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