🇬🇧 United Kingdom vs 🇦🇺 Australia
Compare work visa requirements, eligibility criteria, processing times, and costs between United Kingdom and Australia for skilled workers.
| Criteria | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 🇦🇺 Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker minimum salary | — | Market rate + AUD $70,000 for AEWV |
| Processing time (initial visa) | — | 4–8 weeks |
| PR pathway | — | 189/190 → direct PR |
| Global Talent route | — | GTI (Global Talent) — separate program |
| English requirement | — | IELTS 6.0 per band (minimum) |
| Job offer needed | — | Not required for 189; required for 186/190 |
| Healthcare surcharge | — | No healthcare surcharge; Medicare levy applies |
| Healthcare worker route | — | N/A (covered by standard pathways) |
| Path to citizenship | — | 4 years PR → apply for citizenship |
Summary: The UK requires a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship but offers a Healthcare Worker Visa with fee reductions for eligible professionals. Australia offers direct PR pathways (189/190) without employer sponsorship but has a more competitive points system. The UK may be better for those with an employer sponsor; Australia better for those applying independently.