The substantial digital tech industry in the UK supports the national economy annually with billions of dollars and millions of jobs. But as fewer young Britons are attending formal schooling, employers may find themselves more dependent on foreign talent to fill positions requiring a high level of skill.
Some people might not be completely convinced they can establish a life in the UK given the high cost of living in major cities, the unstable economy, and the changing immigration laws following Brexit.
One of the most important things to take into account for people who are prepared to move to the United Kingdom and for companies seeking to hire applicants who intend to move there is the process of fulfilling the visa requirements.
Read on to learn more about how to get the UK work permits and visas that employees need to work legally in the nation, as well as the requirements that employers and employees must fulfill to successfully handle the country’s immigration system.
It is essential to do extensive research prior to applying for work visas in the UK because there are five different levels of the application process, each of which serves a different set of people who want to live and work in the country at different levels and in different industries.
The UK’s system is relatively simple because of its tiered structure, which offers five different work visa entitlements, in contrast to the complexity that is sometimes associated with determining the appropriate work visa in certain countries. There are five tiers in total, with tier one being exclusive to highly skilled individuals seeking to start or grow businesses, and tier five being intended for temporary workers.
It is crucial to comprehend the particular tier that applies, as each tier has unique requirements for documentation, entitlements, and application processes. As such, candidates are required to provide specific data according to the category in which they are classified.
Outlined below are the details of the five work visa tiers:
Tier One: Entrepreneur Visa
This visa, also known as the entrepreneur visa, is designated for individuals intending to establish or grow a business in the UK. While holders can own a business, they cannot be employees. Strict requirements for this tier include a business plan and proof of financial solvency.
Tier Two: Skilled Worker Visa
Formerly known as the tier two (general) visa, this is now called the skilled worker visa. Geared towards individuals with specialized skills, it allows them to move to the UK for up to five years if they meet eligibility criteria and receive a job offer from an approved employer. Eligible fields include professions such as teaching, medicine, and law.
Tier Three: Not Currently Available
Though not presently available, the tier three visa was historically intended to encourage individuals without specialized skills to work in the UK during periods of labor shortages, allowing them to secure low-wage jobs.
Tier Four: Graduate Visa
Known as the tier four visa, this graduate visa is for student visa holders who have recently graduated and wish to continue living in the UK. It is valid for up to two years.
Tier Five: Temporary Work Visa
The tier five visa caters to six categories of workers:
With a tier five visa, individuals can reside and work in the UK for up to 24 months, depending on the specific visa category they apply for.
Despite the relatively streamlined tiered visa application system in the United Kingdom, deciphering the fundamental prerequisites for securing a work visa can pose a challenge. Notably, the visa requirements diverge significantly for students and entrepreneurs, adding an additional layer of complexity.
To navigate this intricacy and ensure adherence to the specific conditions of your intended work visa, it is advisable to visit the official website of the United Kingdom’s immigration department. There, you can access a comprehensive list of requirements tailored to your visa category.
Alternatively, you may opt to initiate the application process through your local UK embassy. This route offers personalized guidance on selecting the appropriate permit and understanding the associated requirements. However, be prepared for potential delays, as this method might entail multiple consultations and extend the overall application timeline.
While the ensuing checklist may not encompass all the requirements for your particular UK work visa or may include elements irrelevant to your case, it serves as a foundational outline for anticipating the criteria you are likely to fulfill during the application process:
After determining which UK work visa best fits your requirements and verifying your eligibility, the next step is to start the application procedure. Although each visa has slightly different requirements, the steps below offer a general overview to help you get started with your application:
Start the application process by completing it online on the assigned platform.
If necessary, get a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which is a simple way to confirm your identity with the UK government. Take a picture and get your thumbprints taken at a nearby visa center.
After sending in the required paperwork, applications, and fees, you should wait to hear back regarding your visa application. A representative might get in touch with you in some circumstances to resolve any problems with your submission.
Note: All documents submitted must be in English or Welsh or officially translated into one of these two languages.
There is no assurance as to when an application will be approved for a work visa to the UK; processing times vary. According to the official position on the immigration website for the United Kingdom, visas are normally approved or denied three weeks after being submitted.
Even though this is the typical approval window, it’s wise to plan for unanticipated issues like missing documents that could cause delays in processing. It is therefore advised that you apply for your visa well in advance of the date that you plan to travel.
You can increase the likelihood of a seamless application process for your UK work visa by adhering to these steps and being aware of any potential delays.
Having the appropriate documentation proving your legal right to live and work in the UK is crucial if you’re an employee looking to move there and want to avoid any legal issues later on.
Employers may also be held liable if they cannot demonstrate that they are able to hire workers who are legally permitted to work in the UK and meet other requirements.
Whichever group you are in, you don’t want to let chance factors like the employee’s nationality get in the way of your ability to establish a productive working relationship with the company or candidate when you find them.
