Migrating to Australia – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Want information on migrating to Australia? Here are useful links to provide information on migration, eligible occupations and qualifications assessment for intending migrants to get you started.
Before asking a question or posting a comment about migration to Australia please check this section to ensure your question has not already been answered.
FAQs
Q 1.
How can I get more detailed information regarding the qualification assessment process for my occupation, and how do I apply to migrate to Australia?
A 1.
To obtain general information on general skilled migration to Australia you need to read Booklet 6: General Skilled Migration, which is available online from the booklets section of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/booklets.htm
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship web site has the Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI) page. This page tells you the eligibility requirements for each occupation category.
Go to the ASRI website – http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website provides more detailed descriptions of typical tasks for your chosen occupation.
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/5C244FD9D252CFC8CA25697E00184D35?opendocument
Australia uses a points system to assess eligibility for immigration. This is explained in Booklet 6: General Skilled Migration. The ASRI web page lists the the points for your chosen occupation
There are several different assessing authorities for the range of occupations listed on the skilled occupation list (SOL). The ASRI web page lists the assessing authority for your chosen occupation. It also has the assessing authority contact details, including a link to the assessing authorities website.
Typically the assessing authorities provide documents that can be downloaded, including assessment handbooks which provide specific details on assessment methods, qualifications required, evidence required for qualifications, application procedures and forms. Read all this information thoroughly.
Q 2.
Do you know any websites or other sources where overseas to improve their professional and informal English language?
A 2.
Attend activities run by professional and trade organisations. A good starting point is your occupation or industry association. These organisations have special interest group events which are advertised on their web site. Most are open to the general public.
The Australia Broadcasting Commission (the ABC) website provides a wide range of videos and podcasts you can download. http://www.abc.net.au/ Professional and trade organisations also has a range of podcasts available from their technical events
Project Australia – Land that Engineering Job in Australia provides further details and advice on internet searching techniques to find engineering organisations and finding general and technical video and podcasts. The technique applies to all occupations.
http://www.tribuslingua.com.au/bookshop.php
Q 3.
I have done my undergraduate degree in Pakistan in 2005. Previously I completed my Associate Diploma (3years). I have more than 8 years work experience after completing my diploma. How do I choose the category of occupation?
A 3.
For qualification assessment you will be considered to have either (a) an associate diploma with 8 years relevant experience, or (b) a degree with 3 years relevant experience. Your work experience before you completed your degree will not count as professional experience – it will not be considered relevant professional experience as you were not degree qualified then.
In any situation, only work experience relevant to the occupation you have selected in your application is considered.
In making your choice you need to consider the best combination of points toward a visa application, relevant work experience for assessment of your qualification and for visa points, and ease of qualification accreditation.
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship web site has the Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI) page. This page tells you the eligibility requirements for each occupation category.
Go to the ASRI website – http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/
Once you have selected your occupation code you need to go to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website to obtain a fuller description of typical tasks for your chosen occupation.
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/5C244FD9D252CFC8CA25697E00184D35?opendocument
Q 4.
My IELTS scores are L= 6 , R=6 , W=5.5 and speaking 6.5 ( Academic ) with an average of 6, Can I apply for qualification assessment of not?
A 4.
An average is not good enough. You did not pass the test. You must have 6 or more in all categories for your occupation. So you will have to repeat the test within two years of the original test and get 6 or more in the writing segment.
Q 5.
Do I need to submit my IELTS score while applying for skill assessment or can I arrange to report my score after applying for skill assessment. There are two types of IELTS tests (Academic and General ). Which one of these should I take?
A 5.
You must include an original English language test (IELTS) result with your application for certain occupations. You must arrange for the result to be forwarded directly to the assessing authority from the Test Centre.
Unless you are planning to go into teaching, for most professions you only need the general test. Their are specific English test requirements for certain occupations.
Here is an extract from the IELTS handbook.
“The Academic Module assesses whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses should be based on the results of this module.
The General Training Module emphasises basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English-speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programs not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The General Training Module is not offered at all test administrations.”
You can get more information from the IELTS website. http://www.ielts.org.
Q 6.
I am the secondary applicant to my wife’s visa application, I would like to know whether my skills need to be assessed or do I need to take any kind of licence in order to work in Australia?
A 6.
The ASRI web page lists occupation licensing requirements. They vary in the different States.
It will greatly help your chances of getting a job if you have your qualifications assessed by the relevant assessing authority. Australian employers are worried about the quality of qualifications from some overseas countries. If you can show Engineers Australia accreditation, it removes that concern.
Q 7.
I have completed my degree in India and I don’t have any work experience. Can my degree in be accredited in Australia?
A 7.
