UK work visa from Australia: requirements, cost and how to apply

Do you need a TB test?

Not because you live in Australia. Australia is not on the GOV.UK list of countries where you need a TB test.

You still need a test if you’ve lived in a listed country (for example India, Pakistan or Nigeria) for 6 months or more and were living there within the last 6 months. Check the full list.

Do you need to prove your English?

No, if you’re one of the Australian citizens. Australia is on the GOV.UK list of countries whose citizens do not need to prove their English for a Skilled Worker visa. This depends on your nationality, not where you live.

Do you need a police certificate?

Only for some jobs. You need a criminal record certificate if you’re applying from outside the UK for one of 69 jobs in health, education or social care. You need one from each country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, since you turned 18.

In Australia it’s called a National Police Check. What GOV.UK says about getting one in Australia:

• Individuals and CrimTrac accredited agencies only can apply.
• You can apply online. You can also download an application form and post it.
• You need a completed application and an authorised copy of photographic ID, such as a passport or driver's licence. Rare cases may need fingerprints.
• The fee is $47.00 to $104.00 AUD for a National Police Check. It depends on who the employer is and whether fingerprints are supplied or taken at application.
• Direct applications to the AFP take around 15 days inside Australia, from receipt of posted forms. International postage times vary.

GOV.UK last updated its information for Australia on 12 July 2016. Check the details with the issuing office before you apply. Read the full GOV.UK section.

Where do you prove your identity?

After you apply online, you prove your identity. Depending on your passport, you either scan it with the UK Immigration: ID Check app or give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre. Australia has UK visa application centres. Book or find a centre in Australia.

How much does it cost?

The fees are the same wherever you apply from, and they are set in pounds.

For example, a 3-year visa costs £819 plus £3,105 for the healthcare surcharge: £3,924. Your partner and children pay too if they come with you. The fee is lower (£628) if your job is on the Immigration Salary List. All the fees.

How long does it take?

You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks after you’ve applied online and proved your identity. Your visa can last up to 5 years, and you can extend it.

How to apply from Australia

1. Find a job with a UK employer on the licensed sponsor list. Check the job’s SOC code is eligible.
2. Get your certificate of sponsorship reference number from your employer.
3. If your job needs one, get a police certificate from each country you’ve lived in.
4. Apply online on GOV.UK: apply from outside the UK. Pay the fee and the healthcare surcharge.
5. Prove your identity with the ID Check app or at a visa application centre in Australia.

Other ways to work in the UK from Australia

Youth Mobility Scheme. Australian citizens aged 18 to 35 can live and work in the UK for up to 2 years without a job offer. The fee is £340 and you need £2,530 in savings. How the scheme works.

Not sure the Skilled Worker visa is right for you? Compare all UK work visas.