Expert: Frank Denison - 3/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi I am thinking of moving to Australia (from the United States) after I finish school because they are in need of my skill which in journalist(my major is Communications). I just wanted to know what advice would you give me and what would I have to in order to make such a move. I am thinking of moving to Sydney, or Melbourne. I thought asking someone like yourself would be more beneficial than buying a 20 dollar book. Can a get a work visa so I can see if I like it there first. Just let me know. Thanks

ANSWER: G'day Antwan,
         I know you will enjoy your time in Australia if you decide to settle here.

This link from the Government website will help. http://www.australia.gov.au/Settling_in_Australia

If you want a work visa, the Australian Government websites information says :-  This visa is for people aged 18 to 30 years of age, who are interested in a working holiday of up to 12 months in Australia.  I doubt you are over 30 if you are still at college, so you would  qualify for a working holiday visa.  Sydney and Melbourne are both big busy cities, and getting a job there should be easy enough.
The detailed information is available on http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/417/index.htm  

The other sections of the Australian Government web site may help you as well.

http://www.australia.gov.au/

http://www.australia.gov.au/Immigration

I hope this helps.  Contact me again if require more help.  
Regards,
Frank


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What if i decide that I want to stay after the 12 months. Would it then be easier to get a Permanent Visa just as long as I haven't caused any trouble there? I was also looking at information about Brisbane, Australia. It seems like a nice place to stay along with Sydney, and Melbourne. Could you give me a little information about Brisbane? What do you think is better city to live in for a Single male in his 20's?

Answer
G'day Antwan,
         You asked - " What do you think is better city to live in for a Single male in his 20's?"  Any of the major 3 cities Malbourne Sydney and Brisbane. Bris is more laid back, and if thats what you want, then it would be perfect.

Brisbane has a population of just over 2 Million. It is in a boom at the moment and inner city living is getting expensive. It is less than an hour to some of the best surf beaches in the world. It is the closest major city to the Great Barrier Reef. It is the home of Steve Irwin, with his Zoo an hour from Brisbane. I love living here and so do other people when they arrive.

To stay after the 12 months, you have to have a trade or a job the Government decides we have a shortage in.

Regtards,
Frank