social worker visa options

[marson0130]

Hi, I am hoping that somebody will see this and have some info, it would be much appreciated :-)

I am currently at university in the UK about to complete my social work degree. The plan has always been to move to Perth once qualified to join family members over there. I was just hoping that somebody would know what my options are as I am aware that to apply for a skilled visa I would be required to have 3 years experience but was hoping there would be other options. I am 29 with two children and have already had a working visa. thank you in advance :-)

[verystormy]

there have been a lot of big shake ups in the process in the last few weeks.

So the first thing to do is check if your occupation is still on the lists and which list.

If it is, then a 457 would be possible in theory, but it would be very hard to get an employer to sponsor you, particularly with the changes. I also would not recommend it and it is only a temporary visa.

I would check the work experience requirement as that may have changed.

[johnrenda]

Thank you

[Rossmoyne]

The majority of Social Workers are state government employed and they are unable to offer a Visa 457 to any applicant at the moment, so I would suggest that your only option would be a private charity / NFP if you can only go that route.    It would be best to aim for a permanent residency visa if you still qualify under the new rules.

[moss2oz]

https://www.dcp.wa.gov.au/Organisation/employment/InternationalRecruitment/Pages/Requirements.aspx

here is a link to the WA Department for Child Protection (recently renamed Department for Communities). They do offer sponsorship from time to time.  A friend of mine got through this way and was then offered assistance in getting her permanent visa two years after that.  I currently work for them but came here on a permanent visa after waiting the three years after I graduated.  I sympathise with you as it seemed forever to get here but it will go by in no time.  ?