uk tourist visa for australian permanent resident

Select language

What are you looking for, visa and immigration information.

Getty Images/SolStock

What documents will I need?

Planning a visit to Britain but not sure what documents you’ll need? Find key information on passport requirements, visas and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) below. Detailed guidance can also be found on the official government website .

West Midlands Growth Company

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals

Some entry requirements changed for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, post Brexit.

Most travellers from the EU, EEA and Switzerland will require a passport to enter Britain and Northern Ireland. Your passport will need to be valid for your entire stay here. 

Some, but not all visitors can use an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID to enter Britain and Northern Ireland until at least 31 December 2025. Check gov.uk website for who is eligible.

Common Travel Areas

For those in the Common Travel Areas (known as Britain and Northern Ireland, the rest of Ireland, and Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man), please see here for the  different document requirements .

The rest of the world

You must have a valid passport to enter Britain and Northern Ireland, and it should be valid for the whole duration of your stay.

Most people coming to visit Britain and Northern Ireland will need a visa. To discover whether you need one or not depends on why you’re visiting and your nationality. 

You’ll have to either:

Apply for a standard Visitor Visa. There is a cost for this, and it must be applied for three months before travel.

Be able to visit Britain and Northern Ireland for six months without needing a visa.

You can check which applies to you .

More information on short-stay visas can be found on the official government website.

Electronic Travel Authorisation

By the end of 2024, Electronic Travel Authorisation will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not currently need a visa for short stays. More information on the ETA scheme can be found on the official government website.

Until the introduction of the ETA, most travellers from the EU, EEA and Switzerland won’t require a visa but will still need their passport to enter Britain and Northern Ireland. Your passport will need to be valid for your entire stay.

VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you can find the most up-to-date information on visiting Britain and Northern Ireland on the official government website .

American, Canadian and Australian tourists, and citizens of certain Commonwealth countries, can travel visa-free throughout Britain and Northern Ireland, providing you have a valid passport and your reason for visiting meets the immigration rules .

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme started to replace the electronic visa waiver from late 2023:

• From 15 November 2023, nationals of Qatar require an ETA to travel to the UK.
• From 22 February 2024, nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE require an ETA to travel to the UK. The ETA scheme is now open for applications from nationals of these countries.
• More countries will be added to the scheme at a later date.

An ETA will cost £10 per application when the scheme opens, will permit multiple journeys and be valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires - whichever is sooner.

More information on the new ETA scheme can be found via the official government website.

For nationals of all other countries, you can check if you need a UK visa here.

Immigration applications

Please note that www.GOV.UK is the only official UK immigration website and provides all of the information necessary to successfully complete an application.

We have received reports of customers using non-GOV.UK websites to support their UK immigration applications. If you have made use of these websites, please be aware of the following:

• Some non-GOV.UK websites deliberately attempt to deceive customers by making it appear as though they are an official part of the application process.
• These websites can pose a risk to a customer’s security and data.
• They will often charge applicants extra, unnecessary fees in addition to any fees related to the official immigration application.
• The information included on these websites is not moderated by the Home Office and may be inaccurate or misleading.

If you think you may have been a victim of a non-GOV.UK website seeking your data and/or money, please report this to Reporting fraud and cyber crime | Action Fraud .

• Individual Immigration
• Business Immigration
• European Immigration
• Worldwide Immigration
• New UK Rules
• News & Views
• Sim Client Login

Sim login English 简体中文

Latest News

4 April 2024

3 visa options for hiring international graduate talent

3 April 2024

United States: H-1B updates and reminders

Global immigration news round-up, applying for a uk visa from australia in 2023.

25 January 2023

From 16 January 2023, those applying for a UK visa in Sydney, Australia, will have the option of paying to get a faster decision on their application.

UK Visas and Immigrarion (UKVI) has launched a Super Priority visa service which will allow customers in Sydney to receive a decision on their UK visa application by the end of the next working day. UKVI offers this optional paid service at select locations around the world and it is intended to provide flexibility and convenience to customers.

The fee for the Super Priority visa service is currently £956, and must be paid in addition to the standard visa application fee. The service is not currently available for new family or settlement applications.

What are the standard UK visa processing times?

Customers who choose not to pay for a faster decision will have their application decided within the Home Office’s standard processing times.

Processing times vary according to the type of visa you are applying for, the location you submitted your application and the time of year. Currently, most applications for work and study visas submitted outside the UK are being processed within the three-week service standard.

The very latest visa decision waiting times for each visa category are published online here . This also includes additional information about the priority services for those applying outside of the UK.

After you have submitted your visa application online, the waiting time starts when you have attended your appointment and provided your biometric information at a visa application centre, or when you have verified your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

When you might need to wait longer

In some cases, your application may not be decided within standard processing times. You may need to wait longer for a decision if your application is not straightforward and more information is needed before a decision can be made, for example:

• if your supporting documents need to be verified
• if you need to attend an interview
• because of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction).

If you applied for a Priority or Super Priority visa and your application is not straightforward, you may have to wait longer, but your application will still be put at the front of the queue at every stage of the decision-making process. UKVI will try to process your application within the standard timescales.

Do Australians need a visa to travel to the UK?

Under UK immigration law, Australian citizens are visa-exempt travellers, otherwise known as non-visa nationals. Non-visa nationals are foreign citizens who can enter the UK for short stays without requiring a visa.

Australian nationals can stay in the UK as a tourist for up to 6 months without a visa. However, non-visa nationals must still meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements to visit the UK. You may be asked questions at the UK border about your eligibility and the activities you plan to do.

As a visitor to the UK, you are permitted to carry out certain business activities , such as attending meetings or conferences, negotiating and signing contracts and carrying out site visits. However, you cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or on a self-employed basis.  Australian nationals who wish to work in the UK must apply for a visa.

Anyone intending to visit the UK for business purposes should therefore ensure that their plans fall within the scope of permitted activities under the visitor rules. Smith Stone Walters recommends seeking legal advice from a qualified immigration advisor if you are unsure.

To speak to a member of our team, please contact us today .

Share story

© 2024 Smith Stone Walters

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Notice
• Cookie Notice
• OISC registration number: F200100066

Site by Parallel

• Spouse Visa
• Fiance Visa
• Unmarried Partner Visa
• Dependant Visa
• Child Dependant Visa
• Adult Dependent Relative Visa
• UK Ancestry Visa

Skilled Worker Visa

Scale-up visa, global talent visa, high potential individual visa.

• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Sports Person Visa
• Minister of Religion Visa
• Temporary Work Visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
• Innovator Founder Visa
• Start-up Visa
• Sponsor Licence
• Immigration Compliance and Audits
• Entrepreneur Visa Extension
• Investor Visa Extension
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• British Naturalisation
• EUSS Family Permit
• British Citizenship By Marriage
• British Citizenship By Birth
• British Citizenship By Decent
• British Citizenship For Child Born Abroad
• Administrative Review
• Judicial Review
• Blog & News

UK Visas for Australian Citizens

By Amar Ali, Immigration Solicitor

Do australians need a visa for the uk.

Australian nationals do not require a visa to come to the UK for a short-term visit of up to 6 months. However, a UK visa is required for Australian citizens who wish to stay for longer than 6 months. Australian citizens can choose from a wide range of UK immigration routes, including UK family visas (e.g. spouse or partner visa), work visas (e.g. Skilled Worker visa), or business visas (e.g. Start-up visa or Innovator visa).

The UK visas available to you will depend on your circumstances and your plans in the UK (e.g. if you wish to settle in the UK). This article outlines the most popular Australia to UK visa options for Australians planning to come to or are already present in the UK.

UK work visas for Australians

Australian citizens who want to work in the UK will need to apply for a work visa. There are several different types of work visas available, depending on the type of work, the length of the intended stay, and the individual's qualifications and circumstances. The most common type of work visa is Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 visa), which is designed for skilled workers with a job offer from a UK employer. Other types of work visas that may be relevant for Australian citizens include scale-up visa, high potential individual visa, and global talent visa. For more information, you can check our page UK Work Visas and Work Permits .

