UK Work Permit Visa
The United Kingdom is still one of the top destinations for those wishing to migrate to another country. The UK offers good quality of life and a multicultural environment that makes it a favorite of immigration candidates.
uk work
Why should I choose the UK for migration?
What are the visa options to migrate to the UK?
What are the eligibility requirements for a visa to migrate to the UK?
What are the details of the points-based system introduced by the UK in 2020?
How can a visa applicant score the required 70 points to qualify for a visa?
What is a work permit visa in the UK?
How can I get a work visa for the UK?
What is the shortage occupation list?
How can the list help you get your Tier 2 visa?
What are some of the occupations that appear in the shortage occupation list?
Is it easy to get a work permit in the UK?
Who is eligible to work in the UK?
What are the recent changes introduced in Tier 2 (general) visa category?
What are the changes introduced in the Skilled Occupation List in 2022?
How will the expansion of the SOL help UK employers?
How will the revised SOL help international job seekers looking for work in the UK?
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, and what are the eligibility requirements?
What are the benefits of the ILR?
How long is the process to gain an ILR?
How does one get permanent residency in the UK?
What are the visa options to bring dependents to the UK?
Can you bring dependents on the Tier 4 visa?
What are the benefits of working in the UK?
uk study visa
What is the visa option for students to study in the UK?
What is the post-study options for international students in the UK?
What are the details of the U.K’s Global Talent visa?
How will UK’s points-based system benefit skilled workers?
What is the Skilled Worker visa?
How many points are required to eligible for skilled worker visa?
What are the benefits of the Skilled worker visa?
What are the eligibility requirements for the visa?
What are the documents required to apply for the visa?
What are the features of the Skilled worker visa?
What are the work options for international students in the UK?
uk sole representative visa
What is the UK Sole Representative visa?
What are the eligibility requirements of the Sole Representative visa?
What are the advantages of the Sole Representative visa?
Why should I choose the UK for migration?
People migrate to the UK for multiple reasons. Some of the reasons are
- Economic benefits
There are many solid and stable industries in the UK. These industries require skilled workers, and there are many job opportunities. The processing system of visas makes it convenient for immigrants.
- Healthcare
Immigrants coming to the UK have access to advanced healthcare provided by the NHS or National Health Service. It is economical and efficient. The healthcare expenses are subsidized, and therefore it is less expensive compared to other countries.
- Education
Many renowned educational institutes have been established in the UK. The like that of Oxford, Cambridge, or Manchester, to name a few, have years of experience in education and is one of the most sought-after colleges.
The children of the expats can also avail themselves of free education. They need to either be young enough to pick up the language or show a promising ability to speak English.
- Lifestyle
Significant events happen in the cities of the UK, in terms of arts, sports, or culture. The widespread network of transportation makes it convenient to travel anywhere in the country to attend these events.
- Rich Culture
Immigration from different countries over the years has led to the UK becoming a melting pot of various cultures and heritage. The immigrants to the country find diverse options for international cultural offerings.
How can I migrate to the UK?
How can I migrate to the UK?
The UK offers a range of options for those who wish to settle down in the country. You can migrate to the UK:
- Employment in the country
A work offer or a job is required before you decide to migrate to the UK. You have to apply for a work visa in advance. Your employer will shave to sponsor your work permit if you are looking for a sponsored-based visa.
- As a student
The UK has many experienced and renowned educational institutes. A degree from the country is considered credible and gives many opportunities for graduates.
- As an entrepreneur
The country’s stable economy and advanced lifestyle make the UK a safe start for entrepreneurs wanting to start innovative services for British citizens.
- As an investor
Many avenues are present in the UK for investment, right from exchange-traded funds to fine wine. This makes the country a good place for investors.
- Engaged or married to a UK citizen
If foreign national gets engaged or married to a citizen of the UK, they are eligible to migrate to the UK.
What are the visa options to migrate to the UK?
What are the visa options to migrate to the UK?
To immigrate to the UK, there are multiple options for the visa for foreign nationals. These include:
- Tier 1 Visa
This visa is for migrants who are essential and have highly-valued skills. The eligibility is judged by a system that is points-based.
