How to move to Australia from United Kingdom.
The UK is historically one of the largest source countries for Australian migration. British professionals benefit from English language exemptions and well-recognised qualifications.
At a glance
- Estimated visa cost
- GBP 2,400
- United Kingdom-born in Australia
- ~1,200,000
- Top cities
- Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane
Visa pathways.
Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent
Points-tested, no sponsorship needed. Direct permanent residency.
Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated
State-nominated with 5 bonus points. Permanent residency.
Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional
Regional visa with 15 bonus points. Pathway to PR.
Subclass 482 - Employer Sponsored
Employer-sponsored temporary visa. Pathway to 186 PR.
United Kingdom-specific considerations.
- UK passport holders are generally exempt from English language testing for migration purposes.
- UK qualifications are well-recognised by all Australian assessment authorities.
- Police clearance from the UK (ACRO) can take 2-4 weeks - apply early.
- The Washington Accord covers most UK engineering degrees, simplifying the Engineers Australia assessment.
- UK citizens can also access the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) for ages 18-35.
Popular occupations.
Common occupations for United Kingdom-born migrants to Australia. Check the full Skilled Occupation List for all eligible occupations.
Frequently asked questions.
Do British citizens need an English test for Australian migration?
Generally no. UK passport holders are usually exempt from English language testing for skilled migration. However, some professional registration requirements (like AHPRA for nurses) may still require an English test.
How much does it cost to migrate from the UK to Australia?
Total costs including visa fee, skills assessment, health check, and police clearance are typically GBP 4,000-6,000. This is significantly less than hiring a migration agent at GBP 3,000-6,000.
Is it worth moving from the UK to Australia?
This is personal, but common reasons include: better weather, outdoor lifestyle, higher salaries in some sectors (especially mining and healthcare), and a more relaxed pace of life. The main trade-off is distance from family and friends.
Ready to start?.
MigrateYou guides you through the entire visa application process - from $199.