Yes! US Citizens can work in Australia, as long as they have the right visa to do so. A good number of Australian visas offer the holder the opportunity to work whilst they are in the country, aside from those with a Tourist visa. Also, note that US citizens cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Australia as the country does not issue visas on arrival.
All visitors are expected to obtain the necessary travel documents before entering the country. Australia is a popular place for anyone looking to live and work outside of their home country. Barefoot surfers, koalas, mind-blowing scenery, and a massive international community are just a few of the things that make Australia one of the best destinations for travelers.
Aside from that, the country offers an Australian work visa that allows travelers to see the country by working in its coastal cities, beachside, or in the iconic outback. Coupled with having more time to explore the country, an Australian work permit will provide you with the opportunity to gain international work experience.
Whether you’re working in small towns or big cities, have a passion for Mother Nature or business, this visa grants you the opportunity to bolster your resume, network with new professional contacts, and open the doors to future jobs both in Australia and in the United States.
Note that all you require is a valid quest for adventure, a passport, and your Australian work permit! As a U.S. citizen, you will be required to obtain a work visa to be allowed to work in Australia. The Australian visa process can be tasking, and there are so many criteria to meet to qualify.
As a US citizen, you may qualify for an Australian work visa. Note that if you are between the ages of 18 and 31, have a valid passport, and meet the necessary health and education requirements; you can apply for a work visa. You also need to understand that not just anyone can get a working visa in Australia, and while it’s not entirely a difficult process, there are a lot of steps you have to follow to apply for a work visa.
How to Obtain an Australian Work Visa as a US Citizen
Just as it was noted above, Australia remains a popular place for anyone looking to live and work outside of their home country. If you are seeking to move to Australia to work as a US citizen, here are steps to take;
-
Choose the Right Visa
US Citizens can migrate to Australia and also find work as long they can meet requirements for one of the country’s visa subclasses. Australia boasts of numerous visas for eligible US citizens. They include;
- Employer-Sponsored or General Skilled Migration Visas: Those looking to apply for an employer-sponsored or general skilled migration visa will have to nominate an occupation on one of Australia’s skilled occupation lists.
- Distinguished Talent Visas: This visa type is available to anyone who must have attained global prominence in the arts, academics, or their profession.
- Student Visas: These visas are available for qualifying applicants who intend to complete their studies in Australia. Graduate visas are available to student visa holders as long as they meet the noted requirements upon finishing their tertiary studies.
- Business Visas: You can obtain this visa as long as you have extensive business ownership and management background and have funds available to invest in one of the country’s states or territories.
- Family Visas: These visas can be obtained by spouses or de facto partners of Australians, coupled with parents or children of Australians as long as they meet certain stipulated criteria.
- Working Holiday Visa: This agreement between Australia and the USA was reached on 31 October 2007. This visa is ideal for under 31-year-olds and was meant to encourage cultural exchange and closer ties between the US and Australia. The visa allows young people to supplement their travel with temporary employment
-
Determine Your Eligibility
Depending on the visa route you choose, you must check to see if you are eligible for that visa. Most often, you can only be granted a full working visa in Australia if you are working in a field that qualifies. Owing to that, it is recommended you that look into the Australian Government’s list of eligible skilled occupations to see if your chosen profession is listed.
Even if your exact job title or field isn’t listed, there may be one that uses similar skills which you could switch to. Ensure to have a concise look through the list to see if any of the occupations aligns with your working history.
Note that if your job isn’t on the list of eligible skilled occupations, you may not be able to apply for a working visa in Australia through traditional means. You may have to consider any of the other visas noted above. Most often, US citizens looking to come to Australia must:
- Travel insurance – required before applying
- Be outside of Australia when they apply for and are granted the visa;
- Meet health and character requirements
-
Meet The Health and Character Requirements for the Visa
Note that to validate that you meet ‘good character’ requirements, the Australian Government may request police certificates from each country you must have stayed in for 12 months or more over the last ten years since turning 16.
You will also need to show valid proof in your application that you have substantial health insurance to cover your entire or a stipulated period of stay in Australia. Have in mind that private health insurance funds cover you for treatment as a private patient in private or public hospitals and can include certain services like dental and optical services.
You may also be expected to have a medical examination. Whether or not this is required will depend on your length of stay in Australia, the level of risks in countries you have visited for more than three months within the last five years, activities you intend to undertake, and your existing health condition
-
Apply For Your Visa
Your application process will depend on the visa type you are seeking for. However, US citizens can apply for an Australian Work visa online at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Note that to process your application, the department may reach out to you to enquire about the personal information that had to do with your health, police checks, financial viability, and personal relationships.
If you agree, this communication can be done via email. You will also be expected to submit certain vital documents, depending on the visa you are applying for. These will include;
- Certified copies of the biodata pages of your passport.
- Certified copies of your birth certificate, showing the names of both parents.
- Certified copy of evidence of name change if applicable.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Evidence of sufficient funds (at least $AUD5000). Certified copies of bank statements are appropriate.
- Certified copy of military record or discharge papers if you have served in the airforce or military.
- Certified evidence of your educational qualifications.
- Evidence that you have obtained health insurance
-
Get Your Visa and Travel
Always remember to check your ImmiAccount regularly until your visa is approved. It can take several months for your application to be completely processed. After your application is processed and approved, you will receive an update via the email address you provided when filling out the application.
You will be expected to keep a copy of that on your handheld device and have a printout to take with you to the airport when you travel to Australia. In addition, you will be expected to present both your passport and your visa to airport officials before you are allowed entry into the country.
The visa will then be attached to your passport and this is what you will use to travel or work during your time in the country. If your passport expires whilst you are in Australia, your visa will become invalid and you will not be able to renew your visa from within Australia.