The requirement for work experience for qualification assessment depends on your occupation. For example: engineers do not have to have work experience for qualifications assessment but computer professionals must have 4 years or more depending on the type and level of work and type of qualifications. In theory it is possible to be accredited without work experience; in practice it will be difficult. Also with no experience you will find it difficult to get a job.
For FAQs from engineers go to FAQs for Engineering Migrants to Australia
Make informed decisions on one of the biggest steps you will take in your life – your migration to new opportunities. Understand the Australian general skilled migrant scheme and the points system, eligible occupations and qualifications assessment. It is wise to seek the assistance of a registered migration agent. (without a migration agent you have only a 50% chance of successful application) Having a good knowledge of the Australian migration and qualifications assessment requirements will enable you gain the most value and the best outcome – to reduce the cost and time to make a new life in Australia.
FAQs for Engineering Migrants to Australia
Engineers – Before asking your question or posting a comment please check this section to ensure your question has not already been answered.
FAQs
Q 1.
How can I get more detailed information regarding the assessment process, application procedure and a sample of engineering CDR as a guide and reference?
A 1.
You need to read , which is available online from the booklets section of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.Booklet 6: General Skilled Migration
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship web site has the Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI) page. This page tells you the eligibility requirements for each occupation category.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website provides more detailed descriptions of typical tasks for your chosen occupation.
The Migration Skills Assessment Handbook provides specific details on assessment requirements, competency demonstration reports (CDRs), and the format and length of the career episode reports (CERs). Read this from cover to cover before you start writing.
Go to the Qualifications Assessment page on the tribus lingua blog for information on CDR writing.
Q 2.
Do you know any websites or other sources where overseas engineers will be able to improve their professional and informal English language?
A 2.
Attend activities run by engineering organisations. A good starting point is the Engineers Australia divisions, colleges and special interest group events. These are advertised on their web site. Most are open to the genral public. There are a also a wide range of specialist engineering organisatios such as the IChemE. You will find references to these organisations on the Engineers Australia website.
The Australia Broadcasting Commission (the ABC) website provides a wide range of videos and podcasts you can download. Engineers Australia also has a range of podcasts available from their technical events
Project Australia – Land that Engineering Job in Australia provides further details and advice on internet searching techniques to find engineering organisations and finding general and technical video and podcasts.
Q 3.
I have done my undergraduate degree in Pakistan in 2005. Previously I completed my Associate Diploma (3years). I have more than 8 years work experience after completing my diploma. How do I choose the category of either professional engineer or engineering associate?
A 3.
If your undergraduate degree is equivalent to a 4 year Australian engineering degree, you should apply as a professional engineer. You will need to do a competency demonstration report (CDR) with 3 career episodes. If Engineers Australia do not accept your qualification or CDR as equivalent to a professional engineer they will advise you of the recognition level as an engineering technologist or engineering associate. The levels are explained in Section A.2 of the Migration Skills Assessment booklet available from the Engineers Australia website.
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship web site has the Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI) page. This page tells you the eligibility requirements for each occupation category.
Once you have selected your occupation code you need to go to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website to obtain a fuller description of typical tasks for your chosen occupation.
Q 4.
Please tell the ideal requirements of preparing a CDR in terms of number of words and/or pages per episode.
A 4.
The Migration Skills Assessment Handbook provides specific details on the format and length of the career episode reports. Read this from cover to cover before you start writing. Download the handbook from the Engineers Australia website.
As a guide, each CER should be made up of:
Introduction: 50 words
Background: 200 – 500 words
Personal engineering activity: 500 – 1000 words
Summary: 50 – 100 words
Q 5.
How should the continuing professional development be presented? What do they mean by testamur?
A 5.
The continuing professional development (CPD) is only a list of courses, training, professional engineering events and self learning activities you have done since completing your engineering undergraduate course. A three column table would be a simple way to present this information with the date, the activity and the number of hours of CPD you are claiming for each activity.
A testamur is a certificate or official letter which is official evidence of having completed a course or training. Your university degree is an example testamur.
Q 6.
My IELTS scores are L= 6 , R=6 , W=5.5 and speaking 6.5 ( Academic ) with an average of 6, can I apply for qualification assessment of not?
A 6.
An average is not good enough. You did not pass the test. You must have 6 or more in all categories. So you will have to repeat the test within two years of the original test and get 6 or more in the writing segment.
Q 7.
Do I need to submit my IELTS score while applying for skill assessment or can I arrange to report my score after applying for skill assessment. There are two types of IELTS tests (Academic and General ). Which one of these should I take?
A 7.
You must include an original English language test (IELTS) result with your application. You must arrange for this to be forwarded directly to Engineers Australia from the Test Centre.
Unless you are planning to go into teaching, you only need the general test.
Here is an extract from the IELTS handbook.
“The Academic Module assesses whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses should be based on the results of this module.
