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Important updates to our Australian emigration services
We have withdrawn our Australian emigration legal services as of April 2024 and are unable to assist with enquiries or advice about moving to Australia.
This information remains accessible to aid anyone wishing to make the move to Australia, however please note that this information was last updated in August 2023.
Emigrate to Australia is a London-based Australian emigration service who may be able to assist with any enquiries, however please note that we do not endorse any one provider's services. They can be contacted on 020 7427 5290.
Looking to start a new chapter and move from the UK to Australia? The idea of living in Australia can be exciting, but moving to any new country can be a daunting task. From getting the right visa to living costs the whole process can be quite overwhelming.
To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to know where to start. So, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on the five essential things you need to do before moving to Australia. With our help, you can begin your new life down under with confidence.
1. Find the correct Australian visa.
One of the first things you’ll need to consider is acquiring a visa into the country. Getting the appropriate visa is one of the initial and critical steps when moving from the UK to Australia to ensure you can legally reside in the country.
Australia offers a few different types of visas for people wanting to move from the UK to Australia. Popular examples include:
- Skilled Independent Visa: This visa is for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia permanently.
- Employer-Sponsored Visa: This visa is for people who have a job offer from an Australian employer.
- Student Visa: This visa is for students who want to study in Australia.
- Working Holiday Visa: This visa is for young people aged 18 to 30 who want to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months.
When applying for a visa, you have two options:
- Apply online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
- Apply through an Australian embassy or consulate in the UK.
To apply for any type of visa, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and provide supporting documents. The application process can take several months, so it’s important to start early and plan accordingly.
Check out our blog on Australian Visas for UK Citizens to find out which visa you’ll need.
2. Adjust to different prices.
The cost of living can have a significant impact on your overall quality of life. Understanding the cost of living difference between the UK and Australia can help you plan and budget for your move, as well as have a comfortable lifestyle upon arriving in Australia.
A few comparisons to consider:
- Housing – In general, housing in Australia is more expensive than in the UK, particularly in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. However, the quality of housing is generally better and there are more options for outdoor space.
- Food and Drink – The cost of groceries is generally higher in Australia, particularly for imported goods. Eating out is also more expensive, with meals in restaurants costing around 10-15% more than in the UK.
- Transport – Public transport in Australia is generally more expensive than in the UK, particularly in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. However, petrol is cheaper in Australia than in the UK, which can offset the higher cost of public transport.
- Other Expenses – Utility bills are generally higher in Australia, particularly for electricity and gas. Healthcare is also more expensive, as the UK’s National Health Service is funded through taxes.
While it may seem that Australia is expensive, salaries are generally higher than in the UK, which can help to offset some of these costs. Moreover, housing is typically higher quality, so it’s important to consider these factors when making your choice to emigrate.
3. Check your passport is valid.
If you have a close family member or partner who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a family or partner visa. These visas include the Partner Visa (subclasses 820 and 801), Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300), and various family visas such as Parent, Child, and Aged Dependent Relative visas.
Eligibility criteria for these visas vary depending on the visa subclass and your relationship with the Australian sponsor. An immigration solicitor can help assess your eligibility, prepare the necessary documentation, and navigate the application process.
For more detailed information, have a look at our dedicated articles on Australian visas for UK citizens.
The Australian Immigration Experts
Our Australian emigration team are:
- Registered with the Australian government
- Dual-qualified in Australian and British law
- Experts in visa appeals and complex applications
4. Check you meet all healthcare requirements.
Before making the move to Australia, it’s critical to ensure that you have all the needed healthcare checks and vaccinations. Australia has strict health requirements and failing to meet these requirements can result in delays or even rejection of your application. Here are some essential healthcare checks to consider:
- Medical check-ups: If you plan to stay in Australia for more than six months, you’ll need to undergo a medical examination to ensure that you’re in good health.
- Vaccinations: Australia has strict vaccination requirements, and you’ll need to provide evidence of vaccination against certain diseases, such as measles, mumps, and rubella.
The health care system can be quite different to what you’re used to in the UK. It’s a good idea to arrange healthcare coverage before you arrive in Australia because you may need to serve waiting periods before you can access certain services. Waiting periods typically apply to elective surgeries and pre-existing conditions.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare system. Medicare provides free or subsidized healthcare to eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents.
As a temporary resident or visitor, you may not be eligible for this system. Private health insurance is therefore essential, and it’s important to research and compare different policies to find one that suits you best.
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Experts in emigrating to Australia
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