The Skilled Worker visa (previously the Tier 2 General visa) is a UK points-based system (PBS) visa. For Australians wanting to come to the UK for work, it is the most popular long-term work visa route. As the name suggests, this scheme is open to applicants who meet the required skill level and have an offer of a job from an approved employer. To score enough points to secure a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to show that you:

• Have a job offer for an eligible role 1 .
• Are sponsored by a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence 2 .
• Meet the salary requirements 3 – i.e., pay of £25,600 per year, £10.10 per hour, or the ‘going rate’ 4 for your occupation. Under certain circumstances, the salary requirement may be lower – e.g., if you have a job in the UK shortage occupation list or you are a recent graduate.
• Meet the English language requirements 5 – by passing an English language test at level CEFR B1 or above, having a degree taught in English or coming from a country whose citizens are exempt from this requirement.

As an Australian citizen, you don't need to meet the English language requirement comparing to applicants from other countries. If you are successful in securing a Skilled Worker visa, you will be able to stay for up to 5 years (depending on the duration of your employment), at which point you can apply to settle in the UK.

The Scale-up visa is aimed at helping fast-growing businesses in the UK to employ overseas workers to help further their expansion. The Scale-up visa is a new visa for 2022 and is similar to the Skilled Worker visa as it will allow an Australian citizen to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years and then apply to settle. The main difference is that with a Scale-up visa, after 6 months, there is no restriction on changing employer. In addition, the salary requirement is set at a higher level. To apply for a Scale-up visa, you will need to show that you:

• have a job offer from an approved scale-up business 6 for a period of at least 6 months
• have a certificate of sponsorship from your UK employer
• have a job on the list of eligible occupations 7
• meet the minimum salary requirements - £33,000 per annum, £10.10 per hour, or the ‘going rate’ for your occupation

The High Potential Individual visa or HPI visa is also new for 2022 and is aimed at those who have graduated from a top non-UK university in the last 5 years. For Australian nationals, the University of Melbourne is listed as one of the top eligible universities. Therefore, if you graduated from this university in the last 5 years, you will be able to apply for an HPI visa.

HPI visa holders do not require a job offer and, once in the UK, are free to find employment, work in any type of role or for any employer, be self-employed, and travel freely to and from the UK. It is important to note that HPI visa holders can only stay for 2 years (or 3 years if they have a Ph.D.), and they cannot extend their stay. Instead, HPI visa holders who wish to stay longer or settle in the UK can switch to a different type of visa (e.g., a Skilled Worker visa).

To qualify for the UK HPI visa, applicants must:

• Hold a qualification that is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, a UK postgraduate degree, or a UK Ph.D. or doctorate from a top university
• Meet the English language requirements (i.e., have a degree that was taught in English or pass an English language test at CEFR B1 level)
• Have enough savings (£1,270).

The UK’s Global Talent visa is aimed at overseas leaders and potential leaders in the fields of academia or research, arts and culture, and digital technology. Global Talent visa holders can work, be self-employed, run their own businesses, change jobs, and travel freely to and from the UK. The Global Talent visa is extremely beneficial as, depending on your background, you may be able to settle permanently in the UK after just 3 years. To make a successful Global Talent visa, you must:

• Be at least 18 years, and
• Have been endorsed by an appropriate endorsement body in the UK as being a leader or potential leader.

The exact requirements you will need to meet to acquire an endorsement depend on your field of expertise and the endorsing body’s requirements. For example, those applying as a leader in research or academia must be able to show they have an eligible job offer as an academic or researcher, an individual fellowship, a research grant approved by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), or an eligible award.

Ancestry Visa

The UK’s Ancestry visa is for applicants with historical, familial ties to the UK – this includes commonwealth citizens. Because Australia is a member of the Commonwealth, you may be able to apply for an Ancestry visa if you meet the UK visa requirements; notably, you must be able to show you:

• are aged 17 or over
• have a grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, before 31 March 1922 in Ireland, or on a ship or aircraft that were either registered in the UK or belonged to the UK government
• have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK without needing help from public funds, and you
• plan to work in the UK

Ancestry visa holders can remain in the UK for up to 5 years and then submit an ILR application which will allow them to stay permanently.

1 GOV.UK: Eligible occupations

2 GOV.UK: Register of licensed sponsors

3 GOV.UK: Skilled worker salary requirements

4 GOV.UK: Going rates

5 GOV.UK: Knowledge of English

6 GOV.UK: Approved sponsor list

7 GOV.UK: Scale up visa going rates

Get In Touch

Reiss Edwards Awards

This was my first time using Reiss Edwards and I had a great experience with them, our solicitor was Zarish Aslam. Zarish was very attentive, organised, and a good communicator. Overall I am very happy with their service and wholeheartedly recommend their services.

Mohamed Mansour

"Reiss Edwards provides professional services. The team is a world-class team with great experience.

Ms Zarish is one of the best consultants at Reiss Edwards who has great knowledge and extensive experience.

Totally recommended!"

Simon Daniels

Absolutely amazing!! We were told our application wasn't possible with numerous other immigration attorneys. Thank you to Ben Inigo-Jones and Kader Gulbahce for all their support with our children's application for citizenship. You made the impossible, possible. We received their citizenship in under 3 months and couldn't be happier. Thank you from the Daniels Family

Simran Luthra

Amazing service from Baris, very informative and polite! 10/10

Reiss Edwards Reviews

This was my first time using Reiss Edwards and I had a great experience with the...

Reiss Edwards provides professional services. The team is a world-class team wit...

Absolutely amazing!! We were told our application wasn't possible with numerous ...

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more about our privacy policy

• [email protected]
• 1800 039 300
• Youth Mobility Scheme
• Ancestry visas
• UK spouse visa
• Employer sponsored visas
• Privacy policy
• Terms and conditions

UK visas and immigration made simple

We help australian citizens apply for uk visas.

Whether you’re embarking on a two year working holiday, want to apply for an Ancestry visa or want to bring your partner to the UK, we’re here to help.

Our experienced team of immigration specialists will ensure that you have the greatest chance of a successful visa application.

Take our Visa Assessment to see if you qualify for a UK visa.

• Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa This visa lets eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens work and travel throughout the UK for two years.
• Ancestry visas This visa is based on having a UK-born grandparent, and is one of the most popular routes to permanently live and work in the UK.
• Partner visas Bring your partner to live and work in the UK with you.
• Employer sponsored visa Do you provide skilled services? Let an employer sponsor your stay in the UK.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain After living in the UK for several years, you may qualify for permanent resident status.
• National status trace Find out if you qualify for UK citizenship or an Ancestry visa through your heritage.

Applying for a UK visa

Generally, you need to apply for your UK visa from a country in which you are a citizen or permanent resident. When you apply, you’ll need your original passport. You’ll also need to remain in your home country while your application is processed.

Application processing times fluctuate throughout the year and can take two to three months. We recommend that you make arrangements for your visa well in advance of any planned travel. We also advise against booking non-refundable or non-flexible travel prior to visa approval.

There are a number of switching rules imposed by UK Visas and Immigration; in many instances, you cannot switch visa status within the UK. It is important to make sure that you apply for and obtain the most appropriate visa for your circumstances before travelling.

UK visa assessment

Answer a few questions and we'll let you know if you're eligible to live and work in the UK. It takes less than five minutes and it's free of charge or obligation.

1 st  Contact is a member of Sable International Copyright © 2021.  All rights reserved.

Please note: 1 st Contact Visas is a trading name of Philip Gamble and Co. Ltd. Philip Gamble and Co. Ltd is registered in the UK with the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner (OISC) under no. F201100245. Our staff based outside of the UK are not regulated by the OISC and may be involved in some client casework. However, they work to the same high standards as our UK staff and clients receive the same service regardless of which office they engage with.

Do you like cookies? We do, read why .

• United Kingdom
• United States
• North America
• Latin America
• APAC (Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific)
• EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Get Free Quotes from up to 6 Shipping Companies

• Moving Overseas

Visas for the United Kingdom from Australia

If you’ve decided that you want to move to the UK then that’s half the job done, but they also need to decide if they want you. However, don’t lose heart: in 2016 Australia were in the top 5 countries for UK visas given to non-EU nationals, so you must be doing something right. In the same year, 25,000 Brits came to live in Australia, making it the most popular country for British emigrants, so it’s only fair that Australians can head in the opposite direction if they want to.

Do you need a visa?

