The extent to which any country allows immigration depends on how much that country needs to attract new citizens. Australia requires immigrants. Immigration to Australia is now based on a quota system so that the number of immigrants from any particular occupation is restricted. Skilled persons can apply for immigration under 4 categories viz.:

• Independent - one who does not need a sponsor
• Skilled Family sponsorship - one who is sponsored by a blood relative, who is a citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia
• State Sponsorship one who is sponsored by a State
• Employee Nomination Scheme (ENS) one who is sponsored by an Employer. There are changes to the Immigration Policy from time to time to regulate the intake and meet the quota system. Immigrants qualify according to preferences, often calculated on a points system. Points are awarded for job skills, age, education, language ability and personal factors.

As mentioned earlier, there is a growing demand for skilled personnel. One has to obtain the required points in the Skills/Employability criteria, apart from other factors as mentioned in the foregoing. Having satisfied the visa officer that one is highly skilled in his respective field and gained the required points to qualify, the application will proceed to a grant of visa. Therefore, when a prospective migrant arrives into the country, he/she is entitled to join the work force immediately. Registration or licensing may be required in some instances.

It must be understood that, the Australian Government has taken into consideration the basic needs of a new immigrant, and has an infrastructure to welcome and accommodate such persons, who can approach employment agencies, which will assist them in seeking employment suitable to their qualifications. Private Employment Agencies and Internet browsing could be other avenues used to seek employment.

Australia’s average job vacancies are above 170,000 per annum and one can gain employment in the private and public sector. Skilled migrants who comprise of professionals and tradesmen could gain employment within a reasonable period of time after migrating. The Permanent Resident Visa entitles a migrant to work as soon as he arrives in Australia.

It is advisable to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) and open a Bank account before one starts looking for employment.

The Education System in Australia comprises of:

• Primary and Secondary Schooling
• Technical and Further Education (TAFE) - Various Vocations
• University Education

A new migrant can enroll their children in any one of the above, after arrival. There are basically 2 categories of schools 65533; Public (which is Government funded) and Private Schools. The curriculum and period (12 years of studying) is generally common among both categories. Education in schools is holististic preparing a child to go out into the world with confidence.
There are many TAFE Institutes that cater to students who wish to make a career in various vocations. Australia has some of the world’s prestigious Universities and the costs are affordable.