Immigrate to Australia from the UK

How to Emigrate from the UK to Australia

Emigrating to Australia from the UK involves several steps, and your visa eligibility will depend on factors such as age, occupation, and country of origin. Despite Australia’s strict immigration policies, it remains a top destination for migrants due to its excellent weather, robust economy, and relaxed lifestyle.

Here are some of the most common visa categories for moving to Australia:

• Australian Skilled Visas: For individuals with skills in demand.
• Australian Working Holiday Visas: For young adults seeking work and travel.
• Australian Business Visas: For entrepreneurs and business owners.
• Australian Family and Spouse Visas: For family reunification.
• Australian Employer-Sponsored Visas: For those with job offers from Australian employers.
• Australian Partner Visas: For partners of Australian citizens or residents.
• Australian Student Visas: For international students.
• Australian Investor Visas: For investors looking to contribute to the Australian economy.

Each visa category has specific requirements and processes, but all applications are assessed using similar criteria. Despite the rigorous process, Australia continues to attract a high number of immigrants each year.

General Process for Immigrating to Australia from the UK

Immigrating from the UK to Australia involves a series of steps that are quite straightforward when you know what to expect. Here’s a general guide on how to move from the UK to Australia:

1. Assess Eligibility: First, determine if you meet the basic criteria for immigrating to Australia. This includes factors like age, skills, education, and work experience. The Australian immigration system often uses a points-based system for skilled workers, so understanding how your background fits into this is key.
   
2. Select a Visa Type: Australia offers a range of visas, including skilled worker visas, family visas, student visas, and others. Choose the visa category that aligns with your reason for moving. For UK citizens, the process and requirements are similar to other nationalities, but familiarity with the English language is often an advantage.
   
3. Gather Necessary Documents: Collect all essential documents like your passport, birth certificate, educational certificates, work experience documents, and possibly character references. Ensure that all documents are up to date.
   
4. English Language Proficiency: Although UK citizens are native English speakers, some visa categories might still require proof of language proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
   
5. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) (if necessary): For certain skilled migration visas, you’ll need to submit an EOI through the Australian SkillSelect online service. This is not an application but a way to show your interest and wait for an invitation to apply.
   
6. Health and Character Checks: Most Australian visas require health examinations and character checks. This means obtaining a police clearance certificate and possibly undergoing medical examinations.
   
7. Apply for the Visa: Once you have all your documents and, if required, an invitation to apply, submit your visa application. This is usually done online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
   
8. Visa Processing: After submitting your application, there will be a waiting period for processing. This duration varies depending on the visa type.
   
9. Visa Outcome: If your application is successful, you will be granted a visa. You’ll receive information about your visa, including its validity and any conditions attached.

Different Visa Types For Moving To Australia from the UK

Work Visas

There are several work visa options for those wishing to immigrate to Australia from the UK.

Many of these work visas are temporary but some of the skilled work visas have pathways to PR and Australian citizenship.

Common Australian Work Visas

Visa Type	Description	Stay Duration	Permanent Residency Possibility
482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa	For skilled workers sponsored by an employer.	Up to 4 years	Yes, through 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
476 Skilled—Recognised Graduate Visa	For recent engineering graduates.	18 months	Yes, through 189 or 190 Skilled Visas
190 Skilled Nominated Visa	For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government.	Permanent	Yes, direct permanent residency
186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa	For skilled workers nominated by their employer.	Permanent	Yes, direct permanent residency
400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa	For short-term, highly specialised work.	Up to 3 months	No
494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa	For skilled workers in regional areas.	Up to 5 years	Yes, through 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa
407 Training Visa	For workplace-based training to enhance skills.	Up to 2 years	No
462 Work and Holiday Visa	For young adults to work and holiday.	12 months	No
417 Working Holiday Visa	For young adults to work and holiday.	12 months	No
DAMAs (Designated Area Migration Agreements)	For skilled workers in designated areas.	Varies	Yes, through 186 or 187 Visas

Student Visas

The Student Visa enables international students to study in Australia. To be eligible, a student must:

• Be enrolled in a recognised Australian educational institution
• Have adequate health insurance coverage
• Demonstrate sufficient financial capacity

Some advantages of the student visa include:

• Opportunity to work part-time during studies
• Possibility of extending visa duration, depending on the course
• Pathway to permanent residency through a relevant work visa

