How To Get Your Working Visa For Australia

Updated: April 2026

Australia’s visa system is points-based, employer-dependent, or family-tied, and the right route depends on your specific circumstances. This guide covers the main visa options for UK nationals planning to move to Australia in 2026, including skilled worker visas, family visas, working holidays, and what happens at the end of a temporary visa.

One important note: the RSMS visa (subclass 187, Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) was closed to new applications in November 2019. It is no longer available, though it sometimes still appears on outdated immigration guides.

 

 

Skilled Worker Visas, For Those Moving to Work

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

A permanent visa that does not require an employer or state sponsor. You are invited to apply based on your points score under Australia’s SkillSelect system.

Requirements:

• Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Points score of at least 65 (from age, English proficiency, education, and work experience)
• Skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation
• Under 45 years old

This visa gives you the most flexibility; you can live and work anywhere in Australia without ties to a specific employer or region. Because it has no employer or state sponsor boosting your application, the points bar is high. Check your estimated score before applying.

 

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

A permanent visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. In exchange for the nomination, you are expected to live and work in that state for at least two years.

Requirements:

• Occupation nominated by the state must be on a relevant skilled occupation list
• Points score of at least 65 (state nomination adds 5 points to your score)
• Skills assessment
• Under 45 years old

Each state and territory runs its own nomination program with its own occupation lists and eligibility criteria. Nomination requirements change regularly, check the relevant state government website directly before applying.

 

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

A temporary visa (5 years) for working in regional Australia, with a pathway to permanent residence after three years. Requires nomination by a state/territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a regional area.

Requirements:

• Occupation on the relevant regional skilled occupation list
• Points score of at least 65
• Skills assessment
• Under 45 years old
• Must live and work in a designated regional area

After three years in regional Australia with the 491 visa, you can apply for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

 

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

A permanent visa for workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer. Available through two streams:

• Temporary Residence Transition stream, for workers already in Australia on a subclass 482 visa with the nominating employer for at least two years
• Direct Entry stream, for workers nominated from outside Australia; requires a skills assessment and typically three years of relevant work experience

Requirements:

• Nominated by an approved sponsor employer
• Occupation on the eligible list
• Skills assessment (Direct Entry)
• Under 45 years old

 

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

A temporary visa (2 or 4 years depending on occupation list) that allows an Australian employer to sponsor a skilled worker when they cannot find a suitable Australian candidate.

Requirements:

• Nominated by an approved employer sponsor
• Occupation on the Short-Term or Medium-Term Skilled Occupation List
• At least two years of relevant work experience
• English language requirement
• Health and character requirements

This is often the first step for UK professionals moving to Australia through employer sponsorship, followed by a subclass 186 application after the required period.

 

 

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

The Working Holiday Visa is a popular route for UK nationals aged 18–30 (extended to 35 for UK passport holders under the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement provisions). It allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending for a second and third year if you complete qualifying regional work.

Requirements:

• UK passport holder
• Aged 18–35
• No dependent children accompanying you

The Working Holiday is often used as an entry point, to experience working in Australia before committing to a longer visa pathway. Many Working Holiday visa holders transition to employer-sponsored or skilled visas once established in the country.

 

 Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

For individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement in a target sector: AgriFood and AgTech, energy and mining technology, medtech, cybersecurity, financial services, quantum, advanced manufacturing and space. Requires endorsement by an approved organisation or agency.

This visa grants permanent residence and does not require employer sponsorship, but the bar for demonstrating exceptional achievement is high.

 

 

Family Visas

Partner Visa (Subclasses 820/801, Temporary and Permanent)

For the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The application is lodged onshore (820 temporary, leading to 801 permanent) or offshore.

Parent Visa (Subclass 103, Contributory Parent: 143/173)

For parents of an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Standard parent visas have very long processing times (potentially decades). Contributory Parent visas are faster but significantly more expensive.

Child Visa (Subclass 101 / 802)

For dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Family visa processing times vary significantly by visa type and individual circumstances. Consult a registered migration agent for guidance on family visa applications.

 

 

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

For those enrolled at a registered Australian educational institution. Requirements include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your institution
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, evidence that you intend to stay temporarily
• Financial capacity to cover tuition and living costs
• English language proficiency
• Health and character requirements

After completing your studies, the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows you to work in Australia for two to four years depending on your qualification level, with a longer stay available for regional study or STEM graduates.

 

 

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

For short visits to Australia for tourism, business, or visiting family. UK nationals can typically apply for an eVisitor (subclass 651) online, which allows multiple stays of up to three months within a 12-month period at no charge.

If you intend to move permanently, do not attempt to enter on a visitor visa, it will not allow you to work and may complicate future visa applications.

 

 

The Points Test: How Your Score Is Calculated

Skilled visa applicants are assessed under Australia’s points test. The minimum is 65 points, but competitive candidates typically score significantly higher, the invitation threshold in SkillSelect draws often sits well above 65 for in-demand occupations.

 

Factor	Maximum points
Age (25–32 scores highest at 30 points)	30
English language ability (Superior = 20)	20
Overseas skilled work experience (8+ years = 15)	15
Australian skilled work experience (8+ years = 20)	20
Educational qualifications (PhD = 20)	20
Australian study requirement	5
Professional year in Australia	5
Credentialled community language	5
Study in regional Australia	5
Partner skill qualification	10
State/territory nomination	5

Skills assessments for skilled visas are carried out by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation, Vetassess, Engineers Australia, AHPRA, and others, depending on your field. The assessment process takes time and should be started early.