FAQ
Common questions about starting FIFO
Short answers to the questions people ask most. The FIFO Guide covers each of these in more depth.
What does FIFO mean?
Fly-In, Fly-Out. You fly to a remote mine or worksite, work a fixed roster (for example two weeks on, one week off) and fly home for your break. While you're on site the employer covers the charter flight, your room in the camp and your meals.
Do I need previous mining experience?
Not for every role. Several entry roles, like Utility / site services and Trade Assistant, are open to people without a mining background, as long as you hold the mandatory site tickets. Licensed roles such as Rigger and Scaffolder need a High Risk Work licence and practical experience first.
What FIFO jobs can I start with?
Common starting points include Utility Worker / site services and Trade Assistant. With the right licence, Scaffolder or Rigger are options too. Qualified tradespeople can pursue recognition of an overseas qualification and apply for roles like Mechanical Fitter. See the FIFO Jobs page for overviews.
Which tickets or certificates may be relevant?
For Perth mine sites the baseline is the White Card plus Gas Testing, Working at Heights and Working in Confined Space. Additional tickets (Forklift, an HR driver's licence, Dogging, rigging or scaffolding licences) open up more roles. Requirements vary by site, so confirm current details with training providers and employers.
Why is Perth important?
Perth is the operational base for most major mining companies in Western Australia: head offices, recruiters and charter flights to the sites run from there. For someone arriving from overseas it's the practical place to land and get set up.
What visa do I need?
Most international workers start on a Working Holiday visa, and other pathways exist, including employer sponsorship. Eligibility depends on your nationality, age and circumstances, and the rules change. Check the official Australian immigration site before you plan around any of it.
How much money should I have before I go?
Enough to cover your flight, your first few weeks of accommodation and food, the mandatory tickets, and a buffer until your first pay arrives, on top of the separate proof-of-funds the visa itself requires. The guide breaks the budget down. Confirm the visa's financial requirement on the official immigration site.
What's included in the FIFO Guide?
A chronological walk-through from the decision and starting budget, through visas, arrival admin, tickets, the resume, agencies, interviews and the pre-employment process, to first roster, camp life, money and the longer-term career path, with checklists and a contact directory.
Where can I buy the guide?
Through Payhip, which handles the checkout and download. Use the "Get the Guide" button anywhere on this site.
Will the guide guarantee me a job?
No. It's a detailed head start, not a shortcut, and it makes no promises about specific outcomes. Visa, tax, licensing and employment rules also change over time, so anything time-sensitive should be verified with official sources.
Still have questions?
The guide answers these in detail, and readers can message Louis directly.
View the FIFO Guide