Common questions from Uganda
Brief replies to what readers in Uganda ask us most. For the full picture, open the visa guides.
Is this only for Ugandans?
No. The site is written for people in Uganda, yet any nationality may apply, provided the skills and experience match the job.
What do you mean by sponsored?
The employer supports the work visa itself: Australia's Skills in Demand visa or New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa. In each case government rules on pay and conditions bind the employer.
Will I be asked for an English test?
In most Australian cases, yes. The 482 English requirement exempts only passports from the UK, Canada, New Zealand, the US and the Republic of Ireland, so with a Ugandan passport you will probably sit an approved test. For New Zealand it hinges on the skill level of the job. Employers and registration bodies can add English rules of their own, so look at the advert and the visa guide.
Do UNEB and DIT certificates carry weight overseas?
They count in your favour but never stand in automatically for an Australian or New Zealand licence, which is why trades are normally assessed again. Some Australian occupations require a skills assessment, frequently by VETASSESS or Trades Recognition Australia, and certain trades such as electrical and plumbing work also need a state licence. New Zealand requires occupational registration for some trades. The visa guides say when each applies.
Can a nurse registered in Uganda start nursing abroad straight away?
No. Registration in Uganda isn't carried across automatically. Before practising in Australia or New Zealand you register with that country's nursing regulator, and the advert tells you what the employer needs.
Which police certificate will be asked for?
Whenever one is requested, yours comes from Uganda: an Interpol police clearance certificate from Uganda. Long residence in another country may mean a certificate from there as well, and the visa guides set out the rules.
Do I need to translate my certificates?
Not often, since official papers in Uganda are normally issued in English. Certified copies may still be requested, and a document in another language, Luganda or Swahili for instance, needs a certified translation into English.
What about a working holiday visa?
There's none for now, because Uganda has no working holiday arrangement with Australia or New Zealand. Our listings are employer-sponsored jobs, and the government websites announce any change to the rules.
How long before I could be working overseas?
There's no single answer. It depends on the country, your occupation, any skills assessment or registration, and how fast you can gather your documents. The visa guides show current official processing times.
Is it possible to bring my family?
Normally, yes. Both visas provide for partners and dependent children, under the rules in force when you apply.
Is there a charge for applying?
No, applying for a job here costs nothing. Anyone who asks you for money in return for a job offer or a visa should be refused: paying for a job or sponsorship breaks the rules in Australia and New Zealand and can lead to a refused visa.
What is the way to apply?
Open the vacancy and choose "Apply by email", or choose "Ask on WhatsApp" if you want to ask something first. Attach your CV with your certificates or registration details.