Moving to the UK from Australia: Exactly How to do it in 7 Easy Steps
If you want to start the process of moving to the UK from Australia, it can be hard to know where to start.
I’ve compiled this easy guide for how to move to the UK from Australia, with every step you’ll need to take and important tips.
I interviewed all my Aussie friends in London to find out how the process went for them, and I’ve included quotes from them to give you the best advice from people who have done it recently.
Ready? Let’s learn how to move to the UK from Australia.
Important Resources for Moving Australia to UK
Here are the official resources to consult when moving to the UK from Australia. Always consult both country’s laws and regulations when moving abroad to make sure you do it the right way!
If you get stuck, it may be wise to consult an immigration lawyer.
Before You Start
Before you start the process, make sure your Passport is valid and not expired. You won’t be able to do anything if your passport is invalid.
1. Figure out Which Visa you Can Apply for
“It’s pretty easy to be an Australian moving to London because of the Commonwealth.”
-L.P., Moving to London from Australia
The most common Visas that Australians use to move to the UK are the Ancestry Visa and the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa.
This is because the UK and Australia have a closely shared history & Australia is a Commonwealth country.
Here are all the most common types of Visas Australians apply for to move to the UK. There are more, which you can read about in my full guide to UK Visas.
a. Ancestry Visa
Was your grandparent born in the UK? You may be eligible for an Ancestry Visa. It allows you to live and work in the UK for up to five years, with the option to extend or switch to another visa category.
b. Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Are you between the ages of 18-30? You may be eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme, which is a very common way for Australians to move to the UK. You can live and work in the UK for up to two years. This Visa has a cap each year, so there’s a limited number given out.
c. Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) Visa
Do you have a job offer from a UK employer? The Skilled Worker Visa is definitely the easiest one, as your employer does most of the heavy lifting to get you into the country, and sometimes you will get a relocation package if your company really wants you in the UK. Check if you’re eligible for a skilled worker visa here.
d. Student Visa
Are you a student who wants to study in the UK? With a Student Visa you can stay in the UK for the duration of your course, with options to extend or switch to another visa category after graduation.
e. Family or Partner Visa
If your partner or family member is a UK citizen, you may be able to apply for a Visa to join them to live in the UK. You can also get a Visa to come to be a caregiver for a family member.
2. Get your Financials & Documents in Order
“For most of the Visas you have to have proof of £5,000 in savings. Plus you have to pay more than £1,000 in application fees. It’s pretty expensive to move to the UK and once you get there it’s really expensive.”
G.K., Australian moving to London
Did you find the right Visa for you? Good! It’s time to gather everything you’ll need to apply and make sure your bank account is good and healthy.
The documentation you’ll need varies from Visa to Visa and person to person. But in general, you’ll need:
- Current Passport
- Applications & Accompanying Documentation (like birth certificate, proof of employment, bank records, etc.)
- Proof of a certain amount of money in your savings account (usually £5k)
- Fees
- Healthcare Surcharge
- Etc.
How Much Does a UK Visa Cost?
There are different fees depending on the type of Visa. The two biggest charges are:
- Application Fee (varies from £145-£1000+)
- Healthcare Surcharge (from £470+ per year of stay)
The Application Fee is a flat fee depending on your type of Visa. Use the Visa application fee calculator here.
The Healthcare Surcharge is a fee that pays your healthcare costs for the duration of your stay up front. It starts at £470 per year up to £625 per year, and you have to pay for all years you will live in the UK.
That means that if you need to pay £470 for a 3 year Visa, you’ll owe £1,410 up front.
You also will need to show proof that you have at least £5,000 in savings in your bank account before your Visa will be approved. It’s important to be in a decent financial situation before you begin your application.
3. Apply! Then Wait.
“From the time I applied to the time I was approved it was over 6 months. It’s not a quick process and make sure that you do everything right the first time or you’ll get rejected. And they keep your passport for like 6 weeks so make sure you don’t have any travel planned.”
A.L., Moving to London from Australia
Once you’ve applied, you may have to jump through one more hoop: Biometrics. This is where you have your photo and fingerprints taken, and sometimes an eye scan.
Depending on your type of Visa and where you’re from, you either do this WITH the application, or during the approval process.
You’ll have biometrics done in your home country, and make sure to book as soon as you know you need to. Appointments can sometimes be far away, booked out far in advance, or be at really inconvenient times.
Plus, there’s usually another fee associated with getting biometrics done. Mine in the US was something like $75 per person.
Got your biometrics done? Great! Now it’s the waiting game.
