Are you considering relocating to Australia? This sunny southern hemisphere country is considered one of the world’s major relocation destinations.
In this article, we consider the Australia entry requirements and ask and answer some key questions relating to visa information, to help make your relocation to Australia more seamless.
Do I need a visa to enter Australia?
All visitors to Australia who are not Australian citizens must have a visa to enter the country. While New Zealand passport holders are entitled to apply for their visa upon entering Australia, all other passport holders must arrange for their visa to be in place before they travel. This is regardless of age.
What do I need to apply for a visa for Australia?
To enter Australia, you must hold a valid passport, and a completed and signed Incoming Passenger Card, and a valid Australian visa.
In terms of entry requirements to Australia, bear in mind the following obligations:
1. You must meet the Australian health requirement. Note, from 6 July 2022, you do not need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to travel to and from Australia.
2. You must meet the Australian character test to show that you are of good character. There are certain circumstances where you may not be passed, including, amongst others, a substantial criminal record.
3. Australia has strict biosecurity controls to help minimise the risk of disease and pests entering the country. All travellers must meet the requirements before entering Australia.
What types of visas does Australia offer?
If you are looking to move to Australia permanently or for a substantial amount of time to Australia, the Australian Government’s Migration Program includes economic and family migration. This is the main pathway to permanent residence. It includes the Skill stream, Family stream and Special Eligibility visas. The only other way to obtain permanent residence is on humanitarian grounds.
In September 2022, the Australia Government increased the number of visas for permanent migration to 195,000 visa places, broken down as follows:
Skilled visas – 142,400 places: to fill skill shortages in the labour market
Family visas – 52,500 places: to reunite with family members from overseas and assist them in gaining citizenship
Special eligibility – 100 places: in the case of special circumstances, including permanent residents returning to Australia after a period abroad
You can find out more about the Australian migration planning levels here.
Here is the full list of visa options for Australia:
• Visitor visa
• Studying and training visas
• Family and partner visas
• Working and skilled visas
• Refugee and humanitarian visas
• Other visas, including Resident Return visas
If you are considering moving to Australia to work, you may find this article helpful.
How do I apply for an Australian visa from the UK?
If you are travelling from the UK to Australia, you can utilise the online Australia Electronic Travel Authority visa (ETA) (also known as the Subclass 601 Visa) online platforms to apply. This is an electronic permit which permits the holder to travel to Australia to a temporary visit (up to three months at a time), whether to see family, visiting as a tourist, or for business purposes.
For other visas, you can apply online via the Australian Government site by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process.
For help finding the right visa if you are moving to Australia to work, consult the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s Visa Finder.
You can also use a visa agency or emigration consultant to assist you, of which there are many in the UK. Here are just a few:
UK Visas – https://ukvisas.co.uk/
4UKVisas – https://4ukvisas.co.za/
Visa Simple – https://www.visasimple.com/
The Travel Visa Company – https://thetravelvisacompany.co.uk/
Thames Migration – https://www.thamesmigration.com/
Sable International – https://www.sableinternational.com/immigration
Overseas Emigration – https://www.overseas-emigration.co.uk/
Moving from the UK checklist
If you are wondering what you need to do before moving to Australia, you may find our 8-Point Moving to Australia from the UK Checklist helpful. You can also read more in our Immigrating into Australia: A 2022 Moving Guide.
If you are considering relocating, preparation is key when it comes to moving and shipping to Australia. Not only do you need to focus on your employment and your visa application requirements, but Australia also has strict regulations with regards to shipping and importing into the country. Then you also need to find the best places to live in Australia. And there’s the question of what long term storage solutions are available to you.
As one of the UK’s leaders in removals and storage, Doree Bonner has been moving households and businesses to Australia from the UK for many years, so we know what it takes to make your move a smooth and successful one.
From packing and storage options in the UK, to destination services handled by our overseas agents in Australia, we are here to partner with you at every step of your move journey.
Our recommended partner for currency transfers – at excellent rates – is Smart Currency Exchange. They are UK-based and authorised by the FCA. Opening an account with Smart only takes a few minutes, so why do it today? Then you’ll be ready to make international money transfers that are easy, fast and safe. Find out more about Smart Currency here.
Learn more about Doree Bonner’s International Moving services here and get a free online quote. Alternatively, please contact a member of our Doree Bonner team for advice and information relating to your specific requirements when moving to Australia for work. We look forward to hearing from you and to supporting you on your journey.