The General Training Module emphasises basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English-speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The General Training Module is not offered at all test administrations.”
You can get more information from the IELTS website.
Q 8.
I am the secondary applicant to my wife’s visa application, I would like to know whether my skills need to be assessed or do I need to take any kind of licence in order to work in Australia?
A 8.
You will not need a licence to practice in Australia. In Queensland and in certain industries, such as the building industry, you will need to be registered if you are to take responsibility and approve designs.
It will greatly help your chances of getting a job if you have your qualifications assessed by Engineers Australia. Australian employers are worried about the quality of qualifications from some overseas countries. If you can show Engineers Australia accreditation, it removes that concern.
Q 9.
I have passed BE(Mechanical) in 1999. I have worked as a lecturer from since then in an engineering college. I will complete a masters degree in engineering in three months. Can I apply for general skill migration?
A 9.
University lecturers are not on the migration occupations in demand list (MODL) or any other lists. As you have no engineering experience you will struggle to convince assessors you are an engineer; they will see you as a lecturer. Even if you did manage to get a visa, how would you get a job in the current climate? Effectively you are an old graduate competing against Australians with good English.
Q 10.
If I applied for assessment as a professional engineer and they granted me a lower level, is it possible after arriving to Australia to change the category? I plan to obtain a master degree in a relevant field, would that count?
A 10.
If you migrate as a technologist you can be reassessed in Australia. It may not be necessary to do more study to obtain professional engineer accreditation. With better work experience you could write better career episode reports and obtain accreditation as a professional engineer. Do not pay to do more study without being certain of how it will help you.
Q 11.
I have a South African qualification. Will my qualification is recognised in Australia and in the U.S.A. as well?
A 11.
South Africa is a signatory to the Washington Accord, along with Australia, the USA and several other countries.
This means there is mutual recognition of approved engineering courses between these countries. By going to the Washington Accord website you will be able to check if your course is recognised as being at engineer level by the Washington Accord. You need to visit this site and look up your specific institute and course.
If your course is not recognised at professional engineer level, it may be recognised at associate professional level under the Sydney Accord. You can look this up from the Washington Accord website. The USA is only a provisional signatory to the Sydney Accord.
Q 12.
I have completed my engineering degree in India and I don’t have any work experience. Can my engineering degree in be accredited in Australia?
A 12.
As your course will not qualify under the Washington Accord you will have to write a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR). Some of the career episodes for your CDR can be based on your university course. This could include projects during the course, summer projects and work experience units. In theory it is possible to be accredited without work experience; in practice it will be difficult.
Q 13.
I completed my undergraduate degree in India and am completing a dual degree at an Australian university. Can I be assessed n my Australian engineering qualification. I do not have any past experience related to my field.
A 13.
If your current studies give you an Australian undergraduate engineering qualification, this will be recognised.
For migration purpose your undergraduate qualification is assessed. You cannot use post graduate qualifications obtained in Australia (post grad. diplomas, masters, or PhDs) for qualifications assessment.
For accreditation of your overseas qualification (not Washington Accord ) you will need to prepare a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR), comprising three career episodes.
Q 14.
I have finished my two years master degree in SAP along with information technology. Is this course come on the MODL list? if yes, what are the other requirements for assessment?
A 14.
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship web site has a Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI) page. This page tells you the eligibility requirements for each occupation.
You come under the ASCO classification 2231-79 Computer professional (nec). nec = not elsewhere classified. If you go to the occupations in demand list (MODL) you will see SAP programmers listed.
Go to the Australia Computer Society site to see the assessment criteria in the ACS Guidelines.
ACS can only determine MODL occupations from professional ICT experience.
So they will not consider you for SAP, based on your study alone. You need to have you qualifications assessed by ACS and have 4 years relevant experience.
Q 15.
I am graduate in Computer Science & Engineering. I have 2 years
of work experience and currently doing a job as a software engineer.
I want to apply for a PR visa in Australia.
A 15.
First thing you have to work out is what occupation classification you want to apply as, an engineer or a computing professional. Computing professionals are treated differently to engineers. There is a 4 year experience requirement for computing professionals with an ICT degree. There is no work experience required generally for engineers.
You do not meet the requirements for an computing professional. You can verify this from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
As a software engineer you will be considered a computing professional, in the not included elsewhere (nec) category rather than an engineer. Software engineers are not listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
Have a look through all the categories on the SOL list and select one that you qualify for (you may be able to choose one that best meets your needs for immigration purposes). Once you have selected an occupational category, go to the ‘How to have your skills recognised in Australia’ and see the requirements under skill level.
The Australian Computer Society assesses computing professionals. Have a look at a diagram at the back of their migration assessment handbook. This illustrates the overlap of engineering and computing professions.
Getting from a 417 Visa to a 457 Visa!
