All You Need-to-Know About Visas

You’ll need to apply for this visa if you intend to study in Australia. Remember to declare family members on the visa application so that they have the option of joining you at a later date.

Those taking part in a workplace or vocational training.

This visa requires sponsorship by an Australian employer and has a duration of up to four years. This will be for a skilled role, so you need to prove you have the correct skills for the occupation to be eligible.

A permanent visa requires sponsorship by an Australian employer. You can use the online tool SkillSelect to find prospective employers or territory governments to nominate you.

Permanent visa, for skilled workers not sponsored by family members or an Australian company. This is for people with desired qualities by the Australian Government, who will be graded and their skills assessed.

A permanent visa is available for a person who has qualities desired by Australia (generally a skill shortage) and has been nominated by a state or territory.

For skilled persons looking to live and work in a low population growth area of Australia. This requires sponsorship by a family member with permanent residential status and is valid for 4 years, half of which you must spend in a nominated territory.

There are certain occupations and skills which have been highlighted on a list as being in short supply. If you have the necessary qualifications and experience to work in an occupation listed on the New Zealand Long Term Skill Shortage List, you’ll have a chance of getting this temporary visa to work and live there. Following this, and after 2 years of work, you can apply to live there permanently through the subsequent resident visa.

If you have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer, this visa is for you. With it, you can work for two years and then apply to live in New Zealand permanently. Job offers must be full-time, and pay more than NZ$55,000 a year. This can lead to a subsequent resident visa.

If you have a full-time job offer in a role that no other New Zealand resident is available to do, you can apply for this visa. It will allow you to stay for up to 5 years depending on the skill level of your job.

If you’ve got a Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa and have worked in New Zealand for more than 2 years you can apply. You must be paid a minimum of NZ$45,000, but this is a permanent visa. You can include your partner and dependent children aged 24 and under on this visa.

If you hold a Talent Work Visa and have worked for an accredited employer for more than 2 years, you can apply for permanent residency.

This is a points-based system for skilled workers and a permanent visa. You make an Expression of Interest to apply for residence, likely in an area which has a skills shortage, and depending on experience, qualifications or occupation may be offered permanent residency. This option can include a partner and children below 24 years old as part of the application.

For business owners and investors who could contribute to New Zealand's economic growth. This visa can be for permanent or temporary entry.

Full-time students at an academic institution.

Full time students at a vocational institution.

A highly-sought after visa (oversubscribed each year by around three times). This visa is for graduate-level workers in specialty jobs such as scientists or engineers for up to 6 years.

For US employers looking to recruit non-US workers to fill a gap in temporary non-agricultural jobs. The employer must apply on the worker's behalf, and its duration tends to be up to 1 year.

For managers, executives or those with specialised knowledge to be transferred for up to 7 years to a US office. Usually work for an affiliate or subsidiary of a US company outside of the US.

Spouses or children of those with an L1 Visa can stay for the same period. L2 Visas do entitle the holder to work or study with the right extra paperwork (Application for Employment Authorisation).

Businessmen and employees of UK companies which employ in the US. The US must also make up the majority of the trader’s international trade. Must demonstrate there will be a large amount of trade between the US and the country. Looks at proposed business venture.

For skilled migrants applying for permanent residency, this will be the quickest option if applicants are successful. Applicants are put into a pool of profiles, and the highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence. The whole process might take less than 6 months, and candidates are scored on education, language, work experience and skills. Applications are filled in online.

A new visa with a pass/fail system rather than the traditional points-based criteria. For skilled tradespeople.

For those with 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada who are looking to make the transition to permanent residence.

For those nominated for permanent residency by a specific province or territory for their desired skills. This is fast-tracked, and each province will have its own requirements that need to be met.

For investors, start-ups and self-employed workers looking to make Canada their permanent home.

For Canadians to sponsor their foreign spouse, common-law partner and conjugal partner to emigrate to Canada.

Special agreement with the Government of Canada on immigration, own rules to apply.

The process of moving to Spain after Brexit differs from when the UK was still a part of the EU. If you are planning on living in Spain for longer than three months, (which is you if you’re emigrating!), you need to register in person at the Oficina De Extranjeros (Foreign Office) in your area of residence as well as secure a suitable visa to Spain. You’ll be issued a Residence Certificate the size of a credit card, and after 5 years you can apply for a certificate for permanent residence in Spain.

You may have to prove you have sufficient money to support yourself, and if you’re planning to work you will need to provide a certificate of employment from your employee.

If you’re planning on moving to Italy, when you first arrive remember to declare your presence for the first three months by visiting the closest police station to your new home. If you’re moving to Italy from the UK for more than 3 months, you’ll have to apply for residency at the closest town hall to your new home. This is essential to access free healthcare services in Italy.

Like many other EU countries, after 5 years you can apply for permanent residency. After being a resident for four years, you can then apply for Italian citizenship.

If you’re emigrating to Germany, you’ll need to register in the first few weeks you’re there. When you arrive in Germany, register at the closest Einwohnermeldeamt (Registration Office) to your new home within 14 days if you plan on staying for more than 3 months.

Check with your local registration office in advance, as different documents might be needed in different areas, and fees can apply. Generally, you’ll need proof of address and your British Passport.

Rules have changed on residency in France due to the UK leaving the EU. If you're moving to France, you can still apply for a card, which has a duration of 5 years. After 5 years of residency, you gain the right of permanent residence and can apply for a permanent residence card. This card is renewable every 10 years.

The residence cards are optional, but make administrative tasks easier as you can use them to prove your right to live in France whenever needed. Contact your local Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie to find out what you need to register for the French healthcare system.