshore (out of Australia) or onshore General Skilled Migration. For further information see: www.immi.gov.au/skilled/

Temporary Business (Long Stay) Standard Business Sponsorship (Subclass 457)
This is the most commonly used program for employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill nominated skilled positions (SOL) in Australia.The visa is valid for up to 4 years. Please check the relevant section of the DIAC website for the various employer eligibility, employee eligibility requirements:  www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled workers

Working holiday visa
For people between the ages of 18-30 years from nominated (arrangement) countries. This allows a visa up to 12 months in length, where you can holiday and also organise short-term casual or temproary employment during the stay.
Please check the working holiday visa - visa options section to confirm the specific arrangements nominated for your home country.
www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/

Business visa (Business Skills Migration Program)
There are a number of visa categories available for business people who may be interested in managing or establishing a new or existing business in Australia. New minimum eligibility requirements came into effect on 19th of April 2010. Please see:  www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/

While this extensive review is being undertaken, it is important to check with the DIAC website regarding the specific requirements for the particular visa you may be planning to apply for. Please see www.immi.gov.au