Backpackers coming to Australia on the Australian Working Holiday Visa keep asking us this question…
What’s the best way to get PR (Permanent Residence) once I am in Australia and working?
Here Jill Noble, author of Backpack to Briefcase gives you a guide on the Backpackers Pathway to PR …
So you’ve landed yourself a job and your goal now is to stay in Australia and work towards getting your permanent residency. For most folk the first step is to get a 457 or long term business sponsored visa. This visa allows you to work and stay in Australia with one condition; the holder must work for that sponsor company only.
To be eligible for this visa you must meet a number of criteria, including having specific skills to do a specific job, having English skills to a specific level, pass a health assessment and provide character references. For most professionals the most difficult thing about this visa is finding a company who is willing to embark on the sponsorship program on your behalf, however if you are already working then chances are you have surpassed this hurdle also.
If you haven’t found work yet the easiest way to obtain a 457 is to commence work on a contract or short term basis with a organisation, prove yourself, make yourself indispensable and suggest that the company ‘sponsor’ you.
If you end up working for a small company or a company who despises paperwork and red tape contact an umbrella or salary management company who can facilitate the visa process for you. These third party companies provide excellent services which include full administration and processing of your visa, legal compliance and remuneration and tax effective strategies for ex patriots. The service will set you back a percentage of your hard earned contracting dollars (anywhere from 3 percent to 6 per cent depending on the service you require) and you may have to pay additional visa fees, but if you do want remain in Australia in the medium term then the costs associated are irrelevant.
Once you are on a 457 visa you can start looking into the points required for PR, they generally change each March. To ensure you are eligible do try to apply before you are 30 years of age and think about competing additional study in Australia as this can increase your points. Talk to your friends and networks and see if anyone can recommend a good migration consultant, they are expensive but priceless if calling Australia home is your goal.
Good Luck!
Australia Critical Skills List (CSL)
Australian Critical Skills List (CSL)
Engineers, IT professionals and medical professions remain on the revised issue of the Critical Skills List (CSL) issued by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
Critical Skills List
The following provides a list of occupations. This list will only apply to people who are seeking to migrate under the skilled migration program who are not sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory government.
| ASCO Number |
OCCUPATION SHORTAGES – PROFESSIONAL |
| 2312-11 | Anaesthetist |
| 2381-11 | Dentist |
| 4315-11 | Electronic Equipment Trades |
| 2312-15 | Emergency Medicine Specialist |
| 2129-17 | Engineer – Chemical |
| 2124-11 | Engineer – Civil |
| 2125-11 | Engineer – Electrical |
| 2125-13 | Engineer – Electronics |
| 2126-11 | Engineer – Mechanical |
| 2127-11 | Engineer – Mining |
| 2126-13 | Engineer – Production or Plant Engineer |
| 4114-15 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Avionics |
| 4114-11 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Mechanical |
| 4431-13 | Gasfitter |
| 2311-11 | General Medical Practitioner |
| 2391-11 | Medical Diagnostic Radiographer |
| 2312-17 | Obstetrician & Gynaecologist |
| 2383-11 | Occupational Therapist |
| 2382-11 | Pharmacist (Hospital) |
| 2382-15 | Pharmacist (Retail) |
| 2385-11 | Physiotherapist |
| 2388-11 | Podiatrist |
| 2312-27 | Psychiatrist |
| 2122-11 | Quantity Surveyor |
| 2325-11 | Registered Mental Health Nurse |
| 2324-11 | Registered Midwife |
| 2323-11 | Registered Nurse |
| 2413-11 | Secondary School Teacher |
| 2312-79 | Specialist Medical Practitioners NEC |
| 2312-25 | Specialist Physician |
| 2312-31 | Surgeon |
| 2123-13 | Surveyor |
| 2523-11 | Urban & Regional Planner |
| 4416-11 | Wall and Floor Tiler |
| 2386-11 | Speech Pathologist |
| 2391-17 | Sonographer |
| 2312-19 | Ophthalmologist |
| 2312-21 | Paediatrician |
| 2312-23 | Pathologist |
| 2312-29 | Radiologist |
| 2211-11 | Accountant — where the applicant has achieved a score of at least IELTS 7 in each of the four competencies, and/or has completed The Professional Year – Skilled Migration Internship Program Accounting (SMIPA) |
| Computing Professionals — where the applicant’s specialisation is listed on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL). |
Critical Skills List
March 09
Source: Australian Government – Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Critical Skills List (CSL)
Engineers, IT professionals and medical professions remain on the revised issue of the Critical Skills List (CSL) issued by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
Critical Skills List
The following provides a list of occupations. This list will only apply to people who are seeking to migrate under the skilled migration program who are not sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory government.