- Tier 2 Visa
This visa is aimed at skilled foreign national workers. They are sponsored by their employer based in the UK.
- Tier 3 Visa
This visa is for workers who are unskilled.
- Tier 4 UK Study Visa
This visa is specifically for adult students pursuing their academics in the UK.
- Tier 5 Visa
This type of visa is for immigrants who want to be trained or gain work experience from the UK for a short period of time. This visa requires a sponsorship certificate from a sponsor with a license.
What are the eligibility requirements for a visa to migrate to the UK?
After the Brexit in 2020, the UK changed its immigration policies. Earlier, when the UK was part of the EU or European Union, anyone who applied for a work visa in the EU could seamlessly work in any country part of the EU.
Now, the UK has introduced a points-based system to grant a visa. The applicant must score above 70 points to be considered for a visa.
The points are awarded based on these requirements:
- Scores set by the British authorities for IELTS or TOEFL as proof of proficiency in English
- The applicant should not be a citizen of the countries of the EEA (European Economic Area) or EU.
- If the intention for coming to the UK is work, the applicant must submit all the required documents, like a certificate of work experience and the like.
- Proof of funds for the stay in the UK
- Character certificate
- Health Certificate
What are the details of the points-based system introduced by the UK in 2020?
In early 2020, the UK government announced the launch of a points-based immigration system which will come into effect from January 2021. The main features of the points-based migration are:
- Immigration candidates for both EU and non-EU nations will be treated the same way
- Highly skilled workers, skilled workers, and students wanting to come to the UK must follow the points-based system
- A job offer is mandatory for skilled workers
- The salary threshold will now be 26,000 pounds per year, reduced from 30,000 pounds required earlier
- Applicants must prove that they can speak English (A-level or equivalent)
- Highly skilled workers will need to be endorsed by a UK body, however, they do not need a job offer
- Students will also come under the points-based system to study in the UK and must show proof of an admission letter from an educational institute, English proficiency, and funds.
- 70 points are the minimum score required to be eligible for a visa
How can a visa applicant score the required 70 points to qualify for a visa?
A job offer in the UK and the ability to speak English will get the applicant 50 points. The additional 20 points required to qualify for the visa can be gained through any of the following qualifications:
- Having a job offer that pays you 26,000 pounds or above per year will give you 20 points
- 10 points for a relevant Ph.D. or 20 points for a Ph.D. in a STEM subject
- 20 points for an offer for a job where there is a skill shortage
| Category | Maximum points |
| Job offer | 20 points |
| Job at an appropriate skill level | 20 points |
| English speaking skills | 10 points |
| Salary of 26,000 and above or relevant Ph.D. in a STEM subject | 10 + 10 = 20 points |
| Total | 70 points |
What is a work permit visa in the UK?
Employment in the finance, IT, and engineering sectors is popular. International skilled workers can migrate to the UK with the Tier 2 visa program. If the occupation they are employed in is listed in the list of occupation shortage Tier 2, they can stay in the UK for a longer time.
How can I get a work visa for the UK?
The Tier 2 Visa is based on the points system. The applicants need to score 70 points to be eligible for the visa. The points on the basis of:
- Presence of Certificate of Sponsorship by the employer
- Adequate income
- Proficiency in English
- Existing funds for maintenance
What is the shortage occupation list?
The government of the UK puts out the UK Shortage Occupancy List. This list gives information about the skills that are in demand. It lists out the occupations that are facing a workforce shortage.
It is easier to obtain a work visa to work for these occupations. This list is updated regularly by tracking the skill shortages in the UK.
How can the list help you get your Tier 2 visa?
If you apply for a Tier 2 Work Visa your application will be scored on a point scoring system. You must have at least 70 points to qualify for a visa. A job offer with an employer sponsorship certificate will give you 30 points. If your skill appears on the Skills Shortage list, you will score 30 points more. With these points, it will be easy to get the remaining points to qualify.
What are some of the occupations that appear in the shortage occupation list?
