Australia: Increasingly popular immigration destination for Indians

Australia, with its liberal immigration policies and growing opportunities, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Indians wishing to live and work abroad.

According to the Australian statistics bureau, the number of Indian immigrants entering the country every year has been increasing -- from just over 5,000 in 2001 to 13,500 in 2007. In fact, the total population of Australian residents of Indian origin has almost doubled since the new millennium, from 104,000 in 2001 to 200,000 in 2007.

One of the possible reasons for this trend is Australia's liberal immigration system -- especially its skilled migration policies.

While many nations require a job offer, labor market tests, and/or strict quotas before admitting overseas workers, Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) program allows entry for skilled migrants based upon their experience and qualifications in a long list of occupations. Working in Australia has never been easier.

The so-called Skilled Occupation List covers a wide range of professional specialties such as health care workers, computer specialists, and engineers, to trade occupations such as locksmiths, welders, and electricians.

In their application for skilled immigration, people are awarded points based upon their skills in their nominated occupation for which they plan to find a job in Australia. Age and English language ability also play an important part in the GSM program; however, the age requirement is fairly liberal. Skilled migrants are required to be from 18 to 45 years of age at the time of their application under the GSM.

Applicants must also have at least "competent" English ability (an overall band score of 6 on an IELTS test) unless the applicant's nominated occupation is a trade occupation. For trade occupations, "vocational" English is sufficient.

While Australia's GSM is a welcome opportunity for someone from India looking to live and work abroad, the system can still be complicated and difficult to navigate. However, with our 20 years of experience in helping people immigrate to nations all over the world, workpermit.com can come to your aid.

If you with to live and work in Australia, let our certified immigration advisors assist you. A good first step would be to fill out our free assessment form, after which a consultant specialising in Australian immigration will contact you.

Australia, with its wonderful climate, multicultural population, and growing opportunities, is fast becoming the destination of choice for skilled workers from all over the globe. Australian employers are looking increasingly more overseas to fill their labor needs and India is a treasure trove of talent for the nation.