Common Australian Student Visas

Visa Type	Description	Stay Duration	Permanent Residency Possibility
500 Student Visa	For full-time students enrolled in a registered course.	Up to 5 years	Yes, through Graduate Visa (485) and other skilled visas
590 Student Guardian Visa	For guardians of international students under 18 years of age.	Up to 5 years	No
485 Temporary Graduate Visa	For recent graduates from an Australian institution.	18 months to 4 years	Yes, through skilled migration visas
407 Training Visa	For workplace-based training to enhance skills.	Up to 2 years	No

Family Visas

Australian family visas facilitate the reunification of families by allowing eligible relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. These visas include categories for partners, parents, and dependent children, each with specific eligibility criteria. The goal is to strengthen family bonds and enable families to live together in Australia.

Common Australian Family Visas

Visa Type	Description	Stay Duration	Permanent Residency Possibility
Partner Visa (Temporary) (Subclass 820)	For partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.	Temporary	Yes, through Partner Visa (Permanent) (Subclass 801)
Partner Visa (Permanent) (Subclass 801)	For partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.	Permanent	Yes, direct permanent residency
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)	For people intending to marry an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.	9 months	Yes, through Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)	For parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.	Permanent	Yes, direct permanent residency
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)	For parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are willing to make a higher contribution.	Permanent	Yes, direct permanent residency
Child Visa (Subclass 101)	For dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.	Permanent	Yes, direct permanent residency
Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)	For children adopted by Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.	Permanent	Yes, direct permanent residency

How to get Australian PR as a UK citizen

Becoming a permanent resident of Australia is achievable if you meet specific eligibility criteria. The most common pathways include skilled work visas and family visas, each with its own set of requirements.

1. Skilled Work Visas: These visas are designed for individuals with skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia. You may need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply based on your skills, work experience, and other factors.
   
2. Family Visas: These visas allow family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join them in Australia. Categories include partner visas, parent visas, and child visas, each requiring proof of a genuine relationship.

To qualify, you must demonstrate to the Australian border authorities that you meet the strict eligibility requirements for your chosen visa category. This typically involves providing evidence of your skills, qualifications, relationship, health, and character.

Once you hold permanent residency for a qualifying period, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, offering further benefits and opportunities.

Benefits of Permanent Residence in Australia:

• Work and Live: Permanent residents can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
• Healthcare: Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
• Social Security: Eligibility for certain social security payments after a waiting period.
• Education: Access to subsidized education for children.
• Sponsorship: Ability to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements, permanent residents can apply for Australian citizenship.
• Travel: Freedom to travel in and out of Australia with a permanent resident visa.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Australia?

UK citizens do not need to apply for a traditional visa to visit Australia. Instead, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to travel.

The ETA allows UK citizens to visit Australia for short stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. Once issued, the ETA is typically valid for 12 months, permitting multiple entries within that period. This streamlined process makes it easier for UK citizens to enjoy their trips to Australia without the need for a more complex visa application.

How Much Does it Cost to Move to Australia from the UK?

Relocating to Australia from the UK can be a significant financial undertaking, requiring substantial funds both before and after your arrival. Some visas may also necessitate a specific amount in your bank account, and costs can double if you are moving with a family.

Here are some estimated base costs you may incur when immigrating to Australia:

• Migration Skills Assessment: £350
• Notary Fees: £80
• Medical Check: £340
• Police Certificate Application: £55
• Visa Application Fee (Australian Government): £2,300
• Visa Application Preparation Fee: £4,500
• One-Way Flight: £800
• Shipping Your Belongings: £5,000
• Rental Property Deposit (Bond): £1,200
• Rent Paid in Advance: £600
• Monthly Health Insurance: £90

Is it Possible to Emigrate to Australia from the UK with a Criminal Record?

Emigrating to Australia with a criminal record can be more complex, but it is not necessarily impossible. The Australian Department of Home Affairs will evaluate your criminal history by obtaining a police clearance certificate from the UK.

The decision will depend on the nature and severity of your offenses, along with other relevant factors. The authorities will assess whether you meet the character requirements for entry, taking into account the seriousness of your prior convictions and any mitigating circumstances. Each case is considered individually, so a thorough and honest disclosure of your criminal history is essential.

For detailed guidance on immigrating to Australia from other locations, please refer to our other guides: Hong Kong, Israel, Canada, USA, New Zealand, UK, Singapore, South Africa.

Speak to our Migration Agents in Melbourne to arrange a consultation.