Moving to Australia from the UK: Exploring All Visa Pathways

Australia remains a top destination for UK citizens seeking new opportunities, warmer climates, and a high quality of life. Despite Australia's rigorous immigration policies, it continues to attract a significant number of migrants each year. This guide will provide an overview of the various visa categories available for those considering moving to Australia from the UK, including pathways through family connections, work, working holidays, study, and travel.

Population estimates for 2023 are preliminary and indicate that 961,570 people who were born in the United Kingdom were living in Australia. This makes it the largest migrant community in Australia, comprising 3.6 per cent of Australia's total population (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s Population by Country of Birth).

Overview of Permanent Australian Emigrant Visas

Australia offers a range of visa options tailored to different needs and circumstances. The primary routes to emigrating to Australia on a permanent basis include family visas and work visas.

Skill Stream Visas

The Skill stream is designed for workers who have the skills, qualifications, and entrepreneurship most needed in the Australian economy. There are seven components:

• Distinguished Talent
• Employer Sponsored
• Global Talent (Independent)
• Regional
• Skilled Independent
• State/Territory Nominated

Family and Partner Visas

The Family stream allows the permanent migration of close family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens. It focuses on partners and parents but also provides opportunities for additional family members, such as aged dependent relatives, carers, remaining relatives, and orphan relatives, to join their family in Australia. Child visas allow the permanent migration of children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens. The Child visa comprises two categories: Child and Adoption visas.

Family and partner visas are popular among those looking to join loved ones in Australia. Key visa categories include:

• Child Visa: Allows children who are not Australian nationals to stay in Australia indefinitely, with the right to work, study, and apply for citizenship if eligible.
• Dependent Child Visa: Permits children to reside in Australia until their parent’s Partner Visa application is approved.
• Parent Visa: Enables eligible parents to stay in Australia indefinitely, work, study, and apply for citizenship.
• Partner Visa: Available in temporary and permanent categories, allowing partners of Australian citizens or residents to join them.
• Prospective Marriage Visa: Allows individuals to come to Australia to marry their Australian-based fiancé or prospective spouse.

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Temporary Migration

People can come to Australia for a temporary stay for various purposes, such as tourism, attending a conference, medical treatment, study, skilled work, working holidays, or other specialist activities. There are six main categories of temporary residents, which can cover stays of more than three months in Australia. Note: Not all categories apply to migrants from each country.

Visitor Visas

Visitor visas are mostly used by people visiting Australia for holidays, tourism, and recreation, or to see family and friends. People may also use Visitor visas for certain short-term business activities that do not entail working in Australia.

Working Holiday Maker Program

The Working Holiday Maker Program allows young adults to have an extended holiday and engage in short-term work and study.

Student Visa

The Student visa program enables international students to come to Australia to study full-time in a registered course.

Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) Visa

Allows a business to sponsor a skilled overseas worker if they cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill a skilled position.

Other Temporary Visas

Other temporary visas include visas that allow people to undertake short-term, non-ongoing highly specialised work, enrich social and cultural development, strengthen international relations, or provide training opportunities of benefit to Australia.

New Zealand Citizens

Under the 1973 Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, New Zealand citizens can enter and leave Australia freely and live in Australia indefinitely on grant of a Special Category visa (subclass 444).

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Visa Grants for UK Nationals

The following table shows the number of visa grants to migrants from the United Kingdom for Visitor, Student, Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment), and Working Holiday Maker visas.

Temporary Visa Category	2019–20	2020–21	2021–22	2022–23
Visitor	479,662	9,029	160,841	460,157
Student	3,671	2,467	2,488	3,006
Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment)	7,950	6,084	6,552	10,209
Other Temporary Visa Grants	10,502	5,317	9,780	19,610
Total Temporary Visa Grants	526,539	30,330	199,751	531,159

Main Occupations for UK Nationals

The following table shows the main occupations for nationals of the United Kingdom, based on Skill stream migration outcomes and Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa grants.

Occupation	Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) Visas (No. of Migrants)	Skill Stream Migration (No. of Migrants)
General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers	765	192
Registered Nurses	480	178
Advertising and Marketing Professionals	322	94
Carpenters and Joiners	193	-
Human Resource Professionals	320	92
Civil Engineering Professionals	218	-
Secondary School Teachers	161	-
Management and Organisation Analysts	214	-
Electricians	130	-
Other Medical Practitioners	-	112
Motor Mechanics	139	90
Plumbers	99	-
Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers	134	-
Cafe and Restaurant Managers	124	-
General Managers	115	-

Exploring Critical Jobs in Australia

If you are a UK national with UK qualifications, it is easier to have your education and skills recognised in Australia. Check out some of the current jobs that are available:

Exploring Jobs in Australia for UK Nurses: A Comprehensive Guide

Nursing Jobs in Australia for UK Nurses: Australia is always on the lookout for qualified nurses to join their healthcare system. With a robust healthcare sector, nurses from the UK can find numerous opportunities across various specialties and regions.

Teaching Jobs in Australia for UK Teachers: For educators from the UK, Australia offers a dynamic environment with opportunities in primary, secondary, and tertiary education. The recognition of UK teaching qualifications makes the transition smoother.

General Practitioner Jobs in Australia for UK GPs: Australia has a high demand for GPs, especially in rural and remote areas. UK-trained GPs can take advantage of this demand, benefiting from Australia's excellent healthcare infrastructure and support.

Construction Jobs in Australia for UK Workers: The construction industry in Australia is booming, with significant projects across the country. Skilled workers from the UK, including engineers, architects, and tradespeople, can find a wealth of opportunities in this sector.

