How to come to Australia and stay

Have you been travelling in Asia and wondering where to next?

So I came to Australia a couple of years ago. I was travelling through Asia. The plan was to take a gap year before heading back to Poland and starting my own business. The usual gap year plan, who has not done that/planning to do? Except that sometimes you don’t feel like going back anymore.

Somehow that year went so quick, and a desire to go back to Poland seemed to fade away each day. Looking at the map one day, a friend recommended visiting Sydney as she just came back from the short trip over there.

Considering the fact I was in Japan at that time, Australia seemed like a pretty good idea, at least location wise. As a traveller, the second thing you get to check after you pick your next destination would be the visa system (oh don’t we all love it). So basically there are a few options on how to travel in Australia:

• As a tourist
• Working holiday / Work & holiday program
• Student Visa

Where to start?

In my situation, the most suitable solution turned out to be a student visa, which wasn’t the ideal scenario as I just finished my five-year degree (oh you never stop learning). Then again, a six-month Business course seemed like not a bad idea, given the fact I wanted to open my own business back in my country.

The good thing was that the whole process didn’t take long and in a couple of weeks I was ready to go and explore Sydney.

Check the weather in Australia as it differs in every part of the country. July & August are the coldest months in Sydney.

Going to a whole new country, not knowing anyone was challenging. I landed in Sydney in August, maybe not the best time in Sydney as it is winter time there.

Nonetheless, I sorted accommodation pretty quickly (I recommend flatmate finders) and decided to live near the iconic Bondi Beach in Sydney.

I can honestly say that was one of the best time in my life. Never had I met so many people from so many different countries. Coming from Poland to a multicultural mecca like Australia was quite a big cultural change.

Since that day I never left Bondi bubble and leaving in Tamarama Beach was the best possible choice I could make.

Permanent migration, how to stay in Australia

Even though I took a six-month course- I was able to extend it to another course, which essentially enabled me to stay in Australia. For some of you, it could be useful to check if your occupation is on the list of demanded professions in Australia. If you already have skills and education, you might be eligible for a permanent migration to Australia. Both files are assessed and updated every July, so keep that in mind: SOL list

However if you are not that lucky, you can always find an employer and get sponsored! The list of occupations for that is here: Consolidated SOL

If that does not work then go back to square one – working holiday visa, tourist visa or student visa.

You might want to consider signing up with websites such as Skills2Oz , it is an online platform that assists you with your Resume, interviewing process and finding a potential employer willing to sponsor you.

Location – beach bum or city chic?

There are several places to choose from when relocating to Australia. Depending whether you are after work, beaches, weather or culture.

• NSW

The most populated state in Australia. You will find many jobs in Sydney; there is iconic Bondi Beach not far from CBD. Sydney is the most attractive and vibrant city in Australia. It has a pretty good weather, fabulous beaches and good jobs prospects. The south and north coast of NSW is spectacular with endless beaches and nature including the famous Byron Bay.

• Victoria

Weather wise, Victoria is a most colder area of Australia. However, Melbourne has made it to the top as one of the best liveable cities in the world! That certainly means something. Melbourne is quite European, plenty of cool cafes, small bars and restaurants, it has more to offer regarding arts & culture. If you prefer cool bars and unique city vibe- Melbourne is the place. But you might want to bring warm clothes maybe even that chic overcoat with you.

• Queensland

The sunny state, beautiful one day, perfect the next! Warm weather almost all year round, fantastic beaches, ideal for a surfer/ beach bum. As you travel north through North Queensland, the climate becomes tropical. It’s the sunshine and warm water that makes this state attractive. Jobs prospect in QLD are not the greatest- mainly in Hospitality and Tourism.

• Western Australia

The wild west of Australia. Rugged, beautiful and diverse. Lots of spectacular beaches, with beautiful cities like Perth and winery regions, like the famous Margret River. Cold waters in winter and plenty of sharks – so if you surf, there be aware! Not that high with employment opportunities since the downturn in the mining industry which dominates the States economy.

• South Australia

Known for its landscapes, wildlife, parks , dessert and wineries. The capital Adelaide is a very affordable and liveable city. The most popular pastime is desert adventures up to Coober Pedy opal mining town and the surrounding deserts where movies like Mad Max 3 were filmed. South Australia needs migrants so you might want to check their migration policies.

• Northern Territory

Australia’s most vibrant Indigenous culture, among majestic rock formations such as Uluru. Native wildlife and some of the world’s most wild and raw national parks. Great holiday/ tourist destination, or a stop over to South East Asia. The capital Darwin has a large military presence and a developing economy.

This post is also available in: Polish