These are some of the occupations that appear in the list:
- Engineers
- Energy and mining production managers
- Scientists
- IT and software engineers
- Medical practitioners and radiographers
- Nurses and midwives
- Actuaries, economists, and statisticians
- Animators
- Aircraft maintenance technicians
- Chefs
- Welders
- Social workers
- Secondary school teachers
- Paramedics
Is it easy to get a work permit in the UK?
If you have an employment offer from a UK-based employer, it will be easier for you to be granted a work permit. You should also score adequate points to points to be eligible for the UK work visa.
Who is eligible to work in the UK?
The Tier 2 work visa has been further divided into many sub-categories that cover diverse professions that qualify for the UK’s work visa.
- Visa for Skilled Worker: This visa is for skilled professionals who have an offer of employment from an employer based in the UK. The profession should be listed on the shortage occupation list.
- Visa for Intra-Company Transfer: It is for professionals employed in MNCs or multinational corporations who are being transferred to the UK for work
- Visa for Minister of Religion: This visa is for ministers of religion in a religious organization
- Visa for Sportsperson: This visa is for sportspersons and coaches
What are the recent changes introduced in Tier 2 (general) visa category?
In the UK, the points-based immigration system was recently introduced. The Tier 2 (General) visa has been replaced by the Skilled Worker Visa. With the changes, people who have held a Tier 2 visa are not required to a cooling-off period of 12-months if they are relocating back to the UK.
Earlier, the cooling-off period of Tier 2 prohibited the holder of the visa from coming back to the UK for 12 months after their Tier 2 visa had expired. The visa holders could not switch back to the Tier 2 visa from the other UK leave category in 12 months unless they earned more than £159,600.
It was applicable when the individual was either out of the country and the last grant of their leave of Tier 2 visa had expired. The other scenario can be, they were in the UK and had a Tier 2 leave from earlier but then changed to a different category of immigration and chose to apply again for Tier 2.
The cooling-off period for Tier 2 has now been terminated. The Skilled Worker and General Tier 2 visa holders can apply for their UK visa without an obligatory waiting period. The existing General Tier 2 visa holders benefit from the change and are not bound by these restrictions.
The removal of the cooling-off period allows more flexibility for the skilled workers to go back to the UK and improve their chances of employment by international employers.
What are the changes introduced in the Skilled Occupation List in 2022?
Most non-UK resident workers need to apply for a work visa under the new-points-based immigration system. The Tier 2 (General) visa has been replaced with the primary route named the new Skilled Worker Visa.
From the recent change on the SOL, February 16th, 2022, care workers featured on the Shortage Occupation List are eligible for the Health and Care Visa validity of 12 months.
The shortage list includes professional architects, web designers, veterinarians, etc. Limitations on certain existing occupations have now been relaxed. Specific careers such as production managers in mining, IT specialists, and more have been removed.
For occupations in the shortage occupation list, the employers are exempted from conducting the Resident Labor Market Test (RLMT) advertisement process before initiating a Tier 2 application. They will have to give priority to roles in the shortage occupation list.
With the expansion of the list of occupations in the SOL, the definition of specialized roles has now changed. For instance, when the list earlier mentioned mechanical engineers, they figured on the list only if they belonged to the oil and gas industry.
After the changes, the mention of mechanical engineers now includes mechanical engineers in all industries. This applies to other occupations as well.
How will the expansion of the SOL help UK employers?
Expanding the shortage occupation list (SOL) will facilitate the sponsoring of migrants by employers without a resident labor market test. They will also be exempted from the general minimum wage provisions applicable during permanent residence.
The expansion of the list will help employers in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and IT struggling to fill open positions.
The newly expanded list will allow UK employers access to a more incredible international talent pool. They will gain preference over applicants in occupations not included in the SOL for a Skilled worker visa, introduced on February 16th, 2022. The inclusion of new domains in the list will mean better opportunities for international workers looking for opportunities in the country in these areas.
Employers can now place advertisements for job vacancies inviting workers of all nationalities for any open position.
How will the revised SOL help international job seekers looking for work in the UK?
