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Moving from the UK to Australia: the 2026 checklist

Facts last verified on against 12 sources (12 official). By the Relocate+ team.

Short answer

The three main routes for Brits are a Working Holiday visa (ages 18–35 for UK passport holders, AUD 840 for the first one), an employer-sponsored Skills in Demand visa (salary of at least AUD 79,423 from 1 July 2026), or a permanent Skilled Independent visa, which needs an invitation and 65 points on the points test.[1][2][3][4][6]

Since 1 July 2024, UK passport holders can get up to three 12-month Working Holiday visas without doing any farm or other "specified work". A UK passport also counts as proof of competent English for skilled visas.[2][7]

Key facts at a glance

Working Holiday age limit (UK)
18 to 35 inclusive (apply before your 36th birthday)[2]
Working Holiday visas for Brits
Up to 3 × 12 months, no specified work needed[2]
Skills in Demand salary floor (Core Skills)
AUD 79,423 from 1 July 2026[4]
Skilled Independent (189) points
At least 65; under 45 when invited[6]
English for skilled visas
UK passport = competent English[7]
Citizenship by conferral
4 years living in Australia, last 12 months as a permanent resident[9]

Visa options

Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)

Best for: Brits aged 18–35 without children who want up to three years of work and travel.

Requirement: UK passport, aged 18–35 inclusive, apply online from outside Australia for the first visa, and no dependent children with you. Each visa allows a 12-month stay; the first costs AUD 840 and the second and third AUD 1,000 each.[1][2]

  • UK passport holders don't need to complete specified (e.g. farm) work for a second or third visa if they apply on or after 1 July 2024.
  • You can still only work 6 months for one employer, and study for up to 4 months.
  • Home Affairs says average processing is around three months — don't book flights before the grant.

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

Best for: Skilled workers with a job offer from an approved Australian sponsor.

Requirement: Nomination by an approved employer sponsor, the right skills for the job and English at the required level. From 1 July 2026 the Core Skills stream needs a salary of at least AUD 79,423 and the Specialist Skills stream at least AUD 146,576. Stay up to 4 years; the visa costs from AUD 4,015.[3][4]

  • Core Skills: your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189, points-tested)

Best for: Professionals in listed occupations who want permanent residence without an employer sponsor.

Requirement: An occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, a suitable skills assessment, an invitation through SkillSelect, being under 45 when invited and at least 65 points. It's a permanent visa costing from AUD 6,135.[5][6]

  • You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) first and are ranked against other applicants; there's no guarantee of an invitation.

What changed recently

Skilled visa income thresholds rose 3.8% on 1 July 2026: the Core Skills Income Threshold went from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423 and the Specialist Skills threshold from AUD 141,210 to AUD 146,576 for new nominations.[4]

Home Affairs updated its health insurance guidance in October 2026, reminding temporary visa holders that most aren't eligible for Medicare and may be responsible for all healthcare costs.[8]

The English tests accepted for Australian visas changed on 7 August 2025. This doesn't affect UK passport holders, who meet competent English through their passport.[7]

Step-by-step timeline

  1. 1

    6–12 months before

    Choose your route

    Under 36 with no job offer? The Working Holiday visa is the simplest start. With an employer willing to sponsor you, look at the Skills in Demand visa. For permanent residence on your own, check whether your occupation is on the 189 list and run the points calculator.[2][3][6]

  2. 2

    4–9 months before (skilled visas)

    Get your skills assessed

    For a Skilled Independent visa you must have a suitable skills assessment for your occupation at the time you're invited. The assessing body depends on your occupation.[6]

  3. 3

    After the assessment

    Lodge an Expression of Interest

    Submit an EOI in SkillSelect with your points claims. You're ranked against other applicants, and invitations are issued regularly. You need 65 points and must be under 45 when invited.[6]

  4. 4

    When invited

    Apply with full evidence

    Provide documents for every claim in your EOI, character documents and forms (such as Form 80), and evidence for your partner and children. A UK passport covers your competent English, and a partner with a UK passport doesn't need to prove functional English.[6][7]

  5. 5

    Before you fly

    Wait for the grant, then book

    Home Affairs warns not to book flights or commit to work until your visa is granted. For Working Holiday visas, average processing is around three months.[1]

  6. 6

    Before you arrive

    Arrange health cover

    Most temporary visa holders aren't eligible for Medicare. As a UK resident visitor you may be covered for medically necessary care under the reciprocal agreement, but that cover ends when your visa expires — so temporary residents should plan private health insurance.[8][10]

  7. 7

    First year

    Sort out tax residency

    If you live in Australia you're usually an Australian tax resident and must declare income earned in Australia and overseas. The ATO uses the 'resides' test first, then the domicile and 183-day tests.[11]

