UK Work Visa

Exploring UK Immigration Opportunities

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the various routes and visa options available for individuals looking to migrate to the United Kingdom. From the UK Work Visa to opportunities for international students and family members, we provide insights into the requirements, benefits, and recent updates in the UK immigration landscape.

UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a gateway for highly skilled overseas workers to enter the UK labor market and eventually obtain permanent residence in the UK. Here's a breakdown of the key details:

Benefits of UK Skilled Worker Visa

1. Visa holders can bring dependents on the visa
2. Spouse is allowed to work on the visa
3. No cap on the number of people who can move to the UK on the visa
4. Minimum salary requirement has been reduced to £25,600 from the previous threshold of £30,000
5. Fast Track Visas available for healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses

This visa allows skilled workers to be selected based on the shortage occupation list and offers various benefits, including the option to stay in the UK for up to 5 years.

UK Immigration Plan

The UK government has introduced several new routes and visa categories to facilitate immigration, such as the Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes. These routes aim to attract talent and innovation to the UK:

These measures are part of the UK's goal to become a global innovation hub by 2035, aiming to boost the economy and employment.

Most Popular Ways to Migrate to the UK

Whether you are a skilled professional, student, or someone seeking to join your family in the UK, there are several pathways for UK immigration. Here are some of the most trusted and successful options:

1. Migrate through Work Visa - UK Skilled Migration

   Tier 2 visa program for job seekers in specific shortage occupations.

2. Migrate through Student Route

   The UK is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education opportunities.

3. Migrating through Family Visa

   Various family visa options are available for individuals wanting to settle with their family members in the UK.

4. Migrating through UK Business Visa

   Explore business-related visas if you plan to invest or start a business in the UK.

5. Migrating through a UK Investor Visa

   The UK Investment Visa is an option for wealthy individuals willing to invest in the UK.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Occupation Codes

For those considering the UK Skilled Worker Visa, here are some occupation codes from the shortage occupations list:

It's important to note that healthcare and education occupations have a different shortage occupation list.

UK Immigration Points-Based Assessment System

The UK introduced a points-based system in January 2021 to assess eligibility for various visas. Here's an overview of how the system works:

1. To qualify for the UK work visa, candidates need to score a minimum of 70 points.
2. A job offer for a skilled job and fluency in English awards 50 points.
3. An annual salary of at least £25,600 adds 20 points.
4. Additional points are available for higher qualifications, such as a relevant PhD, STEM disciplines, job offers in the skill shortages stream, and certain professions.

Visa Fee Details

When applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, it's important to consider the associated fees. The fees are as follows:

1. Application Fees for stay up to 3 years: £610
2. Application Fees for stay more than 3 years: £1,220
3. Application Fees (if job is on the Shortage Occupation List) for stay up to 3 years: £464
4. Application Fees (if job is on the Shortage Occupation List and you wish to stay for more than three years): £928
5. UK NARIC Fees: £49.50
6. UK NARIC (with VAT): £140

In addition to the application fees, a health surcharge of £624 per year of stay is required at the time of application, which will be refunded if the application is rejected.

Migrating Through the Student Route

The UK is a top destination for international students, with world-class universities and a variety of academic programs. International students can pursue studies from bachelor's degrees to PhDs in various fields, such as engineering, business, management, art, design, and law. Here are some key points to consider when planning to study in the UK:

1. Academic Year and Intakes:

   The academic year in the UK typically runs from September to July. Universities and colleges in the UK usually have three intakes:

2. Intake 1 (Term 1):

   Commencing in September/October, it is the major intake.

3. Intake 2 (Term 2):

   The intake commencing in January/February is also available.

4. Intake 3 (Term 3):

   Commencing in May/June, it is available for select courses.

5. Study Opportunities:

   The UK offers a wide range of study opportunities, and many universities sponsor Tier 4 visas for postgraduate students. Studying in the UK can provide valuable skills and knowledge that open doors to a successful career

UK Family Visas

UK family visas are designed for individuals who want to settle with their family members in the UK. These visas cater to various family relationships, including spouses, parents, children, and those in need of long-term care. Here are some common ways to obtain a UK family visa:

1. As a spouse or partner of a UK resident.
2. As a parent of a UK resident.
3. As a child of a UK resident.
4. As a sick, disabled, or aged relative in need of long-term care from a UK resident.
5. On the basis of private life.
6. As a widowed partner of a former UK resident.
7. As a separated spouse or partner.

UK Investment Visa

The UK Investment Visa, part of the Tier 1 category in the UK Points-Based System, is aimed at wealthy individuals willing to invest a minimum of £2 million in the UK. The more substantial the investment, the quicker one can apply for settlement and eventually obtain British citizenship. For high-net-worth individuals, the following options are suitable:

1. Innovator Visa
2. Global Talent Visa
3. Scale-Up Visa

These options provide flexibility for individuals interested in establishing businesses or investing in the UK.

Setting Up a Branch in the UK

The UK Expansion Worker Visa, formerly known as the Sole Representative Visa, allows overseas businesses to send representatives to set up their first branch in the UK. This option is ideal for businesses looking to expand their operations to the UK. Key details of the program include:

1. Companies with no current UK presence can send an employee to the UK on a Sole Representative Visa.
2. This allows companies to conduct market research, analysis, and set up operations in the UK.
3. The initial visa duration is 12 months, with the possibility of an extension for another 12 months.

To be eligible for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, the employee must meet specific criteria, including:

1. Being a senior employee.
2. Having the authority to make operational decisions on the company's behalf.
3. Demonstrating a good employment track record in a similar or closely related field of work.
4. Meeting the English language requirement.
5. Meeting the maintenance funds requirement for themselves and any dependents.

A UK Permanent Resident (PR) Visa allows individuals to live and work in the UK indefinitely. To obtain UK PR, individuals must meet specific requirements, including living in the UK for five years under various categories, such as Tier 1, Tier 2, businessperson, investor, international students, and more. Additionally, having a family member or partner who is a British citizen can also be a pathway to UK PR.

March 02, 2023: The UK is considering restrictions on international students bringing dependents to the country for certain study fields.

March 01, 2023: In 2022, the UK granted 1.4 million residence visas, reflecting a significant increase in work and study opportunities in the country.

February 18, 2023: The "New International Education Strategy 2.0" aims to offer better UK visas for overseas students, emphasizing the value of international students in the UK.

February 8, 2023: The UK introduced a Young Professionals Scheme that allows eligible individuals to apply for a visa without the need for a job offer or sponsorship, providing opportunities for young professionals to live and work in the UK.

It's important to stay updated on these developments if you are considering UK immigration.

The United Kingdom offers a diverse range of immigration opportunities, catering to skilled professionals, students, families, investors, and more. Understanding the available options and the recent changes in immigration policies can help you navigate the path to living and working in the UK. Whether you seek a new career, advanced education, or a fresh start with your family, the UK has much to offer on your journey.