Emigrating to Australia from the UK can be an exciting and life-changing decision. Aside from being the home of the now ubiquitous flat white coffee, the land down under is known for its beautiful scenery, diverse culture, and thriving economy, making it an attractive destination for those looking to start a new chapter in their lives.
However, if you’re an avid watcher of Australia’s Front Line, you’ll also know that Australia is well known for another thing – strict border control.
Despite its reputation as a melting pot of cultures, Australia’s migration system is one of the most complex and stringent systems out there. So whatever your reason for wanting to live in the country, your visa application will need a lot of support and evidence to back up your claim, alongside a healthy dose of patience.
To help with the big move, we’ve devised this comprehensive series to help you determine the best way for you to emigrate to Australia from the UK. It covers everything you’ll need to prepare, including all relevant and applicable visas, and how to ensure your application is valid.
Below, you’ll find some general information on emigrating to Australia from the UK, but we have also provided specific articles expanding upon the most important areas.
Most read articles related to moving to Australia
Emigrating to Australia
Australia Entry Requirements
Australian Visa Types
Buying a House in Australia
Moving to Australia from the UK:
Who can emigrate?
Not many people realise that the Australian land mass is comparable in size to the whole of Europe. Despite this, the population is still relatively small, numbering just 26 million people in comparison to the UK’s 67 million. Moving to Australia from the UK is popular, with Brits making up the largest proportion of foreign-born Australians.
If your mind is already made up, have a look at our top tips for moving to Australia from the UK.
Foreign-born Australian citizens by country of birth
Can anyone from the UK emigrate to Australia?
British citizens can emigrate to Australia, but the rules have tightened over the years and it’s no longer as easy as simply jumping on a plane. With fairly strict immigration laws, applicants must pass a points-based system if looking to settle permanently.
The points system assesses applicants on the following:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience and length of time working
- Demand of their particular skillset in Australia
- Proficiency in English
- Sponsorships
- Any relatives that live in Australia
The Australian Department of Home Affairs will assess and award points based on said criteria. This means that candidates who have higher points are more likely to receive a visa than their lower-point counterparts.
For the vast majority of adults, moving to Australia is only really a possibility if you practice a skilled occupation that is in demand by the Australian government, or if your partner or child is Australian.
Is there an age limit?
You stand the best chance of getting an Australian visa if you are below the age of 45. Whilst there is no specific age limit for emigrating to Australia, you will become ineligible for many permanent visas upon turning 45. This applies predominantly to a number of skill-based permanent visas. However, it’s worth noting that if you already hold a valid skill-based visa and turn 45, your visa will remain valid.
For those aged 45 and above, your options are limited. Whilst there are visa routes still available to you, they are niche, require significant funds, or require you to enter a long waiting list.
The Australian Immigration Experts
Need help with moving to Australia from the UK? Our Australian emigration partners are:
- Registered with the Australian government
- Dual-qualified in Australian and British law
- Experts in visa appeals and complex applications
Moving to Australia from the UK:
How much money do you need?
You will need a substantial amount of money to emigrate to Australia, both before you arrive and once you get there. Furthermore, on top of paying for all the things that you’d typically need for a move, some visas will require you to have a certain amount of money in the bank.
For an individual looking to move over on a skilled migrant visa working in digital marketing, for example, you can expect to pay:
| Item | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Migration skills assessment | £350 |
| Notary fees | £80 |
| Medical check | £340 |
| Police certificate application | £55 |
| Visa application fee (paid to Australian government) | £2,300 |
| Visa application preparation fee | £4,500 |
| Total (visa application only) | £7,625 |
| One way flight | £800 |
| Shipping personal belongings | £5,000 |
| Rental property deposit (bond) | £1,200 |
| Rent in advance | £600 |
| Health insurance (monthly) | £90 |
| Total (relocation costs) | £7,690 |
| Grand total | £15,315 |
The above figures are correct as of April 2023.
Some visas also require a minimum closing balance of AUD 5000 (£2,700). Fulfilling this check will mean that the Australian Government believes you can support yourself financially upon arrival.
Remember, these costs are the costs of moving to Australia from the UK for an individual. If you are moving with your family, you can expect these costs to double.
