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VISA
This section provides details of the two most common visas for those wishing to work in the UK. Over 2008 and 2009 the visa system in the UK was changed dramatically. Unless you have immediate family or a spouse here, you will be assessed using a Tier points based system. This page explains what tier and category of the points-based system you should apply under to come to work in the United Kingdom. (You can find a full description of all visas and an eligibility test on www.ukvisas.gov.uk).
Below are explanations of the Tier 1 visa (for Highly Skilled Migrants) and the Tier 5 visa (the Youth Mobility visa). It will be one of these that you will most likely need to apply for. Application forms can be obtained online or from your countries visa application centre, for free. It varies in each national centre whether you can complete it all online or if you need to post you application. You can also visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk for more information on the visa changes and who will now be eligible. Please note, unfortunately, requirements to be eligible are now stricter, but by using the Points Based Calculator you will know in a matter of minutes which visa you can qualify for.
Please visit our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page for more details. This expands on all the topics discussed here. If you do have any further questions you can either visit the government websites, email us using the enquiries form on the right hand side of this page or call on 01962 286 7000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
Tier 1 Visa (General) Overview:
Skilled migration plays an important part in the United Kingdom's effort to keep its economy globally competitive. As part of the UK's five-tier points based immigration system , Tier 1 (General) allows highly skilled individuals who score the requisite points to immigrate to the UK without any kind of sponsorship from an employer. Highly skilled individuals include doctors, scientists, engineers, MBAs, and other educated workers. If you can speak English, have earned at least the equivalent of a bachelors degree, and can show that you have earned a relatively good income in your home country, Tier 1 (General) is the right scheme for you.
Since 2002, the UK has been actively encouraging skilled migrants to immigrate to the country -- first through the HSMP and now through its Tier 1 (General) visa for general highly skilled migrants, which replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) on 30 June 2008.
Tier 1 (General) is very similar to the previous HSMP, save for the notable exception of the removal of the MBA provision which allowed those with MBAs from a list of specific universities to claim an automatic 75 points. English language requirements are also more stringent. You can use the Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Migrants points calculator to assess your chances of being granted a Tier 1 visa under this sub-category.
Tier 5 – Youth Mobility Scheme:
This section describes the youth mobility scheme within Tier 5 of the points-based system for immigration to the UK.
What is the youth mobility scheme?
The youth mobility scheme is for young people from participating countries who would like to come and experience life in the UK.
The countries in the scheme are:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Monaco
If you are a national of one of these countries, you may be able to come to the UK under the youth mobility scheme. Your national government will be your sponsor. British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) can also apply under the scheme, and do not need a sponsor.
Who can apply under the youth mobility scheme?
To apply under the youth mobility scheme, you must be a national of a country taking part in the scheme, and have a valid national passport from that country, which will be all the evidence you need to show that you are sponsored by the government of your country to apply for a visa under the scheme. (British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) can also apply under the scheme and do not need to be sponsored.)
You can apply if you:
- are a citizen of a country taking part in the scheme or a British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen or a British national (overseas).
- are 18 years old or over when your visa lets you come to the United Kingdom (becomes valid) and under 31 years old when you apply.
- have £1,600 in available maintenance (funds) when you apply .
Who cannot apply?
You cannot apply if you have:
- children under 18 years old who are either living with you, or you are financially responsible for.
- been in the United Kingdom at any other time as a working holidaymaker or under the youth mobility scheme.
You cannot apply for the youth mobility scheme if you are already in the United Kingdom. You should go to our visa services website for information on how to apply. There you can find out more about the process in the country you are applying from and download the relevant application forms. While you are in the United Kingdom under the youth mobility scheme, you are not allowed to switch into any other category of the points-based system or in to a visitor route.
How long can you stay for?
If you are given permission to stay under the youth mobility scheme, you will be able to live and work in the United Kingdom for a maximum time of 24 months.
You can leave and come back to the United Kingdom at any time during the length of your stay under the youth mobility scheme.
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