Hundreds of people move to Australia from the UK every year, many of these people drawn by work opportunities on the other side of the world. Like any visit to Australia, travelling to work in the country will require a valid visa. What visa you or your family need will depend entirely on your specific situation, as there are countless types of visas you can apply for.
Applying for the wrong type of visa or providing incorrect information can lead to complications, which is why it’s vital you understand your options. If you already have a career or if you have a job offer based in Australia, this could make the process of moving to Australia smoother. However, there are ways to search for an Australian-based job or even move before you’ve found a career.
Moving to Australia from UK Requirements
There are certain requirements you will need to meet to be able to live in Australia on a working visa. The following professions are eligible for types of working visas:
- Workers classed as ‘skilled’ by the Australian government (According to Skills Assessment)
- Highly specialised workers
- Trainees (on a short term basis)
- Experienced business people
- International investors
As long as you meet the criteria for a specific visa, you will be eligible to apply. Processing times can vary and different visas can cost you a lot of money, so you should ensure you begin the Australia visa application process as soon as you can.
If deciding on the right visa option for your Australian move from the UK is proving more difficult than you anticipated, Gerson Moving Services are here to help.
Working Visa for Australia from the UK
The following is a breakdown of the main employment-based visa options for moving to Australia for an Australian-based job role. You should do your own research before applying – the Australian Government Home Affairs website is a great source of information.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
Cost: 4,045 AUD / £2,138
This visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently. To be eligible, you must be nominated by an Australian employer, as well as meet the following requirements:
- Have the necessary skills for the job role
- Have a job role deemed a skilled occupation
- Meet health and character requirements
- Display competent English language skills
- Have 3 years previous relevant work experience
- Be younger than 45 years old (with some exceptions)
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Direct Entry Stream)
Cost: 4,045 AUD / £2,138
This visa also allows permanent living in working in Australia as long as you are nominated by a regional Australian employer.
- Have the necessary skills for the job role
- Have a job role deemed a skilled occupation
- Meet health and character requirements
- Display competent English language skills
- Have 3 years previous relevant work experience
- Be younger than 45 years old
- Agree to remain within this employment for a minimum of 2 years
Skilled Independent Visa
Cost: 4,045 AUD / £2,138
For this visa, you need to be invited to apply by an Australian state or territory government after your skills are deemed necessary to Australia. Alongside this, you should meet the following requirements.
- Younger than 45 years old
- Have the necessary skills for the job role
- Have a job role deemed a skilled occupation
- Meet health and character requirements
- Display competent English language skills
- Satisfy points test with at least 65 points
Skilled Regional Visa (Provisional)
Cost: 4,045 AUD / £2,138
This is a visa for living and working in regional Australia for which an Australian employer can nominate you or an Australian relative can sponsor you. For the invited pathway for this visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Younger than 45 years old
- Have the necessary skills for the job role
- Have a job role deemed a skilled occupation
- Meet health and character requirements
- Display competent English language skills
- Satisfy points test with at least 65 points
For a more permanent stay, you must follow the extended stay pathway, which costs 360 AUD or £190, requires you to hold one of the following at the time of your application.
- Skilled Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 475)
- Skilled Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 487)
- Skilled Independent Regional visa (subclass 495)
- Skilled Designated Area Sponsored Provisional visa (subclass 496)
Temporary Working Visa Australia
The following visa types are for temporary working stays in Australia. It may be possible to apply for another more permanent visa type before your temporary visa expires, but you should confirm this before travelling on a temporary permit.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
Cost: 1,265 AUD / £669
This visa allows an Australian employer to sponsor a skilled international worker when they cannot find a suitable Australian candidate. You must follow the below criteria:
- Already hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa and have shown compliance with previous visa conditions, if applying from within Australia
- Nominated by an approved sponsor to fill an occupation that is included on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation list
- Worked in occupation or related field for minimum 2 years
- Have adequate health insurance
- Meet health and character requirements
- Display competent English language skills
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa
Cost: 310 AUD / £164
This visa allows short term (up to 6 months) and highly specialised work in Australia. To apply, ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Display highly specialised skills, knowledge, or experience for the purpose of supporting an Australian business
- Be able to support yourself with adequate funds
- Meet health and character requirements
Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa
Cost: 310 AUD / £164
Entry on this visa requires particular circumstances that require your skills to improve Australia’s international relations. The following criteria must be met:
- Show a letter of support among the following:
- stating that you are engaged in a bilateral agreement between Australia / Australian state or territory government, and another country
- from the foreign government agency, ministry, mission, international organisation, or Australian school or relevant state or territory education authority (for foreign language teachers)
- or from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs Trade (DFAT)
- Be able to support yourself with adequate funds
- Already hold a substantive visa if applying from Australia
- Have adequate health insurance
- Meet health and character requirements
Distinguished Talent Visa
Cost: 4,110 AUD / £2,172
This visa allows permanent residence in Australia for holding an internationally recognised record of outstanding achievement in a field that includes a profession, art, academia or research. You must be nominated and the following criteria must also be met:
- Contribute in a way that benefits the Australian community
- Have the ability to establish yourself in the country either through work in your field or by becoming independently established
- Have functional English
- Meet health and character requirements
Working Holiday Visa Australia
Cost: 495 AUD / £262
This is another visa option for young adults who wish to extend a holiday by 12 months in Australia and intend to work in the country in order to finance their stay. Basic eligibility is below:
- Between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive)
- Own a passport from an eligible country or jurisdiction
- Not be accompanied by dependent children
From moving advice to removal services for assisting you with your international move, we have the skills and expertise to ensure you are fully prepared for your exciting new opportunities. What are you waiting for? Get a quote with us today.