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Working and Skilled Visas

Australia's thriving economy and high demand for skilled workers make working and skilled visas a popular choice. Key visa categories include:

• Business Innovation and Investment Visa: For eligible businesspeople looking to continue their investment activities in Australia permanently.
• Global Talent Visa: For individuals with an internationally recognised record of achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, academia, or research.
• Employer Nomination Scheme: Allows individuals nominated by an employer to gain permanent residency. Subcategories include the Direct Entry stream, the Labour Agreement stream, and the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa: Designed for individuals who have lived, worked, or studied in a designated region in Australia.
• Temporary Activity Visa: For short-term, temporary work and participation in government-endorsed events.
• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa: Allows foreign workers to fill positions that cannot be filled by Australian workers.

Working Holiday Visas

For young people seeking a temporary stay in Australia, working holiday visas offer a great opportunity to experience the country while earning money. These visas are typically available to individuals aged 18-35  (or 18-30 in some cases). UK passport holders can apply for a Working Holiday visa between the ages of 18 and 35 years inclusive

The primary visa in this category is:

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417): Allows young people from eligible countries, including the UK, to work and travel in Australia for up to one year. This visa can often be extended by completing specified work in regional Australia.

Student Visas

Australia is a popular destination for international students due to its world-class education system. Student visas allow individuals to study and work part-time in Australia. The key student visa is:

• Student Visa (subclass 500): Allows individuals to enrol in a full-time course of study at an Australian educational institution. This visa also permits limited work hours during the study period.

Tourist Visas

For those looking to explore Australia for shorter periods, tourist visas are available. UK citizens can use the Electronic Visitor Visa (EVV) or  Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or  for short stays:

• Electronic Visitor Visa (EVV) to Australia

The Electronic Visitor Visa (EVV) is a convenient and efficient option for UK nationals planning to visit Australia for short-term stays. This visa is designed for tourists, business visitors, and individuals visiting family or friends. It simplifies the process of entering Australia, ensuring a hassle-free experience for eligible travellers.

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• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Allows UK citizens to visit Australia for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. The ETA is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

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How to Become a Permanent Australian Resident

Permanent residency in Australia offers numerous benefits, such as the right to live and work anywhere in the country, free education for children, and eligibility for citizenship after a qualifying period. Common pathways to permanent residency include skilled work visas and family visas. Each visa category has strict eligibility requirements, and applicants must demonstrate their qualifications to the Australian border authorities.

Benefits of Permanent Residence in Australia

Permanent residency in Australia comes with a plethora of benefits, enhancing your lifestyle, job opportunities, and social security.

Lifestyle

High Quality of Life: Australia is known for its high standard of living, with clean cities, beautiful landscapes, and excellent public services making it an attractive destination for those seeking a better lifestyle.

Outdoor Activities: The country offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from surfing and beach outings to hiking and exploring national parks. The pleasant climate and diverse natural environment provide ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

Cultural Diversity: Australia is a multicultural society, welcoming people from all backgrounds, which enriches the social and cultural fabric of the nation. This diversity is reflected in the country's food, festivals, and community activities, allowing you to experience a variety of cultures and traditions.

Job Opportunities

Strong Economy: Australia boasts a robust and growing economy with opportunities across various sectors such as healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and more. The demand for skilled workers is high, providing numerous job opportunities for qualified individuals.

Work-Life Balance: Australians value a good work-life balance, with flexible working hours and a strong emphasis on leisure and family time. This balance contributes to a higher quality of life and overall well-being.

Job Security: As a permanent resident, you have the right to work in any occupation and can switch jobs without needing to apply for a new visa. This flexibility allows for greater job security and career progression, ensuring you can build a stable and prosperous career in Australia.

Social Security

Healthcare: Permanent residents have access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, which provides free or subsidised healthcare services. This ensures that residents receive essential medical care without the burden of high costs, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Education: Children of permanent residents can attend public schools for free or at a significantly reduced cost. Permanent residents also have access to higher education loans, making it easier to pursue further studies and enhance career prospects.

Social Services: As a permanent resident, you are eligible for social security benefits, including unemployment benefits, family assistance payments, and other welfare support. These benefits provide a safety net during times of need, ensuring you and your family are well-supported.

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Costs of Moving to Australia from the UK

Moving to Australia involves significant expenses, including visa application fees, travel costs, and living expenses. Here's a detailed breakdown of some estimated costs to help you plan your move effectively:

Visa Application Costs

The costs associated with visa applications can vary significantly depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

Australian Entry Requirements

To migrate to Australia, you must meet specific requirements based on your chosen visa pathway. Here are the general entry requirements for different visa categories:

Skilled Migration Visas

• Be under 45 years old
• Have a skill from Australia's list
• Pass a skills assessment
• Get an invitation to apply
• Score enough points based on age, qualifications, and English skills

Working Holiday Visa

• Aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for some countries)
• Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
• Have sufficient funds for your stay
• Meet health and character requirements

Student Visa

• Enrolled in a full-time course at an Australian educational institution
• Have sufficient funds for tuition fees and living expenses
• Meet health and character requirements
• Possess adequate health insurance

Family Visas

• Sponsored by an eligible family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Meet health and character requirements

Employer-Sponsored Visa

• Nominated by an approved Australian employer
• Possess the necessary skills and qualifications for the job
• Meet health and character requirements

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Emigrating to Australia with a Criminal Record

Having a criminal record can complicate the process of moving to Australia, but it may still be possible depending on the nature of the offence. The Australian Department of Home Affairs will assess your criminal history and determine your eligibility.

Book a Visa Consultation

Our experienced migration consultants are here to help you navigate the complexities of the Australian visa process. Contact us today to discuss your visa options and start your journey from the UK  to Australia.

Remember:

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. Given the uniqueness of every case, engaging with a registered migration agent is highly recommended for bespoke guidance and to navigate the specific details of your situation effectively. Book a visa consultation with a Registered Migration Agent