|
ASCO Number |
OCCUPATION SHORTAGES – PROFESSIONAL |
|
2312-11 |
Anaesthetist |
|
2381-11 |
Dentist |
|
4315-11 |
Electronic Equipment Trades |
|
2312-15 |
Emergency Medicine Specialist |
|
2129-17 |
Engineer – Chemical |
|
2124-11 |
Engineer – Civil |
|
2125-11 |
Engineer – Electrical |
|
2125-13 |
Engineer – Electronics |
|
2126-11 |
Engineer – Mechanical |
|
2127-11 |
Engineer – Mining |
|
2126-13 |
Engineer – Production or Plant Engineer |
|
4114-15 |
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Avionics |
|
4114-11 |
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Mechanical |
|
4431-13 |
Gasfitter |
|
2311-11 |
General Medical Practitioner |
|
2391-11 |
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer |
|
2312-17 |
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist |
|
2383-11 |
Occupational Therapist |
|
2382-11 |
Pharmacist (Hospital) |
|
2382-15 |
Pharmacist (Retail) |
|
2385-11 |
Physiotherapist |
|
2388-11 |
Podiatrist |
|
2312-27 |
Psychiatrist |
|
2122-11 |
Quantity Surveyor |
|
2325-11 |
Registered Mental Health Nurse |
|
2324-11 |
Registered Midwife |
|
2323-11 |
Registered Nurse |
|
2413-11 |
Secondary School Teacher |
|
2312-79 |
Specialist Medical Practitioners NEC |
|
2312-25 |
Specialist Physician |
|
2312-31 |
Surgeon |
|
2123-13 |
Surveyor |
|
2523-11 |
Urban & Regional Planner |
|
4416-11 |
Wall and Floor Tiler |
|
2386-11 |
Speech Pathologist |
|
2391-17 |
Sonographer |
|
2312-19 |
Ophthalmologist |
|
2312-21 |
Paediatrician |
|
2312-23 |
Pathologist |
|
2312-29 |
Radiologist |
|
2211-11 |
Accountant — where the applicant has achieved a score of at least IELTS 7 in each of the four competencies, and/or has completed The Professional Year – Skilled Migration Internship Program Accounting (SMIPA) |
|
|
Computing Professionals — where the applicant’s specialisation is listed on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL). |
March 09
Source: Australian Government – Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Engineering Australia – Engineering Escapes Migrant Cuts
Australian engineering migrant numbers are to be maintained despite major changes about to be announced to the Critical Skills List (CSL) and MODL.
The following article is taken from the Courier Mail.
Australian jobs protected by freeze on foreign workers
By Stefanie Balogh
The Courier-Mail
March 16, 2009 12:01am
The Government is set to announce a 14 per cent cut to the immigration intake to protect local jobs.
Visa cuts … migrant numbers will be slashed to save Australian jobs.
- Building, manufacturing jobs protected
- Gates to shut on 18,500 foreign workers
- Unions expected to welcome move
LOCAL building and manufacturing jobs will be firewalled, with the Rudd Government set to close the gate on about 18,500 foreign workers this year.
Immigration Minister Chris Evans will reveal the Government is to cut its permanent skilled migration program this financial year by 14 per cent to protect Australian jobs.
“Clearly the economic circumstances in Australia have changed as a result of the global financial crisis so it is prudent to reduce this year’s migration intake accordingly,” Senator Evans said.
The changes mean building and manufacturing trades will be removed from Australia’s critical skills list, protecting local bricklayers, plumbers, welders, carpenters and metal fitters.
But employers will still be able to access skilled workers such as doctors and nurses in industries and sectors where acute skills shortages exist.
The critical skills list will now comprise mainly health and medical, engineering and IT workers.
With the critical skills list (CSL) comprising mainly health, engineering and IT occupations, it will become even more important for people in these occupations seeking to migrate to Australia to prepare thoroughly. Migrant engineers will need to be better prepared to win engineering jobs in Australia in the tighter job market.
The Engineers Migrate Australia Course is the ultimate guide to securing your engineering career in Australia”
Australia Working Holiday Visa – New Guide for Backpackers
New Guide for Australia Working Holiday Visa Holders
Trade Your Backpack for a Briefcase…Get a Real Career in Australia! 
Jill Noble is an Irish migrant to Australia. Her journey began as an enthusiastic traveller with professional aspirations. Packing her hairdryer and high heels into an over full backpack, Jill started out on a trip that would take her to the other side of the world. Settling in Sydney, Jill secured two professional jobs within two weeks of arriving despite it being the tail end of the hiring season.
Discover Jill Noble’s powerful methods to change your approach to job-hunting on a working holiday visa and swap your backpack for a briefcase. Set yourself up for a cash-injected working holiday you will be proud to highlight in your résumé and mention at interviews for the rest of your career. Come to Australia with a sense of purpose, see the country, swim at Bondi, cuddle a koala and develop a real career.
