UK Work Visas
Living and working in the UK is possible through a range of UK visa services designed for those who wish to immigrate to the UK on a permanent basis. The UK also grants work permits and Intra Company Transfer visas which allow non European Economic Area (EEA) nationals to relocate to Britain for a specified period in order to work for a sponsoring UK employer.
Global Visas obtain UK work visas for temporary and permanent residency in the UK and our specialist UK immigration consultants are dedicated to ensuring that you embark upon the right UK visa for your needs. Visit the online assessment area today to find out whether you qualify and to begin your application.
UK Work Permit
Applying for a UK work permit is an employer led process which means that all applicants must be sponsored by a UK employer and that they must have a definite offer of employment before the application is submitted. A UK work permit is not intended as a route to permanent residence in the UK and the duration granted will be issued based on the requirements of the particular case. A work permit may be issued for a duration of a single day, through to five years; however, in cases where an applicant has been living and working in Britain for a period of five years on a UK work permit, they may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR). Beyond, this, subject to meeting the necessary requirements a candidate may apply to become a UK citizen through British naturalisation.
Working in the UK – Employer Responsibilities
The UK work permit is intended as a means to help UK employers source employees from overseas to work in positions which they have not been able to fill from the UK and EEA workforce. In most cases a UK employer will therefore need to demonstrate that the position in question has been advertised for a minimum of 28 days and that no suitable candidate has been found. This requirement may be waived where a candidate is immigrating to the UK in order to take up a position in an occupation where a shortage of skills is identified.
Eligibility Requirements – Applying for a UK Work Permit
The key requirement for a UK work permit application is that a genuine offer of full time paid employment in a UK business has been obtained. UK work permits do not permit their holders to work in the UK for any other employer or in any other capacity than that originally set out. Any change of either employer or position would necessitate a new work permit application.
The job offer upon which a UK work permit application is based must be equal to NVQ level 3 or above and all candidates must have one of the following.
- A degree qualification or equivalent
- A relevant HND
- A non-relevant HND plus 12 months experience
- 3 years of directly relevant work experience
Family immigration – the UK Dependency Visa
As outlined above, a UK working permit is not directly issued as a means to permanent residency in the UK; however, it may in some circumstance lead to the opportunity to apply for it. Even in cases where a candidate does not proceed to apply for ILR, they may still live and work in the UK for a number of years. As a result, an applicant’s spouse, common-law or conjugal partner or fiance may join them in the UK.
Intra Company Transfer – Applying for an ICT Visa
The Intra Company Transfer is a specific type of work visa which allows an employer based in the UK to transfer skilled employees from an overseas branch or subsidiary to fulfil a particular position or project. Unlike a normal work permit, an ICT does not require the position to be advertised. Once again, applying for an Intra Company Transfer visa is an employer led process and candidates must have a specific knowledge of the company product and services gained from working for the company for at least six months. Like a work permit, an ICT is issued for 5 years, however, there is no opportunity to apply for ILR and a candidate must return to their country of residence within the duration of the visa. An applicant’s dependents may join them in the UK for the same duration; however they too will be obliged to leave the UK when the main applicants permit expires.
The Highly Skilled Migrants Programme (HSMP)
The Highly Skilled Migrants Programme, or HSMP, is a skilled migration visa for the UK which uses a points system to assess candidates. Unlike a UK work permit, the HSMP does not require a job offer and the application process is led by the applicant. A successful candidate may live and work in the UK and work for any employer, in any capacity they wish. The HSMP is a direct route to Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK and is granted for an initial duration of two years which may be extended to five. After five years of residency, the candidate may apply for UK citizenship.
Applying for HSMP– Eligibility
The HSMP, like UK business visas, incorporates a points based assessment which focuses upon a candidate’s age, previous earnings, qualifications and work experience. A candidate must reach the minimum threshold of 75 points towards which his or her education is worth up to 50 points with previous earnings accounting for up to 45 points. Up to 20 points are awarded for a candidate’s age, and the HSMP also requires applicants to be proficient in the English language. Applicants must intend to make the UK their main home and must be able to support themselves in the UK.
UK Training and Working Visas
The Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
The Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme is an initiative which allows non-EEA nationals graduating from Scottish educational establishments to reside in Scotland and work for two years. The Fresh Talent scheme is not specifically issued as a permanent UK immigration service, but it does allow applicants to switch into another permanent category of UK visa such as a work permit, if they meet the appropriate criteria. Candidates must have graduated from a Scottish university and must be able to financially support themselves.
Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES)
Applying for the Training and Work Experience scheme, or (TWES), allows a non EEA national to benefit from training and/or work experience which is not available in their home country. The initiative is designed to equip candidates with experience which they can use in their own home country. TWES visas are issued for up to two years and allow a candidate to be employed in a position of 30 hours or more per week.
UK Working Holiday Visa
The UK working holiday visa allows people to come to the UK to work for a limited period and to enjoy a holiday. This visa service is open to candidates between the ages of 17 and 30 and allows its holder to engage in employment for a maximum of 12 months of the 2 year duration. This is a temporary visa service which does not provide the opportunity to work towards permanent residency in the UK.
You can begin your UK working visa application today by visiting the online assessment area. Just complete the assessment form for the type of UK visa you wish to apply for and a specialist UK immigration consultant will contact you.
