Visa Options, Job Search Strategies & Settling in Australia
You’ve passed your skills assessment — congratulations! That’s a huge milestone in your journey toward working and living in Australia. But what comes next?
Many skilled workers reach this stage and wonder, “Now that my skills are recognised, what do I actually do next?”
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the next steps after your skills assessment — including your visa options, job search strategies, and tips for settling into life in Australia.
1. Understanding What Your Skills Assessment Means
Your positive skills assessment confirms that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian industry standards.
In other words, it’s official recognition that you’re a qualified tradesperson or professional by Australian standards — a key requirement for most skilled migration visas.
Depending on your occupation and the assessing authority (like Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), your assessment result is typically valid for three years.
This means you can now use it to apply for the visa pathway that best suits your goals.
2. Starting Your Job Search
Once you’ve determined your visa pathway, it’s time to find work. Here’s how to give yourself the best start:
a. Prepare an Australian-style resume and cover letter
Australian employers prefer concise, results-oriented resumes. Highlight your practical experience, trade certifications, and any Australian-equivalent qualifications from your skills assessment.
b. Register with job platforms
Top job sites for trades and skilled roles include:
- Seek (seek.com.au)
- Indeed Australia
- JobActive
- Adzuna
You can also connect directly with recruitment agencies specialising in your trade.
c. Target regional areas
Many regional areas have higher demand for skilled tradespeople and offer faster visa processing through regional nomination programs.
Places like Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia often have strong job markets for trades.
d. Network locally
Once in Australia, attending industry meetups, training workshops, or union events can help you build valuable connections and learn about job openings before they’re advertised.
3. Preparing to Settle in Australia
Moving to a new country is exciting — but adjusting takes planning. Here’s how to make the transition smoother:
a. Plan your finances
Set aside funds for initial expenses like accommodation, transport, and tools or licensing fees.
The cost of living varies by region — capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne are pricier, while regional towns offer more affordable living.
b. Understand licensing requirements
Some trades (like electrical, plumbing, or construction work) require state-specific licenses before you can start working independently.
Check with your state’s licensing authority and apply early — sometimes you can convert your overseas license or complete a short bridging course.
c. Secure accommodation
Start with temporary housing while you get settled. Websites like realestate.com.au and Domain offer reliable rental listings.
d. Embrace Australian culture
Australians value work-life balance, safety, and mateship — the spirit of helping each other out.
Join community groups, volunteer, or take short local courses to meet people and integrate faster.
4. Planning Your Long-Term Pathway
Once you’ve worked in Australia for a while, you may be eligible to:
- Apply for permanent residency (PR) through pathways like subclass 189, 190, or 186.
- Sponsor family members to join you.
- Apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Keep track of your visa conditions and plan ahead to make sure you stay on a pathway to permanent settlement if that’s your goal.
Final Thoughts Passing your skills assessment is more than just a formality — it’s your ticket to a new chapter in Australia.
With the right visa choice, job search plan, and preparation for life Down Under, you can turn your trade skills into a rewarding career and a fresh start for your family.