restrictions in work visas?

[fritzie]

Hi all, i have a question about the work visas.

If I get a live/work visa, will it stipulate which types of work I am eligible to do? For example, I'm living in Germany now, and my work visa stipulates that I am only allowed to work as a freelance IT specialist/web designer/graphic artist. So, if I wanted to get a job doing something unrelated to these, I would not be allowed to. Furthermore, I'm only allowed to freelance. I find these limitations rather stifling, but am told the reason they are so restrictive is due to a very high unemployment rate (about 20% in berlin)

Is it the same in Oz? I'm thinking of moving there, and if I were to, it sure would be nice to have a bit of freedom in my working choices. I scored enough points on the online test to know that i should be able to get in without any problem, but honestly would also like to see what kind of work is available in fields that I haven't done much of... a change of pace i guess. I know the economy is good now, esp in perth where i am thinking of going to, so maybe it's more relaxed in this way?

any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

[MichelleAlison]

Originally Posted by fritzie

Hi all, i have a question about the work visas.

If I get a live/work visa, will it stipulate which types of work I am eligible to do? For example, I'm living in Germany now, and my work visa stipulates that I am only allowed to work as a freelance IT specialist/web designer/graphic artist. So, if I wanted to get a job doing something unrelated to these, I would not be allowed to. Furthermore, I'm only allowed to freelance. I find these limitations rather stifling, but am told the reason they are so restrictive is due to a very high unemployment rate (about 20% in berlin)

Is it the same in Oz? I'm thinking of moving there, and if I were to, it sure would be nice to have a bit of freedom in my working choices. I scored enough points on the online test to know that i should be able to get in without any problem, but honestly would also like to see what kind of work is available in fields that I haven't done much of... a change of pace i guess. I know the economy is good now, esp in perth where i am thinking of going to, so maybe it's more relaxed in this way?

any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Have you read the stickies at the top of the Aussie country forum, as there is loads of information there.

In the meantime, I am sure some of our Aussie experts will be along to give you some advice.

Regards

Michelle

[kaz101]

Originally Posted by fritzie

Hi all, i have a question about the work visas.

Hi Fritzie.

Originally Posted by fritzie

If I get a live/work visa, will it stipulate which types of work I am eligible to do? For example, I'm living in Germany now, and my work visa stipulates that I am only allowed to work as a freelance IT specialist/web designer/graphic artist. So, if I wanted to get a job doing something unrelated to these, I would not be allowed to. Furthermore, I'm only allowed to freelance. I find these limitations rather stifling, but am told the reason they are so restrictive is due to a very high unemployment rate (about 20% in berlin)

Is it the same in Oz? I'm thinking of moving there, and if I were to, it sure would be nice to have a bit of freedom in my working choices. I scored enough points on the online test to know that i should be able to get in without any problem, but honestly would also like to see what kind of work is available in fields that I haven't done much of... a change of pace i guess. I know the economy is good now, esp in perth where i am thinking of going to, so maybe it's more relaxed in this way?

any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

As Michelle said if you check out the visa types from the sticky posts at the top of the forum ("PLEASE READ...." and "Thinking of emigrating" posts) that should give you an idea about the visas.

Sponsored skilled visas do say where you live and what you do, however skilled independent visas allow you to live where you want and do what you want (although it's assumed that you'll continue with what you were doing before). Skilled independent visas take longer to get and you have to have a certain amount of points to get in (see "PLEASE READ...." post for the points test link).

Regards,
Karen

[fritzie]

Thanks for the replies. Yes I did read the posts and did some more research, and for the most part answered my own questions. However it is rather complicated for one know which visa would be the best route to go with for ones' specific situation and so that's why I posted a bit of information about myself and what I'm after.

I'm assuming the skilled independent visa would be the way to go if one:

1/ freelances for customers outside of australia and is essentially self-employed;
2/ has skills which can be considered in demand and worth points in the immigration process;
3/ wishes to be able to work in any capacity in oz, freelance or as an employee for oz-based companies;
4/ wishes to have long-term freedom of choice in which fields one wishes to work, whether or not they are directly related to ones' skill set as expressed on the application

If these are all correct then oz would offer a more flexible set of options for someone like myself than germany does (not to mention a growing economy).

My next question is, is it reasonable to come to oz and arrange all of this within the limits of a tourist visa? This is what a lot of people do in germany, simply apply and get the ball rolling, and then they are granted temporary visa while the process is underway.

[kaz101]

Originally Posted by fritzie

If these are all correct then oz would offer a more flexible set of options for someone like myself than germany does (not to mention a growing economy).

My next question is, is it reasonable to come to oz and arrange all of this within the limits of a tourist visa? This is what a lot of people do in germany, simply apply and get the ball rolling, and then they are granted temporary visa while the process is underway.

I think that you would have to apply before coming to Australia. Tourist visas are usually for 3 months but the application process can take over a year (it took us 2 years by the time we had references, had our skills approved etc).

The sponsored visa is quicker if your skills are in demand but they tie you down more.
The skilled independent gives you more freedom (as you've stated) but takes a lot longer to get in.

Regards,
Karen

[fritzie]

a-ha. so if i apply for a skilled independent visa while i'm down there on a 3 month tourist visa, then i would have to leave australia when that 3 months is over, and would not be allowed to return for a period of time, either as a tourist, or until my skilled visa has been granted. correct? how long would i have to leave for? ie, for shengen countries, it's 3 months within a 6 month period.

does it take a long time to get a visa because they are limited in number to be given out, or just because the system is slow?

short of leaving oz after 3 months, i suppose i could apply for the skilled visa, then try to get a sponsoring contract job for a year or so, so that i could stay while the skilled independent visa is in progress... or i could get a working holiday visa for the interim as well, right?

... though, americans are not on the list for working visas...?

the thing with me is i work through the net & it is not relevant where i am located, and i don't want to be tied to any one company pulling the strings on my visa. what i'd like to convince the immigration folks is, "fritzie is able to support himself and he will make a positive contribution to the economy, so welcome aboard no worries mate" .

thanks for the insight... i'm guessing i could just turn up and give it a go and it'd work out, but would rather be prepared to do everything right the first time around..