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Moving to Australia from the US or UK: visas and costs
Apply for a Subclass 600 Visitor visa (up to 12 months) if you just want to live temporarily; for work or study apply for the appropriate Subclass (e.g., 482, 500) – expect AU$145‑$1,500 fee and 4‑12 weeks processing; budget AU$2,500‑$5,000 total including visa, health cover and initial living costs.
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Applies to
Clear answers on which visas apply to US and UK citizens, how much they cost, processing times and extra fees, plus step‑by‑step guidance.
Key facts
- Visitor visa (subclass 600) fee
- AU$145
- Skilled work visa (subclass 482) fee
- AU$1,460
- Student visa (subclass 500) fee
- AU$620
- Processing time typical
- 4‑12 weeks
- Mandatory health insurance
- AU$300‑$600 for 12 months
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Visa options for US and UK citizens
Short‑term stays (tourism, visiting family, short courses) use the Visitor visa (subclass 600). It allows up to 12 months, multiple entries, and costs AU$145.
Working in Australia requires a work‑based visa. The most common is the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) for employers sponsoring skilled workers; fees start at AU$1,460.
Studying full‑time for more than three months uses the Student visa (subclass 500). The base charge is AU$620 plus a tuition‑related Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) requirement.
Permanent residency pathways (e.g., Skilled Independent visa subclass 189) are beyond the scope of this page but follow similar fee structures and longer processing.
| Visa type | Max stay | Fee (AU$) | Typical processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor (600) | 12 months | 145 | 4‑12 weeks |
| Work (482) | up to 4 years | 1,460 | 8‑16 weeks |
| Student (500) | duration of course | 620 | 4‑12 weeks |
Fees are 2026 estimates; additional charges (e.g., biometrics, health exams) may apply.
Do
- Check if your occupation is on the current Skilled Occupation List before applying for a work visa.
- For a Visitor visa, you must show sufficient funds for the stay (generally AU$5,000‑$7,000).
Cost breakdown for moving
Visa application fee is the first major cost. Add OSHC for student or work visas (AU$300‑$600 for a year).
Airfare from the US or UK to major Australian gateways (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) averages AU$1,200‑$1,800 round‑trip in economy (2026).
Initial living costs: a short‑term rental or Airbnb for 1‑2 months costs AU$1,500‑$3,000 depending on city; budget around AU$2,500 for the first month including food and transport.
| Item | Cost (AU$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa | 145 | single entry, 12 months |
| Work visa (482) | 1,460 | plus nomination fee if applicable |
| Student visa (500) | 620 | plus OSHC |
| OSHC (12 mo) | 300‑600 | mandatory for work/student |
| Round‑trip flight US‑AU | 1,200‑1,800 | economy, varies by city |
| Initial rent (1‑2 mo) | 1,500‑3,000 | Sydney highest |
All figures are 2026 estimates; actual costs may vary.
Do
- Book flights 2‑3 months in advance for lower fares.
- Consider shared housing platforms to reduce early rent costs.
Show 3 sectionsHideStep‑by‑step application process, Questions people ask, Related
Step‑by‑step application process
1. Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
2. Choose the correct visa subclass and complete the online form.
3. Upload required documents: passport, proof of funds, English proficiency (if required), health insurance evidence, and any sponsor letters.
4. Pay the visa fee via credit card.
5. Schedule a health examination if the visa demands it (usually for work and student visas).
6. Submit the application and wait for the decision; you can track status in ImmiAccount.
7. Once approved, receive a visa grant notice with your visa conditions and expiry.
Do
- Keep digital copies of all documents; the system may request additional evidence.
- Check the visa condition “No Further Stay” if you plan to apply for another visa later.
Watch out
- Providing false information can lead to a visa refusal and future bans.
Questions people ask
Moving to Australia from the US or UK: what is the short answer?
Apply for a Visitor visa (AU$145) if you only need a short stay; for work or study apply for the relevant skilled or student visa, which costs AU$620‑$1,460 and takes 4‑12 weeks.
Who does it apply to?
All US and UK passport holders. Visa‑free entry is not available; you must obtain a visa before travel.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Fees range from AU$145 for a Visitor visa to AU$1,460 for a work visa. Processing typically 4‑12 weeks, but can extend to 16 weeks for some work visas.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for student visas; work visas also require OSHC or comparable private cover.
Can I work on a Visitor visa?
No. The Visitor visa does not permit employment. To work you must obtain a work‑based visa such as subclass 482.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check and were last checked Sep 2026
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