Two excellent Australian visas for South Africans engineers

Experienced engineers: Get a Skilled Independent visa

Engineering qualifications are in high-demand in Australia. There are many different engineering occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Because these occupations are on this list, as an engineer, you have a great chance of successfully applying for a Skilled Independent visa.

Those engineers who have been in the industry for a few years and are over the age of 31, but younger than 45, can apply for a Skilled Independent visa. This visa is regarded as one of the best to have in Australia.

See also: Australian immigration points calculator

Looking for something else? Check out: Other Australian skilled work visas

Tired of being an engineer? No problem

If you are an experienced engineer, who wants a change of career, you can still move to Australia on a Skilled Independent visa using your engineering qualification.

This is possible because the Skilled Independent visa allows the holder of that visa to work anywhere in Australia in any occupation they want. This is why the visa is so sought-after. It also goes a long way to explain why it has such a steep application fee.

If you’d like to continue working as an engineer, and you’d prefer to pay a bit less for your visa, there is another path you can take.

The Skilled Recognised Graduate visa

Australia will welcome you with open arms if you are an engineering graduate, even if you haven’t worked a day in your life. The Skilled Recognised Graduate visa allows engineering graduates to live, work and travel Down Under for up to 18 months.

The visa has some straightforward requirements:

• You must be under 31
• You must have graduated within 24 months of your visa application
• You must complete an English language test
• Your qualification must come from a recognised institution

Bring your family with you

With both the Skilled Recognised Graduate visa and the Skilled Independent visa you are allowed to bring your partner and dependent children with you.

Special mention: Civil engineers pay attention

Civil engineers are especially in demand in Australia and can expect to earn very well. Take a look at the average earnings below:

Engineers with experience or interest in infrastructure projects are also in high demand. This is not to suggest other engineers are not in demand, and if you have any engineering qualification I highly recommend you explore your Australian immigration options with an Australian immigration expert.

See also: How long does it take to immigrate to Australia

Interview with Quintessential Engineering

If you’re interested in heading to Australia and you’re an engineer, I recently had a chat with Quintessential Engineering discussing these two visa options. Have a listen and feel free to ask any questions you have in the comments below.

Contact the team on +61 (1) 800 039 300 or drop us an email at ausoffice@sableinternational.com with any questions you might have about these visas.