Applicants to jobs listed in the SOL will get priority for a Tier 2 visa before job roles not on the list.
Ph.D. level jobs will be removed from the Tier 2 general visa quota. This gives space to include skilled roles that can contribute to the development of the economy.
What is the definition of a Skilled Worker under the points-based system recently introduced by the UK?
Under the new system, the government of the UK defines a skilled worker as someone doing a job that requires an A-level of skills. Under the new plan, individuals with appropriate skills will receive 20 points and those with STEM qualifications.
What are the two categories in the Tier 1 visa and what are their eligibility requirements and benefits?
The two categories of the Tier 1 visa are:
- Tier 1 Innovator Visa
- Tier 1 Startup Visa
Tier 1 Innovator Visa
This visa category is open to experienced businesspersons and intends to encourage them to set up innovative businesses in the UK. The investor must make a minimum of 50,000 pounds, and an endorsing body must endorse the company. However, if you are already running a business in the UK approved by an endorsing body, you need not make this investment.
You will be eligible for this visa if you:
- Are not a citizen of the EEA and Switzerland
- Wish to set up a business in the UK
- Have an innovative and scalable business idea
Staying in the UK
- You can stay for up to three years if you enter the country on the Innovator Visa or are already staying there on another valid visa.
- The visa can be extended for another three years, and you can continue extending it several times.
- After five years of staying on this visa, you are eligible to stay indefinitely in the country.
Tier 1 Startup Visa
This visa category has replaced the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa program. This visa category exclusively caters to entrepreneurs with high potential who are starting a business for the first time.
The application for this visa can be submitted three months before your intended date of travel to the UK. Other eligibility requirements include:
- Are not a citizen of the EEA and Switzerland
- Wish to set up a business in the UK
- The business idea must be endorsed by a higher education institute in the UK or a business organization that supports UK entrepreneurs.
- No requirement for an initial investment
- Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicant must fulfill English language requirements.
- Applicants must have enough funds to support their stay in the UK.
Staying in the UK
- You can stay for up to two years on this visa and bring your spouse or partner and unmarried children under 18 to stay with you.
- You can do work outside your business to fund your stay
- You cannot extend your visa after two years, but you can apply for the innovator visa to extend your stay and develop your business.
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, and what are the eligibility requirements?
The Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK exempts immigrants from being subject to the conditions of a visa.
Eligibility requirements:
Various visa routes allow applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK after a set period spent in the country. However, there are some standard requirements for those applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
These requirements are laid out below:
- You are of good character
- You know enough about life in the UK and the English language
- During the five-year qualifying period, you have not spent more than 900 days outside the UK
You did not spend 180 days or more outside the UK in the 12 months before applying for an ILR
What are the benefits of the ILR?
The main benefit of the ILR is that it gives immigrants the option to stay in the UK free from visa restrictions. Another significant advantage is that the ILR is one major step towards gaining British citizenship.
How long is the process to gain an ILR?
In most cases, you will have to wait till you have stayed or five years on a visa that allows you to apply for an Indefinite Leave to Stay.
Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa entitles holders to establish and operate a business in the UK. The visa gives the holder an initial right of 3 years and 4 months to stay. The visa holder may need to apply before their original period ends to extend their visa for another 2 years. This extension will then allow the holder (if they meet the eligibility criteria) to apply for ILR. Once they are granted the ILR, they are free of the conditions of the visa.
Tier 1 Investor Visa
The requirements for those on a Tier 1 Investor Visa, where the benefit of Indefinite Leave to Remain is applicable, will depend on their amount of investable assets. Although you’ll need a total of £ 2 m to get the visa first, that will only entitle you to an initial term of 3 years and 4 months.
If you have a higher amount of investable assets, the time required to wait for Indefinite Leave to Stay from the normal 5 years (initial 3 years 4 months plus an extension) can be shortened.
Tier 2 General Visa
In the UK, it takes 5 years to obtain ILR from a Tier 2 General Visa. Your initial period will depend largely on the circumstances of your work (your period is defined by your job), but you can get an initial visa period of up to 5 years and 14 days. Tier 2 General Visa can be extended but only up to a maximum stay of 6 years in the UK. You can use this extension to obtain an ILR.
