Demand for Podiatrists in Australia:
Podiatry is a profession in high demand in Australia. There are several reasons for the increased demand: an ageing Australian population; an increased awareness of sports medicine; a rapidly increasing prevalence of diabetes and awareness of associated foot problems, and preventative care and allied health services in general. Recognising the podiatry workforce shortages in Australia, this occupation is currently listed upon the 'Skilled Occupation List', detailing occupations available to skilled individuals interested in working, or migrating to, Australia.
There are a number of visas which may be of interest to Podiatrists, some of these are detailed below. There are pros and cons to each of the options depending upon your personal circumstances and long term aims.
- Skilled Independent Visa: Permanent visa, you can remain in Australia indefinitely and work for any employer. Longer to process and costs more. The preferred option if you are looking to remain in Australia over the longer term.
- Working Holiday Visa: Temporary 1 year visa, aimed at supplementing travel in Australia with an income, maximum work for any one employer 6 months.
- Temporary Employer Sponsored Visa: Temporary visa, you may only work for your sponsor in your nominated occupation. Should the position cease for any reason you would be provided 90 days to seek another approved sponsor or to leave the country.
- Permanent Employer Sponsored Visa: Permanent visa, you can remain in Australia indefinitely and work for any employer. The longer processing, plus fact you can change employers means many employers are reluctant to sponsor this visa.
Please feel free to Contact us to discuss how we might assist you.
Skilled Independent Visas:
The preferred option if you are looking to remain in Australia over the longer term, or the freedom to change employers if desired. The SkillSelect program is aimed at individuals who meet the requirements in respect of qualifications and work experience in occupations listed as in demand (the occupations included on the list change over time according to Australia's needs). The visa provides permanent residence to applicants meet specified selection criteria, including a Points Test, based upon the personal characteristics and skills. These visas are obtained independently of an employer and once granted you are free to work in Australia for any employer. Please complete the Points Calculator or contact us, sending a copy of your resume, if you would like an initial overview of your eligibility for these visas or the options that may be open to you.
Working Holiday and Work and Holiday Visas:
Both these visas are open to people aged 18 to 30 years of age, interested in a working holiday of up to 12 months in Australia. During this period of time you are allowed to work for any employer for a period of up to 6 months. Ideal if you are looking to travel around Australia whilst allowing you to work and supplement your funds.
- Working Holiday Visas are open to nationals of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and United Kingdom. Under certain conditions this visa can be extended for an additional 12 months.
- Work and Holiday Visas are open to nationals of the following countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, the USA and Uruguay.
Employer Sponsored Visas:
Australia offers a number of visas aimed at assisting Australian employers sponsor overseas employees where they have been unable to find a suitable applicant locally. There are two main types employer sponsored visa one provides permanent residence, the other temporary. Employer Sponsored Options
- Temporary Skilled (Work Visa) 457: The 457 visa can be issued for a period of between 3 months and 4 years, the employer must offer a full-time position. The positives to this visa is that it is generally cheaper and faster to arrange. One of the potential negatives of this visa to the holder is that the conditions of this visa limit the visa holder to only working for their sponsoring employer, in their nominated occupation. Should the position cease the visa holder will be provided with 90 days in which to find another sponsor or to leave the country. After they arrive in Australia many 457 visa holders find that they wish to settle, and make a home here, and subsequently seek the security of a more permanent visa, see: Moving from a 457 to Permanent Residence.
- Permanent Employer Sponsored Visas: These visas provide the visa holder with permanent residence in Australia and the benefits that bring. The negatives of this visa are in relation to the cost and time factors involved which often deter potential employers who may be seeking an employee urgently.
Useful Web sites:
Below are some potentially useful web sites, if contacting employers directly you might also consider the skilled independent visa which would provide you work rights in Australia and means that the employer would not need to undertake the steps necessary to sponsor a visa application.
Podiatry registration in Australia:
Within all the states or Australia podiatry is a registered health profession, and a practitioner must meet the requirements and be registered to practise in the appropriate state. We can provide assistance with this as part of the visa application service.
Please feel free to Contact us to discuss how we might assist your needs.
