A career with Specsavers in Australia

Specsavers has focused on giving all patients in Australia the best patient care with affordable prices. This has seen Specsavers continue to grow and open new opportunities across our 400+ stores and support office.

It can be tricky to confirm who is eligible to work and live in Australia, due to changing immigration restrictions. We’ve made a quick guide to support your understanding of eligibility to relocate and work in Australia.

Am I eligible to work in Australia?

You are eligible to work in Australia if you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen.

If you are not an Australian citizen, eligibility is dependent on:

  • Valid immigration status for Australia which allows you to carry out the required work (eligibility criteria applies)
  • Completed the Optometrist OCANZ conversion exams (eligibility criteria applies)

What if I don't have the right to work in Australia?

If the above criteria doesn’t apply to you, there are other options to explore. Completing the Optometry OCANZ conversion exams or by applying for a visa.

OCANZ

The Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) is an external process that assesses optometry programs outside of Australia. Overseas-qualified optometrists must successfully complete the OCANZ exams to be able to practise and register in Australia and New Zealand. Specsavers is well versed in supporting Optometrists through OCANZ and offer a support package.

Optometrist Visa

Once all aspects of OCANZ have been completed we have found the best route to apply for a ‘TSS 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa’. This will help you relocate to Australia quickly and give you temporary (4 years) working rights whilst you complete Therapeutics, work in-store and apply for permanent residency.

Dispensing Visa

Those under 30 (35 if from Canada, Ireland or France) will be able to apply for a one year ‘417 Working Holiday Visa’. Once you’ve completed the regional work (3 months) you will be able to apply for a second year.

Australian Working Holiday Visas

At Specsavers Australia, we are experienced in supporting international talent achieve success within our stores. We are currently on the lookout for experienced optical dispensers and optical assistants to join our Australian businesses on working holiday visas. Following changes to Australian immigration limitations, working holiday visa holders are able to work in one store for 12 months.

You can find out more here ‘the working holiday visas’ to see if you are eligible.

Did you know that we could even assist you in making the move easier? We can help with:

  • Reimbursement of international flight following the completion of 12 months in Specsavers 
  • Assisting with interviews and job placements across our Specsavers network 

The Australian recruitment team will be on hand throughout your time in Australia to support your employment requirements. Also, boasting a portfolio of exciting opportunities that will allow you to see different parts of Australia, you can rest assured that your income will be guaranteed as soon as you need it.

If you want to maximise the most of your time and experience in Australia, and have worked in an optical business previously, get in touch today to discuss your next steps. 

Eligible to work in Australia? Get in touch

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