If you’re making a permanent move to the UK and you’re planning on working there then yes, you need a visa. However, it’s worth mentioning that Australians can live in the UK visa-free for up to 6 months if they are going there as a tourist. You can see see all the big buildings in London and wander through the Yorkshire Dales but the moment you get a job, you’re in trouble.

If you’re planning to settle down in the UK, it’d be wise to think about what medical cover you’ll have when you’re over there. The NHS is a wonderful thing , but it’s a very strained public service, and paying out for private medical insurance will help you evade some pretty lengthy waiting times.

Right of abode

Before you embark on the lengthy process of choosing a visa, applying for it and waiting for it, you should find out if you actually need to bother. Right of abode in the UK means you can live there without having to deal with any kind of immigration restrictions. However, there are three conditions that you need to meet order to have right of abode:

• One of your parents was born in the UK (and was still a UK citizen when you were born)
• You were born before 1st January 1983 into a Commonwealth country
• You have never ceased to be a Commonwealth citizen since 31st December 1982

If you entered the world more recently and both of your parents are proper Aussies then please read on. We’re afraid you’ve got a bit of work to do.

UK immigration points-based system

Funnily enough, the UK’s points-based immigration system was largely based on the Australian one. Before 2008, there were over eighty different kinds of visa available, but it has since become much less complicated (although still pretty complicated). The visas are divided into five tiers and each tier requires the applicant to score a certain number of points before he/she can be eligible. The main score determinants are English language proficiency, age, previous experience, future employment and savings, but these can vary greatly depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Luckily, in most cases, Australians get 10 points on their score before they’ve even started, thanks to their natural English language proficiency.

How to apply

Start off by going on the website for UK Visas and Immigration. On there, you can register, choose the relevant visa, fill out the form and pay any necessary fees. Isn’t the internet wonderful? However, you will eventually have to leave the house. All applications for visas of more than 6 months require you to get a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), and to acquire this you’ll need to go to one of the UK Visa Application Centres. These are situated in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Canberra. You’ll need various documents, such as educational and financial evidence, so don’t forget them, especially if you’ve got a long drive! At the Application Centre, they will scan all ten of your fingerprints and take a photograph of you. This biometric information is an essential part of your visa application. Find out more at the VFS Global website .

How much will it cost?

All visa applications include a fee that will vary significantly depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Each set of individual fees will be explained in more detail further down the page. There is also an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) that applies to all non-EU migrants staying in the UK for longer than 6 months. Once paid, you will be able to use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), so no need to worry about being torn away from Medicare! The cost of the IHS is £ 200 ( GBP ) per year for all visas, except the Tier 4 Student and Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visas, where it is £ 150 ( GBP ) per year.

If you’re thinking of moving to the UK, you’ll probably need to convert some of your Australian dollars into British pounds.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with Wise, an easy-to-use online international money transfer service which uses the real exchange rate, and charges low fees.

How much could you save? Well, its service can be up to 8x cheaper than high street banks.

Join more than 7 million people and start using Wise today .

Bringing family with you

The vast majority of UK visas allow you to bring your family members with you, because what’s life without family? The UK government classifies a ‘dependant’ as either your partner or your child (under the age of 18). If you have any children over the age of 18 who are already living in the UK as dependants then they can also join you on your visa. Normally, each dependant needs to hold a specific amount of money before they can move to the UK, but this figure varies from visa to visa. You also need to demonstrate you will be able to financially support any dependants who will be joining you. Every dependant needs to submit their biometric information and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Full guidance on dependant applications can be found here .

Which visa do I need?

Despite the relatively simple five-tier system, the number of different UK visas on offer is still pretty overwhelming, what with all the subcategories and special classifications. Hopefully you’ll soon work out which one you need with the help of our handy guide, where we’ve singled out the most useful and important visas for living and working in the UK.

Select the size of your move to get free quotes

Tier 1 can be divided up into two different types of visa.

Exceptional talent visa

This one caters specifically to very highly skilled migrants who have been endorsed in their respective field as someone with either ‘exceptional talent’ or ‘exceptional promise’. Only 1000 places are released each year (500 on 6th April and another 500 on 1st October) so there is a limit. With this visa, you are allowed to work in the UK, travel in and out of the country and bring your family with you, but you are prohibited from working as a professional sportsperson or as a doctor/dentist in training.

The visa lasts for a very specific 5 years and 4 months, although extensions of up to 5 years are possible.

Requirements

You have to apply to the UK Home Office for endorsement and it must be in one of the following industries: science, medicine, engineering, humanities, digital technology or the arts. The score on your application must reach a minimum of 100 points, which is based on a combination of your English language proficiency, financial maintenance, previous earnings, age, qualifications and past UK-based experience.

Processing time

Your application should be approved or rejected within 3 weeks. Also, you can’t apply any earlier than 3 months before you intend to move to the UK.

The application for endorsement costs £ 292 ( GBP ) and the visa application costs a further £ 293 ( GBP ) . All dependants who you intend to bring with you will have to pay £ 585 ( GBP ) per person. The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge, which is £ 200 ( GBP ) per visa year, also applies to yourself and each dependant.

Entrepreneur visa

If you want to start your own business in the UK then you’ll need one of these. You can even start running multiple companies on this visa if you’re feeling particularly entrepreneurial! Family members can come with you, too. However, you’re not permitted to start working for anybody else while you’re there.

This visa lasts for 3 years and 4 months, and further 2-year extensions are possible.

You need a score of at least 95 points on your application but, more importantly, you need to have a minimum of £50,000 (68,852 AUD) in funds for investment. Go big or go home. Specifically, the money must come from a UK venture capitalist firm. You can also secure the visa if you have £200,000 (275,406 AUD) in savings, but it must be your own money rather than investment from elsewhere. You will have to pitch your business plan to the Home Office in order to acquire approval, reinforced with accurate market research and a demonstration of its financial viability.

To apply online or by post costs £ 1,228 ( GBP ) , whereas to apply in person from outside the UK costs a bit less at £ 982 ( GBP ) . The same charges apply to each family member (or ‘dependant’) coming with you. The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge, which is £ 200 ( GBP ) per visa year, will also apply to yourself and each extra person.

There are two types of visa within the Tier 2 classification.

General (skilled worker) visa

If you are able to line up a skilled job offer in the UK all the way from Australia (it’s not as hard as it sounds) then the Tier 2 General visa is your best route into the UK. Your future employer must be registered as a licensed sponsor so that they can give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), as you’ll need this for your visa application. However, finding a company that’s a licensed sponsor is easy; the UK register of licensed businesses is massive (nearly 2000 pages long). With this visa you are also able to study, travel in and out of the UK, do some voluntary work and bring your family along with you.

The visa time length is generally the specified duration on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus one month, but this cannot exceed 5 years and 14 days. You’re allowed to move to the UK up to 14 days before your new work begins. It is possible to apply to extend your visa by up to 5 years, but the total length of your stay cannot exceed 6 years.

As the tier number increases, the number of points required decreases. For the Tier 2 General visa, the applicant needs to score a minimum of 70 points in order to be eligible. The Certificate of Sponsorship adds 30 points, but you need sufficient English language proficiency, enough personal maintenance funds and an ‘appropriate salary’ in order to score the remaining 40 points. An ‘appropriate salary’ must be at least £30,000 (41,311 AUD), but for some highly skilled jobs the minimum appropriate salary is even higher. Check out all the relevant salary guidance here .

Your application should be approved or rejected within 3 weeks, and you can’t apply any earlier than 3 months before you intend to move to the UK.

There are four different sets of fees depending on the type and duration of your move. The cost of the visa is determined by a) whether you’re filling a shortage occupation and b) whether you’re staying in the UK for more than 3 years.

• No more than 3 years : £ 587 ( GBP ) .
• No more than 3 years (filling a shortage occupation) : £ 446 ( GBP ) .
• Over 3 years : £ 1,174 ( GBP ) .
• Over 3 years (filling a shortage occupation) : £ 892 ( GBP ) .

The Immigration Health Surcharge also applies, which is £ 200 ( GBP ) per visa year. Both the application fee and the IHS apply to any dependants who are accompanying you.

UK shortage occupations list

The easiest way for you to secure a Tier 2 visa is to target the occupations that are currently experiencing a shortage of personnel in the UK. If you take a look at the UK Shortage Occupations List (SOL), you will find a huge number of different skill sets that are required in the UK, ranging from engineering and mathematical roles to more artistic ones. As you can see in the fees listed above, helping the UK with an occupation shortage also makes the visa a little cheaper. Here is an example of just some of the jobs listed on the SOL at the moment. You can read the full list here .