Spouse visa
The Spouse Visa offers the opportunity for British citizens’ spouses or partners and those with an Indefinite Leave to Remain to move to the UK to live and work. You will be granted an initial 2.5-year term which can be extended to get you to the desired 5-year mark to obtain an ILR.
How does one get permanent residency in the UK?
Permanent residency in the UK is also known as the Indefinite Leave to Remain, it is an immigration status granted to a person without the Right of Abode.
A person who has permanent resident status can live and work indefinitely in the UK. He will no longer have immigration restrictions to work or do business in the UK and no time limits on his stay.
The right, however, will lapse if a person continually spends more than 2 years outside the country.
Eligibility requirements
To non-EU nationals it is fairly easy to apply for permanent residency in the UK. You can apply for permanent residency if you have lived in the UK for a certain number of years, lawfully or otherwise.
Here is a list indicating the amount of time you have to spend on various visas in the UK in order to be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR):
- Marriage or unmarried partner to UK citizen: 2 years
- Lawful stay on any basis (long stay): 10 years
- Unlawful stay: 14 years
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 work permit: 5 years
- Investor, sportsperson, business owner, arts: 5 years
- Ancestry: 5 years
If you stay in the UK falls under each of the above categories and you have served the specified length of time, you might be eligible for a permanent residency.
Conditions for permanent residency
Although the status eliminates any time limits for your stay in the UK, you will lose the status if you spend more than 2 years outside of the country. You’ll need to reapply for it if this happens.
Secondly, if you commit any crimes that can lead to your deportation, you will lose your permanent residency status.
What are the visa options to bring dependents to the UK?
Tier 2 visa: As a Tier 2 visa holder, you can apply for a dependent visa and bring your spouse and children with you. With this visa, you can study and work in the UK, but there are some restrictions. After five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which allows you to stay in the UK indefinitely.
UK Parent, Spouse or Child Visa: British citizens and permanent residents may invite their non-UK-based dependent spouse, parents, or children to live with them. This visa will be valid for two years and six months, with the option to extend it.
Dependent visa conditions: Dependent visa holders will not be able to use public funds. They must demonstrate that their sponsor has the financial resources to help them and is able to sponsor their stay until the application can be accepted.
Applicants will be given permission to enter the UK and unlimited freedom to remain in the UK if the Dependent Visa application is approved. There are no career limits, they can work in any field and at any skill level.
Duration of stay: Dependent visa holders will be granted permission to remain in the United Kingdom permanently if they meet the immigration conditions for this visa. After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, holders of Dependent Visas may apply for British Naturalization as a British citizen.
Can you bring dependents on the Tier 4 visa?
On the Tier 4 dependent visa, your family members including your spouse and dependents will be able to join you or stay with you in the UK during your course of study.
Definition of dependent:
- Husband, wife or legal partner
- Children under the age of 18 and children born in the UK during your stay
You will be eligible to bring a dependent provided you are:
- Sponsored by a higher education institute for a Level 7 course with a duration of 9 months or more
- Doing a government sponsored course that has more than 6 months duration
- Doctorate students on an extension scheme
What are the benefits of working in the UK?
Opportunity to get permanent residency
If you have been working in the UK for at least five years, you can apply for permanent residency. With a permanent residency, you have the freedom to live and work anywhere in the UK without the requirement of having a visa.
With a permanent residency, you can bring your family to stay with you in the UK.
Healthcare and education facilities
In the UK, there are health care institutions and educational institutions that offer free medical and educational services. Immigrants may take advantage of special health plans to access the best form of emergency or medical treatment, without paying much or availing subsidized rates. Additionally, there are a number of reputed schools and universities where people can continue to learn for free.
Social security benefits
In the UK five major social security benefits are offered to employees. These include:
• National Insurance (NI): Under this benefit financial assistance is provided to employees in case of sickness, unemployment, death of a partner, retirement, among others. Those who pay National Insurance contributions are eligible for these benefits.
