Work in the UK: What visa do I need?

A work visa is the ideal way to further your career, invest or start a business - immigrating with this type of visa could ultimately lead to settling into the UK permanently.

What types of working visas are there?

Tier 1

Entrepreneur Visa

UK-based business opportunities await. If you're looking to join or overtake an enterprise in the United Kingdom, then this category is for you. Whether it's a sole trader venture, partnership opportunity or registered company - our simplified process now offers accelerated routes to settlement. Don't miss out on your chance at success and get in touch with us today – eligibility just might be closer than expected.

Graduate Entrepreneur Visa

Graduates from UK universities and outside the European Area who have been identified by their college as having world-class innovative or entrepreneurial skills are now eligible to apply for a new category of leave to remain under Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) following graduation. This allows such individuals an opportunity to develop business ideas upon graduating, regardless of any previous restrictions imposed in relation with other immigration routes.

Exceptional Visa

For "exceptionally talented individuals in the fields of science, humanities, engineering and the arts".

Investor Visa

This category offers the opportunity for migrants to make a meaningful investment in the United Kingdom. Successful applicants can look forward to an initial period of 3 years' residency, with potential eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years – or potentially even sooner if you meet certain criteria set out by recent Government announcements. Contact us today and explore how this could be your fastest route into British life.

Tier 2

General Visa

Tier 2 (General) of the UK's five tier managed migration plan is a great opportunity for skilled workers to gain residency in Britain. Applicants who attain the required points and have both an offer letter from a British employer and certificate of sponsorship can take advantage of this system which effectively replaces prior work permit schemes.

Ministers of Religion

Ministers of Religion, missionaries and members of religious communities now have the opportunity to live and work in the UK for up to 3 years through our Sponsored Worker (Tier 2 Minister of Religion) visa category. This program allows these individuals to carry out important pastoral duties or become part of a monastic order while contributing their skillset in Britain's workforce as well.

Sportsperson

The Sponsored worker (Tier 2 Sportsperson) visa offers a chance for international sportspersons or coaches to share their talent with the UK. Individuals that are granted this temporary residence have been trusted by top organisations to contribute towards developing sport within the nation and receive special permission from immigration services to stay up to three years, allowing them time and opportunity make an impact on their field of choice.

Intra-Company Transfer

For those looking to transfer or secondment with their current employers in the UK, a Sponsored Worker (Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer) visa offers a great opportunity for medium and highly skilled workers. To get started, your prospective sponsor must first apply to the UK Border Agency in order to acquire sponsorship licence approval. Upon successful licensing, sponsors may then request certificates of sponsorship from which they can assign one certificate per individual employee applying for this type of visa programme.

Tier 5

Youth Mobility Scheme

This is for young people from countries participating in the scheme to live and work in the United Kingdom temporarily.

Holidaymaker or a Tier 5

Entry Clearance under this category is mandatory. If successful, the applicant will be granted Entry Clearance for a period of 2 years. This cannot be extended.

Temporary Workers

This is for temporary workers required for cultural, charitable, religious and international objectives.

Sponsoring Employer

UK employers who are looking to recruit migrants under tiers 2, 4 or tier 5 can apply for a sponsor licence online. To successfully obtain the licence they will have to submit payment and supporting documents.

Once approved by the Home Office, sponsors receive an A rating if their systems in place meet regulations and B ratings when more attention needs to be paid regarding immigration compliance measures.

The details of every licensed employer is added on a public register managed by the government's Home Office department ensuring strict control over migration policies within UK’s borders.