Intra-company transfer visa

If your current employer is sending you abroad to start working in the UK branch of their business, then you should be looking at this visa. It allows you to fill the overseas post and start working in the UK, along with being able to bring family members with you and travel in and out of the country. There are two types of intra-company transfer visa, one for long-term staff and the other for graduate trainees.

The length of time on the visa varies depending on the type. Long-term staff roles earning over £120,000 (165,244 AUD) per year allow applicants to stay for 9 years, whereas a salary under £120,000 only permits a stay of 5 years and 1 month. Graduate trainee visas last for just 12 months. For any of the three classifications, the applicant can move to the UK up to 14 days before they start their new role. Extensions of 9 years or 5 years are possible for long-term staff (depending on their salary), while graduate trainees can only extend their stay by a maximum of 12 months.

To take up a long-term staff position in the UK, you must have at least one year’s experience with your current employer and your company must be unable to fill the role with a UK recruit. However, a UK-based salary of at least £73,900 (101,763 AUD) would mean that you don’t need to have worked for your current employer for any minimum amount of time. On the other hand, graduate trainees require just 3 months’ experience with their company before they can perform an intra-company transfer.

In terms of other requirements, you need a Certificate of Sponsorship (easily acquired if your company is a licensed sponsor), at least £ 945 ( GBP ) in savings and an ‘appropriate salary’, which at the very least means a minimum of £ 41,500 ( GBP ) for long-term staff and £ 23,000 ( GBP ) for graduate trainees.

Long-term staff applicants looking to stay for over 3 years must pay £ 1,174 ( GBP ) , but if the duration of the stay is 3 years or less then the fee is only £ 587 ( GBP ) . Graduate trainee applicants are charged £ 463 ( GBP ) . Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £ 200 ( GBP ) per visa year. The same set of fees applies to each dependant that accompanies the applicant.

Ah, the visa that never was. When the UK’s immigration system was split into 5 tiers in 2008, the third tier was intended for filling unskilled labour shortages with people from outside the EEA. However, it was never used and in 2013 it was completely shut down. We thought we should tell you about this one, just in case you were wondering where tier 3 was.

If you’re temporarily relocating to the UK for educational reasons, then the single fourth tier visa might be the one for you.

General (student) visa

This is the main option taken by international students who intend to study in the UK. If you are at least 16 years old and have been offered a place at a university then you’ll need this visa to make things happen. You can bring dependants with you but there are some pretty specific requirements that change on a case-by-case basis, so do your research here .

Naturally, you’re allowed a bit of time to settle in before the beginning of your course. If the course is shorter than 6 months then you’re given an extra week at the start, but if you’ll be studying for more than 6 months then you can arrive up to one month before. There is also allowance made for time in the UK after the end of your course:

• Less than 6 months of study: One week of extra stay allowed
• Between 6 and 12 months of study: 2 months of extra stay allowed
• At least 12 months of study: 4 months of extra stay allowed

The overall length of the visa is determined by the length of the course, which can vary depending on your field of study and institution. It is possible to extend your visa in order to continue further with your existing course or even start a new one.

Along with an unconditional offer for a place at a university in the UK, you also need enough personal funds to support yourself for the duration of your course. This amount varies and it depends on several factors, so it is normally determined once you have first submitted your application. Obviously proof of your English proficiency is also essential.

You know the drill: your application should be approved or rejected within 3 weeks, and you can’t apply any earlier than 3 months before you intend to move to the UK.

Irrespective of the course or subject, it costs each applicant £ 335 ( GBP ) , and the Immigration Health Surcharge is £ 150 ( GBP ) per visa year. Any dependants must also pay these fees.

Two different kinds of visas make up the fifth tier.

Youth Mobility Scheme visa

This is the jack-of-all-trades visa, allowing you to study, work, set up your own business or just travel, combining the features of tiers 1, 2 and 4 but with a few more strings attached. Most crucially, you’re not able to apply if you live with (or are financially responsible for) any children, and family members cannot come with you as dependants on your application. Instead, they need to apply separately. As you can see, this kind of visa is more appropriate for a lone wolf. Furthermore, you have to be within the 18-30 age range.

You can live and work in the UK for a maximum of 2 years. Also, don’t worry about applying if you’re nearly 31; if you hit your 31st birthday while you’re in the UK, you can stay until your visa runs out. However, no visa extensions are possible.

Not every nationality is allowed to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme. It’s limited to eight countries, and luckily Australia’s in there: Canada, Monaco, Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, Republic of Korea and New Zealand. You also need to be able to support yourself while you’re in the UK, so you must have at least £1,890 (3,273 AUD) in your bank account. Your application must score a minimum of 50 points, but your Australian nationality, adequate funds and age between 18-30 will give you the points required.

This one’s a little different from the previously mentioned visas. The waiting time for a decision is the typical 3 weeks, but you can submit your application for the visa up to 6 months before you move to the UK.

Applications cost £ 235 ( GBP ) along with the additional fee for the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £ 150 ( GBP ) per visa year.

Temporary worker visa

This visa, also known as a Government Authorised Exchange, is similar to the Tier 2 visa in that it allows you to work in the UK as long as you have a sponsor, but this visa is only short term. Once you get the Certificate of Sponsorship, you can come and work in the UK as long as the job isn’t permanent. You are also able to study, have a second (temporary) job and bring family members with you.

The maximum duration is the length of time stipulated on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 28 days, although the overall period of time cannot exceed 2 years. Visas can be extended multiple times by up to 2 years on each extension, but the overall time spent in the UK cannot exceed 6 years.

Your application must score at least 40 points, with two key determinants being your valid Certificate of Sponsorship (worth 30 points) and sufficient financial maintenance (worth 10 points). You need at least £945 (1,301 AUD) in savings.

Applicants must pay £ 235 ( GBP ) along with the Immigrant Healthcare Surcharge, which is £ 200 ( GBP ) per visa year.

The 5-tier system is a nice way to divide up the different visas, but unfortunately there wasn’t space on the ladder for everything. A few special types of visa sit on their own, the most important and useful being the ancestry visa.

UK ancestry visa

Most importantly, this is only available to Commonwealth citizens, so if you’re Australian then you’ve passed the first hurdle. The visa allows you to live and work in the UK solely on the merit of who your grandparents are, and you can bring family members with you too.

You can stay in the UK for exactly 5 years, although you can apply to extend your visa by a further 5 years if you submit your request before the expiry date.

The chief requirement is, unsurprisingly, your ancestry. You need to have at least one parent or grandparent that was born in the UK, and you need to be able to prove it with birth certificates. Alongside this, you must be at least 17 years old with enough personal savings and evidence of your intention to work in the UK.

An ancestry visa costs £ 496 ( GBP ) , and there is also the Immigration Health Surcharge of £ 200 ( GBP ) per visa year. Any dependants coming with you will have to pay the same set of fees.

Life after visas

For some people, visas just aren’t long enough. If you’re planning on moving to the UK permanently then you’ll probably be thinking about how to make things genuinely long term.

Indefinite leave to remain

Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is another term for permanent residence. It is permission from the UK government to stay in the country forever, as long as you intend to stay there. You can’t acquire ILR without holding some kind of visa first, but after a certain period of time the majority of UK visas permit a transition into ILR. Once you have become an official ‘settled person’, your family members are able to apply for the ‘family of a settled person’ visa, or UK Family Visa.

ILR does what it says on the tin – permitting indefinite residence – providing you don’t leave the UK for more than 2 years at any time.

The requirements range hugely depending on what type of visa you hold when applying for ILR and how long you have lived in the UK. For example, if you have a Tier 2 General visa then you need to have had 5 years’ continuous UK residence and be earning at least £35,000 (48,196 AUD), but if you have a study visa then the requirements are rather different. It’s best to use this tool on gov.uk to work out your personal requirements for ILR. The one universal necessity is that you must complete the ‘Life in the UK’ test, which consists of 24 questions about various British traditions. You can complete this test at one of the many centres dotted around the UK.

In the majority of cases, the waiting time after applying is a maximum of 6 months.

