Where Should I Start If I Want to Work in Australia?

If you’re thinking about working in Australia, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of international graduates and skilled professionals make the move. The key is starting in the right order — not with job applications, but with clarity.

Let me walk you through it step by step, just like I would with a client.

1. Get Clear on Your Visa Pathway First

Before applying for jobs, you need to understand which visa options might suit you.

Australia’s skilled migration system is built around occupation lists such as:

• Skilled Occupation List
• Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

Your occupation must usually be on one of these lists to qualify for skilled visas.

The most common visas for professionals include:

• Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
• Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
• Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

You can check official requirements on the Australian Government’s Home Affairs website:
👉 https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/

If you’re unsure which visa fits your situation, we break down migration pathways clearly here:
👉 https://brigenai.com/australia-skilled-migration-guide/

2. Check If Your Skills and Qualifications Are Recognised

Australia requires most skilled migrants to complete a skills assessment through an authorised assessing body (for example, Engineers Australia, ACS for IT, etc.).

This step confirms that:

• Your degree is equivalent to Australian standards
• Your work experience meets the required level

Without this, you cannot lodge many skilled visa applications.

If you’re an international graduate already in Australia, your pathway may look different — especially if you hold a Temporary Graduate visa.

3. Understand the Job Market (Not Just the Visa Rules)

Many people focus only on immigration rules and forget the job market reality.

Ask yourself:

• Is my occupation in demand in the state I want to live in?
• Are salaries meeting visa thresholds?
• Do I need “local experience”?

For example:

• Sydney and Melbourne are competitive.
• Perth and Adelaide may offer stronger state nomination opportunities.
• Regional areas often provide additional migration points.

Research platforms like Seek, LinkedIn, and state migration websites to see real demand trends.

4. Prepare an Australian-Style Resume

Australian resumes are:

• Achievement-focused
• Clear and concise (usually 2–3 pages)
• Tailored to each role

Many strong candidates get rejected simply because their CV doesn’t align with Australian expectations.

If you’re not sure where to start, our AI-powered career tools at BRIGENAI help international professionals optimise their resume and match with suitable roles.

5.Plan the Financial Side

Before relocating, understand:

• Cost of living (rent, transport, health insurance)
• Initial visa fees
• Possible English test costs (IELTS/PTE)
• Skills assessment fees

Australia offers strong salaries, but it’s important to budget properly — especially during your first 3–6 months.

6. Consider Strategy, Not Just Speed

This is important.

Some people rush into a temporary visa without long-term planning. Others wait too long trying to get everything “perfect.”

The smartest approach is to:

• Choose a visa pathway aligned with permanent residency
• Target occupations that have long-term demand
• Build work experience strategically

If you’re serious about building a long-term career in Australia, you need both a migration strategy and a job strategy — not just one.

Final Advice

Start with clarity:

1. Identify your occupation on the skilled lists
2. Confirm visa eligibility
3. Assess your qualifications
4. Research the real job market
5. Prepare professionally

Australia rewards skilled, prepared candidates.

And if you want structured guidance tailored to your background, BRIGENAI was built specifically to support global professionals planning this move.