My circus dreams are (possibly) coming true! (Now, to sort out visas)

So some time ago I applied for an artsworker position with Vulcana Women’s Circus . The year-long program involves intense training in the circus arts, followed by community arts and outreach work.

I wrote an email to them talking about my lifelong dream to learn circus arts (or at least gymnastics of some sort), how I enjoyed my beginner’s circus class a LOT, how even though I’m not very technically competent I’m willing to learn and I love community work anyhoo. I didn’t expect to get shortlisted even: I figured they’d want someone with more arts and circus experience and ability.

I just got a call from Chae (who trained us in our beginner’s class). She said my application was lovely, and that they want me in their artsworker program!!

OMG!!

I’ve been harbouring a dream to be trained in circus skills (to a competent level) for a year. Intense circus. I wasn’t sure how to make it possible but I wanted it to be made possible. And now it’s coming true!!

Well, maybe. The trick now is dealing with visas. Which could be a bit more complex. Chae’s husband in Dutch so she’s familiar with immigration issues, but this is a slightly different situation.

I’ve looked around and there seems to be two visas that suit my situation well:

1. The Occupational Trainee Visa which allows you to be part of a workplace training program for up to two years in Australia.
Pros: Very specifically applies to situations like mine, so shouldn’t be a problem. Employer (Vulcana)‘s willing to help, and they do most of the work (which shouldn’t be too hard). Relatively easy to apply – no need to futz around with skilled occupations or English tests or whatever.
Cons: I can’t work elsewhere while doing the training; Vulcana however can only offer casual work at the most, so I’m not sure where I’m going to find money to live on. I could do online work, but again I’m not sure what work I could do online that would help me pay rent and living expenses.

2. The Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) Visa which is especially designed for recent international graduates of Australian universities, to spend 18 months in Australia with no restrictions on work, study, or whatever/
Pros: I can do whatever I want, so I can work part-time or even study part-time if I wished. Longer period, so I can spend some time before/after to rest and travel around.
Cons: I have to do all of the legwork. Timing will be an issue – I need to have ALL my paperwork sorted before I can apply. One of them is the IELTS English language test, which I’m only taking at the end of March. (My current visa expires soon after.) I need to nominate something from the Skilled Occupation List which is slightly difficult for my degree – also, I’m not sure whether what I plan to do has to exactly match up with my nominated job (if it doesn’t, this becomes a LOT easier).

I’ve contacted No Borders Migration about it but I haven’t heard anything yet. I’d like to get the Temporary Graduate visa anyway regardless of Vulcana happening; it’s more timing that I’m worried about.

I really hope the visa issues get sorted and that I get to be in this program. It’s my dream come true. Good vibes and energy please!!

Comments

1. Good luck!
   Is it an option to assume the first visa and later change to the second visa?
   Alternatively, I know of people who do cash in hand work so on paper they only have one job…
   Or, is sponsorship or a loan a possibility?

   — Kristiana · Feb 10, 05:59 PM · #

2. Circus? I think you should go into theatre ….
   LOVING your stage presence :)

   — Kakak · Feb 10, 09:45 PM · #

3. Can you do BOTH visas and use the one that works out? MUST DO THIS! And aaaagh, must keep a blog while you do it, I want to hear everything about it! It sounds FANTASTIC!

   — Megan M. · Feb 11, 01:56 AM · #