The fees are fairly consistent, irrespective of which visa you hold when you make your application; applicants must pay £ 2,297 ( GBP ) to apply by post and £ 2,887 ( GBP ) to apply in person. The Life in the UK test costs a further £ 50 ( GBP ) .

British citizenship

The next (and final) step up after ILR is citizenship: full, bona fide citizenship. The journey to acquiring it is fairly lengthy but it’s doable. There are two routes: by naturalisation or by registration. If you’ve lived in the UK for a minimum of 5 years and also held ILR for at least 12 months then you can apply to be naturalised as a British citizen. Registering as a citizen is more simple, but you need to have been born to at least one British parent or born in the UK on or after 1st January 1983. Currently, the fees for citizenship by naturalisation or registration are £ 1,282 ( GBP ) and £ 1,163 ( GBP ) respectively.

If you’re considering a move to the UK, we also recommend you check out our detailed guide to healthcare in the UK .

Written by:

• A Global Guide to Pet Relocation Costs 2023
• International Container Shipping Costs 2023
• 11 Top Tips for Moving Overseas Cheaply

Popular Advice

Related articles.

• How to Become a Portuguese Citizen
• Things to Know About Australia
• Cheapest Places to Live in London

Written and reviewed by:

Moving made simple.

Tell us where you're moving to and compare prices from up to 6 trusted removal companies to see how much you could save today.

UK visas for Australians

If you are thinking of moving to the uk as an australian, you are going to need the right visa. applying for a uk visa can be a complex and intricate process, and the more information you have the better decision you’ll be able to make. all the information you need to know about moving to the uk as an australian can be found here..

Apply for a UK visa from Australia

For many Australians, the UK offers a new way of living, competitive study opportunities as well as good job prospects. This is especially true for industries like engineering and healthcare.

There are a host of UK visas Australians can apply for. Make sure you apply for the one that suits your unique circumstances. Below you’ll find all the information that will help you make an informed decision and ensure your application has the greatest chance of success.

Brexit and the UK’s new immigration rules

As part of the UK’s post-Brexit immigration changes, a new points-based immigration system was introduced when freedom of movement with the European Union (EU) ended on 1 January 2021. These changes apply to all non-UK nationals and EU nationals.

The system will rewrite most of the existing immigration routes into the UK. Current routes such as the Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4, new entrants and a bespoke visa group have all been replaced with points-based criteria. Under the new system, applicants will need 70 points to be eligible for a visa.

Choose your visa

The UK offers a range of visas for Australians. You can apply for the following.

UK Tier 1 Business visa

The UK has long been a great place to do business. The Tier 1 Business visa offers Australians a chance to invest and settle in the country.

UK Skilled Worker visa (previously Tier 2)

From December 2020, EU nationals and Australian citizens operate under a singular immigration regime. You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa if you’ve been offered a skilled job in the UK. You must be employed by a licenced sponsor to apply for this work permit visa.

UK Student visa (previously Tier 4)

The UK boasts some of the best universities and schools in the world. A long tradition of top-class education makes the country a desired target for international students. There are a range of UK study visas available to Australians who wish to go to the UK.

UK working holiday visa (previously Tier 5)

The Working Holiday visa allows Australians aged 18-30 to live, work and travel in the UK for up to two years. The Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa is a great way to gain international work experience.

UK tourist visa

A Standard Visitor visa allows the holder entry into the UK for a limited period. You can apply for this visa if you want to visit the UK for holiday, to see friends and family or for business.

UK Ancestry visa

If you have a family connection in the UK, you could be eligible for an ancestral visa. You can stay in the UK for five years on this visa with the option to apply for a UK visa extension. You could also be eligible to apply to settle in the UK permanently.

Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)

Permanent residency or ILR is an immigration status that allows you to live and work in the UK for an indefinite amount of time.

Spouse visa

A UK spouse visa lets an Australian join their spouse or partner in the UK. Your partner must be a British national or someone who holds indefinite leave to remain.

UK dependant visa

A child can come to the UK as the dependant of parents who are entering the UK on qualifying visas, have indefinite leave to remain (ILR)  or are British citizens.

What to do if you:

Require a uk visa extension.

Most visas can be extended to allow you to stay in the UK longer. Extending your UK visa can be a tricky exercise, particularly if you have dependant children on your visa. Even straightforward extensions for common visas can go wrong because of incorrect documentation. You should seek advice before beginning the application process.

Have overstayed your visa

An overstayer is a person who has exceeded their legal time limit in the UK and remains in the country on an expired visa. An illegal resident is a person who has entered the UK on an invalid visa.

Learn more about becoming a UK permanent resident

UK permanent residence or ILR is an immigration status granted to a person who has lived in the UK for the qualifying period and met the requirements associated with the status. An individual with permanent resident status can live and work in the UK indefinitely. You will no longer have any immigration restrictions on working or business in the UK and no time limits on your stay.

However, the right can lapse if you spend more than two years continuously outside the country. The process of applying for permanent residence is reasonably straightforward for non-EU citizens provided you meet all the requirements.

The following stipulates the length of time you must spend in the UK on various visas to be able to apply for ILR:

• Married or unmarried partner of a UK citizen: five years
• Lawful stay on any basis (long stay): 10 years
• Unlawful stay: 14 years
• Tier 1 Business visa and Skilled Worker visa: five years
• Ancestry visa: five years

Speak to one of our consultants about your options

• Individuals myGov is a simple and secure way to access online government services.
• PRODA Log in to access HPOS, Business Hub, Aged Care Provider Portal and a range of other government online services.
• Centrelink Business Online
• Child Support Business Online

Visiting from the United Kingdom

If you’re visiting Australia from the United Kingdom you may be eligible for medical care under Medicare while you’re here.

on this page

Who can get it, what’s covered, how to enrol in medicare, when your cover starts and ends.

To be eligible, you must have been living in the United Kingdom (UK) before arriving in Australia.

If you’re here on a student visa you’re eligible.

If you’re in Australia for a short time and don’t need medical care, there’s no need to enrol.

If you’re a diplomat

If you’re a diplomat, you and your family are eligible to enrol in Medicare while you’re posted here.

This means the cover under the agreement will apply for as long as you’re in Australia.

If you’re not eligible for Medicare

If you’re not eligible for Medicare, you can’t claim a benefit for treatment you have in Australia. If you need to lodge an income tax return in Australia, you may be eligible for a Medicare levy exemption. This applies if you weren’t eligible for Medicare for all or part of the financial year. You’ll need to get a Medicare Entitlement Statement from us to do this.

Read more about the Medicare levy exemption on the Australian Taxation Office website.

The agreement covers:

• medically necessary care out of hospital
• medically necessary care as a public patient in a public hospital including inpatient and outpatient services
• some PBS prescription medicines at the general rate.

Read more about the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

You’ll need to give us copies of your supporting documents. These documents don’t need to get certified. To enrol in Medicare you will need to download and complete the Medicare enrolment form . Follow the instructions on the form to enrol.

Documents you need to show us

You’ll need to show:

• your current visa
• your British passport or non-British passport
• evidence you are a resident of the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

You can prove you are a resident of UK, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man by showing us:

• your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
• your European Health Insurance Card with the initials UK
• your National Health Insurance card if you’re from the Isle of Man
• your Health Service card if you’re from Northern Ireland
• a Health card from the Health and Social Services department of the States of Jersey
• proof of insurance from the Guernsey States Insurance Authority
• other proof that you’re a resident of Guernsey
• 2 documents proving you live in the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

This could include:

• a work contract
• a rental or lease agreement or bond receipt
• a bank statement
• evidence of child enrolled in childcare or school
• property or contents insurance
• gas, electricity, water or rates account.

Documents must have a date marked on them.

Your cover starts the day you arrive in Australia.

It ends when the first of these expires:

• your British health insurance

If you get medical treatment in Australia before you enrol in Medicare, you may get a Medicare benefit for it.

Once you enrol, submit a claim. We’ll then be able to tell you if you can get a benefit under the agreement or not.

This information was printed 5 April 2024 from https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/reciprocal-health-care-agreements-visiting-from-united-kingdom . It may not include all of the relevant information on this topic. Please consider any relevant site notices at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/site-notices when using this material.

