In 2026, the battle for global talent has created two distinct heavyweight contenders: the UK Skilled Worker Visa and Australia’s new Skills in Demand (SID) Visa.
While both countries are aggressively recruiting healthcare, tech, and engineering professionals, their approaches have diverged. The UK has raised its salary drawbridge significantly (£41,700), making it harder for mid-level professionals. In contrast, Australia has streamlined its process with the new SID visa, offering a faster 2-year path to PR and a dedicated “Specialist” lane that processes in just 7 days.
This guide compares the two visas head-to-head to help you decide which migration strategy fits your profile in 2026.
1. At a Glance: The 2026 Comparison Table
| Feature | UK Skilled Worker Visa | Australia Skills in Demand (SID) Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Points-Based (70 Points) | Employer-Sponsored (3 Streams) |
| Minimum Salary | £41,700 (~AUD $83,000) OR “Going Rate” | AUD $76,515 (Core Skills) AUD $141,210 (Specialist) |
| New Entrant Salary | £33,400 (Under 26 / Student) | No specific age discount (but lower Core threshold applies) |
| Work Experience | Not explicitly defined (Employer discretion) | 1 Year mandatory relevant experience |
| Occupation List | Immigration Salary List (ISL) | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) |
| PR Pathway | 5 Years (Indefinite Leave to Remain) | 2 Years (Subclass 186 Transition) |
| Processing Time | 3 – 8 Weeks | 7 Days (Specialist) / 21 Days (Core) |
| Job Offer? | Mandatory (Licensed Sponsor) | Mandatory (Approved Sponsor) |
2. UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026: High Bar, clear Rules
The UK system in 2026 is built on a “Salary First” model. The government effectively uses salary thresholds to control immigration numbers.
A. The “70 Points” System Explained
You need 70 points to qualify. Unlike Australia’s general migration points (age, degree, etc.), the UK’s points are mostly rigid:
- 50 Mandatory Points:
- Job offer from a licensed sponsor (20 pts).
- Job at appropriate skill level (RQF 3+) (20 pts).
- English Language (B1 Level) (10 pts).
- 20 Tradeable Points:
- Salary of £41,700+ (20 pts).
- OR PhD in relevant subject (10-20 pts).
- OR Job on Immigration Salary List (20 pts).
- OR “New Entrant” status (20 pts).
B. Salary Thresholds 2026
- Standard: You must earn at least £41,700 OR the occupation’s “going rate” (whichever is higher).
- New Entrant Discount: If you are under 26, a recent graduate, or in postdoctoral research, the threshold drops to £33,400 (or 70% of the going rate). This is the only viable route for many fresh graduates.
C. The PR Pathway (ILR)
- Time to PR: 5 Years.
- The Catch: At the time of applying for PR (ILR), you must be earning the full salary threshold (£41,700 or going rate). The “New Entrant” discount does not apply for settlement, meaning you must secure a significant pay rise within 5 years to stay.
3. Australia Skills in Demand (SID) Visa 2026: Speed & Certainty
Australia has scrapped the old 482 visa for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which is designed for speed. It does not use a points test for the visa itself.
A. The Three Streams
- Specialist Skills Pathway:
- For anyone earning AUD $141,210+ (except trades/laborers).
- No Occupation List: You can work in any skilled role.
- Speed: Processed in 7 days.
- Core Skills Pathway:
- For most professionals earning AUD $76,515 – $141,210.
- Occupation List: Your job must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- Essential Skills Pathway:
- For lower-income critical sectors (Aged Care, etc.) earning under $76,515. (Sector-specific rules apply).
B. Work Experience Requirement
Unlike the UK, where a graduate can start immediately, Australia requires 1 year of full-time work experience (or part-time equivalent) to qualify for the SID visa.
C. The “Guaranteed” PR Pathway
This is Australia’s winning card in 2026.
- Time to PR: 2 Years.
- Mechanism: After working for your sponsor for 2 years, you are eligible for the Subclass 186 (Temporary Residence Transition) stream.
- Certainty: Unlike the old system, time spent with any approved sponsor counts. You can change jobs (within 180 days) and still keep your PR clock ticking.
4. Critical Comparison: Which is Better?
Scenario 1: The Fresh Graduate
- Winner: UK.
- The UK’s “New Entrant” route allows you to work immediately after graduation with a lower salary (£33,400). Australia strictly requires 1 year of experience, forcing graduates to find a workaround (like a 485 Post-Study visa) to build experience first.
Scenario 2: The Mid-Level Professional (IT/Engineering)
- Winner: Australia.
- If you have 2+ years of experience, Australia offers a faster PR (2 years vs UK’s 5 years). The salary threshold for Core Skills ($76k AUD) is often easier to meet in Australian dollars than the UK’s £41,700 in Pounds, relative to cost of living.
Scenario 3: The High Earner ($140k+ / £75k+)
- Winner: Australia.
- The Specialist Skills stream is unmatched. No occupation lists, 7-day processing, and a red-carpet welcome. The UK has no equivalent “speed” lane for high earners; they go through the same 3-8 week standard process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I bring my family?
- UK: Yes, but the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is expensive (~£1,035 per person/year).
- Australia: Yes, family is included. There is no upfront “health tax,” but you must buy private health insurance.
Q2: Does the UK points test help if I have a high salary?
Yes. If your salary is above the threshold, you earn the necessary “tradeable” points. However, having more points (e.g., 90 points) doesn’t give you any advantage over someone with 70 points. It is a “pass/fail” system.
Q3: Is the Australian “Core Skills List” restrictive?
Yes. If your job (e.g., Marketing Specialist) is removed from the CSOL, you cannot apply for the Core Skills stream. The UK is more flexible; as long as the job is RQF Level 3 and pays enough, it is eligible, even if not on a “shortage list.”
Q4: Which PR is safer?
Australia. The clear legislative change allowing all SID stream holders to transition to PR after 2 years provides more certainty than the UK’s 5-year wait, where salary thresholds could rise again before you qualify for settlement.
Need a Profile Assessment?
Check if you qualify for the UK’s “New Entrant” discount or Australia’s “Core Skills” list.
Contact Ausizz Migration Consultants:
- Website: www.ausizzmigrationconsultants.com
