Working in Australia

[Mitch]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum, but I was wondering whether anyone has either looked into working as a graphic designer in Australia, or is currently in that position? I've been looking at the Australia emigration website and graphic designer is not featured on their SOL (Skilled Occupation List). The climate is very appealing but I have no idea what design industry is like out there.

Any advice or shared experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mitch

[djb]

I’ve looked into it briefly, saw it was going to be tricky and gave up.

As far as I know if you’re over 30(?) it’s tricky. If you’re under 30 you can get a working visa for a year, get a job and hopefully get sponsored by your employer for residency or marry a local.

I may be getting this confused with New Zealand but like I said I looked into it briefly and got thoroughly disheartened. Do let me know if you find out more though.

[Mitch]

Unfortunately I am on the cusp of 30, so I've missed the boat on that one.

I had a look at the Aussie Government Department of Immigration site and they have a Australian Skills Recognition Information list. Graphic design is on there but it's not really one of the skills they're really eager to accommodate - they're on then aforementioned SOL. I guess the only way to know for sure is to contact them, and I think you're evaluated on your individual skills anyway.

Will let you know if I find out anything else. But yes, a little disheartening - it just sounds brilliant out there!

[bigdave]

Weve looked at Oz and it seems fairly straight forward and Designers are on the SOL list (you just have to look at the list a little sideways). The wages seem slightly higher but from what Ive read, so is the cost of living. although 30+ can be a minus, the length of experience you have in your profession is a massive plus (you earn more points for 6 years experience than you lose for being 31 etc..). Something else that goes in your favour is family, if youre married with young children thats another stack of points! I dont know how hard the work is to come by but I'd imagine it'll be no harder or easier than the UK.

[Ben Ja Min]

This is the EXACT boat i am in at the moment - however I am trying for Canada. Basically in January this year i applied for my 1 year working Visa, which i now have. As of October the 6th i am off to Vancouver and basically it is a case of finding a job and getting sponsored! Who knows if it will happen but at the end of the day if you don't try you will never know!

[Mitch]

Cheers Big Dave. I'll have another "sideways" glance at the SOL. I've only been in the industry 2 years, so I don't fancy my chances! Although my cousin is moving out there - don't know if that'll count. It's kind of a long-term aspiration, so will have to build up some more experience.

Ben Ja Min, good luck in Vancouver. That sounds really exciting. Like your work by the way - had a butchers at your website.

[Ben Ja Min]

Thanks bud! The best of luck for getting out to OZ!

[bigdave]

It seems theyve reassesed the SOL recently which adds more confusion to things. If youre eligable for a transitional arrangement then Graphic Design is on the SOL and youve got till 2013 to get your application in. If not then Graphic Design seems to have vanished from the list. I cant find anything that actually explains who qualifies or what the transitional arrangement is though.

Think I may have to get over there soon myself! mrs bigdave's got family there so its probably easier for us to get in.

[Katedesign]

I have a friend 40+ who has just got in. He went as an electrician (which he was) but is working as a photographer - which he was doing part-time here. Had two kids under 9 or 10 and wife is a natropath or some-such-like. They are loving it! If you want to go give it a whirl!

[james.walters]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum, but I was wondering whether anyone has either looked into working as a graphic designer in Australia, or is currently in that position? I've been looking at the Australia emigration website and graphic designer is not featured on their SOL (Skilled Occupation List). The climate is very appealing but I have no idea what design industry is like out there.

Any advice or shared experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mitch

Hi Mitch,

Although you are over 30, as long as you have got a relative there in Aussie, he/she can become your legal sponsor. I have been waiting for my application to go through for one year now. It's taking too long!