Printed link references

• Consultation
• Pre-assessment assistance
• Documentation assistance
• Free Visa Assessment
• Pre landing and Post landing services
• Language Coaching
• TESTIMONIALS
• OUR OFFICES
• Delhi office
• Pune office
• Bangalore office
• Hyderabad office
• Faridabad office
• AUSTRALIA IMMIGRATION
• CANADA IMMIGRATION
• UK IMMIGRATION
• DENMARK IMMIGRATION
• NEWZEALAND IMMIGRATION
• USA IMMIGRATION
• HONG KONG IMMIGRATION
• GERMANY IMMIGRATION

• Australia Immigration
• How To Apply For Australia PR From UK

Australia, the land down under has always witnessed the gusto among International people as the Kangaroo Land is the popular immigration destination. And, for the past decade, there has been tremendous growth in a number of PR holders. There are a plethora of reasons for International people to flock to this country; immense career opportunities and high-quality life are few of them. Even developed countries like the UK is driven by the development hence, look forward to settling in Australia as a permanent resident. Every year thousands of nationals of the UK fly to Australia in search of employment or to live an enhanced and relaxed life. The bonus point is that straightforward and crystal clear Immigration policies have made it accessible for the people to immigrate to Australia on Sojourn or permanent basis. The UK citizens who want to relocate in Australia have to choose the right visa category depending on their skills and qualifications.

Immigration Department of Australia has catered numerous visa categories to the people who want to visit the country on a temporary or permanent basis. But, to choose the right visa category is kind of a difficult task. One of the easiest ways to get a permanent residency visa is to apply under the General Skilled Migration visa category. The skilled workers who are highly qualified and hold great work experience in their respective profession may apply under this visa program.

Check out the Visa Categories that fall Under the General Skilled Migration program:

Skilled independent visa subclass 189.

• Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190

Skilled Regional Provisional Visa Subclass 489

It is the country visa allows the applicants to live and work anywhere in the country. The applicant is required to score 65 points on the Australia PR points calculator to apply for this visa program. Prior to that, the applicant has to assure that their occupation should be available on the MLTSSL list. The Medium and Long-term Skills Strategic List (MLTSSL) List contains all the occupations that are in high demand in the country.

It is a state nominated visa grants you the permission to reside in the country on the permanent basis. In order to apply for this visa, the applicant has to receive sponsorship from state/territory government of the state where he wants to apply. Prior applying for this visa, the applicant has to make sure that their occupation should be in demand list of  your nominating state.

It is a four-year provisional visa allows you to live and work in the specific regional areas of Australia. This visa is considered as a gateway to attain permanent residency as you can apply for Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 887 after spending initial years on this visa. The applicants with nomination from Australian State/territory government or sponsorship from closed family members or relatives living in the country as a permanent resident or resident are eligible to apply for this visa category.

Process to apply for Australia PR Visa from the UK

• Firstly, the applicant has to send skill assessment done from the accessing assessment authority. If you receive a positive result, you may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) that includes factors like age, qualification, work experience etc.
• The applicant has to score at least 65 points on the Australian Points System that includes factors like age, work experience, qualification, etc. To receive an invitation to apply (ITA), you have to score high points.
• After receiving ITA, you may submit your visa application, including all the required documents that are part of your visa application.

Benefits of living in Australia

Australia is the country of plethora of opportunities and benefits. The applicants get numerous benefits if they attain the status of permanent resident:

a) The applicant gets the right to live in the country on the permanent basis.

b) The right to complete your studies as well as to work in your profession is also given to the PR holder.

c) Access to social benefits as well as medical health care facilities are given to citizens and permanent residency holders.

d) After living in the Kangaroo land for the span of five years, you can apply for citizenship status provided you have to meet all the eligibility requirements.

e) Permanent residents also get the benefit of sponsoring their family members for permanent residency.

How can Make Visas help you?

If you have plans to settle in Australia Permanently and need assistance regarding the Australia Immigration process, you may contact the Immigration experts via dialing official helpline +919625212959 or drop your queries at  [email protected] .

FILL OUT A FREE ASSESSMENT FORM HERE

Australian Immigration

• Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa
• Skilled Regional Provisional Subclass 489 Visa
• Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186
• Australia Tourist Visa
• Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417
• Visitor Visa Subclass 600
• New South Wales Skilled Occupation List 2023
• Distinguished Talent Visa Subclass 124
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Subclass 187
• Child Visa Subclass 101/802
• Parent Visa Subclass 103
• Australia Student Visa
• Former Resident Visa Subclass 151
• Australia Family Visa
• Business Owner Visa Subclass 890
• Partner Visa Subclass 100/309
• Temporary Residence Transition Stream
• Temporary Work Skilled Visa Subclass 457
• Direct Entry Stream
• Australia Temporary Skills Shortage Subclass 482
• Australia Business Visa
• Australia Working Visa
• Australia Points Calculator
• Student Guardian Visa Subclass 590
• Australia Student Visa Subclass 500
• Australia Permanent Residency for New Zealand Citizens
• Australia Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List – CSOL
• Australia Skilled Occupation List
• STSOL-Short Term Skilled Occupation List
• Combined List of Eligible Skilled Occupations
• Electronic Travel Authority Subclass 601
• eVisitor Visa Subclass 651
• Prospective Marriage Visa Subclass 300
• Partner Visa Subclass 820/801
• Business Talent Visa Subclass 132
• Business Innovation and Investor Visa Subclass 188
• Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462
• Australia Immigration Fees and Cost
• Regional Occupation List (ROL)
• Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 887
• Training Visa Subclass 407
• State/Territory Sponsored Business Visa Owner Subclass 892
• Medical Treatment Visa Subclass 602
• Investor Retirement Visa Subclass 405
• Adoption Visa Subclass 102
• Distinguished Talent Visa Subclass 858
• Investor Visa Subclass 891
• Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143/173
• Contributory Aged Parent Visa Subclass 884/864
• State/Territory Sponsored Investor Visa Subclass 893
• Australia Permanent Residency Visa
• How to apply Skilled Migration to Australia
• How can I move to Australia from India ?
• Australia Permanent Residency Renewal
• Business Innovation and Investment Visa Subclass 888
• South Australia State Sponsorship
• NSW State Sponsorship Nomination
• Victoria State Sponsorship
• Western Australia State Nomination
• Northern Territory State Nomination
• Queensland State Sponsorship
• ACT State Sponsorship
• Tasmania State Sponsorship
• Tasmania Skilled Occupation List
• Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL)
• Western Australia Skilled Occupation List
• Northern Territory Skilled Migration Occupation List
• ACT Occupation List
• Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL List)
• Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
• South Australia Occupation List
• Victoria Occupation List
• How much IELTS score is required for Australia Immigration?
• New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) Subclass 461 visa
• Maritime Crew Visa Subclass 988
• Australia Women At Risk Visa Subclass 204
• Australian Protection Visa Subclass 866
• Australia School Sector Visa Subclass 571
• Vocational Education and Training Sector Visa Subclass 572
• Higher Education Sector subclass 573 visa
• Post Graduate Research Sector Subclass 574 visa
• Non-Award Sector Subclass 575 visa
• Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector Visa Subclass 576
• ELICOS Sector Visa Subclass 570
• Training and Research Visa Subclass 402
• Australia Transit Visa Subclass 771
• Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485
• Australia Temporary Work Entertainment Visa Subclass 420
• Carer Visa Subclass 836/116
• Special Program Visa Subclass 416
• Superyacht Crew Visa Subclass 488
• Special Category Visa Subclass 444 for New Zealand Citizens
• Easiest Way To Get Australia Permanent Residency
• Australia Permanent Residency FAQs
• How to get settled in Australia from India?
• How to Search for a Job in Australia from India?
• Temporary Work Visa
• What is the Cost of Living in Australia?
• Migrate to Australia as a Skilled Worker from Oman
• Aged Dependent Relative Visa Subclass 114/838
• Orphan Relative Visa Subclass 117/837
• Remaining Relative Visa Subclass 115/835
• Australia Aged Parent Visa Subclass 804/103
• Emergency Rescue Visa Subclass 203
• Global Special Humanitarian Visa Subclass 202
• In Country Special Humanitarian Visa Subclass 201
• Australia Refugee Visa Subclass 200
• Australia Point System Subclass 189/190/491
• How to get Australian PR without IELTS
• How to apply for Australian PR Visa from USA?
• Australia immigration from Dubai/UAE
• Immigrate to Australia from Saudi Arabia
• Immigrate to Australia from Kuwait
• Australian Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens
• Australian Dependent Spouse/Partner visa
• NSW Stream 2 Applications
• How To Apply For Australia PR From Nepal
• How To Apply For Australia PR From Sri Lanka
• How To Apply For Australia PR From Singapore
• How To Apply For Australia PR From Malaysia
• ACT Points Calculator
• Canberra Matrix System- Invitation Rounds
• Australia Skill Select Invitation Round
• South Australia DAMA Occupation List
• Queensland DAMA Occupations
• Northern Territory DAMA Occupations
• Western Australia DAMA Occupations
• Victoria DAMA Occupations
• New South Wales DAMA Occupations
• Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491

Visa Assessment Form

Fill in your details for a quick call back

Important Links

• Canada Immigration
• Denmark Immigration
• Germany Immigration
• Hong Kong Immigration
• NewZealand Immigration
• UK Immigation
• USA Immigration

Related Links:

• Find your NOC
• New Zealand Occupation List

Australian Resident Visa

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident you can visit, work and live in New Zealand. You do not need a visa before you travel to New Zealand. If you are an Australian permanent resident you will need an NZeTA.