Have a look at my page on Australian visas for UK citizens for more information on which visa may be suitable for you.
The cost of living in Australia vs the UK
One of the most attractive things of moving to Australia from the UK is the lifestyle, but how much does this really cost? The cost of living in Australia vs the UK is actually fairly comparable, with Australia coming out on top in some key areas such as salaries and meals out.
Remember though that there are some costs in Australia that you may not pay in the UK. Private health insurance is a good example, with just under half of all Australians holding a private plan vs just 11% in the UK. These private policies can range from the equivalent of £60 – £100 for basic plans.
How much does it cost to live in Australia
Find out which country is cheaper for essentials below:
| Groceries |  |
| Transport fares | |
| Rent |  |
| Utilities |  |
| Meal out for two | |
| Buying a house | |
| A pint | |
Remember that although some items may be more expensive in Australia, salaries are comparatively higher too, which may mean you can afford a better lifestyle down under.
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Moving to Australia from the UK:
Entry Requirements
Despite the two countries’ shared pasts, Australia’s entry requirements from the UK are broadly the same as for citizens of most other countries. To gain entry to Australia to live permanently, you’ll need to successfully apply for a valid visa. While having an in-demand skill tips the probability of receiving a visa in your favour, there are other Australian visas for UK citizens that may be valid.
However, to be successful in your visa application, you’ll need to pass both a character check and a medical check. When it comes to the latter, Australia is incredibly strict on restricting migrants with specific health and medical issues from entering the country.
It’s important that you agree to this check and any further medical requests. Failing to pass a health check will mean that the Australian Department of Home Affairs will refuse your application.
In some cases, you can apply for a special health waiver which will allow you entry into the country. Ensure that you discuss this option with an experienced immigration solicitor as they will know when this route is viable for you. If you’re moving to Australia from the UK and need tailored advice on entry requirements, you can speak to me or my emigration team on 0203 007 5500.
Can you emigrate to Australia with a criminal record?
There’s no clear cut answer here. Moving to Australia from the UK with a criminal record does complicate matters but, depending on the type offence you have committed, it may still be possible. The Australian Department for Home Affairs will check your criminal record via a police clearance certificate from the UK.
Depending on the severity of your past convictions and a number of other factors, they will make a decision as to whether you pass this check.
Have a look at my article ‘Can you emigrate to Australia with a criminal record?’ for more information.
Thinking about moving to Australia from the UK?
From understanding the process to applying for your visa, we have you covered.
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What happens if my visa is rejected?
I have been helping clients apply for Australian visas for years and I can tell you that visa rejections are more common than you may expect. This is particularly true if, unsurprisingly, your case is complex or you have a criminal conviction. This can be heartbreaking, particularly if you’ve paid thousands of pounds and waited years for a decision. That’s why it’s vitally important to have an expert prepare your documentation.
Luckily, if your Australian visa is rejected there are routes to appeal the decision and you could still receive a positive outcome. The downside to this is that you’ll need to pay the appeal fees.
Remember that the fee you paid for the visa is an application fee and not a deposit. This means if your application is rejected outright or you change your mind, don’t expect a refund of the fees paid.
Moving to Australia from the UK:
The Verdict
Whether you’re moving to create a new life or to join loved ones, moving to Australia from the UK is an exciting time.
But like all things worth having in life, don’t expect to get what you want overnight. The process is complicated and takes time, yet it’s a path that many Brits have taken over the years and it’s fully achievable.
Remember that any long-winded process can be broken down into manageable steps and that’s what I’m here to help with. If you’re confused about what visa to apply for, whether your past may affect your eligibility, or even if you just want to have a chat about the possibility of working in Australia, my team and I are here to advise.
Alternatively, have a look below at my full list of guides for more information on moving to Australia from the UK.
The Australian Immigration Experts
Need help with moving to Australia from the UK? Our Australian emigration team are:
- Registered with the Australian government
- Dual-qualified in Australian and British law
- Experts in visa appeals and complex applications
Moving to Australia from the UK: the entire series
Part 1: Emigrating to Australia
Part 2: Australia Entry Requirements
Part 3: Australian Visa Types
Part 4: Skilled Migration Visas
Part 5: Family Visas
Part 6: Buying a House in Australia