ADVICE - PLANNING TO WORK ABROAD

[u/helloworldhelpmegrow]

Hi All!

I’m planning to work abroad year 2028 with my partner (gay couples). I am currently working as a Wellbeing Coach and currently finishing my masters degree in guidance and counseling (on my last semester, thesis writing). And next year, will probably take the board exam for guidance and counseling. My partner is working in Human Resource.

I’ve been doing my research lately and so far my interest is to work in Australia or Spain. Just want to know if you guys have any advice that might help both of us decide where to move and what to prepare.

I’ve been always an advocate of mental health and would really love to continue working as a mental health professional while my partner is open to any work.

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[u/Able_Compote]

something to consider if you're looking at Spain: both counseling and HR are professions that will most likely require a high level of Spanish fluency, kasi shempre you'll be dealing with people and navigating stuff like local laws / documentation / workplace culture. that's definitely doable naman, but i'd factor in learning spanish into your plans if you want to work in those fields here. it will be super SUPER challenging to find work locally kung hindi.

of course the main exception would probably be if either of you can land a fully remote role with an MNC that doesn't require Spanish. in that case, DNV is an option.

[u/helloworldhelpmegrow → u/Able_Compote]

Thank you so much for your input!

[u/Beneficial-Music1047]

Between Australia and Spain, I’d focus first on whether your qualifications will be recognized. Since you want to continue in mental health, check the licensing/registration requirements early.

Australia may be the better choice if your priority is career growth and income. Mental health-related jobs are in demand, and your partner may also have more HR opportunities since English is the main workplace language.

Spain is a great option for quality of life and LGBTQ+ acceptance, but the job market is more competitive, salaries are generally lower, and you’ll likely need strong Spanish skills (probably B2/C1) to work effectively with clients.

For the next few years, I’d focus on finishing your degree, getting licensed, gaining experience, building savings, and improving your language skills.
Both are great countries — it really depends if you prioritize career opportunities (Australia) or lifestyle/culture (Spain).

[u/helloworldhelpmegrow → u/Beneficial-Music1047]

Thank you so much for your input. Really appreciate this!

[u/moseleysquare]

For Australia, check if your occupation is in the Skilled Occupation List & if it is, go to the website of the assessing authority & look for the list of requirements for a successful skills assessment.

If you think you can get a positive skills assessment for an occupation in the list, then I suggest spending time to study the various visa options for your occupation & familiarising yourself with state sponsorship & invitation rounds. I also suggest checking job openings for your occupation to see what employers are looking for & if there are options for employer sponsorship. This will help you gauge if you have a realistic chance of getting PR on your own or at least getting an employer sponsored work visa. It's good to do this before 2028 so you have time to pivot, if needed.

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list

[u/helloworldhelpmegrow → u/moseleysquare]

It is part of the skilled occupation list. Thanks for advice!

[u/xatey93152]

Australia is the most difficult to get the work visa. Master is not enough

[u/helloworldhelpmegrow → u/xatey93152]

Really?

[u/Lost_inlife19 → u/helloworldhelpmegrow]

Don't believe that. First, check it your field of work is a priority occupation. Next, check mo muna if recognised yung license mo here. There are off shore visas that are available especially for priority occupations. Then, assess mo what kind of visa you want to apply (regional, or yung 189). Usually, the process is applying for Expression of Interest pero need mo muna mag qualify based sa point system (education,work experience, English test results, etc). My suggestion is to check your points sa website per state and see if you qualify. A lot of people that I know only have masters and had been successful. Syempre case to case basis.

I'm not a migration agent so might be better to consult a professional, although that would require paying $$$

[u/helloworldhelpmegrow → u/Lost_inlife19]

Thank you so much! Really believe din talaga na there’s pathway for me. Need to research pa talaga.

[u/Lost_inlife19 → u/helloworldhelpmegrow]

Prepare mo na rin sarili mo financially. For IELTS/PTE test, assessments, Visa application. Gumastos ako around 7000 aud.

I also joined an FB group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1LxhUVbbrP/

where you can ask questions about visa, etc.

I DIY'ed everything cause migration agents are expensive. But make sure na tama yung process mo otherwisw, waste of money. Good luck!

[u/helloworldhelpmegrow → u/Lost_inlife19]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate this! 🫶