Length of stay

Processing time, with this visa you can.

• Visit, live, work, and study in New Zealand.
• Travel to New Zealand without first applying for a visa as long as you meet the character and entry permission requirements.

Things to note

• Australian temporary residents are not eligible for this visa.
• You can only apply for this visa when you arrive in New Zealand – you cannot apply for it before you travel.
• If you leave New Zealand your resident visa will expire — you can apply for a variation of travel conditions to allow you travel without affecting your New Zealand residence status. 
• If you are an Australian permanent resident you must hold a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. You do not pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

Use the filters below to display relevant tips as well as detailed fees and receiving centre information

Who can apply

The criteria and evidence below will provide you with the information you need to meet the requirements of this visa.

View All Evidence

You must provide proof of your identity

We use your passport details to check your identity.

Australian immigration status

You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident

We’ll use your passport to check your Australian citizenship or immigration status.

If you have a valid Australian passport, use it to travel to New Zealand.

Otherwise you can use a foreign passport that confirms you’re both an Australian permanent resident, and hold either:

• a valid Australian Permanent Resident Visa
• a valid Australian Resident Return Visa.

Australia temporary residents aren’t eligible for this visa.

If your Australian Permanent Resident or Resident Return Visa has been issued electronically, it’s a good idea to check your visa is linked to the passport you’ll be travelling on. You can do this by contacting the Australian immigration authorities.

You must be of good character

When you complete your arrival card, you’ll be asked some questions about your character. You may not meet our good character requirements if any of the following apply:

• you have a criminal conviction,
• you have been deported, removed or excluded from another country.
• we have reason to believe you may be a risk to New Zealand’s security, public order or public interest.

Good character

People who may be considered a risk to New Zealand’s security, public order or public interest, include those who are registered sex offenders or associated with a gang.

If we have reason to believe you are not of good character, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand at check-in, or refuse you entry permission when you get here.

If you are not sure you will meet our requirements for good character, you should apply for a visa before coming to New Zealand.

Process and cost

The information below will help you understand the process, timeframes and costs involved in applying for this visa, so you can plan ahead and have the best chance of submitting a complete application.

1 Check you meet the requirements for visa waiver travel

To be granted a visa when you arrive in New Zealand you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and be of good character.

If you do not meet our requirements for good character, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand at checkin or refuse you entry permission when you arrive.

If you are not sure you meet our requirements for good character, apply for a visa before you travel to New Zealand.

2 Check if you need to request an NZeTA

If you are a permanent resident of Australia you must hold an NZeTA before you travel, but you do not need to pay the International Visitor Levy (IVL).

Information for NZeTA

Australian citizens do not need to hold an NZeTA or pay the IVL.

3 Apply for a resident visa on arrival

On your way to New Zealand, you will be given an arrival card to complete. It includes questions about your character and intentions.

When you arrive, we check your arrival card. If we can confirm you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and meet our requirements for good character, we grant you a New Zealand resident visa.

Immigration costs

Application cost – You do not need to pay fee when granted a resident visa (as an Australian citizen or permanent resident) on arrival in New Zealand.

Timeframes - Processing

Your visa is granted when you arrive in New Zealand.

These are the conditions that you must meet once you have your visa.

Entry permission

You must apply for entry permission when you arrive in New Zealand. You can do this by completing a digital New Zealand traveller declaration (NZTD), or an NZTD paper declaration.

New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.

Arriving in New Zealand

You can be refused entry permission if:

• you don’t meet our character requirements
• you refuse to let us to take your photo or to provide us with your fingerprints or an iris scan, if asked for them.
• You provide  false or misleading information in a visa application, to an immigration officer or on any part of your arrival card

If you are refused entry to New Zealand

You can travel to and from New Zealand as often as you wish, but each time you leave New Zealand your Resident Visa will expire.

You can apply for a resident visa each time you arrive in New Zealand, but your New Zealand residence won’t be considered continuous.

This can be important if you later want to:

• apply for a Permanent Resident Visa 
• apply for New Zealand Citizenship
• sponsor a resident visa application for a parent who is not an Australian permanent resident or citizen.

If you want your New Zealand residence to be considered continuous, you can apply for a variation of travel conditions before you leave New Zealand. This will allow you to travel to and from New Zealand without affecting your New Zealand residence status.

Application from a Resident or Former Resident Visa Holder for a permanent resident visa, second or subsequent resident visa, or a variation of travel conditions (INZ 1175)

You can work in any occupation for any employer in New Zealand.

You can study in New Zealand.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Going and being abroad
• British nationals overseas

Living in Australia

Official information British people moving to and living in Australia need to know, including residency, healthcare and driving.

Introduction

This guide sets out essential information for British nationals living in Australia, including advice on health, benefits, residence requirements and more. We are unable to provide any guidance on general lifestyle enquiries apart from the information and links listed below. See our information on what consulates can and cannot do for British nationals.

If you can’t find what you need below, and you need urgent help, contact your nearest British embassy or consulate .

Coronavirus

Please refer to our coronavirus specific travel advice if you are seeking information specific to the current COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

For information on vaccines abroad, see our COVID-19 travel guidance .

We are not advising British people who are permanent residents overseas to return to the UK. You should follow the advice of the local authorities in your host country.

British nationals who are resident in Australia should consider their own personal circumstances and take into account all of the information available, when making a decision on whether or not to return to the UK. You should consider the following factors:

• Financial support: do you have sufficient funds to support yourself without going back to the UK for an undetermined number of months? Are you eligible for Australian government coronavirus support ?
• Legal & employment support: do you understand the kind of support available to you in the case of unemployment or economic hardships due to COVID-19? Will these support mechanisms be sufficient for you to support yourself for an undetermined number of months? Check the Legal and Employment section below for more information.
• For students: do you understand the arrangements your host university has in place? Particularly access to medical facilities, accommodation and online learning options. Keep in contact with your UK university too (if applicable) about their advice.
• Travel permissions: Permanent residence holders and Australian citizens need to apply for authority from the Australian government to leave Australia . Temporary residents who leave Australia will need to apply for an exemption to return . Check travel advice regularly as travel restrictions and quarantine measures continue to change.

Before you go

See our travel advice for Australia for up-to-date information on local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.

See moving or retiring abroad .

For information on planning a visit see Tourism Australia .

Visas and residency

British citizens need a visa to enter Australia – see entry requirements for Australia in our travel advice and Visa Finder .

If you also have Australian citizenship, you should enter and leave the country on your Australian passport.

You can hold both Australian and British citizenship. Learn about being an Australian citizen and see information on eligibility and how to apply.

See our travel advice for Australia .

Australia and the UK have reciprocal healthcare agreements , however the agreement will not cover all healthcare needs. You should buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you enter the country.

Under the reciprocal healthcare agreement, British citizens resident in the UK and travelling on a British passport are entitled to limited, subsidised health services, for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia.

If you’re resident in Australia, Medicare covers some healthcare. The government uses tax rebates to encourage everyone to buy private health insurance . The NHS has information for people moving abroad.

Australian residents should also make sure you have travel insurance when travelling to the UK or you could be charged by the NHS for any care you receive in the UK.

