Visa & Citizenship options to work in Australia
The majority of defence industry jobs require a minimum BASELINE security clearance for which you are required to be an Australian citizen as most projects associated with Defence are classified. If you are not an Australian citizen, you may still be able to gain employment, however, this is something that should be discussed with your potential employer at the time of application. If you are considering moving to South Australia and need to apply for a Visa or would like to understand the process involved in becoming an Australian Citizen please visit the pages highlighted below.
Which Visa Is Right For Me?
The South Australian Government through Skilled & Business Migration, offers state nomination and endorsement pathways across a range of visa options for skilled and business migrants, and local businesses including:
In addition to providing four visa options, Skilled & Business Migration also facilitate services to skilled migrants to help with successful settlement including arrival registration, settlement support services, application support services and migration agent connections. View the resources and support available here.
Discover the best visa option for you, including criteria, occupation lists and how to apply, by visiting: migration.sa.gov.au/visa-options
Global Talent Visa Program
The Global Talent Visa Program, also known as the Global Talent Independent Program, is a streamlined visa pathway for highly skilled professionals to work and live permanently in Australia. Australia is after the brightest and best global talent to work in seven future-focused sectors. Formally launched on 4 November 2019, the program is designed to grow our innovation and tech economies and create opportunities for Australians by transferring skills, promoting innovation and creating jobs. Through the program, talented individuals will be given permanent residency to start their new lives in Australia.
Read more about the Global Talent Visa Program, check eligibility and complete an expression of interest form here.
Designated Area Migration Agreements
Under a five-year agreement recognising the State Government’s commitment to South Australia becoming a world-class centre for space, defence and innovation, two Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) are in place. The DAMA enables employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill locally and it is available to qualifying businesses across South Australia, including Adelaide, regional and rural areas. The South Australian DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government, represented by the Department of Home Affairs and the South Australian Government, Department for Innovation and Skills. Employers can apply for endorsement to enter into a DAMA labour agreement which allows more flexibility than the standard skilled visa programs.
Click here for more information on the South Australian DAMA Agreement.
Become an Australian Citizen
The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for immigration and citizenship in Australia. If you are eligible to become an Australian Citizen, you can do so in different ways. Conferral and descent are the most common ways to apply. You can become a citizen of Australia by following a number of pathways if you meet specific criteria including but not limited to if:
- You are a permanent resident or New Zealand citizen
- Your partner or spouse is an Australian citizen
- Your parent was an Australian citizen when you were born overseas
- Born to a former Australian citizen
- Adopted by an Australian citizen
Click here to view information about how to become an Australian citizen and check your eligibility.
SHORT-TERM VISA PATHWAYS
The Australian Government has introduced two short-term visa pathways through the Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP).
The IECSEP offers eligible UK citizens the opportunity to further enhance their careers in Australia, supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce in areas including defence and space.
The pathway offers two streams:
1) The Early Careers Stream which provides the opportunity to live and work in Australia for 12 months
2) The Innovation Stream which offers successful applicants up to three years in Australia
Click here to view information and check your eligibility.
