Perth

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Visas and Work Permits

Guidelines on work visas and permits required for immigrants to work legally in Perth.

Sections

1. Visa Categories for Working in Perth, Australia

Australia offers a range of visa options for individuals seeking to work in Perth. The most relevant categories include:

a. Skilled Migration Visas

These visas are designed for individuals with skills in demand in Australia, particularly in Western Australia.

  • Subclass 189 โ€“ Skilled Independent Visa

    • Description: A points-tested visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.
    • Eligibility: Must have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and meet the points threshold (currently 65 points).
    • Cost: AUD 4,640 for the main applicant.
    • Pathway to PR: This visa grants permanent residency (PR).

  • Subclass 190 โ€“ Skilled Nominated Visa

    • Description: A points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government.
    • Eligibility: Must have an occupation on the Western Australia Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) and meet the points threshold.
    • Cost: AUD 4,640 for the main applicant.
    • Pathway to PR: This visa also grants PR.

  • Subclass 491 โ€“ Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

    • Description: A points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or sponsored by a family member in a regional area (Perth is considered regional for this visa).
    • Eligibility: Must have an occupation on the WASMOL or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
    • Cost: AUD 4,640 for the main applicant.
    • Pathway to PR: After living and working in a regional area for 3 years, you may apply for PR via the Subclass 191 visa.

b. Employer-Sponsored Visas

These visas are for individuals who have a job offer from an Australian employer.

  • Subclass 482 โ€“ Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa

    • Description: A temporary visa allowing skilled workers to work in Australia for 2-4 years.
    • Eligibility: Requires employer sponsorship and an occupation on the MLTSSL or ROL.
    • Cost: AUD 1,330 to AUD 2,770, depending on the stream.
    • Pathway to PR: Certain streams may lead to PR after 3 years.

  • Subclass 186 โ€“ Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa

    • Description: A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
    • Eligibility: Requires employer sponsorship and at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
    • Cost: AUD 4,640 for the main applicant.

c. Working Holiday Visas

  • Subclass 417 โ€“ Working Holiday Visa
    • Description: A temporary visa for individuals aged 18-30 (or 35 for some countries) to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.
    • Eligibility: Must hold a passport from an eligible country.
    • Cost: AUD 635.
    • Extension: Can be extended for a second or third year by completing specified work (e.g., in agriculture or construction) in regional areas, including Western Australia.

d. Business and Investment Visas

  • Subclass 188 โ€“ Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa
    • Description: For individuals looking to start or invest in a business in Australia.
    • Eligibility: Requires nomination by a state or territory government.
    • Cost: Starts at AUD 6,085.

2. Application Process

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

  • Use the SkillSelect system to check your eligibility for skilled migration visas.
  • Ensure your occupation is on the relevant list (MLTSSL, WASMOL, or ROL).
  • Take an English language test (IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL) to meet the language requirements.

Step 2: Skills Assessment

  • Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia for engineers, VETASSESS for general occupations).

Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

  • Lodge an EOI through the SkillSelect portal.
  • Indicate your interest in Western Australia if applying for state nomination.

Step 4: State Nomination (if applicable)

  • Apply for nomination through the Western Australian State Nomination Migration Program.
  • Provide evidence of meeting the WASMOL requirements.

Step 5: Visa Application

  • Once invited, submit your visa application online via the Department of Home Affairs website.
  • Provide all required documents, including health and character checks.

3. Costs and Processing Times

  • Visa costs range from AUD 635 (Working Holiday Visa) to AUD 6,085+ (Business Visas).
  • Processing times vary but typically range from 6 months to over a year for skilled visas.

4. Employment Laws and Regulations in Perth

a. Minimum Wage

  • The national minimum wage in Australia is AUD 23.23 per hour (as of 2023).
  • Western Australia may have specific awards or agreements that set higher rates for certain industries.

b. Work Rights

  • Ensure your visa allows you to work legally in Australia.
  • Most work visas include conditions specifying the type of work and employer.

c. Superannuation

  • Employers must contribute 11% of your salary to a superannuation fund (retirement savings).
  • You can claim this back when leaving Australia permanently (via the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment).

d. Tax File Number (TFN)

  • Apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to work legally and avoid higher tax rates.

e. Fair Work Ombudsman

  • Familiarize yourself with your rights as an employee by visiting the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

5. Practical Advice for Living and Working in Perth

a. Cost of Living

  • Perth is more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne but still has a high cost of living.
    • Rent: AUD 350โ€“600 per week for a one-bedroom apartment.
    • Groceries: AUD 100โ€“150 per week.
    • Public Transport: AUD 3โ€“5 per trip (discounts available with a SmartRider card).

b. Job Market

  • Key industries in Perth include mining, oil and gas, healthcare, education, and construction.
  • Western Australia has a strong demand for skilled workers, particularly in engineering, trades, and healthcare.

c. Networking

  • Join local professional associations or attend networking events to connect with employers.
  • Websites like Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn are popular for job hunting.

d. Cultural Considerations

  • Australians value punctuality, direct communication, and a good work-life balance.
  • Perth has a laid-back lifestyle, but professionalism is still expected in the workplace.

e. Regional Incentives

  • Perth is classified as a regional area for migration purposes, making it easier to qualify for certain visas.
  • Take advantage of regional incentives, such as additional points for skilled migration.

6. Important Considerations for Perth and Western Australia

  • Climate: Perth has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high temperatures in summer.
  • Public Transport: The Transperth system is reliable, but owning a car may be necessary for areas outside the city.
  • Healthcare: Australia has a high-quality healthcare system. Ensure you have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) if required by your visa.
  • Cultural Diversity: Perth is multicultural, with a significant population of immigrants. Engage with local communities to build a support network.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate the visa process, understand employment laws, and adapt to life in Perth, Australia. Let me know if you need further assistance!