See bringing medicine into Australia – you should also check your prescriptions are legal in Australia.

Read more about medical facilities/practitioners in Australia, or find doctors in Australia .

Working in Australia

You need a visa to work in Australia – see working in Australia .

Some jobs may require a UK criminal records check (known as a DBS check).

For information on your rights and obligations in the Australian workforce, or to make a complaint about workplace practices, see the Fair Work Ombudsman

See tax if you leave the UK to live abroad and tax on your UK income if you live abroad .

We recommend you get professional advice on paying tax in Australia.

See Coming to Australia for information on working and paying taxes in Australia. You need to get a Tax File Number from the Australian Taxation Office

See tax if you return to the UK .

See State Pension if you retire abroad and new State Pension .

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service , you need to respond as soon as possible – your payments may be suspended if you don’t.

You may be able to pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.

To move your pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre .

If you have worked in Australia, see age pension for how to claim your pension.

All employers in Australia are required to pay a portion of your wages into a superannuation fund for your retirement. This payment is made pre-tax and can only be withdrawn in specific circumstances.

See claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad .

Find out which UK benefits you might be able to get while you’re abroad and how to claim them.

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit can’t be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.

If you’re a permanent resident of Australia, you may be eligible for some Australian state benefits – see Services Australia .

Legal Advice

See our List of Lawyers

Driving in Australia

See driving abroad and road travel in Australia . Road rules, and the process of exchanging a UK license for an Australian one vary from state to state. See Driving with an overseas license .

See taking a vehicle out of the UK .

See voting when you’re abroad .

British citizens living abroad can vote in some UK elections – you’ll need to register as an overseas voter .

See register a birth abroad .

See what to do after someone dies .

• funeral directors in Australia
• bereavement information for Australia

Getting married

See getting married abroad .

Renewing passports

See overseas British passports applications and get an emergency travel document (sometimes called an emergency passport).

Australia has strict customs rules. See bringing pets to Australia or if you are travelling with pets back to the UK.

See travelling with pets .

Accommodation and buying property

See buying a property abroad .

Rules on buying, selling or renting property in Australia vary from state to state.

Emergencies

Australia uses the emergency number 000.

If you need urgent help, contact your nearest British embassy or consulate .

To speak to the police in non-life threatening situations, call 131 444.

Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Australian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.

Added sections: Introduction, Coronavirus; updated sections: Visas and Residency, Working in Australia, Tax, Pensions

Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.

First published.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Australia Application

• Handyvisas.com >
• Visas for Australia >
• Australia eVisitor Visa Online >

Australian eVisitor Visa for Citizens of the United Kingdom

• Simplified Application Form
• Expert Application Review
• Approved visa or money back

The Australia eVisitor visa for UK citizens is an online visa that allows British passport holders to travel Down Under for holidays and business trips, with stays of up to 3 months at a time.

The streamlined application system allows Brits to request an Australian eVisitor visa within minutes. The visa is then delivered by email within 2 business days at most.

This simple and convenient servic e saves applicants the trouble of going all the way to an embassy to deal with paperwork and is much faster than traditional in-person visa applications.

Travelers must simply meet a few basic Australia eVisitor visa requirements for British citizens to apply.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Australia? 

Yes, British passport holders must have a valid visa to enter Australia.

For short-term visits for tourism or business purposes, UK nationals must have the eVisitor visa . It is quick and easy to obtain an Australian eVisitor visa for British citizens by applying online. It is widely regarded as the most convenient and efficient type of Australian visa to get.

The e-Visitor visa for Australia is valid for 1 year and allows British holders to make multiple visits during this time. Each stay can last up to 3 months.

The Australian eVisitor visa for citizens of the UK covers entry to the country for the following purposes :

• Visiting family or friends
• Business trips
• Transit on the way to a third destination
• Study or train for no more than 3 months

To enter Australia for any other purpose or to stay longer than 3 months at a time, you will need to apply for a different type of Australian visa for British citizens. Inquire at an Australian embassy for more information.

Can British citizens apply for ETA to Australia?

No, British citizens are not eligible for the Australia ETA . This electronic visa waiver is available to citizens of around 10 countries outside Europe.

British passport holders can apply for the similar eVisitor visa for Australia instead. This electronic visa is available to citizens of EU and EFTA countries as well as the UK.

Like the ETA, the eVisitor application is done 100% online . Both types of travel permit allow multiple trips for up to 3 months and are valid for 1 year.

When applying online, Brits must make sure they apply for the Australia eVisitor visa (Subclass 651) ; not the Australian ETA (Subclass 601).

What Are the Requirements for Obtaining an Australian eVisitor Visa from the UK?

Travelers from the UK that are interested in applying for an Australian eVisitor visa must have the following items before beginning the application process:

• A valid UK passport
• An email address to receive notifications about the pending eVisitor visa application
• Credit or debit card to cover the small Australia eVisitor visa processing fee

It is important to use the same British passport to travel to Australia. The eVisitor visa is registered to the passport used in the application and is only valid for entry to the country if this passport is presented.

If the registered UK passport expires, or is lost, damaged, stolen, or otherwise rendered invalid, the eVisitor visa also becomes invalid .

In this situation, you must simply reapply for a new eVisitor with your new passport before traveling to Australia.

Apply for an Australian eVisitor Visa from the United Kingdom

Travelers from the United Kingdom can easily apply for the Australian eVisitor visa for Brits by filling out a simple online application form with their personal details and passport information.

Required information includes:

• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Passport dates of issue and expiry
• Contact details (current email address, home address, etc.)

It is important for travelers from the UK to double-check all their answers before submitting the Australia eVisitor visa form. Small errors, inconsistencies, and missing information can result in processing delays or even rejection of the application.

It is particularly important to make sure the information the applicant has entered matches that shown on their British passport , since discrepancies could result in the individual being denied entry to Australia.

How much is an Australian visa for UK citizens? 

The cost of an Australian visa for British applicants depends on the type of visa . Prices may also change over time due to government policy and changes in demand.

The online eVisitor visa is one of the most affordable types of Australia visa for Brits, with only a small processing fee to pay.

All transactions are processed by secure servers to protect client data. You will be prompted to enter your card details at the appropriate time during the application process.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Australia eVisitor Visa from the UK?

It usually takes up to 2 business days to process an Australian eVisitor visa application submitted by a British citizen.

Some eVisitors are processed sooner , while in rare cases it can take a little longer. Processing times can be affected by the current volume of applications received and if any errors were identified on the British applicant’s form. National holidays and weekends can also impact the total processing time that may be required.

Travelers from the UK are encouraged to plan ahead for their intended visit to Australia and submit an application at least 7 days before their date of arrival .

UK citizens that have been approved for an Australian eVisitor visa will need to take a printed copy of their visa with them when they travel. It must be presented to the Australian Border Force officials when prompted in order to gain entry into the country.

The Australian eVisitor visa for British citizens is valid for 12 months and allows multiple entries into the country. The maximum length of stay during each visit is 3 months.

Application Steps

Country policy.

Learn about the visa policy of Australia and find out the travel requirements for visitors of your nationality.

Visa requirements checker

Related news.

In today’s world, traveling has become an integral part of our lives. Be it for leisure or work, many of us find ourselves regularly on the move across borders. However, one integral aspect that you may overlook is the safety of your travel documents. Losing these critical papers can turn a dream holiday into a

Venturing abroad is an exciting experience, filled with new cultures to explore, foods to taste, and vistas to see. However, before immersing oneself in these novel experiences, one must navigate the labyrinthine process of obtaining a visa. While the general rule of thumb dictates that visa requirements ask you for a sober, straightforward exchange of

Traveling the world can be an enriching experience, opening doors to new cultures, customs, and unforgettable memories. However, not all countries are as welcoming to tourists, and obtaining a visa can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll explore the hardest countries to get a visa for, and the reasons behind their strict visa

A passport is the key to traveling abroad. However, some passports are considered to be “stronger” than others. The world’s most powerful passports are those that offer the greatest travel freedom. The strongest passports are those that allow the holder to enter the most countries easily, without extra entry requirements, such as visas. There are

Disclaimer Handyvisas.com is not owned by, or affiliated with any government agency. We are a private, online agency that provides assistance in submitting applications for tourist visits to different countries around the world. Applications can also be made directly through government websites.