Every year, about 190,000 work-related visas are granted to foreign specialists from around the world. This number undoubtedly demonstrates how dynamic and promising the UK labour market is. If you want to come to the UK to work and meet eligibility requirements, you can apply to the following visas
Long Term Work Visas
Global Talent Visa (previously Tier 1 Exceptional talent)
This visa category is for exceptionally talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, engineering, fashion and many other fields. To be successful, the applicant must seek endorsement from one of six endorsing bodies engaged by the Home Office. Endorsing bodies are:
Holders of this visa can stay in the UK for up to 5 years at a time. They can also extend their visa or apply for settlement after 3 or 5 years, depending on their field of work
Skilled Worker Visa (Previously Tier 2 Work general)
Following the introduction of the new immigration system in 2020, this visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. A Skilled Worker visa allows an individual to come to the UK to work and live for 5 years. To qualify, the applicant will need to do an eligible job with an approved employer, have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ and be paid a minimum wage. After 5 years, holders of this visa can extend their visa or apply for settlement, known as indefinite leave to remain.
Intra-Company Visas – ICT (previously Tier 2 ICT)
There are 2 types of Intra-Company visas:
Intra-company Transfer visa.
This route is for workers of multinational companies who are being transferred by their overseas company to do a skilled role for a linked entity in the UK. The minimum wage requirement is £41,500 The workers will need to have worked for their employer overseas for more than 12 months, unless the employer will pay them £73,900 a year or more to work in the UK.
Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa.
This visa is designed for employees taking part in a structured graduate training programme who are being transferred to a role in the UK. The holders of this visa must be paid at least £23,000
The workers will need to meet other eligibility requirements. They should be sponsored, do an eligible job and be existing employees of an approved organisation.
This route does not lead to settlement.
Short-Term Work Visas
Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange (previously Tier 5)
This visa is for individuals who want to come to the UK for a short time for work experience, to do training, an Overseas Government Language Program, research or a fellowship. The applicants must also have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ and have at least £2,530 available in funds to support themselves.
The applicants can stay in the UK for up to 2 years. However, those who are doing work experience can stay only for up to 12 months.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
This visa category is designed for individuals under 30 from eligible countries who want to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Eligible countries are:
The applicants should have £2,530 available to be eligible.
This route does not lead to settlement.
CONSULTATIONWe value your time. After the consultation, we will let you know what the next steps are. We will request the documents we need, and only call you when necessary. We are proactive, will update you on your case as soon as we have any news so that you don’t need to call, meaning you can rest assured that no actions are needed from your side.
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We have broad experience working with private clients, advising and representing their rights in legal institutions on various matters, such as: relocating to the UK, family member’s relocation, skilled immigration, obtaining permanent residence, or British citizenship.
More informationStudent migration constitutes a significant share of immigration to the UK. The number of international students relocating to the UK increased over the decade of the 1990s and 2000s, with a particularly sharp increase in 2009. Student visas issuing decreased from 2010 to 2016.
More informationGlobal Talent visa (which replaced the Exceptional Talent category) allows you to come to the UK and contribute to the economy by either starting up your own project or by working at an existing company.
More informationIf you want to come to the United Kingdom to work in a skilled role for a sponsoring business, you will need a Skilled Worker Visa. Skilled worker visa replaced Tier 2 (General) work visa. The eligibility criteria have also been relaxed. The minimum salary requirement was lowered from £30,000 to £25,600. However, the applicants must still score a minimum of 70 points in total to apply for Skilled worker visa.
More informationThis route is for established workers of multinational companies who are being transferred by their overseas company to do a skilled role for a linked entity in the UK.
More informationThe Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) is a great opportunity for young people from designated countries or territories who wish to live in the UK for up to 2 years. The eligibility requirements are based on nationality, age, and financial capabilities.
More information