Document checklist

  • Valid UK passport (also proves competent English)[2][7]
  • Skills assessment for your nominated occupation (skilled visas)[6]
  • SkillSelect Expression of Interest and invitation (189)[6]
  • Evidence for every points claim: degrees, employment records, references[6]
  • Character documents and Form 80 / Form 1221[6]
  • Partner documents: identity, relationship evidence, marriage certificate[6]
  • Employer nomination from an approved sponsor (482)[3]
  • Proof of health insurance for temporary visas[8]

Official fees

ItemAmount
Working Holiday visa — firstAUD 840[1]
Working Holiday visa — second or thirdAUD 1,000 each[1]
Skills in Demand visa (482)Extra charges may apply for family members and second instalments.From AUD 4,015[3]
Skilled Independent visa (189)Use Home Affairs' Visa Pricing Estimator for your family size.From AUD 6,135[5]

Visa charges are set by Home Affairs and usually change on 1 July. Skills assessments, health checks, police certificates and flights are extra.

Tax basics

Australian tax residents must declare all income earned in Australia and overseas. The ATO's primary test is whether you 'reside' in Australia; the domicile and 183-day tests apply if that one doesn't settle it.[11]

If you'll draw a UK State Pension, check how living in Australia affects it: GOV.UK says the pension only rises each year if you live in the EEA, Gibraltar, Switzerland or a country with a qualifying social security agreement with the UK, and the International Pension Centre can confirm your case.[12]

This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules depend on your situation — speak to a qualified adviser.

Moving with family

Working Holiday visa holders can't bring dependent children. For skilled visas you include your partner and children in the application with identity and relationship documents.[1][6]

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming you still need 88 days of farm work. That rule no longer applies to UK passport holders applying for a second or third Working Holiday visa on or after 1 July 2024.[2]
  • Missing the age cut-off. UK applicants must lodge before midnight (AEST) on the day before their 36th birthday.[2]
  • Using last year's salary threshold. Nominations from 1 July 2026 need at least AUD 79,423 (Core Skills).[4]
  • Relying on the UK reciprocal agreement as long-term health cover. It's for visitors and ends when your visa expires.[10][8]

Frequently asked questions

How old can I be for an Australian Working Holiday visa with a UK passport?

18 to 35 inclusive. UK passport holders can lodge an application until midnight Australian Eastern Standard Time on the day before their 36th birthday.[2]

Do Brits still have to do farm work for a second Working Holiday visa?

No. Since 1 July 2024, UK passport holders can get up to three Working Holiday visas without meeting any specified work requirement.[2]

What salary do I need for an employer-sponsored visa to Australia in 2026?

For the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa, at least AUD 79,423 for nominations from 1 July 2026. The Specialist Skills stream needs at least AUD 146,576.[4]

How many points do I need for Australian permanent residency?

For the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), at least 65 points, and you must be under 45 when invited. Meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee an invitation, because applicants are ranked.[6]

Do I need an English test if I'm British?

Not for competent English. Home Affairs accepts a valid UK passport as proof of competent English.[7]

Can I use Medicare as a Brit in Australia?

UK residents visiting Australia can get medically necessary care under the reciprocal agreement, but cover ends when the visa expires. Most temporary visa holders aren't eligible for Medicare, so get private health insurance.[10][8]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to one of these. Official = government, consulate or official gazette.

  1. [1] Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) — Department of Home Affairs (Australia)Official · checked 19 October 2026
  2. [2] New Working Holiday Maker arrangements for UK passport holders — Department of Home Affairs (Australia)Official · checked 19 October 2026
  3. [3] Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) — Department of Home Affairs (Australia)Official · checked 19 October 2026
  4. [4] Annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2026 — Department of Home Affairs (Australia)Official · checked 19 October 2026
  5. [5] Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) — Department of Home Affairs (Australia)Official · checked 19 October 2026
  6. [6] Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) — Points-tested stream — Department of Home Affairs (Australia)Official · checked 19 October 2026
  7. [7] Competent English — Department of Home Affairs (Australia)Official · checked 19 October 2026
  8. [8] Health insurance requirements for Australian visa holders (6 Oct 2026) — Department of Home Affairs (Australia)Official · checked 19 October 2026
  9. [9] Become an Australian citizen (by conferral): permanent residents — Department of Home Affairs (Australia)Official · checked 19 October 2026
  10. [10] Reciprocal health care: visiting from the United Kingdom — Services AustraliaOfficial · checked 19 October 2026
  11. [11] Your tax residency — Australian Taxation OfficeOfficial · checked 19 October 2026
  12. [12] State Pension if you retire abroad: how your pension is affected — GOV.UKOfficial · checked 19 October 2026

Immigration rules change often. Always confirm requirements with the consulate or authority that handles your application before you book or pay for anything. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

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