The Australian economy is strong and growing, and there is demand for workers across a range of sectors. Chinese workers with the right skills and qualifications are in demand and can find work in a range of industries. 

If you've been thinking about working in Australia, here's what you need to know. 

What visa do I need? 

There are a number of visas available that allow Chinese nationals to work in Australia. The most common visa for working in Australia is the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). This visa allows you to live and work permanently in Australia. 

To be eligible for this visa, you must have an occupation that is on the skilled occupations list and you must meet the points test. This visa is notoriously difficult to get and you might have to wait up to 4 years for it to be approved. 

You may also be eligible for a Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 887) if you are willing to live and work in a regional area of Australia. These are often remote areas that are a distance away from large cities. To be eligible for this visa, you must have held a subclass 475, 487, 495 or 496 visa for at least two years and must have worked in a regional area for at least one year. 

There are also a number of short-term visas available for Chinese nationals. 

• Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) 
• Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) 
• Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) 
• Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) 

There are certain steps you need to take to apply for these visas. To apply for a Work and Holiday visa, People's Republic of China (PRC) passport holders will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) first before being invited to apply. If you're applying for a Temporary Work visa, you will need to do so before visiting Australia. Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and process carefully as the application fees are usually non-refundable. 

Can my family come with me? 

If you are coming to Australia on a working visa, your partner and dependent children can come with you on a dependent visa. They will be able to work and study in Australia while you are working. The same goes for temporary work visas.  However, if you are on a Work and Holiday visa, you will not be able to be accompanied by any dependants. 

What are the conditions of my visa? 

All visas have certain conditions that must be met. For example, you might be required to work in a certain occupation or a regional area depending on what visa you get. Make sure to check the requirements carefully before you apply. 

What are my workplace rights in Australia? 

All workers in Australia have certain rights and protections under Australian law. These include the right to be paid fairly, the right to safety at work, and the right to annual leave and sick leave. 

This means that even as a foreign national, your employer cannot pay you less than the Australian minimum wage. You are also entitled to paid annual leave and sick leave, and your employer cannot ask you to work excessive hours. 

It is also illegal for employers to discriminate against you in the workplace or hold your identification papers. If you feel like your rights have been violated, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help. 

Where can I find work in Australia? 

There are a number of ways to look for work in Australia. Start with registering with www.earnandlearn.com.au and click join our community.

 You can search online job boards, such as Seek and Indeed. You can also register with a recruitment agency that specializes in your field. 

Another option is to network with people you know who are already working in Australia. They might be able to put you in touch with potential employers or help you find work. Your Chinese language skills are highly desirable in many industries, so make sure to highlight them in your applications. 

What does "functional English" mean? 

Functional English means being able to use English for everyday tasks such as reading, writing and speaking. 

To be eligible for most visas, you will need to demonstrate that you have functional English. This usually requires taking an English test such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A functional English level means an average score of at least 4.5 for the IELTS across the 4 test components. There are other tests you can take to prove your competency, and since they're marked differently, the threshold scores for them are also different. For a full breakdown, check the Department of Home Affairs website here. 

What is the work culture like in Australia? 

The work culture in Australia is generally informal and relaxed. People dress more casually for work than in most places in the world, and the focus is on getting the job done rather than following strict protocols. 

This can be a bit of a culture shock for Chinese workers who are used to a more formal and strictly hierarchical work environment. However, it is important to remember that Australians value honesty, directness, and a sense of humour, so try to be yourself and don't take things too seriously. 

Will I fit in? 

Australia is a highly diverse country, and you will find people from all over the world working here. There are over 650,000 Chinese-born people living in Australia, and an even greater number of people who are of Chinese heritage. This means that though the culture gap between you and your co-workers might still exist, it's also likely not as big of a jump as you think. In general, Australians are friendly and welcoming to foreign nationals, so you shouldn't have any trouble making friends and fitting in. Of course, there will always be some adjustments to make when moving to a new country. But with an open mind and a positive attitude, you'll find that working in Australia can be a great experience.