How to Move to Australia from the UK: Complete Guide
Relocating to Australia is a dream for many UK citizens, whether it’s for career opportunities, family reasons, education, or the famously laid-back Aussie lifestyle. With a strong demand for skilled workers, a high quality of life, and scenic landscapes, it’s no surprise that thousands make the leap every year.
In this comprehensive guide by GetMyParcel, we walk you through everything you need to know about moving to Australia from the UK, including visa types, costs, requirements, and more.
Overview of Australian Immigrant Visas
Australia’s visa system is complex but highly structured. The key visa categories include:
- Skilled Visas
- Working Holiday Visas
- Business & Investor Visas
- Family and Partner Visas
- Employer-Sponsored Visas
- Student Visas
- Distinguished Talent Visas
Each visa type has its own eligibility criteria, process, and purpose. The right visa for you will depend on your age, occupation, education, family ties, and intentions in Australia.
How to Become a Permanent Australian Resident
To live in Australia permanently, you need to apply for a permanent visa usually through either a skilled work visa or a family-based visa. You must meet strict requirements, including:
- Age limits (usually under 45)
- Health and character checks
- Skills or family connections
- English language proficiency
Once you hold a permanent residence visa, you may apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements.
Benefits of Permanent Residence:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
- Sponsor eligible family members
- Access to education and healthcare
- Freedom to travel in and out of the country
- Eligibility to apply for citizenship
Guide to Australian Work Visas for UK Citizens
Australia offers several work-related visas tailored for skilled professionals and businesspeople:
1. Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Direct Entry Stream):
- Must be nominated by an Australian employer
- Job role must be on the eligible skilled occupation list
- Applicants must be under 45 years old
- Must meet English, health, and character standards
2. Skilled Independent Visa:
- Applicants must be under 45
- Must pass the points-based assessment (minimum 65 points)
- Need to be nominated by a state or territory
- Job must be listed on the skilled occupation list
3. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa:
- Nominated by an approved Australian sponsor
- Must have worked in your skilled occupation for at least 2 years
- Temporary but renewable visa, suitable for high-demand roles
4. Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa:
- Requires nomination by an Australian state or relative
- Ideal for those who have lived/worked/studied in regional areas
5. Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa:
- For individuals with highly specialised skills not available in Australia
- Short-term visa with strict criteria
6. Distinguished Talent Visa:
- Requires nomination
- For those with internationally recognised excellence in their field (arts, sports, academia, etc.)
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Australia?
Yes, UK citizens must apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to visit Australia for tourism or short business trips. The ETA:
- Allows a stay of up to 90 days
- Is valid for 12 months
- Costs AUD 20
- Can be applied for online via the ETA app
Requirements:
- Valid UK passport (recommended with at least 6 months’ validity)
- Debit/credit card or PayPal account
- Valid email address
Who Can Apply for an Australian Family Visa?
Australia offers several family-based visas for those wanting to reunite with their loved ones:
Popular Family Visa Types:
- Partner Visa – For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens
- Prospective Marriage Visa – For fiancés of Australians
- Child Visa / Dependent Child Visa – For children joining parents in Australia
- Parent Visa / Aged Parent Visa – For elderly parents of Australian citizens or PR holders
- Carer Visa / Aged Dependent Relative Visa – For those needing care or depending on relatives
- New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa – For relatives of NZ citizens living in Australia
Visa eligibility depends on the sponsor’s status and the applicant’s relationship and intentions.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Australia from the UK?
Relocation to Australia involves significant financial planning. Below is a breakdown of approximate costs (in GBP):
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
| Migration skills assessment | £350 |
| Notary fees | £80 |
| Medical check | £340 |
| Police certificate application | £55 |
| Visa application (Govt fee) | £2,300 |
| Visa preparation services | £4,500 |
| Total Visa-Related Costs | £7,625 |
| One-way flight | £800 |
| Shipping belongings | £5,000 |
| Rental property deposit (bond) | £1,200 |
| Rent paid in advance | £600 |
| Health insurance (monthly) | £90 |
Traveling with family? Expect costs to nearly double.
Australian Entry Requirements
Every visa category in Australia has entry and eligibility criteria, commonly including:
- Being under 45 years old
- Having a skill from Australia’s skilled occupation list
- Passing a formal skills assessment
- Meeting health and character checks
- Earning enough immigration points (for skilled visas)
- Sometimes requiring a nomination or sponsor
Ensure your application is accurate and complete to avoid delays visa processing can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
Can I Emigrate to Australia with a Criminal Record?
Yes, but it depends on the severity and nature of your conviction. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs will assess your record by requesting a UK police clearance certificate.
Factors considered:
- Type and seriousness of offense
- Time since conviction
- Evidence of rehabilitation
Each case is reviewed individually, and a conviction does not automatically result in a visa denial.
Eligibility for Permanent Residency
If you’re looking to stay long-term, these visas offer a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR):
- Skilled Work Visas
- Partner or Family Visas
- Employer-Sponsored Visas
Once you hold PR, you can:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
- Access public healthcare
- Send your children to local schools
- Apply for citizenship after a qualifying period
- Sponsor relatives to join you
Visa Processing Times
Most skilled or family visas take 6 months to 2 years to process. Accuracy and completeness are key to avoiding delays. If you’re not sure which visa to go for, consider speaking with a registered migration advisor.
Need Help Moving to Australia from the UK?
GetMyParcel isn’t just your logistics partner we’re here to simplify your international move. Whether you’re shipping your belongings to Australia or sending important documents for your visa, we make international shipping easy, fast, and affordable.
Let us help with:
- Door-to-door shipping
- Student and family relocations
- Customs assistance
- Real-time parcel tracking
Get Started Today
Planning to move from the UK to Australia? GetMyParcel is here every step of the way from visa advice to doorstep deliveries.
Visit our website or reach out to our support team to learn how we can simplify your move.