Author: Michelle Ashton

Guide to Work: Australia

Australia’s robust economy, common language and sunny climate make it an enticing destination for those seeking a thriving career and an enviable work-life balance. The country is keen to attract skilled workers in a variety of sectors, which is great news for graduates and qualified professionals.

It’s not always easy to secure a work visa, but if successful, you could be living in a country which offers some of the highest graduate salaries in the world. If you have decided to move in search of a new job, you need to be aware of the realities you will face. Find out more about working in Australia at PROSPECTS.

Working visa requirements

Working Visa:

Instructions on what type of visa would be suitable for you. Please read the instruction, processes, and requirements.  

Working Holiday Visa:

This visa lets people 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) – or  Canadian, Danish, French, Italian, Irish and UK citizens 18 to 35 years old (inclusive) – have their first extended holiday in Australia and work here to help fund their trip. 

Training and Research Visa:

There are 2 types of visas in this category which may apply to you:

Training Visa:

If you intend to undertake occupational training.  

Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408):

If you are an academic who is invited to collaborate in a research project by an Australian tertiary research institution. Or a student or recent graduate who wants to undertake a research activity at an Australian tertiary or research institution related to your field of study.  

Foreign Commonwealth office (from UK):

Highlights the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of rules currently in place. This information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. If you are unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements for Australia, or you need further assistance, you need to contact the Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Job searching links

Useful contacts:
Recruitment Agencies:
  • Givegradago – Focus on graduates for FMCG, Fashion, Digital, IT, Creative, Marketing, Advertising 
  • Jivaro – Fashion & Retail, FMCG, Digital, Tech & Marketing. 
  • Permanser – Fashion & Retail, Textile, Production, Supply Chain, Digital, Executive  
  • Hudson – Commercial, Accounting, Digital, HR, Risk Management.  
  • Michael Page – Retail, Marketing, sales, manufacturing, Supply Chain, Hospitality
  • Creative Recruiters – Creative & Graphic Design, Marketing, Studio & Production management.
  • Seek – Theatre Jobs in All Australia 
  • Grapevine Jobs – Theatre/TV/Film production, VFX, Design, Stage production 
Job boards and networking sites:
  • Gradconnection – Graduates job board opportunities  
  • Fashion Jobs – Permanent, Contract, Freelance for Retail 
  • Adzuna – Global job board network  
  • Careerone – Partner of Monster job board site  
International Brands with Franchisee Companies: 

Guide to Work: USA

Finding work in the USA can be difficult. There are many visa procedures and protocols you need to be aware of when searching for work.

Finding work overseas can be difficult. If you have decided to move in search of a new job, you need to be aware of the realities you will face. There are a lot of elements to take into consideration when working abroad. It is important to prioritise your list of needs and decide whether the job and country is right for you. Find out more about working in the USA at PROSPECTS.

Working visa requirements

Foreign Commonwealth office (from UK):

Highlights the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of rules currently in place. This information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. If you are unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further assistance, you need to contact the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Visa for USA:

Instructions to process your visa application. Please read the instruction, processes, and requirements.  

Working Visa:

You must obtain a visa to enter the USA, whether a temporary stay or a permanent residence. Temporary work visas are also available for those entering the United States for fixed term employment. Each visa requires a prospective employer to file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), once this is approved you can apply for a work visa. You cannot work on a visitor visa, business visa or under the Visa Waiver Programme (VMP). There are 11 types of temporary visa applications:

  • Visa H-1B: Person in Specialty Occupation 
  • Visa H-3: Trainee or Special Education visitor 
  • Visa L: Company Transferee  
  • Visa O: Individual with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
  • Visa P-2: Artist or Entertainer (Individual or Group) 
  • Visa P-3: Artist or Entertainer (Individual or Group)

Job searching links

Useful contacts:
Recruitment Agencies:
  • JBC – Fashion luxury, Buying & Merchandising, Stylist, photography, Designers  
  • Take 3 Talent – Acting, Modelling
  • 24 Seven – Buying and merchandising, production, sales, design, retail, beauty, marketing
  • Robert Half – Accountancy, Finance, Administrative, Technology, Creative, legal, Marketing 
  • Thrive – TV/Film production companies, agencies, broadcasters, and distributors
Job boards and networking sites:
  • The Fashion Network – Fashion Retail, Ecommerce, Designers, Technical, Print, CAD, Graphic, Textile Designers, Business Development, Sales and Account Executives, Retail. Production, Product Development, Planners  
  • Knitwell – Retail brand portfolio and marketing   
  • Business of Fashion USA – Fashion and lifestyle roles across USA and Canada  
  • Stylecareers – Fashion and lifestyle job alerts, Career events 
  • Glassdoor – Job board across, Retail, Branding, Commercial  
  • Production Hub – TV/ Film/ Theatre, Artist, Production, Runners, Sports Brand, Broadcasting, Marketing & PR, Digital Media, Advertising
  • USA Job Nexus – Recruitment agency search engine in USA opportunities sector specific, free sign up for job alerts from agencies   
  • Back Stage – Performance, Theatre, Production  
International Brands with Franchisee Companies: 

