UK Ancestry visa: For those with UK-born grandparents

If you have a grandparent born in the UK, the Ancestry Visa could be your pathway to living and working there without restrictions. This visa allows you to stay for up to five years, with the option to extend or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). After you have held ILR for 12 months you will be eligible to apply for British citizenship through naturalisation.

Eligibility:

  • You must be a Commonwealth citizen aged 17 or over, with proof of your UK-born grandparent
  • You also need to demonstrate intent and ability to work in the UK.

Youth Mobility Scheme visa

Are you between the ages of 18 and 35? The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa is designed for you. It lets Australians and New Zealanders live, work, and travel in the UK for up to two years.

Eligibility:

  • Hold an Australian or New Zealand passport, have sufficient savings (at least £2,530), and no dependent children accompanying you.

Skilled Worker visa: Career opportunities with UK employers

For skilled professionals, the Skilled Worker visa opens the door to UK jobs. These require a UK company with a sponsor license to offer you employment, making it ideal for Aussies and Kiwis who work in occupations which are at degree level. After being in the UK for five years on this visa, you will be eligible for ILR and eventually British citizenship.

Eligibility:

  • A job offer from a licensed sponsor, meeting salary threshold of at least £41,700, there are exemptions to this depending on the occupation

Student visa: Pursue world-class education

Enrolled in a UK institution? The Student visa allows you to study full-time, with limited work rights. It's perfect for Australians and New Zealanders seeking degrees or courses at renowned universities.

Eligibility:

  • Acceptance from a licensed sponsor (with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies – CAS), proof of funds, and English language proficiency.

Spouse visa

If your partner is British, Irish, or settled in the UK, the Spouse visa (often called Family visa or Partner visa) lets you join them. This covers married couples, civil partners, those who've cohabited for 24 months, or planning a UK marriage/partnership.

Eligibility:

  • Genuine relationship proof, financial requirements (e.g., £18,600 income threshold, rising to £29,000 for new applications from April 2024), and accommodation.

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa: For top graduates

Recent graduate from a top global university? The HPI visa targets high achievers, allowing a two-year stay (three for PhDs) to work or seek opportunities in the UK.

Eligibility:

  • Degree from an eligible university in the last five years, English proficiency, and maintenance funds.

Beyond visas: British citizenship options

Many Australians and New Zealanders qualify for British citizenship through descent. We assist with first-time passport applications, renewals, registrations for adults and children born abroad, and document compliance.

For complex cases like double descent (e.g., UK-born great-grandparent), our London team can handle historical claims.

If you’re looking to move to the UK on a visa, our knowledgeable immigration consultants will guide you through the entire process. Contact us on [email protected].