Post: #1

Are there any Americans in here that have experience working in Australia? Not just on a Work and Holiday Visa, but a legit job on a real work visa...

I've been in Sydney for almost two years on a military exchange (I'm a Logistics Officer), but am getting out of the military in May. I'd like to get a job back here after a few months in SA. The problem is, my government visa becomes invalid once I'm out of the military.

Most job listings here list being a resident as a requirement, but I've heard differing opinions on how strict this is. I know larger countries will sponsor foreign workers and get them a visa. I'm thinking my best best is to find a large multinational corporation.

My other option is "qualifying" as a worker on Australia Immigration's Skilled Occupation List...basically a list of job titles that the country has a shortage of. If you are assessed as qualified, then its a fast track to a work visa and does not require sponsorship by an employer. There is one I job title that aligns with my experience I might be able to pull of, but it might be a stretch...

Anyone been through this process before or have any insight? Since I've been in country for awhile now I have some contacts and am looking into things, but figured I'd ask the forum as well.

For those working in the mining/oil industry:
The industry is obviously huge here, and with my experience in logistics/procurement/supply chain management I wouldn't mind getting into it. Any thoughts on how to work my situation with the mining/oil companies? Unlike some of the other threads (canada oil sands) I wouldn't be trying to get a job as a tradesman.

First real post, thanks.

Post: #2

Hmm, it sounds like you haven't been in contact with valuable people in the military.

If you had, because I think you may have left it late, you would find out that exchange military personalle are eligible for PR status in Australia quicker than other other class. In some cases the qualification period is a short as 3 months. Once you got that, then you don't even have to pursue skilled occupations.

Also, with your previous role in logistics, you are tailor made to being inveold with backloaders. Be driving them, or managing a crew of them.

If you're motivated enough, importing them and managing them as an outsourced entity. There are still many small players whho can't afford to have them in house.

But to help you, ask about getting PR via the military as your first point.

Post: #3

(02-04-2012 09:04 PM)T and A Man Wrote:  If you had, because I think you may have left it late, you would find out that exchange military personalle are eligible for PR status in Australia quicker than other other class. In some cases the qualification period is a short as 3 months. Once you got that, then you don't even have to pursue skilled occupations.

This is news to me. Lots of guys know my situation at work and that has never come up. I've also researched this through google and the australian immigration site ALOT, and have never heard of this. I am familiar about transferring into the Australian Defence Force and obtaining residency, but that does not interest me.

Can you please explain this some more and give me some links/references?? To be honest, I'm very skeptical...

Oh, and I have about 4 months left in oz with the military.

Post: #4

There was another thread here (search it) where I've discussed the SKILLS based work visa with a guy who just got it. I am looking into the same.

If you can somehow use your military experience & contacts and network to start a Logistics based company, I am sure more $ and I am sure there is a Entrepreneurs visa.

Post: #5

(02-05-2012 09:11 AM)xmlenigma Wrote:  There was another thread here (search it) where I've discussed the SKILLS based work visa with a guy who just got it. I am looking into the same.

If you can somehow use your military experience & contacts and network to start a Logistics based company, I am sure more $ and I am sure there is a Entrepreneurs visa.

I'll check that link out, thanks. There is a "Supply and Distribution Manager" listed on the Skilled Occupation List that I MAY be able to swing...I'm looking into it now because it might be a bit of a stretch depending on how particular they are.

What's your current situation, you already in oz?

Post: #6

No. I am looking at getting that state sponsored visa and have a lot of experience in Consulting world (Supply Chain etc included).

Post: #7

(02-04-2012 09:50 PM)pazzesco Wrote:  

(02-04-2012 09:04 PM)T and A Man Wrote:  If you had, because I think you may have left it late, you would find out that exchange military personalle are eligible for PR status in Australia quicker than other other class. In some cases the qualification period is a short as 3 months. Once you got that, then you don't even have to pursue skilled occupations.

This is news to me. Lots of guys know my situation at work and that has never come up. I've also researched this through google and the australian immigration site ALOT, and have never heard of this. I am familiar about transferring into the Australian Defence Force and obtaining residency, but that does not interest me.

Can you please explain this some more and give me some links/references?? To be honest, I'm very skeptical...

Oh, and I have about 4 months left in oz with the military.

yeah, sorry. You've made your curcumstances clear(er). it does involve transfering to the Australian military.

It seems you're a foreign military attachment, not a foreigner in the Australian military.