Working abroad opportunities: Where to start?
The number of job vacancies in the UK hit a record high of 1.1 million in recent months. This means that candidates have an abundance of choice when it comes to working abroad opportunities in London. In fact, So if you’ve been thinking about a move overseas, now is the perfect time to pack your bags!
I want to move abroad where do I start?
Deciding to move to a different country requires research and careful consideration to mitigate some of the uncertainties. “Will I be homesick?” “Will I find a job?” “Will I make friends?” “Will I survive the weather?” (Ok that last one was rhetorical but not an altogether impractical concern!)
At Australasian Recruitment Company we can certainly help with working abroad opportunities. Many of our staff originate from Australia and New Zealand themselves. As such, the adventurous Aussies and Kiwis among us can appreciate how frustrating the recent travel restrictions have been, especially if you know people who are already here living and working. Many candidates we speak to report feeling that they’ve been set back in their travel plans and are keen to make up for lost time.
Can I travel to the UK from Australia and New Zealand?
As of 1st November 2021, Australians have been able to travel overseas following a lengthy period of border closure, putting working abroad opportunities back on the map, as they are for their New Zealander neighbours. But what are the practical steps you need to take to make it happen? Read on for our pointers on how to navigate a successful move to the UK…
What are the legal requirements to move to the UK?
If you’re planning to work in the UK for any length of time you will need to apply for a visa. There are a range of visas that will allow you to work in the UK depending on your age and situation. The visa you will need for the types of roles we recruit are likely to be one of the following:
- Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa: Aimed at 18-30 year-olds who want to live and work in the UK, these visas are granted once per applicant and last for up to two years.
- Ancestry visa: Citizens of Australia and New Zealand with a British grandparent born in the UK can apply for an Ancestry visa which allows you to live and work in the UK for up to five years. After this you can either apply for a visa extension or the right to permanent residence.
- Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa: This allows you to come to the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer if you have a confirmed job offer. This visa lasts for five years, after which the same rules apply as with the ancestry visa.
The decision lead-time for these visa applications is usually around three weeks, so it’s a good idea to get your application submitted first and then focus on your job search. Visit the UK Government’s website for all the information you need to start your application process.
How to move to England without a job?
As we’ve seen above, the current status of the UK jobs market puts you in a great position to strike while the iron is hot and take advantage of the fact that employers are struggling to fill roles. When moving to London there is so much to see and do in the city! Not to mention, Europe is on your doorstep, perfect for weekend exploring, so it pays to come armed with a plan in terms of work, especially if you’re moving to the UK without a job.
One thing the pandemic did give rise to was the normalisation of work video calls and remote hiring. Zoom Fatigue is certainly a thing, however employers are becoming increasingly comfortable with conducting interviews via video now. At Australasian Recruitment Company we’re able to set our candidates up with interviews and job offers before even leaving home, ensuring that once you arrive here you have a job waiting for you and can get stuck into London life!
If you’re looking for working abroad opportunities, speak to us
At Australasian Recruitment Company we have a highly knowledgeable team made up of British nationals as well as Australian and New Zealand expats and we help candidates like you find jobs in the UK every day. We have so many great roles on our books right now and can support your move and new life in the UK. Call us on 0207 625 3300 or drop us an email on hello@australasian.co.uk.