The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (Australia-UK FTA) which entered into force on 31 May 2023, is designed to create new export opportunities between the two countries, strengthen diversification and economic recovery and create new export opportunities and jobs. It will also be easier for Australians to live and work in the UK and vice versa.

Following the entry into force of the Australia-UK FTA, new Australian visa opportunities have been introduced for UK citizens.

Under the new arrangements, UK passport holders will be able to:

• Apply for an Australian Working Holiday visa if they are between the ages of 18 and 35 years inclusive from 1 July 2023.
• Be granted up to three Working Holiday visas without having to meet any ‘specified work’ requirements from 1 July 2024.
• Labour Market Testing concessions were introduced on 31 May 2023 for UK citizens which added the Australia-UK FTA to the list of international trade agreements where labour market testing is exempt for those countries. This means that businesses nominating UK citizen employees under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)(subclass 482) visa program will no longer be required to undertake labour market testing, making the sponsorship process smoother.

The Australia-UK FTA also includes provisions to support recognition of professional qualifications between Australia and the UK and increased collaboration between UK and Australian accreditation and regulatory bodies. This will assist in streamlining the process for UK visa applicants applying for Australian visas where accreditation is required.

For advice regarding Australian visas, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@hartmanimmigration.com.au for Australian immigration assistance.