Jill is a regular contributor to the national and international press and has been quoted in many articles over the last 5 years in the area of Education, IT Careers, Recruitment, Selection and HR Services. Jill is a guest speaker on careers, IT job market trends and graduate job seeking for many of Melbourne’s Universities and regularly volunteers her time at career fairs and employment expos..
Jill met up in Melbourne with Irish publisher Ailís Logan, founder of Tribus Lingua Media publisher of Guides for Skilled and Business Migrants to Australia. Jill recognised the need for guidance for all those who come to Australia on a working holiday visa.
Jill is the author of 2 other guides for Australia, Networking in Australia and Engaging Recruiters in Australia published by Tribus Lingua. Learn more through our bookshop, Tribus Lingua Bookshop
“Backpack to Briefcase provides the roadmap for a successful trip for all those excited backpackers making the journey to the lucky country.“
“With Jill’s experience she is in a unique position to help others on the Australian working holiday Visa achieve more than just a working holiday.”
Backpack to Briefcase…Make Your Australian Holiday Work for You!
To Interview Jill or for more information, interviews or photos please call Tribus Lingua Media
Contact: (03) 9416 4751 or email support@tribuslingua.com.au
Learn more about Backpack To Briefcase…
Click here Backpack to Briefcase
Australia Drivers Licence – Getting a Drivers Licence in Australia
How do I get a drivers licence in Australia?
The rules and regulations for getting a driving licence in Australia vary depending on location.
If you hold a current full driver’s licence from another country you are allowed to drive for your first three months after arrival.
If your licence is not in English you will require an official translation.
The authorities responsible for issuing driving licenses are listed in the table below.
Getting a driving license in Australia – contact details for State/Territory:
New South Wales (NSW) See: Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA)
Victoria (VIC) See: Vic roads
Queensland (QLD) See: Licensing & registration
South Australia (SA) See: Welcome to Transport SA
Western Australia (WA) See: Licensing services
Tasmania (TAS) See: Transport – TAS
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) See: Road transport information management
Northern Territory (NT) See: Driver licensing
NOTE: In Australia, you generally have to carry your driving license (whether Australian or overseas) with you at all times. It is the primary form of identification. When sending parcels internationally from the post office you will require some form of identification, usually your drivers licence.
Exemptions for Recognised countries
Holders of drivers licences from the following recognised countries are exempt from taking the computerised theory test on the road rules and may be also exempt from the requirement to undertake a practical driving assessment. Applicants who hold motorcycle class equivalents are also exempt from the motorcycle theory test. Check each state requirements for further information.
Recognised Country Exemptions:
Applicants from these countries (excluding applicants from external territories of those recognised countries) are not required to take a written road rules or practical driving test when applying for a car or motorcycle licence in most states.
Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Japan. Jersey, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America.
Isle of Man is prescribed only in relation to driver licences granted on or after 1 April 1991.Malta is prescribed only in relation to driver licences granted on or after 2 January 2004.
Converting Your Driving Licence to an Australian Driving Licence – State and Territory Information
How to Get a driving licence in New South Wales (NSW)
You may only drive on your overseas licence for a maximum of three months after your arrival in Australia. After this period if you wish to continue driving you must get a NSW licence.
To gain a licence is NSW you must be over the age of 17. If your licence is written in English you must present your licence at a Road Transport Authority (RTA). If your licence is not written in English you must get an official translation from either: The Community Relations Commission for Multicultural NSW; or The Commonwealth Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs. You must also:
* Give proof of your NSW address
* Prove your identity
* Pass an eyesight test
* Pass a knowledge test for each class of licence required
* Unless exempt, pass a driving test
You may be exempt from passing a driving test if you have held an Australian Drivers Licence before; hold a current New Zealand Licence, or have a licence from a country considered to have similar driving standards.
NSW – Recognition of licences from certain countries
The recognition of licences from certain countries was agreed nationally and commenced in NSW on 20 May 2002.
When converting your overseas licence to a NSW licence, if you hold an acceptable driver or rider licence from one of the recognised countries below, you will be exempt from:
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The driver/rider knowledge test, and
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The practical driving/riding test.
Note: The exemptions only apply to applicants for Class C (car) and Class R (rider) licences.
NSW – recognised countries exemptions
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Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark,
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Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey,
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Ireland, Isle of Man (licences issued since 1 April 1991), Italy, Japan, Jersey, Luxembourg,
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Malta (licences issued since 2 January 2004), Netherlands, New Zealand (except where a paper licence is presented), Norway, Portugal,
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Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA.
If you do hold a licence from a recognised country above and are exempt from licensing tests, it is recommended that you read the Road Users’ Handbook and/or the Motorcycle Riders’ Handbook to familiarise yourself with the current road rules in NSW.
