Moving from UK to Australia - Advance Moves Blog

Moving from the UK to Australia: A Quick Guide by Advance moves

Moving from the UK to Australia is a dream for many, offering a lifestyle full of sunshine, beaches, and diverse cultural experiences. However, making the move requires thorough planning and understanding of the legal, financial, and lifestyle aspects. This guide will walk you through every step you need to take to make your transition smooth and successful. If you need more detailed information on exactly how to move to Australia and to be able to live there legally then visit the Advance moves help page on Moving to Australia.

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Step 1: Understanding Visa Requirements for Moving from the UK to Australia

The first crucial step in Moving from the UK to Australia is understanding the visa options available. Australia offers various visa categories depending on your circumstances.

Skilled Migration Visa:

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): For skilled workers without employer sponsorship. This points-based visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Similar to the Subclass 189, but requires state or territory government nomination.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): For skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. For more detailed information on skilled migration, visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.

Employer-Sponsored Visa:

Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa): Allows skilled workers to work in Australia for up to four years. An employer must sponsor you.
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa): For skilled workers nominated by an employer for permanent residency.

Family Visa:

Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801): For those with an Australian partner or spouse.
Parent Visa: For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. Several subclasses depend on whether the visa is temporary or permanent.

Student Visa (Subclass 500):

Allows you to study in Australia and work part-time. This visa can be a pathway to permanent residency if you qualify under the skilled migration program after graduation.

Retirement Visa:

Subclass 405 (Investor Retirement Visa): This temporary visa is available for retirees willing to make a significant financial investment in Australia. More details on retirement visas can be found on the Australian Immigration website.

Step 2: Cost of Living and Standard of Life in Australia

Understanding the cost of living is vital when Moving from the UK to Australia. Australia is known for its high standard of living, but this comes with costs that can vary significantly based on the city or region.

Housing Costs:

Sydney: The most expensive city, with average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center around AUD 2,800 (approx. £1,500) per month.
Melbourne: Slightly cheaper, with rents averaging AUD 2,400 (approx. £1,300) per month.
Brisbane: More affordable, with rents averaging AUD 1,800 (approx. £1,000) per month. For more insights on current housing prices, websites like Domain and Realestate.com.au are great resources.

General Living Costs:

Groceries: A typical monthly grocery bill for a single person can range from AUD 350 to AUD 450 (approx. £190 to £240).
Utilities: Expect to pay around AUD 200 (approx. £110) per month for electricity, water, and gas.
Healthcare: Australia has a high-quality healthcare system. Expats may need private health insurance, costing around AUD 150 (approx. £85) per month.

Standard of Life:

Australia offers a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The lifestyle is outdoor-oriented, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance.

Step 3: Choosing the Best Areas to Live in Australia

Choosing where to live is a critical part of Moving from the UK to Australia. Here are some of the best areas for expats:

Sydney:

Known for its iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and beautiful beaches. Ideal for professionals in finance, media, and technology.

Melbourne:

Australia’s cultural capital, famous for its art scene, coffee culture, and sporting events. It’s also a hub for education and healthcare.

Brisbane:

Offers a relaxed lifestyle with a warm climate. It’s less expensive than Sydney or Melbourne and has a growing job market, especially in construction and healthcare.

Perth:

Known for its mining industry, Perth offers a great quality of life with beautiful beaches and outdoor activities.

Adelaide:

A quieter city known for its wineries, festivals, and affordable housing. It’s ideal for families and retirees.

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Step 4: Finding a Job and Working in Australia

Finding a job is an essential part of the process when Moving from the UK to Australia. The Australian job market is robust, but competition can be stiff depending on your field.

Job Search:

Utilize job search websites like Seek, Indeed Australia, and LinkedIn.

Networking:

Networking is key in Australia. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and make connections on LinkedIn.

Work Culture:

Australian work culture is similar to the UK but with a stronger emphasis on work-life balance. Be prepared for early starts and a laid-back office environment.

Step 5: Retiring in Australia

Australia is a popular retirement destination due to its warm climate, high standard of living, and excellent healthcare. However, there are specific visa requirements and financial considerations to keep in mind.

Retirement Visas:

The Subclass 405 (Investor Retirement Visa) is the primary visa for retirees. It requires a substantial financial investment and does not lead to permanent residency. You can find more details on retirement visas on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Cost of Living for Retirees:

The cost of living can be high, but it varies by location. Many retirees choose more affordable areas like Adelaide or regional Queensland.

Healthcare for Retirees:

Australia’s healthcare system is excellent, but private health insurance is recommended, especially if you are on a temporary visa.

Step 6: Legal Residency and Citizenship

Securing legal residency is a crucial step in Moving from the UK to Australia.

Permanent Residency:

You can apply for permanent residency (PR) through various visa pathways, such as skilled migration or family sponsorship. PR allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

Citizenship:

After holding PR for four years (with at least 12 months as a permanent resident), you can apply for Australian citizenship. This process involves a citizenship test and an interview. More information on PR and citizenship can be found on the Australian Citizenship website.

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Conclusion: Is Moving from the UK to Australia Right for You?

Moving from the UK to Australia is a significant decision, involving various steps and considerations. From securing the right visa to choosing where to live and work, this guide has covered the essential aspects of the process.

Australia offers a high quality of life, a robust job market, and a welcoming environment for expats. Whether you’re looking to retire, find work, or start a new life in the sun, Australia has something to offer everyone.