Anyone obtained a working visa for Australia
 

Just trying to work out if it is viable/possible to work for a short period 3-6months in Oz as part of my big trip.

Have been looking at Home - Australian High Commission and contacted them. THey gave me various links:

This visa seems to require a sponsor (i.e. an employer keen to take you on)

Any one been to an 'expo': Opportunities Australia - EXP07

Has anyone managed to get legal employment within Oz and if so how? And did you have to front up the huge application fees: Professionals and other Skilled Migrants Visa Charges - Outside Australia

For UK residents under 30 years of age you can get a working holiday visa, valid for 12 months. That sounds like the one you want really:
Visa Options - Working Holiday Makers - Visas & Immigration


If you're over thirty the only option is a full work visa, like what you've already researched.

I've worked in Aussie for a bit, but I'm a kiwi so don't need any visa at all. But, from what I've seen, if you looked around a bit you'd have no trouble finding cash work, especially if you venture into the outback a bit.

Working in Oz
 

Hey Karter,

Like Matt said, if you are 18 - 30 (inclusive) you are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa - easy peasy to apply online - mine was approved in a few minutes.

With something as tricky as a visa application, you definitely need to continue with the research and get it straight from the source. Check out Department of Immigration and Citizenship too.

Depending on how much time you have and how much energy you want to invest in this, you can look into the the migrant visas may be an option. But if you are only intending to be there for a few months, it is hardly worth it (those visas are designed for individuals who intend to be in Australia for a period of years).

I have been searcing on SEEK - Australia's no. 1 jobs, employment, career and recruitment site and a few of the recruitment sites. Some adverts actually state that employers are willing to consider sponsoring the right applicant. That may be a more suitable option for you. Pre-print the relevant forms and make it a bit easier for potential employers (it really is only submitting some paperwork for them, and a few little hoops, but nothing too major).

Of course, if you are only looking for incidental work for petrol money, a few words to a bar/restuarant owner or labouring company might be helpful in organising something cash in hand.

Old donkey
 

I forgot to mention I'm 40 :-( so no easy visa.

But ta for the job site link looks useful

OZ. Visa's
 

Hi Karter,

Like the guys say.. 18 to 30 you can only get a work visa, after that you have to be on the S.O.L. which is the.... "SKILLED OCCUPATION LIST" and this is only valid to the age of 45yrs, (i have heard rumours that they may push it to 50yrs)then after that you have to be 55yrs or older and you then qualify for a "RETIRERMENT VISA".:wheelchair:
So unless you have a trade like a hairdresser (would you believe it thats top of the list) you can apply for the appropiate visa. Im in the process of goin for my SOL visa, hgv mechanic to get out there before im 45, oh! the missus has decided to come out on my application now.:eek3: :cursing:

So good luck if you gonna go for it.

Roi. n Bron,