“ Having tried a number of recruitment services I found Countrywide Medical Selection and was placed in... Read >
VISA FAQ
Websites you will find invaluable!
www.ukvisas.gov.uk - The Government visa services website.
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk - The UK Borders Agency website (detailed information on all visas available).
www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk - A general introduction and overview to UK visas.
All the below information can be found on www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk and will be invaluable to you when making your visa application!
Who needs to apply for a visa?
You will not need to apply under the Points Based System if you fall into any one of the following categories:
- If you are a Commonwealth citizen and one of your grandparents was born in the UK, you may be able to enter or stay under this condition.
- If you are an EEA (European Economic Area) or Swiss National
- If you have a partner or if you have a parent (you must be under 18) in the UK you may apply as a dependent.
- If you are a British overseas territory citizen.
- You have no conditions or time limit on your stay.
There are, however, Terms and Conditions to this and you will need to check these on the UK Border Agency website if you believe you are exempt from having a visa. EEA countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland (Eire), Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
How can I apply?
First we recommend using the Points Based Calculator to see whether you have enough points to make a successful application. It will allow you to understand how you can score points and what documentary evidence you will need. If you qualify you can apply by post, in person and online. Some visa sections will only accept applications made online. To find out if you can apply for your visa online please visit www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk. If you cannot apply online you will need to fill in a visa application form. You can get a form, free of charge from your Visa Application Centre or by visiting www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/vafs . Visit www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/wheretoapply to find where your Visa Application Centre is located.
You will also need to complete Appendix 7 using the points scoring information obtained from the Self-Assessment Points Calculator . This is only available as a PDF document and must be completed manually and sent in with your supporting documents.
What will my visa cost?
Costs vary depending on the visa you apply for. It is crucial you make sure you are applying for the right visa, as if you are unsuccessful (i.e. you do not meet the requirements) your fee will not be refunded. Please do use the Points Based Calculator accurately. Once again the UK Border Agency website provides full details.
What do I need for my application?
For Tier 1 your visa application will be judged on criteria like:
- whether you can support yourself financially.
- your prospective employer.
- your home nation.
- your age.
- your area of work.
- your educational background.
- whether you intend to work here temporarily or permanently.
- whether you have a criminal record.
- if you have dependents (you can bring partners and dependents, but will need to apply for visas for them along with your own for you to be considered together).
For Tier 5 your visa application will be judged on:
- your age.
- your nationality.
- your ability to support yourself financially.
- whether you have a criminal record.
What are the restrictions?
For both Tier 1 (General) and Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visas you need to have the required amount of maintenance (funds - refer to ‘What do I need for my application?’). You will also need to have the correct amount of points to qualify for the visas. These details are below.
For Tier 1 the main restrictions are that you need a Masters Degree or higher and you must be earning above £20,000.
For a Tier 5 visa you must not have had a Working Holiday visa before and you cannot bring any dependents. As previously explained you will need to be a national of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan. You will be able to undertake any work you like except: self-employment (subject to terms and conditions, see website or enquire for more details), being a professional sportsperson (including coaching) or working as a doctor in training. You are allowed to engage in privately funded studies, voluntary work and au pair placements. You must not need to use public funds at any point during your stay. Please see below for details on using medical treatment when you are in the UK.
How does the point system work? / How many points do I need?
Use the Points Based Calculator to establish if you are eligible. For different categories you can earn a varying amount of points. Below is a list of what points you need to be eligible for a visa and how these can be gained.
For Tier 1 you must score:
- 75 points for your attributes (age, qualifications, previous earnings, and experience in the United Kingdom).
- 10 points for English language - essential.
- 10 points for available maintenance (funds of £2800+) - essential.
If you do not score a minimum of 75 points for your attributes and 10 points for English language and 10 points for available maintenance (funds), your application will be refused.
Tier 5
Points are awarded for what are called ‘Attributes’ for which you must score 40 points. 30 points are available for holding a passport describing you as either a citizen / national of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco or New Zealand or for holding a passport describing you as a British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen or British National (Overseas). You will also score 10 points if you will be 18 years of age or over when your entry clearance becomes valid for use, and you must be under 31 years of age on the date of application.
You must score a total of 40 points for these two criteria which are stipulated requirements in Appendix A of the Immigration Rules.
Maintenance (Funds)
In addition 10 points are awarded for the availability of £1600 for maintenance (funds) (Appendix C of the Immigration Rules).
An applicant coming to the United Kingdom under the Youth Mobility Scheme must be able to support himself/herself for the entire duration of their stay in the United Kingdom without use of public funds (that is, benefits provided by the state). An applicant who is unable to support himself/herself could face financial hardship because they will not have access to most state benefits.
Even if you have attained the pass mark of 40 for ‘Attributes’, your application will be refused if you do not pass this requirement.
Remember! Your application will fail unless you score both the 40 and the 10 points.
Where is my Visa Application Centre?
Visit www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/embassies-and-posts/find-an-embassy-overseas/ to find where your Visa Application Centre is located.
What other visas are there?
There are a variety of categories you can apply to for a visa. The best thing to do is go onto www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs and browse through the information guides. Do take your time and really make sure you apply for the visa right for you. Tier 1 (General) and Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) are the most common visas for our workers, which is why we have concentrated on these.
Can I get medical treatment when I am in the UK?
If you are working you can receive medical treatment. If you are not you will have to pay for NHS (National Health Service) treatment for your first 12 months, after this you will not be required to pay
How do I get a National Insurance (NI) number?
Once you are in the country you will need to apply for a National Insurance number. You will need to call the NI hotline on 0845 6000 643. The information you will be asked to provide is: your full name, your address (UK), Date of Birth, Date of Entry to the UK, and your visa details. After this they will then decide whether to send you a form or if they want to interview you in person. Once this is completed you will then be issued with a NI number.
follow us on Facebook