• National Health Service (NHS): This service provides medical, optical and dental treatment. It is generally free for residents in the UK.
• Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit: This scheme provides cash benefits for people who are raising children.
• Non-contributory Benefits: This is for certain disabled people or careers.
• Other statutory payments made by employers to employees: These include maternity, paternity, adoption leave etc.
What is the visa option for students to study in the UK?
International students can enter the UK on a Tier 4 visa in case they are opting for a full study program. However, students who are studying English or other training courses are eligible to apply for a short-term study visa.
Points-based system
The UK study visa is issued under a points-based system. You will get a visa provided you have the required points. You will have to provide certain information and documents to get the required points.
Uk tier 4 student visa requirements:
- A valid passport
- Proof that you have enough funds to cover the living costs during your course
- CAS reference number – Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
- Documents used for obtaining the CAS
- Color passport size photos
- Any additional requirements prescribed by your university
- Required scores in the qualifying tests for admission and English proficiency tests
What is the post-study options for international students in the UK?
- International students in the UK on a valid Tier 4 visa are permitted to stay in the UK after their course if they have a job offer with an annual salary of at least GBP 20,800
- Such students can switch from a Tier 4 Visa to a Tier 2 General Visa with a validity of five years to stay in the UK
- The post-study work experience of students will help them qualify for permanent residence in the UK
What are the details of the U.K’s Global Talent visa?
The Global Talent Visa allows visa holders to switch freely between organizations, employers, and positions. The visa is designed to cater to the ‘best and brightest’ from around the world. The visa does not define a minimum salary requirement for job roles such as the Tier 2 visa.
Global talent visa holders can engage in other activities which are not normally permitted by other UK visas. After three years these visa holders can apply for UK settlement, and their family members and dependents may join them if they fulfill the eligibility criteria.
Two stage application process
In the first stage of the application process, you must get an endorsement from one of the six endorsing bodies decided by the Home Office that you are a leader or an emerging one in a particular field.
The second stage is submitting the visa application to the Home Office. The Home Office will consider the general grounds for acceptance or refusal of your application and if you are already in the UK on a pre-existing visa, your eligibility for the Global Talent visa based on this visa will be considered.
The document / evidence criteria for stage 2 are not comprehensive, particularly because candidates would have already satisfied the Home Office by securing endorsement that they are suitable. Applicants must meet the following requirements for processing the application in the second stage:
- Proof of receiving endorsement from an endorsing body.
- Date of application for entry clearance or leave to remain must be no later than three months after the date of issue of the endorsement letter.
- Endorsement must not have been withdrawn by an endorsing body.
Though the visa application for the two stages can be submitted simultaneously, it is better to first get the endorsement. In case endorsement does not come through, the visa fees paid to the home office will not be refunded.
If you are currently living in the UK on a Tier 1, Tier 2 or a Tier 5 visa, you can move to the Global Talent visa provided you can receive an endorsement from any of the six endorsing bodies.
How will UK’s points-based system benefit skilled workers?
The U. K’s immigration system which will come onto effect from January 1, 2021. Based on the new system, immigration applicants will be assessed on a number of factors which includes their qualifications, specific skills, salary or profession. Candidates will have to get 70 points to be eligible to apply.
Under the new system the focus has shifted on skilled workers because under the new system only skilled workers can be recruited and can come to the country on work visas. So, what is the definition of a skilled worker?
A skilled worker is an individual who is working in a job for which he has sufficient skills to qualify for a Tier 2 visa. In the present this indicates a job that calls for skill levels equal to a bachelor’s degree or above (NFQ level 6).
When the points-based immigration comes into effect the required skill level will come down to NQF level 3 the equivalent for English A level or Scottish higher qualification. This will open up opportunities to acquire the skilled worker visa for roles such as IT technicians, nursing home managers, and insolvency administrators.
Points Based Immigration System will only allow for these type of workers to be recruited using work visas. Despite the terminology, there are some important points to consider.
Under the new system, a skilled worker will not be determined by their qualifications, rather it is determined by what they will be doing on a day-to-day basis. A skilled worker is someone who is doing a job that requires a particular level of skill and where individual qualifications do not matter.
