If you want to live and work in Australia, the most popular route is via ‘skilled migration’ – when a future employer sponsors your visa. As a country, Australia has always been considered ‘lucky’ – there have always been more job opportunities than there are people! With current skills shortages – especially in healthcare and the resources industries – sponsorship jobs have never been more appealing, or competitive.

According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, employers can sponsor foreign workers for permanent residence – in order to fill skills shortages. However, employer-sponsored visas are sometimes considered the ‘Holy Grail’ of visas. They are notoriously difficult to obtain, as companies would rather fill positions with locals – instead of taking the extra expense and time needed to source and ‘import’ a foreign national. However, local Australians often lack certain skill sets, and if you have skills that are in high demand – you are in luck.

If you’re seeking employment, why not consider New Zealand? With a population of only 4 million, and many industries experiencing skills shortages – your job search could yield favourable results. New Zealand makes an excellent relocation choice, as it has breath-taking natural beauty, and incredibly open people. Its excellent education system and safe environment also makes it a good choice if you have a family.

In order to find a job in New Zealand, you will need to fulfill their skills needs. A visit to the official Immigration NZ website will give you access to the latest version of the Immediate and Long-Term Skills Shortage List. Long-Term skills that New Zealand is lacking include manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, teaching, engineering, and IT. Immediate skills shortages are mostly in construction – and mostly limited to the Canterbury area (which was devastated by recent earthquakes).

Australia has a high standard of living, and it offers a relaxed lifestyle. Australians are known for their friendliness and openness, and most people find it relatively easy to adjust to a new life here. However, no matter where you come from, you should prepare for some level of culture shock, language barriers, and some work obstacles.

Living and working in Australia as a foreigner will come with its own unique challenges – which also depend largely on your country of origin, and level of English. For example, a non-English speaking Japanese person will have a much harder time adjusting than a British or American person. People from the UK and US often make the assumption that they will experience little to no culture shock – Australia is an English-speaking, former British colony after all…how difficult could it be?

Looking for work can be a daunting task – and at times even demoralising. Gone are the days of handing in your CV at reception, and landing a job on the spot. In the “Digital Age”, most people use job sites to look for work online. However, if not used in conjunction with other methods, you could set yourself up for failure. A successful online job search requires a lot of research, a little confidence, and some creative thinking.