4. Once Your Visa is Approved
“I wish I would have known to open a bank account first. You need a UK bank account to do basically anything here.”
-L.P., Australian moving to London
Once your Visa is approved, it’s time to hit the ground running.
The most important things to do are:
- Open a UK Bank Account
- Secure Accommodation
- Book Flights
You’ll need a UK bank account in order to secure a lease and sign up for a mobile phone plan. There are a few UK banks you can open an account in from abroad.
So you have a place to sleep while you hunt for flats, it’s best to secure temporary accommodation for at least a month. It will take at least that long to find a permanent place to live.
Book your flights as far in advance as you can so you can save the most amount of money. Moving is too expensive already!
5. Pack and Ship Belongings
“Don’t ship furniture. Just buy IKEA stuff here. It’s not worth the cost and your things won’t fit in your flat. I learned that mistake the hard way.”
-H.M., Australian moving to London
There are three major ways to get your belongings to the UK.
- Sea Cargo: takes at least 3 months to reach the UK.
- Air Cargo: takes at least 6 weeks to reach the UK.
- Packing a ton of suitcases to take on your flight
If you have large items like furniture (which I don’t recommend bringing), sea cargo is the way to go. It’s not as expensive as air cargo, but it’s still pricey.
Air cargo is the most expensive way to ship things, but the advantage is that it doesn’t take nearly as long.
If you only have clothing and personal items, I would recommend getting extra suitcases and paying for more baggage on your flight. It’s definitely cheaper than shipping things by air cargo, and the day-of inconvenience of toting a lot of luggage is worth the savings.
6. Arrive in the UK & Pick up Your Residency Permit
You’ve arrived! Now it’s time to pick up your residency permit & Visa so you’re fully legal and can come and go from the UK as needed. You’ll usually get a temporary 90 day Visa which you’ll use to arrive in the UK, then pick up your official one when you arrive.
You will have chosen where to send your BRP (biometric residency permit) & Visa when applying. You can choose a post office, then bring your passport to collect it.
You’ll need your BRP when coming and going from the UK, along with your passport.
7. Enjoy Your New Life in the UK!
“The culture here is totally different. It takes time to adjust for sure.”
-D.M., Moving Australia to UK
Whew – you did it! Hopefully you still have some energy to get out and explore your new home and begin hunting for flats.
If you’re feeling lonely and out of place, you’re not alone. It takes time to adjust to a new place, make friends, and feel at home. Connect with other Aussies in the UK to commiserate and keep your spirits up.
You just made a huge life change, and some turbulence is totally normal. Keep your head up, try to enjoy the best of the UK, and take it easy on yourself. You did it!
More on Moving to London:
New in Town? Here’s 17 Easy Ideas for How to Make Friends in London
The Ultimate Moving Abroad Packing Checklist: 7 Do’s and Don’ts
How to Ship Your Stuff Moving Abroad: The Basics
101 Top Motivational Life Abroad Quotes to Fuel Your Adventure
Living in Australia vs UK: What 11 Aussie Expats Want You to Know
Should I Move to London? The Ultimate Compatibility Quiz
The Best Areas to Live in London for Singles, Couples and Families
Tips for finding Short Term Rentals in London
First time Renting in London: How to and tips
5 Types of UK Visas and how to get them
Moving Australia to UK FAQ
Is it easy for Australians to move to UK?
It may be easier for Australians to move to the UK than from other countries because of the Youth Mobility Scheme and Ancestry visas. Australia and the UK have a long history of immigration & Australia is a Commonwealth country.
Can Australians live in UK permanently?
To live in the UK permanently, you first need to move to the UK using one of the traditional Visa methods. When your Visa is coming up on expiry, you may have have the option to apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain), also called permanent residency or citizenship.
Where is better to live: UK or Australia?
This all depends on your personal preference and lifestyle. Many Australians like the larger opportunities for jobs and travel that the UK offers, but may find the lifestyle too different with less outdoor activities, worse weather, and less friendly people.
How long can an Australian stay in UK?
An Australian can stay in the UK for up to six months on a standard visitor Visa, but may not work during that time. To stay longer you will need to apply through a traditional Visa pathway for immigration.
How much money do you need to move to the UK?
Not accounting for the change in cost of living and housing, you’ll need at least £5,ooo in savings and at least £700 for the application fees for a UK Visa.
Do all Australians have UK citizenship?
No. Even though these two countries have a long shared history of immigration and emigration, Australian citizens do not automatically have UK citizenship. Since Australia is a Commonwealth country, so there may be more opportunities for Australians to move to the UK with the applicable visas.