The skills required for a role are set by the Home office, however they do not decide if an individual job is skilled or no. This is determined by the Standard Occupational Classification system or SOC codes.
What is the Skilled Worker visa?
There are currently two main routes available to overseas job seekers wishing to work in the UK
- Tier 2 (General) for highly skilled workers.
- Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) for highly skilled workers from multinational companies who are being transferred to the UK branch.
From January 1 2021, the Tier 2 (General) visa will be replaced with the Skilled worker visa.
The Skilled Worker visa will cover more people
It will apply to both EEA and non-EEA citizens
The skill level threshold will be lower-At present job roles that require a Degree or Master’s qualification are eligible for sponsorship (RQF level 6 roles) but with the Skilled Worker visa, sponsorship will be available to even lower-skilled workers (RQF level 3).
Baseline minimum salary requirement will be lower-Since the skill threshold has been lowered, the baseline salary requirements will be reduced. The employer will have to pay a minimum salary of 25,600 pounds or the ‘going rate’ for the position, whichever is higher.
No requirement for the Resident Labor Market Test
No limit on the number of applicants
Flexibility to acquire the required points-The Skilled Worker visa is based on a points system; so, you can use the various points criteria to your advantage to get the required number of points to apply for this visa. You need 70 points to qualify for this visa.
However, the following features remain unchanged:
- Any UK employer who wishes to sponsor a migrant worker must have the license to sponsor from the Home Office.
- Employers who at present have a Tier 2 (General) sponsor license will get a Skilled License for the remaining duration of the license term.
Eligibility requirements
You must have a score of 70 points to qualify in the defined parameters like specific skills, qualifications, salaries and professions.
You need to have a Minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 2 years of skilled work experience from the eligible occupations list
You must have a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor
The job offer must be at the required skill level – RQF 3 or above (A Level and equivalent)
You must meet the English Language requirement at B1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
You should also meet the general salary threshold of £25,600, or the specific salary requirement for the occupation or the ‘going rate’.
How many points are required to eligible for skilled worker visa?
The Skilled Worker visa is based on a points system; so, you can use the various points criteria to your advantage to get the required number of points to apply for this visa. You need 70 points to qualify for this visa.
While it is mandatory to have a job offer from an approved sponsor, if you have a job at the appropriate skill level and have English language skills at the appropriate level you will score 50 points.
You can gain the remaining 20 points if you are hired for a job where you are paid at least £25,600 a year.
What are the benefits of the Skilled worker visa?
- Visa holders can bring dependents on the visa
- Spouse is allowed to work on the visa
- No cap on the number of people who can move to the UK on the visa
- Minimum salary requirement has been reduced to £25600 from threshold of £30000
- Fast Track Visas will be provided for healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses
What are the eligibility requirements for the visa?
- You must have a score of 70 points to qualify in the defined parameters like specific skills, qualifications, salaries and professions.
- You need to have a Minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 2 years of skilled work experience from the eligible occupations list
- You must have a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor
- The job offer must be at the required skill level – RQF 3 or above (A-Level and equivalent)
- You must meet the English Language requirement at B1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- You should also meet the general salary threshold of £25,600 or the specific salary requirement for the occupation or the ‘going rate’.
What are the documents required to apply for the visa?
- Offer letter from a UK employer who has a license to sponsor from the Home Office
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Passport with a validity of 12 months
- Documents in support of your educational qualifications
- Documents to prove English language proficiency
- Proof of having the required maintenance funds which is 1,270 pounds
What is the U.K Family visa?
The U.K Family visa is designed for immigrants who wish to bring their spouse or partner, children or senior dependent relatives to the U.K.
Family members of an immigrant will have to apply for a specific family visa if they wish to stay in the country for longer than six months. They can apply for this visa even if they are living outside the U.K.
Visa holders in the U.K can apply for a family visa for the following dependents:
Spouse or legal partner
Child under 18
Child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as a dependent
The applicant must prove that he can support his dependents when they are in the UK. He must prove that he has the required funds by showing his bank statement.
