What documents do I need to move to Australia as a United Kingdom citizen?

Typical pathway: Skilled Nominated

Last verified: September 22, 2026

Biographical page of current United Kingdom passport (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
Colour scan of the photo/biodata page of the valid UK passport for the primary applicant and every family member included in the application. The Home Affairs checklist requires the biographical (photo) pages of the current passport or travel document of each visa applicant. Keep it separate from any certified paper photocopies a bank or landlord may later ask for.
Suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation (before) — Source: Department of Home Affairs – Skills assessment and assessing authorities
A positive, valid skills assessment issued by the Australian assessing authority for your nominated ANZSCO occupation (e.g. Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, AHPRA-linked bodies). Must be valid at the time of invitation. UK qualifications are assessed by the same authorities as other overseas qualifications.
SkillSelect Expression of Interest and Invitation to Apply (ITA) letter (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
The EOI reference/ID and the formal Invitation to Apply issued by the Department of Home Affairs after state nomination. The subclass 190 application can only be lodged after invitation, and must be lodged within the period stated in the ITA (commonly 60 days).
State or territory nomination approval notification (before) — Source: Nominating state/territory skilled migration authority (e.g. NSW Government, Live in Melbourne, Migration SA, ACT Migration)
Written approval of nomination from the nominating state/territory government (e.g. NSW Government, Live in Melbourne/Victoria, Migration SA, ACT). Nomination is what triggers the invitation and adds 5 points. Supporting evidence demanded by each state differs, so verify with the specific state's skilled migration portal.
Evidence of Competent English (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
UK passport holders can normally satisfy Competent English by virtue of being a UK passport-holding citizen, so no test may be needed for the primary applicant. If you are claiming extra points for Proficient or Superior English, an IELTS/PTE/TOEFL iBT/OET/Cambridge result dated within 3 years before invitation is required. Non-UK dependants aged 18+ must separately show Functional English.
ACRO Police Certificate (UK police clearance) (before) — Source: https://www.acro.police.uk/s/acro-services/police-certificates
Issued by the ACRO Criminal Records Office and used for the Australian character requirement by anyone aged 16+ who has lived in the UK 12 months or more cumulatively in the last 10 years. DBS certificates are not accepted for Australian visa purposes. Additional police certificates are needed for any other country lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
Immigration health examination results (HAP ID / eMedical) (before) — Source: Department of Home Affairs – Arranging a health examination (eMedical)
Medical and radiological examination completed by a Home Affairs panel physician against your HAP ID; in the UK this is normally done through the appointed panel clinic network. Results are uploaded directly by the clinic via eMedical rather than by the applicant.
Skilled employment evidence (employer reference letters plus payslips/P60s) (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
For every period of skilled employment claimed for points in the 10 years before invitation: reference letters on company letterhead stating role, dates, hours and duties, supported by payslips, contracts, and UK P60/HMRC records or bank statements showing salary. Employment references must meet the Department's stated content requirements.
Qualification award certificates and academic transcripts (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
Degree/diploma certificates and full transcripts for every qualification used for points or for the skills assessment, including UK university awards and any Australian study claim. Provide the same documents that were submitted to the assessing authority.
UK birth certificate (long form) for each applicant (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
Used to evidence age (under 45 at invitation), identity and parentage for the main applicant and any children included. Provide change-of-name evidence such as a deed poll or marriage certificate if any name on your documents differs from your passport.
Partner and dependent relationship evidence (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
Only if family members are included: marriage certificate or de facto relationship evidence (joint tenancy, joint bank statements, joint bills), and for dependent children aged 18–23 evidence of financial dependency. Family unit members must be declared even if they are not migrating with you.
Visa grant notification letter and VEVO record (during) — Source: Department of Home Affairs – VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online)
The PDF grant notice issued in ImmiAccount showing visa subclass 190, grant date, visa conditions and the initial travel facility expiry (normally 5 years). Australia issues no visa label, so this letter plus the online VEVO check is your proof of permanent residence for employers, Medicare, banks and landlords.
HMRC form P85 (leaving the UK tax notification) (during) — Source: HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)
Submitted to HM Revenue & Customs to report that you have left the UK to live abroad, to claim any UK tax refund and set your UK tax residence position. Not an Australian visa requirement, but important to avoid dual UK/Australian tax complications; also request your National Insurance record/state pension forecast before you go.
UK photocard driving licence (original, undamaged) (during) — Source: Relevant state/territory road authority (e.g. Service NSW, VicRoads, Service SA)
Bring the physical UK licence: it lets you drive on your overseas licence for a limited transition period after arrival and is the document surrendered/presented when converting to a state licence. Damaged licences may be refused without confirmation from DVLA/DVA. UK licences are English-language, so no NAATI translation is needed.
Proof of Australian residential address (during) — Source: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/documents-to-enrol-medicare-if-youre-permanent-resident
A signed residential tenancy agreement, utility connection account or bank statement showing your Australian address in the nominating state. Required as residency evidence for Medicare enrolment, driver licence issue and bank identity checks; some authorities require it to be dated within the last 3 months.
Tax File Number (TFN) application and TFN notice (during) — Source: Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Apply to the Australian Taxation Office for a TFN after arrival using your passport and visa details. Without a TFN your employer withholds tax at the top rate and your superannuation fund withholds extra tax on contributions. Keep the ATO notice of your TFN to give to your employer, super fund and bank.
Medicare enrolment application with supporting documents (during) — Source: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/enrolling-medicare-if-youre-australian-permanent-resident
As a permanent resident you may enrol in Medicare, online through myGov or by the Medicare enrolment form, providing identity documents (passport/visa grant evidence) and proof that you live in Australia. Services Australia states documents do not need to be certified, and each person being enrolled needs their own documents.
Australian state or territory driver licence (conversion of UK licence) (after) — Source: Relevant state/territory road authority (e.g. Service NSW, VicRoads, Service SA)
Apply within the transition period set by your state to exchange the UK licence for a local one; UK licences are generally recognised for exchange without a driving test, but evidence-of-identity and residency rules and deadlines differ by state, so verify with the state road authority.
Evidence of living and working in the nominating state for two years (after) — Source: https://www.act.gov.au/migration/skilled-migrants/190-nomination-criteria
Keep tenancy agreements, employment contracts, payslips, utility accounts and school enrolments showing residence in the nominating state/territory. Subclass 190 nominees commit to living and working in that state for at least two years from grant (or from arrival if moving from overseas), and states may ask for post-arrival confirmation.
Resident Return visa (subclass 155) application (after) — Source: Department of Home Affairs – Resident Return visa (subclass 155/157)
The subclass 190 permanent visa's travel facility expires about 5 years after grant; to keep re-entering Australia as a permanent resident after that you must be granted a Resident Return visa, evidenced by residence in Australia (generally 2 of the previous 5 years) or substantial ties. Alternatively apply for Australian citizenship once the residence requirement is met.

Not legal advice. Based on cached research — verify with official sources before making decisions.

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