UK

The UK is a very popular destination for people wanting to live and work in a new country. However,

the UK’s immigration system is complex. Since 2008, most work-related visa applications, as well as many study visa applications, have been made through a five tier, points-based system which measures applicants against various criteria designed to assess their eligibility for a UK work or study visa.

The main Work Visa’s currently open to new applicants are:

Tier 1 – High value Migrants

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – For people with at least £50,000 to invest in the United Kingdom by taking over or setting up a local business
Tier 1 (Investor) – For people who want to invest in the United Kingdom and have at least £1m to invest in a local investment opportunity
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) For graduates of United Kingdom universities who are endorsed by their university. Limited to 2,000 a year.
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Only open to truly exceptional people working in the arts and sciences. Limited to 1,000 a year

Tier 2 – Skilled Workers

Tier 2 (General) – For workers who have an offer of Skilled work and a Certificate of Sponsorship from a local employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship license. The job on offer must be one that cannot be filled by a local worker in the United Kingdom. Since 2011, there has been a cap of 20,700 visas that can be issue in this category every year
Tier 2 (Intra company transfer) For employees of multinationals who are being transferred to the United Kingdom branch, Applicants must have a valid certificate of Sponsorship from their employer. There are four sub-categories
- Long-term staff
- Short-term staff
- Graduate trainee
- Skills transfer
Tier 2 (Sportsman) For Sportspeople of international calibre intending to stay in the United Kingdom for a lengthy period
Tier 2 (minister of religion) For missionaries, monks, ministers of religion and the like

Tier 3 – Students

Tier 4 student visas are for students at UK educational institutions. While studying, some students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during the holidays.

Tier 4 – Temporary Workers

Youth mobility scheme. If you are from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Monaco or Taiwan, you can come to the UK on a ‘Working Holiday’ Visa and experience life in the United Kingdom while working to pay your way.
Creative and sporting. Artists, performers and sportspeople of international calibre can come to work in the United Kingdom
Charity and religious workers. For missionaries and unpaid charity workers
Government authorized exchange. For people coming under government-approved schemes aimed at the sharing of knowledge, experience and best practice.
International agreement. For people coming to the United Kingdom under contract to do work covered by international agreements, employments of international governments and private servants in diplomatic households