19 November 2007

Visas allow for two year's work experience for graduates in Australia

British students who have been studying in Australia can now continue their stay in the country and gain up to two year's solid work experience

Students who finished the course for which their visas were originally granted can apply for an occupational trainee visa subclass 442 to work in Australia, the Star reports.

Graduates can apply for a 442 visa to undertake a period of supervised work experience for professional registration either in Australia or in their home country; or they can undertake a supervised occupational training programme in a closely related field for up to 12 months.

Furthermore, the visa subclass 485 allows overseas students who do not meet the criteria for a permanent General Skilled Migration visa to remain in Australia for 18 months to gain skilled work experience

In the current climate there looks to be plenty of opportunities for graduates in Australia.

The skills shortage in Australia's economy is being labelled the "success disease" and the Business Council of Australia has called on the new government to bring at least one million extra people into the workforce to lift productivity as Australia's economic boom is fuelling demand for skilled Australian immigration.

Australia needs skilled workers: anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.