Eligibility to apply for a family visa
You do not have a UK work visa or have a UK temporary student visa
You are not in the UK on a visitor visa which is valid for 6 months or less
What are the features of the Skilled worker visa?
The Skilled Worker visa will cover more people-The UK Skilled Worker visa was introduced to bring in highly skilled overseas workers into the UK labor market and subsequently take up permanent residence in the UK.
With this visa, skilled workers from other countries can be selected based on the shortage occupation list and they will be eligible to get an offer letter without the labor market test and stay in the UK for up to 5 years.
The skill level threshold will be lower-At present job roles that require a Degree or Master’s qualification are eligible for sponsorship (RQF level 6 roles) but with the Skilled Worker visa, sponsorship will be available to even lower-skilled workers (RQF level 3).
Baseline minimum salary requirement will be lower-Since the skill threshold has been lowered, the baseline salary requirements will be reduced. The employer will have to pay a minimum salary of 25,600 pounds or the ‘going rate’ for the position, whichever is higher.
Flexibility to acquire the required points-The Skilled Worker visa is based on a points system; so, you can use the various points criteria to your advantage to get the required number of points to apply for this visa. You need 70 points to qualify for this visa.
What are the work options for international students in the UK?
International students who come to study in the UK on a student have options to work in the country during their studies and also after their studies. These options have made the UK a top study abroad destination.
Work options during studies
Students pursuing a full-time degree course who have a student visa can work up to 20 hours in a week and full-time during vacations.
However, they can work full-time if the work is part of their course but the work period should not be more than 50% of their course duration.
They can work as a student union sabbatical officer for two years.
Students pursuing part-time courses are not allowed to work.
Those on a study visa can work only on a temporary basis and are not eligible for permanent jobs. They cannot find self- employment nor set up a business or work as a professional in the field of sports or entertainment.
Students who work for a company outside the UK while physically in the country are still counted as working during the course.
Work options after the course
Once the course is over, students can work for up to four months or till their visa expires. If they want to take up a full-time permanent job, they will have to change their visa status.
They can apply for a Skilled Worker visa three months before the completion of their course.
Students completing their course in the summer of this year can opt for the Graduate route.
With the post-study work visa, international students can now work or look for work in any career or position of their choice for two years after completing their graduation. This two-year post-study work visa was earlier scrapped in 2012 and has been renewed and will come into effect from 2021.
What is the UK Sole Representative visa?
The UK Sole Representative Visa, also known as the Representative of an Overseas Business Visa, enables international business enterprises to build a presence commercially in the UK. The multinational company can send a sole representative or a senior representative to the UK.
The Sole Representative Visa facilitates an international corporation to set up a subsidiary or a brand of a multinational company in the United Kingdom.
Who is a sole representative?
A sole representative is a foreign national is someone who is:
- An employee of a company that is based outside of the UK they are looking for an opportunity to open a subsidiary or branch in the UK.
- The company executive who has not met the owner of the foreign enterprise. They need to have the expertise and the authoritative power to take decisions in the business on the company’s behalf.
- Individual who can replace the current sole representative
- An employee of a news agency, newspaper, or broadcasting organization that is based in a country outside the United Kingdom.
What are the eligibility requirements of the Sole Representative visa?
The Skilled Worker visa is based on a points system; so, you can use the various points criteria to your advantage to get the required number of points to apply for this visa. You need 70 points to qualify for this visa.
While it is mandatory to have a job offer from an approved sponsor, if you have a job at the appropriate skill level and have English language skills at the appropriate level you will score 50 points.
You can gain the remaining 20 points if you are hired for a job where you are paid at least £25,600 a year.
What are the advantages of the Sole Representative visa?
If sole representatives are successful in the first three months of their stay, they can request for a two-year visa extension.
Applicants may be eligible to seek for permanent residency after five years.
Applicants may be entitled to seek for British nationality after six years.
Sole representatives can qualify for 10 years of residency by combining time spent in the UK with other visa categories.
Businesses looking to expand can send a single senior employee to the United Kingdom to study and test the market without having to spend a lot of money.