The RTA reserves the right to require customers to undertake a knowledge test or driving/riding test, and may not issue a licence until it is satisfied that the overseas licence is valid.
For more information visit:
www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/newtonsw/international_drivers.html
How to Get a driving licence in Queensland (QLD)
For overseas drivers you will be required to obtain a Queensland Licence if residing for more than three months in Queensland. If your licence is not written in English you will be required to provide a translation. To obtain a QLD licence you will have to fill in an application form and present this and the appropriate identification (including proof of a Queensland address) to a Queensland Transport Centre.
Overseas drivers will then be required to pass a written test. The test is comprised of 30 general questions for a motor car licence with an additional 5 for a motorbike licence. The road rules you will be tested on are contained in the book “Your Keys to Driving in Queensland” which may be brought at any local newsagent. Depending on the country where your licence was issued you may be required to sit a practical test also.
For more information visit:
How to Get a driving licence in Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
International Visitors to the ACT are not required to obtain an ACT licence providing their International Drivers Permit or Overseas Licence is current. International persons who have chosen to reside in the ACT will be required to obtain an ACT licence within 3 months of their arrival to Australia.
When applying for an ACT licence you will be required to present:
* Your overseas licence
* A letter from the overseas licensing authority confirming the licence detail and status
* A letter from a relevant consulate or diplomatic office – based on information received from the overseas licence issuing authority confirming details
In addition you will be required to present the appropriate identification including:
* Proof of Residence
* Pass an eye test
* Pay the required fees
* Pass a drivers knowledge test
* Pass a driving test
People from certain countries may be exempt from the knowledge and practical testing. To see whether you are exempt from testing and for more information visit:
www.rego.act.gov.au/licensing/licenceoverseas.htm
How to Get a driving licence in Northern Territory (NT)
To transfer your interstate licence to a NT licence you will need to prove:
* Your identity
* You are residing in NT
* Your intestate licence is current
* That your licence is not cancelled, suspended or disqualified from obtaining a licence anywhere in the Commonwealth
For more information visit:
www.ipe.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/mvr/licensing/interstate.html
How to Get a driving licence in Victoria (VIC)
If arriving from interstate to Victoria you may drive for up to three months if you have a current interstate or New Zealand licence. After this period you will be required to obtain a Victorian licence. To convert your current licence to a Victorian one you must make an appointment either by calling VICRoads Information on 13 11 71 or TTY (for those who are hearing and speech impaired) on 1300 652 321.
Upon arriving to your appointment you must present:
* Your current/expired interstate or NZ licence
* Proof of Identity
* Proof of Victorian residence
* A completed VICRoads Licence/Learner Admission Form
If you have a prior drink driving offence that took place in Victoria you will also have to provide the court order. If you are in Victoria on a Temporary Visa you may drive on your overseas licence for an indefinite period providing your overseas licence or International Drivers Permit is current. However if you are in Victoria on a Permanent Visa you may only drive on your Overseas Licence for three months before you will be required to obtain a Victorian Licence.
You must make an appointment by contacting the bodies mentioned above. You may be required to pass a knowledge test and hazard perception test before you commence the practical driving test. However you may be exempt from any testing depending on the country you licence is from. To see if you are exempt from testing and for more information visit:
How to Get a driving licence in Western Australia (WA)
To be able to drive on WA roads with an interstate licence you must: have a licence that is not suspended, cancelled or disqualified; carry your licence on you at all times and drive only those vehicles that your licence allows comply with any other conditions of your licence.
Visitors may drive on their interstate licence for up to 12 months from your arrival or until you licence expires. If you intend on becoming a permanent resident of WA you will be required to obtain a WA licence within three months of your arrival. To do this you will be required to provide the appropriate identification along with proof of residence in WA.
For overseas visitors the rules are much the same. If just visiting WA you are permitted to drive on your overseas licence for up to 12 months. If your licence is not written in English be sure to carry an official translation whenever driving. In applying for a WA licence you will be required to provide proof of identity and residency in WA; a translation of your licence if not in English; your overseas drivers licence.
When applying for a WA licence you may be required to sit a written rules theory test. However you may be exempt from this testing depending on the country your licence was issued. To see if you are exempt from testing and for additional information visit:
www.dpi.wa.gov.au/licensing/mylicence
How to Get a driving licence in South Australia (SA)
For interstate residents now residing in South Australia you have three months after arrival to surrender your interstate licence and obtain a SA licence. Applications can be made to your nearest customer service centre (links to this address will follow below). You will need to bring: your interstate licence; proof of identity showing residence, age and your signature and a medical certificate if required.