Guide to Work: UK

Finding work overseas can be difficult. If you have decided to stay in the UK after graduation, in search of a new job, you need to be aware of the realities you will face.

Working in the UK as an international student can be tricky, with many companies not offering sponsorship, which allows you to access a working visa. The information below is a summary of the UK Visas and Immigration web pages. It does not represent legal advice and we recommend you research your options before applying. Find out more about working in the UK at PROSPECTS.

Graduate Route Scheme

In 2021 the UK government launched a new immigration route to enable international graduates to remain in the UK with no sponsorship requirements: Graduate Route Scheme. It is for international students who have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD qualifications, with a UK higher education provider (HEP) and gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years (3 years for PhD).

You must apply to switch your visa in the UK before your current Tier 4 Student route visa expires. You cannot extend your Graduate visa at the end of your 2 years. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example a Skilled Worker visa.

How much will it cost?

When you apply for a Graduate visa, you’ll need to:

  • pay an £822 application fee
  • pay a healthcare surcharge – this is usually £1,035 for each year you’ll be in the UK

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) requires for you to pay part of your visa application. The application visa fee is non-refundable, so if your visa is granted but you decide that you do not want the graduate route visa, there is no refund on the application fee or IHS fee.

Benefits and conditions:
  • The graduate route visa will not require sponsorship from an employer.
  • There will be no English language requirement.
  • There will be no maintenance requirement.
  • Graduates are permitted to work at any level other than in restricted professions.
  • Graduates will be able to be self-employed.
  • The graduates will have no recourse to public funds.
  • Supplementary study is allowed, but not at a student sponsor on a course type permitted under the student route.
  • No study is allowed at state schools.
  • Switching into work routes will be permitted if suitable employment is found.
Application Process:
  1. Complete your course at the UK HEP, updating your UAL Student Portal and start your Graduate Route visa application online . You can save your application form and return to it later to complete any additional information needed.
  2. Await confirmation from your university that you have successfully completed the course. Your university should notify the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.
  3. Complete the rest of your the Graduate Route visa application, agreeing to the declaration before you complete to the payment process.
  4. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
  5. Pay for the visa application – once this payment is confirmed, download a copy of your completed application (your details and unique reference number is on the application for your reference).
  6. UK Immigration ID Check app – verify your identity. Read the instructions for downloading the app or contact details if you are experiencing any issues.
  7. If your visa is approved, you will receive an email and an eVisa will be issued. You can access the decision using your UK Visas and Immigration account.

Other working visa options

Skilled Worker Visa:

If you work in a field that the UK is looking to recruit for, you could apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Certain creative sector occupations listed on the shortage occupations list – such as architects, artists, web designers and performers – are eligible to be hired in a skilled job by an employer registered with the Home Office and with a Skilled Worker License. Graduates can apply to be a skilled worker before their Tier 4 visa expires and can remain in the UK or return to their home country. The length of the visa can vary depending on the job, and your knowledge of the English language must be at a certain level.

Temporary Work Government Authorised Exchange:

If you want to come to the UK for work experience or training, you can apply for a Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange visa. This can be applied for if you want to take up a volunteering, job-shadowing, internship, or approved work experience programme role, which will be sponsored by a licensed organisation running an approved exchange scheme. You can apply for 12 months initially, and study and additional work are allowed within the same sector and level as your work experience and be no more than 20 hours per week. Sponsors may have their own requirements and charge a separate fee.

Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme:

Graduates from certain countries can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa from outside of the UK which lasts 2 years. Countries include: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Monaco, San Marina, Hong Kong and South Korea under certain conditions. Any work is allowed apart from being a doctor or dentist in training and professional sports. It is also possible to be self-employed with some restrictions and to enroll in study. 

Job searching

Useful-Job-Search-WebsitesDownload

Useful links