Expert: Patrick Cummings - 12/12/2008

Question
Hi, I have been travelling with a show for three and a half years but am now returning home to Australia. My long-term boyfriend wants to move to Australia with me but is having trouble with obtaining a working visa. He is a fully qualified massage therapist with six years professional experience. He is 26 and Portuguese. We have been looking at the occupations on the Skilled Occupations List that the Australian government supplies but cannot find a suitable job title. Do you have any suggestions as to what we should do or what his occupation may be listed as? Thank you, your help is truely appreciated.
Regards,
Veronica G

Answer
Hi Veronica -

Sorry the delayed response.  The simple fact is  that the only Skilled Jobs is on the list.  If the job is not on the list, then Australia simply does not require that job from a non-Australian.

With the current economy, Skilled Job visas are simply not happening, with the amount of residents and citizens without work at the moment.

The best advice I'd have for you is to apply under a student visa and get skills under one of the most sought after jobs on the list.

Cheers,
Patrick