If you are an overseas visitor looking to reside in SA you also have three months to surrender your overseas licence and obtain one from SA. Due to similar driving standards in some countries you may not have to complete any further testing to obtain the SA licence, there is a list of pre-approved on the second link included below. If the country that issued your licence is not on this list you will be required to sit a written test, after which, you will receive a temporary one month licence. Within this one month period you must book and complete a driving test. The identification requirements for this application are the same as for interstate residents. For more information visit:
www.transport.sa.gov.au/licences_certification/drivers/interstate_residents.asp www.transport.sa.gov.au/licences_certification/drivers/overseas_residents.asp
How to Get a driving licence in Tasmania (TAS)
Overseas drivers who reside in Tasmania can drive to 3 months after their arrival. After this date if their licence was not issued by New Zealand they will be required to present themselves, the appropriate identification including proof of their Tasmanian residence and completed application form to the locations mentioned above. There they will have to complete and pass a knowledge test and practical test before their TAS licence is issued. (People holding New Zealand licences are exempt from testing).
For more information visit:
Please check each State and Territory Requirements on How to Get Your Australian Driving Licence.
Skill shortages in Australia
Skill shortages in some areas in Australia
The following discussion on skills shortages in Australia is taken from an ABC radio interview on March 4, 2009
As the global financial crisis deepens, immigration and labour are big challenges for government.
Skilled migration to Australia has been crucial during recent boom times. But as the economy slows, the challenges to fine-tune the right mix of skills for Australia’s workforce are more complex. Recent analysis by the Clarius Group identifies several areas where skill shortages are still a drag on business – but that could be in for drastic change.
Presenter: Matthew Abud
Speakers: Professor Graeme Hugo from the University of Adelaide; Kim Quick, Clarius Group Executive General ManagerABUD: Australia’s shortfall in skilled workers remained high in the December quarter, but has dropped around nine percent. That’s according to the Skills Index put out this week by the Clarius group, which found one hundred and ten thousand skilled positions couldn’t be filled by the end of last year.
But even though the demand for skilled labour is still strong, it’s expected to fall much further as the global financial crisis bites. Clarius Group Executive General Manager Kim Quick.
QUICK: Obviously this result was really tapping into the beginning of the downturn, where there was still a little bit of conservatism around decision-making. I think the next quarter’s results will really start to show what a difference has been made on these different sectors. In some areas we expect supply to exceed the demand.
ABUD: At the moment, chefs top the shortfall list, with only around ninety percent of jobs filled. Yet while chefs have the highest percentage, health professionals are among the highest number, with twenty-one thousand more needed in that sector. Skilled migration has been one pillar of government policy to meet immediate needs. Yet four of the top ten areas experiencing shortages are in trades – which are not met by Australia’s migration program, according to a recent Department of Immigration report.
What does all this mean for prospective migrants from Australia’s Asian neighbours?
Professor Graeme Hugo at the University of Adelaide says migrants from Asia have played a big role in filling skill shortages in recent years – especially from India, China and the Philippines. Yet while Australia probably has the right tools to manage immigration, getting the best balance can be difficult.
HUGO: There are real problems in specifying significant shortages in a specific area because by the time the migrants arrive that shortage may no longer exist. We’ve had a history of that in Australia of people taking twelve months eighteen months or so to go through the migration system and by the time they come the shortage in their particular area may have disappeared.
ABUD: Professor Hugo believes a better balance between targeted and general skilled migration is the challenge for policy-makers, together with the right training programs inside the country.
HUGO: Some countries attempt to really micro-manage their migration systems and specify particular types of jobs that they want to fill. Other countries have a more generic system whereby they have a point system or something like that which actually assigns high levels of points to people with high levels of training, rather than necessarily specifying a particular area.
ABC radio provides a wide range of discussions, such as the above article on the skills shortage in Australia, where you can listen to Australians speaking and follow the text. This is a good way to improve your English and become familiar with the Australian accent.
Competency Demonstration Report (CDR)
A Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) is required by Engineers Australia to assess the competency of an engineer with overseas qualifications not covered by the Washington Accord.
What is a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) ?
It is not just one single written report.
A Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) is a collection of the following documents.
- the CDR Application Form.
- a signed declaration that the report is all your own work
- certified copies of your academic records
- your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- continuing profession development (CPD) listing
- International English Language Test (IELTS) Result
- 3 (three) career episode reports (CERs)
- Summary statement of competencies from the career episode reports
To get the full story on assessment of engineering qualifications go to the Engineers Australia website and download a .pdf copy of the Migration Skills Assessment booklet.
This booklet takes you through the whole process. Read it from cover to cover before you think about writing anything.
A tribus lingua we receive many requests for assistance in writing career episode reports (CERs). Sorry, we cannot do this. The CERs must be your own work. However, we will continue to answer your questions on the CDR preparation process via our blog comments.
Completing a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) for Engineers Australia to assess overseas qualifications not covered by the Washington Accord is the first step in migration.
