Interested in moving to Australia...

[nonpareilpearl]

...I'm interested in moving to Australia from the US. Right now I'm studying for P1 and soon FM2. From what I know so far about immigration, a skilled migrant should have at least 3 years of experience in a field - so my current goal is to start working right after P1 (I'll be turning 26), get 3 years of experience, apply for a WHV (working holiday visa) at the age of 29, hop over to Australia, and then see if I can find work in my field. If that last bit works out, I'll need to begin applying for a more permanent visa immediately (I saw that the WHV limits you to no more than 6 months with a single employer) and hope that I can make the move a one-way trip.

I state all of this just to provide some background so everything makes sense. Since I'm still pretty early in the process (studying for exams/etc.) I feel as though I still have plenty of time to choose a specialty...I just want to make sure I build a skillset that's both in high demand as well as hard to find (I'm hoping this will entice potential employers to hire an international). Right now I'm leaning toward Property & Casualty, but I was wondering if that is an area that's frequently in high demand? Are there any specialties/skills I could be obtaining to take over there that would help my chances?

I realize this post may be a long shot, but I'm looking for any advice you guys have to offer

[Hero3128]

When you can explain the lyrics to Waltzing Matilda, then you'll be ready.

[nonpareilpearl]

Thank you for the input I went and listened to it (via YouTube) and after a couple tries it sounds like someone was traveling and captured something to eat, and to avoid being caught drowned himself.

I caught the specifics (e.g. billabong = small lake and jumbuck = sheep) after looking up the slang

It's a catchy song! I like it

[Hero3128]

Originally Posted by nonpareilpearl

Thank you for the input I went and listened to it (via YouTube) and after a couple tries it sounds like someone was traveling and captured something to eat, and to avoid being caught drowned himself.

I caught the specifics (e.g. billabong = small lake and jumbuck = sheep) after looking up the slang

It's a catchy song! I like it

But honestly, do you really want to move to a country whose national anthem is a song about a hobo?

[The Mantastic Actuary]

Working holiday visa will not let you work as an actuary in Australia. WHV will let you work at a place for up to 3 months before moving to a new job.

You will need to apply for another type. I am on a 457, but I had a job before moving out here.

Also keep in mind that LAFHA disappears at the end of this month and therefore it will be much more expensive in Oz for internaitonal workers than before. Lastly as a US citizen you will be subject to taxes on world wide income over a certain threshold

[nonpareilpearl]

Originally Posted by The Mantastic Actuary

Working holiday visa will not let you work as an actuary in Australia. WHV will let you work at a place for up to 3 months before moving to a new job.

You will need to apply for another type. I am on a 457, but I had a job before moving out here.

Also keep in mind that LAFHA disappears at the end of this month and therefore it will be much more expensive in Oz for internaitonal workers than before. Lastly as a US citizen you will be subject to taxes on world wide income over a certain threshold

Thank for the info - that's all very good to know! I assumed it would be easiest if I had a job lined up before I got there, but I think I should change my perception from "it would be more ideal if..." to "it is essential that I..." based on this info. That was the only reason I was really considering WHV - I figured that would give me 3-6 months of actually being in the country to find the job and then I would need to immediately begin work on a different type of visa.

From what I can see of 457 it is a temporary/long stay visa. How long do you have with that visa? Is it something you renew pretty much indefinitely (in some situations), or can you use that to work in the country and then start work on a permanent visa?

I'm still reading a lot about the various types of visas and I have to admit it's overwhelming. Any advice would be great